Manchester City continued their remarkable start to the English Premier League season, Brighton produced the weekend’s most emphatic victory, and Arsenal kept the pressure on the leaders with a narrow win over Nottingham Forest.
The seventh round of fixtures delivered dramatic comebacks, crucial points and individual brilliance, with Erling Haaland once again leading City’s charge while Brighton’s Diego Gómez stole the headlines with a sensational long-range goal.
Manchester City survive Ipswich scare to maintain winning run
Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for City, but Ipswich responded through Daizen Maeda. Erling Haaland then struck twice to put City in control, although Zian Flemming’s late penalty ensured a nervy finish.
The victory gave City their seventh consecutive league win, keeping them top of the table with 21 points.
However, concerns emerged after Haaland and several teammates appeared to suffer injuries late in the match. City’s ability to maintain their winning momentum could depend on the fitness of key players in the coming weeks.
Brighton deliver stunning 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace
Brighton produced one of the most memorable performances of the weekend, crushing Crystal Palace 5-0 in emphatic fashion.
Jaydee Canvot’s own goal gave Brighton an early advantage before Diego Gómez scored a remarkable effort from inside his own half, catching goalkeeper Walter Benítez off his line.
Yasin Ayari extended Brighton’s lead, while Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood added second-half goals to complete the rout.
The result moved Brighton into third place with 16 points, strengthening their credentials as serious contenders for European qualification.
For Crystal Palace, the heavy defeat was a sobering afternoon, particularly after conceding three goals inside the opening ten minutes.
Arsenal grind out victory against Nottingham Forest
Arsenal secured a valuable 1-0 away victory over Nottingham Forest to remain within touching distance of Manchester City.
The Gunners struggled to break down a determined Forest defence, but Noni Madueke finally found the breakthrough in the 80th minute with a strike that deflected into the net.
It was not Arsenal’s most convincing attacking performance, but the result demonstrated the importance of grinding out victories even when the football does not flow freely.
The win kept Arsenal three points behind leaders Manchester City, ensuring the title race remains alive.
Liverpool fight back to beat nine-man Brentford
Liverpool earned a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford in a match overshadowed by two red cards for the hosts.
Brentford took the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter, but the match changed when Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off following a VAR review.
Liverpool took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Victor Muñoz equalising before Alexander Isak scored the decisive goal.
Brentford’s afternoon deteriorated further when Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving the home side with nine players.
The victory provided Liverpool with valuable points, while Brentford will regret losing their discipline after taking the lead.
Chelsea overcome Everton through Neto brilliance
Chelsea claimed a 2-0 victory away to Everton, thanks to a second-half brace from Pedro Neto.
Neto opened the scoring just 43 seconds after the restart before doubling Chelsea’s advantage in the 90th minute.
The win also delivered a significant defensive milestone for Chelsea, who recorded their first Premier League clean sheet in 23 matches.
However, the result was overshadowed by a serious-looking head injury to goalkeeper Emi Martínez following a collision. The goalkeeper was taken to hospital for precautionary tests.
Aston Villa stun Newcastle
Aston Villa secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Johan Manzambi scored the decisive goal in the first half, giving Villa their second victory of the season.
For Newcastle, the defeat was another frustrating result as they struggled to turn their home advantage into points.
Villa, meanwhile, will hope the result provides a platform for greater consistency in the weeks ahead.
Fulham finally secure first league victory
Fulham ended their wait for a Premier League victory this season with a 1-0 win over Hull City.
Alex Iwobi scored the only goal in the 33rd minute, providing a much-needed boost for the London club and helping them climb away from the bottom of the table.
The victory will relieve some of the pressure on Fulham’s management as the team looks to build momentum.
Bournemouth claim important win over Sunderland
Bournemouth secured a 2-0 victory over Sunderland to record their first league win of the season.
Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a well-worked attacking move, before Evanilson doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.
The result moved Bournemouth up the table, while Sunderland remained in the relegation zone.
Manchester United held by Leeds in tense encounter
Manchester United and Leeds United shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead in the 35th minute, but Leeds responded through Dominic Calvert-Lewin early in the second half.
United were unable to find a winner, extending a difficult run of league form. The draw leaves questions surrounding their consistency, while Leeds can take encouragement from earning a point against one of English football’s biggest clubs.
Weekend results at a glance
Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Everton 0-2 Chelsea
- Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
- Fulham 1-0 Hull City
- Manchester City 3-2 Ipswich Town
- Newcastle United 0-1 Aston Villa
Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
- Brighton 5-0 Crystal Palace
- Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
Title race and European ambitions intensify
Manchester City remain the team to beat after winning their opening seven league matches. Arsenal continue to chase closely, while Brighton’s emphatic victory has strengthened their position among the early challengers for European qualification.
Liverpool’s comeback win and Chelsea’s clean-sheet victory will also provide encouragement, although both clubs will be eager to build consistency.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and other struggling sides face increasing pressure to turn performances into points before the gap widens.
With the season still developing, the coming fixtures promise more drama in a Premier League campaign already producing goals, surprises and compelling storylines.
Source: Fishfmonline.com



