Arsenal remain alone on top of the Premier League after a dramatic Matchday 8 where several surprise results and tight contests reshaped momentum across the table.
Scores (full roundup)
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
- Brighton 2-1 Newcastle United
- Burnley 2-0 Leeds United
- Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth
- Manchester City 2-0 Everton
- Sunderland 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
- Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa
- Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Key highlights and turning points
- Arsenal edged Fulham away to secure three points and — with Manchester United’s shock win at Anfield — find themselves clear at the summit, carrying the confidence of another late-season habit of grinding out results.
- Manchester United produced a statement comeback at Liverpool, a result that reverberated across the table and denied Liverpool vital points in the chasing pack.
- Chelsea cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest, an efficient display that will please their attacking unit and manager.
- Brighton kept pressure on the top sides with a narrow victory over Newcastle, while Crystal Palace and Bournemouth served up an eight-goal thriller that showcased both defensive frailties and attacking verve.
- Burnley and Sunderland took deserved wins that underline how competitive mid-to-lower table fixtures have become this season.
Standings impact and narrative
- Arsenal: Now alone at the top, Arsenal must convert this momentum into consistency as their fixture list tightens.
- Title race: Manchester United’s win at Liverpool complicates the chase, keeping multiple contenders within reach and making every head-to-head increasingly consequential.
- Midtable: Chelsea and Brighton’s wins tighten the race for European places; Palace’s draw and Bournemouth’s comeback show the lower half can still swing momentum in unexpected ways.
- Teams that found success combined defensive compactness with quick transitions; pressing and set-piece efficiency decided several matches.
- Winners benefited from clinical finishing; several narrow scorelines highlight how small margins are shaping the table.
What to watch next
- Arsenal’s next fixtures will test whether they can sustain being leaders when opponents target them with full intent.
- Manchester United vs Liverpool’s fallout will be felt in confidence and tactical tweaks for both clubs.
- The battle for European spots and the fight to avoid relegation promise increased intensity as the campaign approaches its middle phase.
