Anti-climax would be the right term to describe the events that unfolded during matchday 6 of the Premier League. Manchester United were the first team to drop points against Brentford. Chelsea suffered a similar fate against Brighton and Liverpool’s five-match winning streak came to an abrupt end. Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Wolves, and Arsenal edged Newcastle United 2-1. However, it was business as usual for Manchester City as they hammered Burnley 5-1.
Key Match Summaries
In a week full of upsets, Manchester United were the first team to suffer a giant-killing against Brentford. Igor Thiago scored twice in the first twenty minutes. Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal for the Red Devils to cut down the deficit shortly afterwards. Mathias Jensen scored in the 95th minute to pile more misery on Ruben Amorim’s side.
Elsewhere, Chelsea succumbed to a 1-3 loss against Brighton after a second-half collapse. The Blues took the lead through Enzo Fernandez; however, Trevor Chalobah was sent off after the break. Danny Welbeck equalised for the Seagulls before Maxim De Cuyper sealed all three points with a late winner. Welbeck went on to complete his brace in added time as things went from bad to worse for Chelsea.
At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace delivered a statement performance as they beat defending champions Liverpool 2-1. Ismaila Sarr put the hosts ahead early in the first half, but Federico Chiesa equalised three minutes before the end of regulation time. Edward Nketiah had the last laugh as he scored from close range to help Oliver Glasner’s men remain the only unbeaten team in the league.
Manchester City continued their rise up the standings with a thumping 5-1 win over Burnley. Maxime Esteve scored not one but two own goals after Jaiden Anthony scored for the visitors at the Etihad. Matheus Nunes gave City a two-goal cushion before Erling Haaland scored a brace in added time, steering clear in the Golden Boot race.
Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Wolves. Santiago Bueno scored in the second half, and Spurs seemed to be heading for a defeat. However, Joao Palhinha rescued his team with a last-gasp equaliser.
Gabriel Magalhaes emerged as the unlikely hero as Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle United. Summer signing Nick Woltemade helped the Magpies take an early lead but Mikel Merino scored six minutes before the end of regulation time. Gabriel then scored a late header to steal all three points for the Gunners.
Elsewhere, Leeds United played out a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Nottingham Forest were on the receiving end of a shocking defeat at the hands of Sunderland. Aston Villa beat Fulham 3-1 to pick up their first win of the 2025-26 season. West Ham’s new coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, inspired his side to a 1-1 draw against Everton.
Standout Players and Performances
Sean Longstaff (9.3) and Erling Haaland (9.3) were the highest-rated players as per SofaScore’s ratings from this week. While Longstaff registered a goal and an assist to his name, Haaland bagged a brace.
Robin Roefs (9.1) was the highest-rated goalkeeper after he made six saves in Sunderland’s victory. His teammate Omar Alderete (8.7) and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes (8.6) were the best-rated defenders this past week as they were on the scoresheet.
Granit Xhaka (8.5) delivered an assist and was impeccable in the midfield against Forest. Jeremy Doku (8.9) shone bright during City’s win over Burnley. Danny Welbeck (8.7) bagged a brace after coming off the bench, while Igor Thiago (8.8) also smashed two goals.
League Table & Impact
Liverpool’s loss is Arsenal’s gain as the Gunners cut down the Reds’ lead atop the Premier League standings. Palace jumped to third place after their win, while Tottenham remained in fourth place. Sunderland have risen to fifth place after an emphatic start to the season. Bournemouth, Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the top ten, alongside Everton and Brighton.
Fulham, Leeds, and Brentford occupy the mid-table slots, followed by Man United, who are languishing in 14th place. Newcastle are just below on 15th, followed by Aston Villa and Forest, who haven’t won a single game this term. Burnley and West Ham are in the relegation berths, with Wolves still lying at rock-bottom amidst their six-game winless streak.
Injuries and Suspension Updates
Chelsea will be without Trevor Chalobah for next week as he will serve his suspension. Casemiro, Hugo Ekitike will be available for selection after serving their respective suspensions.
Looking Ahead
Matchday 7 promises more drama as the race for the league title continues to get more intense. League leaders Liverpool are up against Chelsea, while Arsenal will face West Ham. Manchester United will want to bounce back against Sunderland, while Tottenham will take on Leeds.
City will face high-flying Brentford, while Everton will host Palace. Bournemouth will welcome Fulham, as Newcastle take on Forest. Wolves will face the challenge of Brighton up next, and Aston Villa will host Burnley.