The first match of the weekend saw Arne Slot’s Liverpool host David Moyes’ Everton at Anfield. The reigning champions were looking to win their fifth league match in a row, while the Toffees were targeting their third win of the season in the league.
The red side of the city were the first to celebrate, as Ryan Gravenberch latched onto a cross from Mo Salah to convert past Jordan Pickford. Just before 30 minutes had been played, Liverpool doubled their lead. Once again Gravenberch was involved and he assisted Hugo Ekitike, as the Frenchman scored his fourth of the season.
Idrissa Gueye pulled a goal back for the Blues, but Everton could not put enough pressure on Liverpool to find an equalising goal. The win for Liverpool kept their 100%-win record in place, ahead of their away match next time out in the league against Crystal Palace.
At a wet Old Trafford later in the day, Manchester United were searching for their second win of the season, against Chelsea who were targeting a second-place spot to end the evening.
The afternoon started horribly wrong for the Blues, as Bryan Mbeumo knocked the ball past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, leading to the keeper colliding with the Cameroon international and seeing red. Maresca was forced to make multiple early substitutions, which were more defensively orientated. Cole Palmer was replaced due to a suspected groin injury, after 20 minutes played and it was already an afternoon to forget for the world champions.
Bruno Fernandes dealt the first blow to Chelsea, as he timed his run to perfection to convert home a Patrick Dorgu header into the six-yard box.
15 minutes later, Casemiro slotted home to double United’s lead and put the Red Devils in a comfortable position, despite the match being 38 minutes in. But in the first half, there was one last twist in the tale. Goalscorer Casemiro picked up a second yellow card and now both teams were down to 10 men.
United were able to deal with the pressure from Chelsea up until the 80th minute, when Trevor Chalobah found himself free in the United box to head home. It was a nervy final 10 minutes, but Ruben Amorim’s side held onto the lead and picked up a crucial win at home.
On Sunday, Arsenal hosted Manchester City in a match that was huge for both sides. Pep Guardiola’s side had the opportunity of going level with Arsenal on points with a win, while the Gunners were looking to move two points behind league leaders Liverpool with a victory.
Tijjani Reijnders brought the ball forward on the counter attack before playing a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Erling Haaland, who slotted home into the bottom left corner, beating David Raya. The Norwegian had scored his seventh goal of the season and put his team in the lead.
Arsenal had Gabriel Martinelli to thank once again, as the Brazilian winger unleashed a high, chipped shot over Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 93rd minute to draw his side level. Eberechi Eze played a delightful ball in behind the City defence, and Martinelli timed his run to perfection to bring the game level.
No more goals were scored and the honours were even, but Arsenal were the side feeling the happiest at full-time due to the manner in their equaliser came about. Post-match, Mikel Arteta said: “I’m very proud of the team and the players, I think we dominated every aspect of the game apart from the scoreline, it was outstanding.”
After five Premier League matches, Liverpool sit top of the table with 15 points, while Arsenal (2nd), Tottenham Hotspur (3rd) and Bournemouth (4th) have 10 points.
