Goals
Star midfielder Rodri was missed by Manchester City, as the Premier League champions were beaten to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Newcastle. On Saturday, Chelsea defeated Brighton 4-2 thanks to four goals from Cole Palmer. A few hours later, Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester brought them level on points with City, making their second straight draw in the league all the more disappointing. After undergoing surgery for a knee injury sustained in the intense 2-2 draw with championship rivals Arsenal last Saturday, Rodri will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Josko Gvardiol gave City the lead at St. James’ Park, but Anthony Gordon’s penalty kick in the second half gave Newcastle a draw they deserved.
Rodri, who hasn’t lost in his last 52 Premier League games dating back to February 2023, was dubbed “irreplaceable” by Guardiola.
Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic were thrown together in a central midfield role to cover for the Spaniard.
However, City lacked the composure and control Rodri so frequently offered both on and off the ball.
“They defend so deeply, and their physicality makes it difficult here all the time. We had opportunities, but (goalie Nick) Pope was outstanding, therefore we win,” Guardiola remarked.
“We made bad decisions (with the chances) to make it 2-0.”
Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium in the 20th minute with his first goal of the year.
At the end of the first half, Martinelli changed the playmaker, allowing Leandro Trossard to score Arsenal’s second goal.
James Justin startled the Emirates Stadium into quiet in the 63rd minute with a tremendous volley that cannoned in off the woodwork, and he also cut the deficit with a deflected attempt in the 47th.
However, Mikel Arteta’s team scored an own goal four minutes into stoppage time after Trossard’s attempt rebounded off Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester, and Kai Havertz scored shortly after to seal the victory.
Palmer’s incredible performance at Stamford Bridge made history by making him the only player to ever score four goals in the first half of a Premier League game.
After Georginio Rutter gave the Seagulls the lead in the seventh minute, former Brighton players Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez were found to have made mistakes.
Palmer’s goal in the 21st minute was disallowed shortly after he had struck the post. It was his third lucky strike.
Palmer equalized with a neat finish after Nicolas Jackson took advantage of an error by Adam Webster to set up his teammate.
When two Brighton defenders tripped over Jadon Sancho in the area, there was never any doubt that penalty specialist Palmer would step up and easily convert the spot-kick in the 28th minute.
In the 31st minute, Palmer completed his ninety-eight-second trifecta by curling a magnificent free-kick past Bart Verbruggen from 25 yards. This season, Palmer has five goals in six league games.
Palmer’s fantastic afternoon continued when the England star converted Sancho’s pass with a powerful strike in the 41st minute, despite Carlos Baleba pulling one back in the 34th.
Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal for Brentford created Premier League history, but West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek rallied the team to a 1-1 draw.
In the fire After only 37 seconds, Brentford became the first Premier League team to score in the opening minute in three straight games thanks to a brilliant volley by Mbeumo, much to the dismay of Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui’s players.
But to prevent a fourth loss in their past five games in all competitions, Soucek swept in West Ham’s equalizer in the 54th minute.
Days after a company formed by American millionaire Dan Friedkin took over Goodison Park, Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in the second half to end their league winless start.
Raul Jimenez’s penalty kick in the 51st minute won Fulham’s match against Nottingham Forest 1-0.
If Liverpool wins Saturday night’s late game at Wolves, they will take the top spot in the table.
