Arsenal's miserly defence has conceded three Premier League goals so far this season and manager Mikel Arteta hopes their fortress-like foundation can finally deliver the silverware that has eluded the North London club for so long.

With David Raya in goal and the commanding centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, clean sheets have become Arsenal's trademark in this campaign.

Their defensive solidity even extends to Europe where the formidable back line remain unbreached after three Champions League games and will be put to the test again when the Premier League leaders host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"We hope that these records that we are getting a lot bring silverware at the end and the trophies that we want. But the more we can produce, the closer we are going to be able to achieve what we want to do," Arteta told reporters on Friday.

"Our defensive record is very good but we need to be consistent. It's only the start of the season and our aim is to keep improving things, which we can do to keep getting better.

"The teams with the best defensive records, most of the time, apart from the last three seasons in the Premier League, you normally win the title. The stronger we are with the foundations, the more probability we have of winning."

SET-PIECE SPECIALISTS

While Arsenal's defensive wall has frustrated opponents, it's their prowess from set pieces that has been rewriting the record books at the other end of the pitch.

Arsenal have already plundered 10 goals from set plays in eight games, the earliest any side has reached double figures for set-piece goals in Premier League history.

Arteta credited the training ground obsession that has turned dead-ball situations into Arsenal's secret weapon.

"First of all, creating the culture, giving to that part of the game the importance it has," he said.

"Also, understanding that football is evolving and the way opponents are acting against us, we have to maximise certain things that happen very frequently.

"Something that happens very frequently has a lot of value to us, so we try to maximise that and be effective."

ARSENAL SEEK PALACE REVENGE

Sunday's encounter carries extra significance after Palace held Arsenal to a damaging 2-2 draw in April, a result that effectively handed Liverpool the title initiative.

"It's the fourth game in a row that we have played against an opponent that we dropped points against last year," Arteta said.

"This season we've been able to beat them, so our focus is on continuing that."

The match also gives attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze the chance to face his former club after the England international's 68 million pounds ($91.26 million) move in August.

Local boy Eze scored the winner for Palace in last season's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley as the South London club won 1-0 to lift their first major trophy.

"For Ebs (Eze) we know it is goin

Pep Guardiola on Friday criticised pundits and former players for rushing to judgement after Manchester City's poor start to the season as he targets the Premier League summit.

City are unbeaten in their past nine games in all competitions since suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats to Tottenham and Brighton in August to slip well off the pace.

Guardiola's men, who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, are now just three points behind leaders Arsenal, who host Crystal Palace on the same day.

The City boss, who has won six Premier League titles at the Etihad, said his team had good momentum but were still searching for consistency.

"Our mentality and our body language is in the right spot and it will make us stable but (we need to) play better during 95 minutes," he said.

City have climbed above champions Liverpool, who have lost their past three Premier League matches after starting the season with five successive wins.

Guardiola gave a sarcastic response at his pre-match press conference when asked if his team were "flying under the radar".

"In the first two games, three games, for sure we are out and Liverpool is already done and now it looks like Liverpool is done and I tell you that they will be back," he said.

"I said many times, I know all the pundits, all the specialists, former players, they know everything that is going to happen after five games. I'm not able to do that.

"I always I wait 10, 15 games to know exactly what is going on but I think obviously Liverpool, Arsenal are there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there."

Guardiola said he expected a tough test against Unai Emery's Villa, who have beaten City at Villa Park in the past two seasons.

The Birmingham side started their campaign slowly but have climbed to 11th in the table after three straight wins.

"Always it has been really tough, especially away, against Aston Villa," said Guardiola. "So it's a really good test for us, of how we are."

The Premier League returns this weekend with Matchweek 9 kicking off on Friday night and running through to Sunday evening.

Fans can catch every match live on SuperSport and Showmax Premier League, with adjusted kickoff times, the earliest weekend fixtures now begin at 4pm (CAT).

Leeds United v West Ham United

Having won eight of their nine home league games against West Ham between 1996 and 2005, Leeds are now winless in their last four against the Hammers at Elland Road (D2 L2).

West Ham have won four of their last six league games against Leeds (D1 L1), as many as they had in their previous 37 (D12 L21).

