Plenty of goals, late drama, one-sided wins and close contests all took place on Matchday 2 of the Premier League as the 2025-26 season is well and truly underway. Both Manchester clubs dropped points this weekend, while it was a week to remember for London-based clubs. Without further ado, let’s take a quick recap of all the action.
Key Match Summaries
The biggest match this past weekend saw Tottenham Hotspur upset Manchester City 2-0. Brennan Johnson scored early in the first half, before Joao Palhinha made it 2-0 for Spurs before half-time. Spurs held on for the win, as they continue to impress under new coach Thomas Frank.
Liverpool defeated Newcastle 3-2 in a thrilling contest, as Rio Ngumoha scored in injury time to give the Reds all three points. The Toons were reduced to ten men after Anthony Gordon received a red card. Arne Slot’s men bossed the possession but could only muster 4 shots on target from five efforts.
Chelsea piled more misery on West Ham as they registered a thumping 5-1 win at the London Stadium. Lucas Pacqueta broke the deadlock, but Enzo Maresca’s side responded in stunning fashion. Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevor Chalobah were on the scoresheet for the Blues as the Hammers lost their second game in a row.
Arsenal triumphed over newly promoted Leeds United with a 5-0 scoreline at the Emirates Stadium. Summer signing Victor Gyokeres scored twice, along with two goals from Jurrien Timber. Bukayo Saka also scored for the Gunners before he suffered a hamstring injury and had to be substituted.
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage. After a goalless first half, United took an early lead after Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal put them ahead. Emile Smith Rowe drew level shortly afterwards helping Fulham win a point. Surprisingly, Fulham dominated the possession at 52% and also had more shots (13) than the Red Devils (10). Ruben Amorim’s side are winless in the new season so far.
Bournemouth picked up a 1-0 win over Wolves, with Marcus Tavernier scoring in the 4th minute. Wolves were down to 10 men after Toti Gomes received a red card in the second half. Burnley defeated Sunderland 2-0 thanks to Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony’s goals in the second half at Turf Moor. Burnley had two shots on target and both resulted in goals, while Sunderland had just one shot on target despite bossing 59% of possession.
Brentford picked up a 1-0 win over Aston Villa courtesy of Dango Ouattara’s early strike. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Ismaila Sarr and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s efforts cancelled each other out.
Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner helped Everton pick up a 2-0 win over Brighton. Jack Grealish delivered both the assists and was the standout performer for his team.
Standout Players and Performances
Jurrien Timber recorded the highest Sofascore Ratings this week, he bagged a perfect 10 for scoring two goals, providing an assist. Joao Pedro (9.7) was Chelsea’s standout performer of the week, as he scored himself and also provided two assists. Victor Gyokeres (8.8) also deserves a mention for his two goals. Jack Grealish (8.7) delivered two assists and is up and running after joining Everton in the summer. Josh Cullen (8.5) was the man of the match for Burnley, he scored an important goal and recorded an assist.
Jordan Pickford (8.7) was the best goalkeeper this week as he made 4 saves and had 57 touches on the ball. Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt (8.4) delivered a defensive masterclass, he made 6 clearances and blocked 2 shots. Fulham’s Kenny Tete picked up an 8.2 rating, as he won all six of his ground duels and had 83% pass accuracy. Emmanuel Agbadou was the Wolves’ best player as he bagged 8.1 ratings, having made a staggering 9 clearances. James Gardner also recorded an 8.1 rating after he scored against Brighton and also made 9 clearances.
League Table & Impact
After two weeks of Premier League action, the league title race is heating up. Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are tied at 6 points, with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest level on 4 points. Man City slipped to sixth place after their defeat, they are level on points with Sunderland, Everton, Burnley and Leeds.
Burnley and Leeds currently have 3 points each and are at 11th and 12th respectively. Fulham and Crystal Palace have only two points with plenty of scope for improvement. Manchester United have won only 1 point alongside Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton. Wolves and West Ham have yet to register any points after losing both their games. West Ham and
Injuries and Suspension Updates
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Wolves’ Toti Gomes will serve their one-match suspension this week. Arsenal will be without their star players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, owing to injuries.
Looking Ahead
Matchday 3 promises more drama as table toppers Liverpool will host Arsenal at Anfield in an early-season title contenders clash. Chelsea will be the first team in action this week, they will host Fulham, with the Blues looking for a third consecutive win.
Wolves will be desperate to win their first points of the season as they host Everton. Tottenham will want to keep their winning run going as they take on Bournemouth. Manchester United have a chance to win their first match this season as they welcome Burnley to Old Trafford.
Sunderland will take on Brentford, followed by Leeds United’s meeting with Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will be facing off against Brighton in a potential banana skin clash. West Ham have struggled under Graham Potter, up next they will face Nottingham Forest. Aston Villa will take on Crystal Palace in the last fixture this week.