Premier League Matchweek 2: A Weekend of Goals, Drama and New Beginnings
A weekend of ruthless Chelsea, swaggering Arsenal, a Spurs curse on City, and Everton’s unforgettable first win at their new home, with Newcastle v Liverpool still to come.
The Premier League rolled into its second weekend of the season with all the familiar hallmarks of English football. There was controversy, there was brilliance, there were stumbles from those expected to dominate and surprises from those written off too soon. The only fixture left to play is tonight’s clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool, a game that already has the scent of significance about it. But before the curtain rises on that heavyweight encounter, it is worth pausing to reflect on what we have just witnessed across the country.
Chelsea’s Ruthless Return – West Ham 1 Chelsea 5
The weekend began on Friday night with Chelsea laying down an emphatic marker. A 5–1 win away at West Ham was not just comprehensive, it was a demolition. The London derby had been billed as a test of Chelsea’s credentials, and they passed it with flying colours. Their attack clicked with fluency and precision, goals came from all angles, and West Ham looked bereft of answers.
Enzo Maresca has clearly instilled more bite and energy in his side, and if Chelsea had been dismissed by some as still a work in progress, this was a reminder that they can put teams to the sword. West Ham now face difficult questions, not least how quickly they can rediscover their defensive resilience, for at no point did they look capable of containing Chelsea’s flow.
Arsenal Sweep Leeds Aside – Arsenal 5 Leeds 0
Saturday lunchtime belonged to Arsenal, and what a statement they delivered. Five goals without reply against newly promoted Leeds United spoke volumes of their attacking power. Viktor Gyökeres announced himself in spectacular style with two well-taken finishes. Jurrien Timber matched him with a brace of his own, while Bukayo Saka added gloss to the scoreline.
Yet even as the Emirates roared in celebration, there was an undercurrent of concern. Both Saka and Martin Ødegaard limped off with injuries, a sobering reminder that success in the Premier League is rarely straightforward. Martin Zubimendi, a summer recruit, offered a glimpse of what he brings to Arsenal’s midfield with his composure and aggression in the press. Leeds, for all their industry, were simply swept away by a team playing with authority and purpose.
Spurs Curse City Again – Manchester City 0 Tottenham 2
Over at the Etihad, Tottenham once more inflicted misery on Manchester City. It is becoming a storyline of its own, Spurs unsettling Pep Guardiola’s side in ways few others can. Brennan Johnson gave Tottenham the lead before substitute Joao Palhinha added the second, capitalising on a rare mistake from City’s goalkeeper James Trafford.
The pattern was familiar. City dominated possession, moved the ball with their usual rhythm, but lacked incision and were punished for it. Tottenham, compact and disciplined, seized their moments. Guardiola will bristle at the thought that his team, usually so flawless at home, were undone by the same opponents again. For Spurs, the win was more than three points, it was a psychological boost that confirms they can compete with the very best.
Bournemouth Hold Firm – Bournemouth 1 Wolves 0
At the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth battled to a narrow 1–0 victory over Wolves. Marcus Tavernier provided the decisive strike, but the match turned when Wolves were reduced to ten men after Toti Gomes saw red. From then on Bournemouth controlled the flow, managed the game, and secured three points that will feel significant come the end of the season.
For Wolves, discipline has already become a problem. The Premier League is unforgiving enough without handing opponents numerical advantages. They will know this is the sort of fixture where points cannot be carelessly surrendered.
Brentford Break Their Duck – Brentford 1 Aston Villa 0
Brentford, under new boss Keith Andrews, finally earned their first points of the campaign with a gritty 1–0 win over Aston Villa. Dango Ouattara, signed in the summer, was the hero, scoring on his debut. It was not a spectacular game but it did not need to be. For a team searching for stability after early struggles, this was about substance over style.
Villa, meanwhile, are yet to find the net this season. That is a troubling statistic for Unai Emery’s men, especially given the attacking resources at their disposal. Their lack of width and penetration was once again evident, and patience among their support may begin to fray unless answers are found quickly.
