Matchday 3 of the Premier League 2025-26 season saw plenty of goals, late drama and a few upsets. The best league in the world never fails to deliver, and it was evident this week as Manchester United and Everton picked up crucial wins. Tottenham suffered their first loss in the league under Thomas Frank. Liverpool defeated Arsenal in a high-octane clash. Let’s take a quick recap of how things unfolded.
Key Match Summaries
The key highlight of this week’s round of fixtures was the meeting between Liverpool and Arsenal. Arne Slot’s men prevailed 1-0 thanks to a sumptuous free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The Gunners had more shots than the Reds, but they could only manage one shot on target. Liverpool have won three games in a row, and the defending champions really mean business.
Chelsea were the first team in action on Matchday 3, and they beat Fulham 2-0 at the Stamford Bridge. Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez scored either side of half-time to help the Blues rise to second place in the standings. Fulham had a goal disallowed in a controversial manner by VAR in a hotly contested London rivalry.
Manchester City were beaten by Brighton 2-1 on their trip to the Amex. Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with a goal but James Milner restored parity with a clinical penalty. Brajan Gruda scored in the 89th minute to hand City their second defeat in two weeks after last week’s loss to Spurs.
Manchester United ended their winless streak as Ruben Amorim’s side won 3-2 against Burnley. It was a chaotic match with late drama as Bruno Fernandes converted a late penalty to clinch the Red Devils their first win this season. Interestingly, United attempted 26 shots, but only six were on target.
Bournemouth ended Tottenham’s dream start under new coach Thomas Frank with the Cherries winning 1-0. Evanilson scored just five minutes after kick-off, and Andoni Iraola’s men held on for a famous win. The visitors had just 38% possession, and they recorded 20 shots and 8 corners.
Wolverhampton Wanderers lost their game in a row as they were beaten 3-2 by Everton despite a spirited performance. Beto, Iliman Ndiaye and Kierman Dewsbury-Hall were on target for the Toffees, with Jack Grealish bagging two assists. Hwang Hee-chan and Rodrigo Gomes scored for the hosts, but couldn’t prevent a hat-trick of losses.
Newly promoted Sunderland picked up their second win in the top flight as they edged Brentford 2-1. It was a classic tale of two halves, with Igor Thiago scoring for the visitors, however, Enzo Le Fee equalised five minutes later with a penalty. Wilson Isidor scored in the 96th minute to spark wild celebrations in the Stadium of Light.
Leeds United played out a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United, who are still winless in the league so far this season. Despite bossing 57% possession, Eddie Howe’s side struggled to trouble the newly promoted Leeds. New striker Nick Woltemade watched from the stands and will be hoping to make an impact from next week.
West Ham won their first Premier League match under Graham Potter as they outclassed Nottingham Forest 3-0. Jarrod Bowen broke the deadlock in the 84th minute before Lucas Pacqueta’s penalty and Callum Wilson’s late strike blew Forest away.
In the last fixture of matchday 3, Aston Villa were outclassed by Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner masterminded a 3-0 triumph at Villa Park thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty and goals from Marc Geuhi and Ismaila Sarr. The home side had 59% possession, 13 shots, 89% pass accuracy, but were no match for Palace.
Standout Players and Performances
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi (8.7) was the highest-rated player as per SofaScore’s ratings. The centre-back not only scored a goal, but he also made 5 clearances and won 4 ground duels. His teammate Dean Henderson (8.5) also impressed with four saves against Villa. City’s James Trafford (8.5) made five saves to salvage his side.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8.3) scored a spectacular free-kick in Liverpool’s win. Jack Grealish (8.4) recorded two assists for a second consecutive week. His teammate Dewsburry-Hall (8.5) also got a goal and an assist to his name.
United’s Bryan Mbuemo (8.3) scored his first goal at Old Trafford, while Bruno Fernandes (7.9) was also on the scoresheet. Joao Pedro (8) was Chelsea’s MVP for a second week in a row.
League Table & Impact
It’s still early days in the new season, but the fight for the league title is getting intense with Liverpool sitting pretty atop the league standings.
Behind them are Chelsea in second place. Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, Sunderland, and Bournemouth are all level on 6 points.
Thanks to their first win in the league, Manchester United are up to ninth place level on points with Forest, Brighton and Leeds. Pep Guardiola’s Man City are in uncharted territory, having dropped to 13th after back-to-back losses.
Burnley, Brentford, West Ham and Newcastle are just above the relegation berths. Fulham and Aston Villa are in desperate need of wins, while Wolves have yet to register a point after three games.
Injuries and Suspension Updates
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, Julian Araujo will be suspended for Bournemouth on matchday 4. Chelsea will be without Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill. Liverpool have Jeremie Frimpong unavailable through injury, while Man City will miss Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, and Savinho through their respective injuries. Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are long-term absentees for Manchester United.
Looking Ahead
Matchday 4 promises to be yet another entertaining round of fixtures, headlined by the Manchester Derby. League leaders Liverpool will travel to Burnley looking to retain their top spot. Arsenal will host Forest, whereas Chelsea will travel to Brentford in a tricky away fixture. Both Newcastle and Wolves will hope to win their match of the season when they meet on Saturday.
Bournemouth will face Brighton, and Everton will be welcoming Aston Villa to Merseyside. Crystal Palace will hope to continue their good form against Sunderland. Spurs will take on West Ham before the marquee Manchester Derby on Sunday.