West Ham lost 3-0 at promoted side Sunderland on the opening weekend this season. They’ve not lost consecutive league games against promoted sides within the same season since December 2017 (vs Brighton and Newcastle).

In their last spell in the Premier League between 2020-21 and 2022-23, Leeds United’s only home Friday night game was also against West Ham in December 2020, losing 2-1. In front of supporters, the last time Leeds hosted a top-flight Friday night game was in April 1994 against Newcastle, drawing 1-1 thanks to a Chris Fairclough goal.

Leeds’ 2-1 defeat against Spurs in their last home game ended their 23-game unbeaten league run at Elland Road (W18 D5). They last lost consecutive home league matches in May 2024.

Leeds are averaging 13 shots per game in the Premier League this season, the highest rate by a promoted side since Leeds themselves in 2020-21 (13.7). However, their conversion rate is just 6.7 per cent, their lowest on record in a league season (since 2013-14).

Only Wolves (58 per cent) have been losing for a higher per centage of their Premier League games than West Ham (48 per cent) this season, while the Hammers have been winning for just three per cent of their games, the lowest of any side. 65 per cent of the time they’ve been winning in 2025-26 was against current manager Nuno Espirito Santo when he was manager of Nottingham Forest in a 3-0 win in August.

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

With just four points in eight Premier League matches, this is West Ham’s worst ever start to a Premier League season, while in the top-flight they last had as few as four after eight games in 1988-89 (also 4), eventually finishing 19th and being relegated.

Having created 10 chances across his first three Premier League games this season, Leeds’ Anton Stach has created just four more in his last five appearances.

Nuno Espirito Santo is winless in all three of his Premier League matches as West Ham manager so far (D1 L2). The last manager to fail to win any of his first four in charge was Manuel Pellegrini in September 2018.

Chelsea v Sunderland

Chelsea have won their last three home league games against Sunderland by an aggregate score of 11-3, most recently a 5-1 victory on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign.

Having won four of their first six Premier League games against Chelsea between 1996 and 2001 (L2), Sunderland have since won just three of their 26 against the Blues (D2 L21).

None of the 16 Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge have been drawn (13 Chelsea wins, 3 Sunderland). It’s the second most played specific fixture without seeing a single draw in the competition, after Fulham at home to Newcastle (17).

Only Manchester City (34) have earned more home points in the Premier League in 2025 than Chelsea (33 – W10 D3 L1), with the Blues sole defeat at Stamford Bridge this calendar year coming against Brighton last month.

Sunderland have 14 points from their eight Premier League games this season, their best return at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1999-00 when they also had 14 points and won their ninth game.

Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 13 away league games against London sides (W4 D9), since a 2-1 loss at Fulham in April 2018. It’s the Black Cats’ longest ever unbeaten league run in the capital.

Chelsea failed to score in their first Premier League game of the season (0-0 v Crystal Palace), but have netted 16 goals in their seven games since. Only Manchester City (17) have scored more in the competition than the Blues this term.

Chelsea have the youngest average starting XI age in the Premier League this season (24 years, 116 days), while Sunderland have the third youngest (25 years, 92 days). The Blues are still yet to feature a single player over the age of 28 under Enzo Maresca, with the Italian the only manager (inc. caretakers) in Premier League history not to use a player aged 30+ in any game.

Excluding penalties, no team has scored more goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season than Chelsea (8, level with Arsenal). Six of these have come from corners, just one fewer corner goal than they netted in the whole of last season.

Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs has conceded six goals (excluding own goals) in the Premier League this season, from an xGoT of nine. His record of preventing three goals is the highest of any Premier League goalkeeper this term.

Newcastle United v Fulham

Newcastle lost this exact fixture 2-1 last season – only once have they lost back-to-back home league games against Fulham, doing so in 1950/1951.

After an eight-game winless run against Newcastle in the Premier League between 2018 and 2024, Fulham completed the league double over the Magpies last season.

Newcastle have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games (D3 L5), with both victories coming against sides currently sitting in the relegation zone (1-0 v Wolves, 2-0 v Nottingham Forest).

No side have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than Newcastle (5, level with Arsenal). Indeed, the Magpies’ league games have seen fewer goals scored than any other side’s this term (14 – F7 A7).

