Manchester United found respite under pressure as they edged Chelsea 2-1 in a tempestuous Premier League contest at Old Trafford, while Liverpool extended their perfect start with victory in the Merseyside derby.
United manager Ruben Amorim, under scrutiny after a poor opening to the campaign, watched his side prevail in chaotic fashion. Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the first half, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez dismissed for Chelsea and Casemiro seeing red for United.
The Brazilian midfielder, however, had already made his mark, scoring what proved to be the decisive goal before his expulsion. It gave United only their second win in five matches this season.
Earlier at Anfield, Liverpool maintained their flawless run with a 2-1 win over Everton. Ryan Gravenberch was the standout, scoring the opener and then setting up Hugo Ekitike for the second. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back for Everton in the second half, but Jürgen Klopp’s side held firm.
Liverpool’s victory secured a fifth consecutive home win against Everton with fans present, the first such run since 1937. The Toffees last triumphed at Anfield in 1999 with supporters in attendance, their only victory since coming in a behind-closed-doors pandemic fixture in 2021.
For Everton manager David Moyes, the Merseyside derby remains a torment. He is winless in 23 visits to Anfield across spells with Everton, Manchester United, Sunderland and West Ham.
Also read: Darwin Nunez leaves Liverpool to sign with Saudi Club Al-Hilal
Liverpool’s summer signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, were introduced from the bench in the second half. Gravenberch had already lit up the match, finishing Salah’s deft assist in the 10th minute before supplying Ekitike with a piercing through-ball 19 minutes later. Gueye’s long-range strike gave Everton hope, but Klopp’s side held on to stay top with five wins from five.
Elsewhere, West Ham’s struggles deepened under Graham Potter, who faced chants from supporters during a 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace, Jarrod Bowen equalised, before Tyrick Mitchell struck a late winner. Potter’s record since January now reads six wins from 25 games, with speculation mounting about his future. “I didn't hear it. I understand the frustration, but there's nothing I can say,” Potter told reporters afterwards.
At the bottom, Wolves remain winless after a 3-1 home loss to Leeds. Ladislav Krejci gave them an early lead, but goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor sealed three points for the promoted side. Vitor Pereira, who signed a new contract this week, faces a daunting campaign.
Tottenham salvaged a 2-2 draw at Brighton, overturning a two-goal deficit with Richarlison’s strike and a late own goal from Jan Paul van Hecke. Ange Postecoglou picked up his first point as Nottingham Forest coach in a 1-1 draw away at Burnley.
Follow us
