City maintained the perfect start; Utd lost again – Here’s what happened on Saturday in the Premier League

Liverpool’s pattern of play this season

Liverpool defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at Molineux and temporarily went to the top of the standings ahead of Manchester City’s visit to West Ham United. Liverpool have exhibited a similar pattern till now – start slowly, concede an early goal and come back stronger in the second half to register a win. It has worked finely till now but they must find a way to hold greater control of the game from start to finish if they want to challenge Manchester City for the title.

Luiz Diaz and Cody Gapko scored for Liverpool while Hugo Bueno’s own goal completed the scoreline in the Red’s favor. Mohammad Salah also recorded two assists in the match to become all-time leading African assist provider in the Premier League.

City’s perfect start to the season continues

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the premier league season by overcoming the spirited West Ham United side 3-1 at the London stadium. West Ham started the game brilliantly and took the lead through James Ward-Prowse on 36 minutes. Manchester City’s Haaland missed a couple of easy chances in the first half but City started the second half on the front foot and took the lead on 46th minute through new signing Jeremy Doku. Doku cut in inside from the left side and placed the ball perfectly into the far bottom corner. 

Barcelona summer target Bernardo Silva made the scoreline 2-1 in City’s favor on 76th minute and Haaland sealed the win with a brilliant finish. It was also a return to the dugout for City coach Pep Guardiola after minor back surgery.

There is no respite for Manchester United off and on the field

United’s season is in danger of getting over just 5 games into the season after Brighton outplayed them to register 3-1 win at Old Trafford. The loss ended United’s 31-match unbeaten run at home and posed more questions for Eric Tan Hag ahead of the Champions League clash at Bayern Munich.

This is also the first time in Premier League history that Manchester United have lost 3 games out of their first 5 fixtures. Off the pitch, United is dealing with issues related to Antony and Jadon Sancho and ever lingering presence of Glazers ownership of the club. The only way to steady the ship for ETH is a positive result against Bayern Munich. A defeat against Bavarians and Ten Hag will find himself under immense pressure.

In other fixtures, Newcastle United beat Brentford 1-0 through Callum Wilson’s penalty after difficult start to the season in which they have already tasted 3 defeats.

It was late drama at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs defeated Sheffield United 2-1 with two goals in second-half stoppage time. Recharlison was the man of the moment as he scored one and set up the winning goal for Dejan Kulusevski in the 100th minute of the match. Recharlison had recently opened up about his mental struggles and this performance would do the world of good to his confidence.

Like Spurs, Aston Villa also registered a late 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Eagles had the match under their grasp until 87th minute through Odsonne Edouarde’s 47th-minute strike but John Duran scored to change the momentum in Villa’s favor. Villa took the lead through a penalty scored by Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey sealed the match for Villa in 101st minute.

Results:

Wolves 1-3 Liverpool

West Ham 1-3 Manchester City

Man United 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Spurs 2-1 Sheffield United

Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford

Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace

Fulham 1-0 Luton