Fulham have lost each of their last three Premier League games, last losing more consecutively in March/April 2023 (4). The Cottagers have also kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League games (1-0 v Leeds last month).

Only Burnley and Sunderland (21 each) have had fewer shots on target than Fulham in the Premier League this season (23), with the Cottagers failing to register one against Arsenal last time out. Indeed, the Cottagers’ average of 2.9 shots on target per game is their lowest ever in a Premier League campaign.

Fulham are – along with Wolves – one of just two teams yet to have a player score more than once for them in the Premier League this season. No side has benefitted from more own goals than the Cottagers this term (2), with six different players scoring their other six goals.

Nick Woltemade has scored four goals in his five Premier League games for Newcastle. The only players to reach five goals in six or fewer appearances for the Magpies are Loïc Rémy (5), Les Ferdinand (6) and Papiss Cissé (6).

As a team, Newcastle have made more line breaking passes behind the defensive line than any other side in the Premier League this season (61), with captain Bruno Guimarães leading the way among players (15).

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has made 299 Premier League appearances. He would be the first Nigerian to reach 300, and fifth African player overall after Kolo Touré (353), Mohamed Salah (309), Wilfried Zaha (305) and Jordan Ayew (305).

Manchester United v Brighton and Hove Albion

Manchester United have lost six of their last seven league games against Brighton (W1), double the amount they’d lost against them in their first 17 league meetings (W12 D2 L3).

Brighton have won each of their last three Premier League away games against Manchester United – the last side to win more consecutive league visits to Old Trafford were Manchester City between 1968 and 1972 (5).

Thanks to a 2-0 win against Sunderland, and a 2-1 win against Liverpool, Manchester United have won consecutive Premier League games under Ruben Amorim for the first time. They last won three in a row in May/August 2024, while they last did so in the same season in February earlier that year (4).

Manchester United have won their last three Premier League home games, as many as in their previous 13 at Old Trafford (D2 L8). They last won more consecutively between April and August 2023 (8), though that run was stopped by a 3-1 defeat to Brighton.

Brighton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League games, a 2-0 win at Wolves in May. The Seagulls have lost just two of their last 13 league games, however (W7 D4).

Despite winning three of their eight Premier League games this season, and leading in two of their three draws (L2), Brighton have spent a lower share of their game time winning (24.1 per cent) than any other game state this term (38.1 per cent losing, 37.8 per cent drawing).

Bruno Fernandes has just three goal involvements in the Premier League this season (2 goals, 1 assist), though these have been worth six points to Manchester United. Only Antoine Semenyo’s (9) and Jack Grealish’s (7) goals and assists have been worth more points for their side this term.

Man Utd’s Bryan Mbeumo has only been involved in more Premier League goals against Southampton (8) than he has against Brighton (6 – 3 goals, 3 assists), with all six of these coming in his last four starts against the Seagulls.

Matheus Cunha has had more shots following a ball carry than any other player in the Premier League this season (12). However, he’s still waiting for his first goal in Manchester United colours.

Brighton’s Danny Welbeck has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games, more than he had in his previous 15 (3). With braces against Chelsea and Newcastle in this run, this is only the third season in which he’s scored multiple goals in more than one game after 2013-14 (2) and 2017-18 (2).

Brentford v Liverpool

Having lost just one of their first three Premier League meetings with Liverpool (W1 D1), Brentford have now lost each of their last five against the Reds.

Liverpool have scored at least once in all eight of their Premier League games against Brentford, their second best 100 per cent scoring rate against an opponent after QPR (14).

Liverpool have lost each of their last four Premier League away games against London sides – they last lost five consecutive league visits to the capital between March and November 1970.

Brentford have won two of their last three Premier League matches, more than in their previous seven combined (W1 D2 L4). The Bees are looking for consecutive wins for the first time since April/May last season under Thomas Frank.

Liverpool have lost five of their last eight away games in the Premier League (W3), as many as their previous 43 beforehand (W23 D15). The Reds could lose three consecutive league games on the road for the first time since January/February 2023 – a run that included a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, their only Premier League loss to the Bees.

Liverpool have lost their last three Premier League games, as many as they had in their previous 39 (W27 D9). They last lost four in a row in February 2021, while they last had a 4+ game losing streak within their first nine games of a league season in 1993-94.

