Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points as Erling Haaland once again proved unstoppable, firing the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday. The Norwegian powerhouse continued his phenomenal form, netting his 18th goal in only 11 matches this season for club and country. His ninth-minute strike—crafted from sheer strength and precision—came after he bulldozed through the Brentford defence to slot home from Josko Gvardiol’s long pass.
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However, City’s joy was tempered by concern for midfielder Rodri, who was forced off the pitch in tears with a suspected hamstring injury midway through the first half. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him for much of last season, will undergo further scans. Despite a subdued performance overall, Pep Guardiola’s side showed defensive grit to secure the three points, climbing to fifth in the table and reigniting their title ambitions.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with a 2-1 defeat to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Palace, fresh from their UEFA Conference League victory over Dynamo Kyiv, dominated the first half and took the lead through Daniel Munoz’s composed finish from Ismaila Sarr’s assist. But fatigue set in after the break, and Everton capitalized.
Iliman Ndiaye drew the Toffees level from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix brought down Beto inside the area. Moments later, luck smiled on Everton’s Jack Grealish, whose attempted cross deflected off Munoz and looped into the net for his first goal in blue. The result keeps Everton’s strong home record intact, while Palace’s momentum takes a hit despite their promising start to the season.
In Newcastle, Bruno Guimaraes starred as the Magpies defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 to end a frustrating run of form. The Brazilian playmaker opened the scoring with a sensational strike from distance in the 58th minute before winning a penalty soon after by dispossessing former teammate Elliot Anderson. Nick Woltemade converted confidently, firing into the top corner for his fourth goal since joining from Stuttgart. Forest’s struggles continue under Ange Postecoglou, who is still searching for his first win as manager, with his side slipping to 17th in the table.
Aston Villa continued their resurgence with a 2-1 win over Burnley, marking their fourth victory in just 11 days. Dutch forward Donyell Malen was the hero, scoring twice—his first goals since April. Malen latched onto Boubacar Kamara’s inch-perfect through ball for his opener before doubling the lead from a Morgan Rogers assist. Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu pulled one back, but the visitors’ late efforts weren’t enough to escape the relegation zone.
At Molineux, Wolves remained rooted to the bottom of the table after conceding a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Brighton. Despite leading for much of the game, defensive lapses cost them another vital win, keeping their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, Chelsea secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool in Saturday’s late kickoff, courtesy of teenage sensation Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old Brazilian stole the headlines with a stoppage-time winner, slotting home Marc Cucurella’s cross in the fifth minute of added time. The result handed Liverpool their third straight defeat in all competitions.
Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for Chelsea with a powerful long-range strike in the 12th minute, before Cody Gakpo equalized for the visitors midway through the second half. The high-intensity match saw Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca sent off after celebrating the late winner too passionately—earning his second yellow card—but he’ll hardly mind after his side’s spirited performance lifted them to sixth in the standings.
As the Premier League season intensifies, Arsenal’s lead at the top faces renewed pressure from a surging Manchester City, a resilient Chelsea, and a determined Liverpool side seeking redemption. Haaland’s brilliance and City’s growing form suggest the title race is far from over—and every weekend promises another twist.