Battle of the Newcomers – Burnley 2 Sunderland 0
At Turf Moor, Burnley and Sunderland went head to head in what already felt like a mini six-pointer. Burnley emerged victorious, winning 2–0 thanks to goals from Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony. Cullen’s opener was a product of neat interplay, and Anthony sealed the win with a curling effort that spoke of confidence.
For Burnley, it was a second win in succession, suggesting that Vincent Kompany’s men are adapting to the division far more smoothly than some had predicted. Sunderland, despite the enthusiasm that greeted their promotion, have now been brought down to earth. They will need to adjust swiftly, for the Premier League offers little mercy to slow starters.
Points Shared at Selhurst – Crystal Palace 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Sunday’s early kick off at Selhurst Park ended in stalemate, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest drawing 1–1. Both sides had their moments but neither could impose themselves fully. For Forest, there were positives to take. Under pressure Nuno Espírito Santo has gradually instilled discipline and shape, and while they are not yet firing, they are proving difficult to beat.
Palace will feel it was two points dropped on home soil. The atmosphere was lively, the intent was there, but their cutting edge deserted them when it mattered. It was a game that summed up the early season for both clubs, flashes of potential but still plenty of room to improve.
A New Era at Everton – Everton 2 Brighton 0
Few occasions in football carry the symbolism of a new stadium unveiling, and Everton embraced the moment at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a performance to match the occasion. The Toffees beat Brighton 2–0, with Iliman Ndiaye forever etched into club folklore as the scorer of the first goal at their new home.
Ndiaye struck midway through the first half, assisted by Jack Grealish on his first home start since his move. James Garner added the second early in the second half, again with Grealish pulling the strings. The script could not have been written better. A penalty save from Jordan Pickford sealed the clean sheet and added further gloss to the day.
For Evertonians, this was about more than a result. It was a day that hinted at a new identity. Grealish’s influence was telling, and the crowd responded with an energy that suggested the gloom of recent years may finally be lifting. Brighton, by contrast, were guilty of wastefulness and sloppiness, a reminder that their precision must return if they are to remain a force
United Falter Again – Fulham 1 Manchester United 1
The weekend closed with Manchester United stumbling once more. Against Fulham at Craven Cottage they were held to a 1–1 draw, and the manner of it will alarm their supporters. Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty that should have put them out of sight, and they were duly punished when Emile Smith Rowe, introduced from the bench, struck a late equaliser for Fulham.
Marco Silva has long had a knack for substitutions that alter games, and this was another example. For United, the story is familiar. They struggle against sides outside the traditional top six, a pattern that has persisted under Ruben Amorim. Two wins in fourteen such fixtures tells its own tale. Without a change in mindset and approach, their aspirations will remain unfulfilled.
Storylines Emerging
What stands out from this weekend is the variety of narratives now threading their way through the season. Chelsea look sharper and hungrier, Arsenal are formidable yet vulnerable to injuries, and Tottenham continue to haunt Manchester City in a way few other clubs can. Everton’s fresh start feels like a turning point, while Manchester United remain stuck in old habits.
Perhaps most encouraging for the league as a whole is the competitive edge shown by the promoted sides. Burnley, Bournemouth, Leeds and Sunderland have all experienced contrasting fortunes, but each has already shown they will not be mere passengers. For supporters neutral and partisan alike, that can only add to the excitement of the months ahead.
Looking Ahead to Newcastle v Liverpool
That leaves us with tonight’s fixture at St James’ Park. Newcastle United host Liverpool in what promises to be a captivating encounter. Newcastle, goalless in their opening draw with Aston Villa, will be desperate to announce themselves on home turf. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, arrive fresh from a 4–2 victory over Bournemouth, yet with defensive injuries beginning to mount.
The atmosphere will be electric, the stakes already high. For Liverpool, victory would consolidate their strong start and keep pace at the summit. For Newcastle, it is an opportunity to show they belong in the conversation for European places once more.
Final Word
Matchweek 2 of the Premier League has already delivered much and we still await the drama of Monday night. From Chelsea’s ruthlessness to Arsenal’s swagger, from Tottenham’s resilience to Everton’s new dawn, it has been a weekend rich in stories and subplots. This is why we watch, this is why we care. And as the season stretches ahead, one thing is already certain. The Premier League, in all its chaos and beauty, never fails to captivate.