Liverpool have lost each of their last three Premier League games thanks to goals scored in the final 10 minutes of games, and having equalised in each match. No team has ever lost four in a row thanks to goals scored in the final 10 minutes, while only Crystal Palace in November 2016 have lost four in a row having drawn level each time.

Michael Kayode created seven chances for Brentford against West Ham, the joint most by a player in a Premier League match this season. Those seven chances account for 37 per cent of the chances he has created across 20 appearances overall (7/19).

Though he’s still waiting for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, Alexander Isak has scored in all four of his appearances against Brentford. No player has a better 100 per cent scoring rate against an opponent in the competition.

Brentford’s Igor Thiago has netted five Premier League goals this season, with only Erling Haaland (11) and Antoine Semenyo (6) scoring more. Thiago had the most shots (6), shots on target (3), shots from inside the box (6) and touches in the opposition box (10) in the Bees’ 2-0 win over West Ham on MD8.

Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Nottingham Forest (W6 D4) since losing both Championship meetings in their 2014-15 promotion season.

Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last 11 away league games against Bournemouth (D3 L7), beating them 2-1 in the Championship in August 2014.

Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), the longest current ongoing run in the competition. It’s their fourth run of 7+ unbeaten games in the top-flight (with three of those coming under Andoni Iraola), only having a longer run between November and January last season (11).

Nottingham Forest are winless in their last seven Premier League games (D2 L5), with only Wolves currently on a longer run (12).

With Sean Dyche taking charge, Nottingham Forest are already on their third permanent manager this season after Nuno Espírito Santo and Ange Postecoglou. It’s the earliest into a Premier League campaign a side has had three different permanent managers.

Nottingham Forest have conceded the joint most goals in the second half of Premier League games this season (11), while Bournemouth have conceded a higher share of goals after halftime than anyone else (82 per cent - 9/11).

In their first spell in the Premier League from 2015-16 to 2019-20, Bournemouth won just 32.3 per cent of their games against sides starting the day in the relegation zone (10/31). Since their return to the division in 2022, they’ve won 68.4 per cent of their games against sides in the bottom three (13/19).

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has lost his last three Premier League games against Bournemouth, having won six in a row against the Cherries before this. Indeed, his last Premier League match in charge of Everton was a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in January last season.

Only Erling Haaland (12) has been involved in more Premier League goals than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo this season (9 – 6 goals, 3 assists). The Ghanian has also scored in his last two games against Nottingham Forest.

82 of Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood’s 91 Premier League goals have been scored under either Sean Dyche (49) or Nuno Espírito Santo (33).

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace, though the exception was a 2-2 draw in this exact fixture last season.

Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 14 away league games against Arsenal (D5 L8), beating them 3-2 in April 2019 under Roy Hodgson.

Arsenal have only lost two of their 70 home Premier League matches when they’ve started the day top of the table (W52 D16), losing to Hull in September 2008 and Man City in February 2023. They have won seven out of eight (D1) at the Emirates when in 1st place since that loss to Man City, scoring 28 goals in those eight games.

Crystal Palace have drawn eight of their last 14 Premier League matches (W5 L1), including a 3-3 draw on MD8 at home against Bournemouth. Since the start of April, the Eagles have drawn nine Premier League matches – three more than anyone else.

Arsenal have not faced a single shot on target in either of their last two Premier League matches. On record since 2003-04, the only side to go three games in a row without facing a shot on target are Manchester City between May and August 2014.

Arsenal have faced the fewest shots (65), fewest shots on target (18), the lowest xG (4.8) and conceded the fewest goals (3) in the Premier League this season. It’s the joint fewest goals they’ve conceded after eight Premier League matches, along with three in 1998-99, which was also the last time they kept five clean sheets in their first eight matches.

Crystal Palace lead the Premier League for shots on target (43), xG (17.4) and big chances (33) this season. However, they are underperforming their xG by the biggest margin (-5.4) and have missed the most big chances (22) in the competition.

Arsenal lead the way for corner goals (7) and goals from set pieces (10) in the Premier League this season, finding the net with a set piece in six of their eight games so far. It is the earliest into a season any team has scored 10 set piece goals in Premier League history.

