10 things we learned from Premier League matchweek 8: a two-horse race, United in crisis and Isak on fire
Manchester City lost their perfect record, Arsenal drew level, Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United sank to 16th. Here are the ten biggest talking points from a dramatic weekend.
Matchweek 8 changed the shape of the Premier League. Here are the ten things that stood out.
The results
| Result | |
|---|---|
| Ipswich 1-1 Nottingham Forest | Fri |
| Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City | Sat |
| Arsenal 2-0 Everton | Sat |
| Coventry 0-1 Fulham | Sat |
| Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham | Sat |
| Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle | Sun |
| Hull 1-1 Brentford | Sun |
| Liverpool 2-0 Brighton | Sun |
| Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth | Sun |
| Sunderland 0-0 Leeds | Sun |
1. It's a two-horse race — for now
City and Arsenal are level on 21 points, five clear of third-placed Brighton. They meet at the Emirates on 29 November. Our title race comparison has the fixtures.
2. Villa Park is City's problem ground
Nicolas Jackson's double made it four straight league defeats for City at Villa. City had 63% of the ball and seven shots on target to two, but individual errors cost them — why City lost.
3. Arsenal found a new weapon
Ezri Konsa's opener against Everton was Arsenal's first set-piece goal since May. With Bukayo Saka out for weeks, that could matter — Arsenal 2-0 Everton.
4. Manchester United are in real trouble
Sixteenth, one point above the relegation zone, eight games without a win and the captain on the bench. Michael Carrick's departure is widely expected — the latest.
5. Bournemouth keep getting better
Three wins in a row, including 3-0 against AC Milan and 3-0 at Old Trafford. Marco Rose's side are unbeaten in six meetings with United.
6. Spurs finally won at Stamford Bridge
Only their second Premier League win there, and their first clean sheet at Chelsea since 1986. Roberto De Zerbi called his side "a complete team" — Chelsea 0-2 Spurs.
7. Chelsea's discipline is back in the headlines
Cole Palmer's red card was Chelsea's first of the season after eight last season, and they have now conceded eight set-piece goals — the analysis.
8. Isak is on fire
Alexander Isak scored in a third straight league game as Liverpool finally won at home under Andoni Iraola. Liverpool are fourth and host Arsenal next — Liverpool 2-0 Brighton.
9. Newcastle steady the ship
Will Osula and Harvey Barnes scored as Matthias Jaissle's side kept their first clean sheet since August. Pierre Sage's Palace are 17th and the pressure is building.
10. VAR still makes headlines
Forest coach Oliver Glasner called the decision not to send off Issa Diop at Ipswich "wrong", though he backed the referee for going to the monitor — Friday roundup.
Coming up
The Carabao Cup fourth round is on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Liverpool v Chelsea. Then matchweek 9 brings Liverpool v Arsenal and Chelsea v Manchester United. See the Premier League table and top scorers.
FAQ
Who is top of the Premier League after matchweek 8? Manchester City and Arsenal, level on 21 points.
Where are Manchester United in the table? 16th, with seven points from eight games.
Who are the Premier League's top scorers? Erling Haaland leads with nine league goals; Alexander Isak has six.
