Premier League Weekend Roundup: Arsenal Top Again as Chelsea Shock Liverpool and City Keep Pace
The Premier League’s first weekend of October delivered intense drama, late goals, and major implications for the title race. Arsenal returned to the summit with a controlled win over West Ham, Chelsea stunned Liverpool with a stoppage-time strike, Manchester City edged Brentford in a tense contest, and Everton produced a comeback to remember. Here’s every key result from a defining weekend across England’s top flight.
Arsenal 2–0 West Ham United
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a convincing win in Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge. Declan Rice opened the scoring against his former club in the 38th minute, drilling a low effort past Areola from the edge of the box. Bukayo Saka sealed the victory from the penalty spot midway through the second half after a handball in the area. Arsenal controlled possession throughout, restricting West Ham to few chances. The only concern came as Martin Ødegaard limped off with a knee issue, though the Gunners now lead the table by one point.
Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool
In one of the weekend’s most thrilling clashes, Chelsea snatched a dramatic win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Moisés Caicedo’s thunderous strike gave the hosts an early lead, only for Cody Gakpo to equalise midway through the second half. The game appeared to be heading for a draw until substitute Estevão, the 18-year-old Brazilian starlet, pounced in stoppage time to fire home from a Marc Cucurella cross. The goal sparked wild celebrations and a red card for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted his side “lost focus at the key moment.”
Brentford 0–1 Manchester City
Manchester City produced a professional performance to take all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium. Erling Haaland scored the winner in the ninth minute, finishing calmly from close range after good work by Phil Foden. City dominated possession but missed chances to extend their lead, allowing Brentford hope late on. Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to record his 250th Premier League win — a record-setting milestone. The main concern was a first-half hamstring injury to Rodri, who is expected to miss several weeks.
Everton 2–1 Crystal Palace
Everton fought back from behind to secure a vital home win and end Crystal Palace’s 12-game unbeaten streak. Daniel Muñoz put Palace ahead early, but Iliman Ndiaye equalised from the spot before creating the decisive second goal. His cross caused chaos in the box, with Beto firing home the rebound. The result lifted Everton to mid-table and gave David Moyes’ side belief after a difficult start to the season. “That’s what Goodison Park is all about — heart and fight,” said Moyes post-match.
Manchester United 2–0 Sunderland
Manchester United relieved pressure with a composed performance and a clean sheet at Old Trafford. Mason Mount gave United the lead shortly before half-time with a curled effort from the edge of the box. Benjamin Šeško added a second late on, slotting home after a slick passing move. Debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed with several key saves, while Sunderland were left frustrated after VAR overturned an early penalty shout. The win keeps United within reach of the top six as they prepare for a tricky away fixture at Brentford.
Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 Leeds United
Tottenham ended Leeds United’s incredible 23-game home unbeaten run with a gritty win at Elland Road. Mohammed Kudus set up Brennan Johnson for the opener before scoring the winner himself in the second half. Leeds rallied late through Noah Okafor but couldn’t find an equaliser. The result reinforced Tottenham’s credentials as early-season challengers, while Leeds manager Daniel Farke admitted his team were “punished for small mistakes.”
Bournemouth 3–1 Fulham
Bournemouth staged a second-half comeback to beat Fulham at the Vitality Stadium. Fulham took an early lead through Rodrigo Muniz, but Antoine Semenyo equalised with a composed finish after the interval. Marcus Tavernier then added a second before Semenyo struck again in stoppage time to seal the win. The Cherries’ strong response moves them clear of the bottom half, while Fulham’s inconsistency continues to frustrate Marco Silva.
Nottingham Forest 1–1 Brighton
Forest grabbed a late point at the City Ground thanks to a smart finish from Anthony Elanga in the 85th minute. Brighton had earlier taken the lead through Joao Pedro and looked in control, but Forest’s energy and home support pushed them forward in the closing stages. The result leaves both teams in mid-table but with plenty of positives to take from a hard-fought draw.
Newcastle United 0–0 Aston Villa
Newcastle and Aston Villa played out a cagey goalless draw at St James’ Park. Both sides created half-chances but were thwarted by excellent goalkeeping — Emiliano Martínez for Villa and Nick Pope for Newcastle. The result reflected the even nature of the contest, leaving both managers satisfied with a point and a clean sheet.
Looking Ahead
The Premier League now heads into the October international break, giving players a brief pause before domestic action resumes. England face Poland and Spain in crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures, while other top stars join their national squads across Europe and beyond.
When the league returns on 19 October, Arsenal will travel to Brighton, Manchester City host Wolves, and Chelsea take on Newcastle at St James’ Park. With only two points separating the top four, the title race looks set for an explosive return after the break.
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Published October 6, 2025