Leandro Trossard scored Arsenal’s winner against Fulham on MD8, while the Belgian has netted in each of his last two Premier League starts against Crystal Palace. He’s never ended on the losing side when scoring for the Gunners in the competition (21 games, W17 D4), with only Gabriel Martinelli (38), Cesc Fàbregas (32) and Paul Merson (27) scoring in more without defeat for Arsenal.

Eight of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s last nine Premier League goals for Crystal Palace have been scored in London, and he’s netted five goals in his last eight London derbies. He’s also only the third Palace player to net five goals in their eight matches of a Premier League season, along with Andrew Johnson in 2004-05 and Wilfried Zaha in 2020-21.

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Aston Villa have won their last two home league games against Manchester City, last winning more consecutively between 1960 and 1975 (5).

Man City have won 31 games and scored 101 goals against Aston Villa in the Premier League – only against Newcastle (32 wins, 106 goals) have they done so more.

After a five game winless start in the Premier League this season (D3 L2), Aston Villa have since won each of their last three games. The only team in top-flight history to have a five game winless start then win their next four games are Preston in 1936-37.

Manchester City have won more points in the Premier League than any other side since the start of April (39 – W12 D3 L2). They’ve only conceded the first goal in two games in that time, while they’ve opened the scoring in their last six games, their best run since a run of eight between April and August 2024.

Aston Villa have won their last two Premier League games when they’ve conceded the first goal, beating Fulham 3-1 and Spurs 2-1. Since Unai Emery’s first game with the Villans in November 2022, only Pep Guardiola (14) has more wins after conceding first than Emery (11).

Since their 5-1 defeat at Arsenal in February, Manchester City have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than any other side (12), while only the Gunners can match City for goals conceded per game (both 15 in 22 games, 0.68).

Five of the last seven Premier League goals Aston Villa have conceded have come via set pieces (1x penalty, 1x throw, 3x corners), conceding from a corner in each of their last three games. The last side to concede from a corner in four games in a row were Newcastle in April/May 2024, while Villa last did so in November/December 2010.

No player in the Premier League this season has more goals and assists combined as a substitute than Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía (2 goals, 1 assist). The Argentinian is looking to score in consecutive Premier League appearances for the very first time.

Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last five away Premier League appearances for Manchester City. The only player to score in more consecutive away games for City is Sergio Agüero between March and August 2017 (7 in a row).

Man City have scored seven away Premier League goals in 2025-26, with Erling Haaland scoring five of those, netting in all four away games. The only players to score in their team’s first five away matches of a season are Thierry Henry in 2001-02 for Arsenal, Mohamed Salah in 2021-22 for Liverpool and Jarrod Bowen in 2023-24 for West Ham.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley

Wolves have won just one of their last nine Premier League games against Burnley (D4 L4), a 1-0 win in their last home meeting in December 2023.

Burnley’s first two Premier League games against Wolves ended in 2-0 and 2-1 defeats. Since then, they’ve not conceded more than once in any of their 10 meetings with them (6 goals conceded).

Wolves are the only team without a Premier League win this season (D2 L6) and for a second consecutive season have won none of their first eight games. They also failed to win their ninth match of 2024-25, with Bury in 1904-05/1905-06 and Sunderland in 2015-16/2016-17 the only sides to do this in back-to-back top[1]flight seasons.

Both of Burnley’s Premier League wins this season have come against their fellow promoted clubs, beating both Sunderland and Leeds 2-0 at Turf Moor. The Clarets have won just two of their last 44 top-flight games against non-newly promoted sides (D10 L32) and won none of their last 14 (D5 L9).

Wolves have now gone 25 Premier League matches without a victory in the months of May, August, September and October combined (D6 L19) since a 2-1 away win at Bournemouth back in October 2023.Across their last two seasons, they are winless in all 21 games played in these months (D5 L16).

In the Premier League this season, Burnley rank bottom for average possession (34.7 per cent), successful passes (1 908), passing accuracy (75.7 per cent), shots attempted (60), touches in the opposition box (111) and expected goals (5.4), and have played the highest per centage of their passes long (17 per cent).

In March and April 2025, Wolves won the most points of any Premier League side (19 – W6 D1), but, since May, they’ve won seven fewer points than any other ever-present team (3 – D3 L9). Wolves are the only side in English top-flight history to follow up a six-game winning run with 12 winless matches.

Burnley manager Scott Parker has lost all three of his Premier League matches against Wolves, losing all three games by a 1-0 scoreline (one in May 2019, both games in 2020-21). They’re one of four sides he’s faced in the competition and not picked up a point against, along with Man City (L5), Chelsea (L3) and Watford (L1).

Wolverhampton Wanderers have used just one English player in the Premier League this season, with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone playing four times, the fewest Englishmen to play for a club in the division in 2025-26. Only 23.7 per cent of the players Wolves have ever used in the Premier League have been English (37/156), the second-lowest ratio of any side to feature 100+ players, ahead only of Fulham (22.3 per cent).

Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu has netted in each of his last two Premier League appearances, having only scored once in his first 43 games in the competition. With his goal on MD8, he was the first player with the initials LU to score against Leeds United in the Premier League.

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur

Everton won 3-2 against Tottenham in their last Premier League meeting – they’ve not won consecutively against Spurs since December 2012, in David Moyes’ first spell at the club.

Although they’ve only lost one of their last 12 Premier League away games against Everton (W3 D8), Spurs are winless in their last six visits to the Toffees (D5 L1), losing this exact fixture 3-2 in January.

Everton have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League home matches (W5 D7), losing 2-0 to Manchester City in April. They’re unbeaten in all four this season, last having a longer unbeaten start on home soil in 2016-17 (first eight).

Since the start of last season, no side has lost more Premier League matches when scoring first than Tottenham (8), while manager Thomas Frank ranks third for this (6 defeats) behind Marco Silva (8) and his predecessor at Spurs, Ange Postecoglou (7).

Although they’ve gone five games without a clean sheet in all competitions, Everton haven’t conceded more than twice in a match since losing 4-0 to Man Utd last December, a run of 37 games. It’s their longest run without conceding three in a game since between May 1987 and February 1988 (46 games).

Tottenham Hotspur have the most away points in the Premier League this season (10 – W3 D1), with 71 per cent of their points this season being won on the road (10/14). Only once in the Premier League era have they won 13+ points in their first five away games of a season, doing so in 2020-21 (13).

Everton have won their last five Premier League matches played on Sundays, all under David Moyes since he returned to the club in January. They’re the only side to play more than twice on a day of the week in 2025 and win every single game on that day.

Tottenham’s goal in their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa was scored by Rodrigo Bentancur via a corner – in the last two seasons, only Arsenal (21) have netted more corner goals in the Premier League than Spurs (13).

Only Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus (64) and Man City’s Jérémy Doku (45) have made more dribbles in the Premier League this season than Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye (39). His 5.2 dribbles per 90 are the most by an Everton player in a season (500+ minutes played) since Moise Kean in 2019-20 (5.6).

João Palhinha has made more tackles (35) than any other Premier League player this season, while his 10 tackles in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa was the most by a player in a game in 2025-26 and most by a Spurs midfielder since Sandro made 11 against Blackburn in April 2012

Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White said he could "finally breathe again" after the Premier League side ended a two-month winless run with a 2-0 Europa League victory over Porto on Thursday in Sean Dyche's first game in charge.

Gibbs-White put Forest ahead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute before Igor Jesus converted another late in the second half as Forest secured only their second home win of the season.

"I feel like I can finally breathe," the 25-year-old midfielder told TNT Sports. "It's been a difficult couple of months here with all the changes that have happened, the bad performances.

"To do it here at the City Ground on a European night is an incredible feeling and there is no-one that deserves it more than the fans."

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

Forest entered the game on a four-match losing streak and had not won since the opening day of the season, leading to the dismissal of manager Nuno Espirito Santo and the sacking of his successor Ange Postecoglou on Saturday.

"It's only been one game and we've only had a few training sessions, but you can feel the morale within the stadium," Gibbs-White said.

"You can feel the morale within the group, it feels a lot higher, a lot more energetic, a lot more positive and that's the way it needs to be. It needs to stay like that for us to continue and try to push forward. That's credit to the manager."

Forest, who finished seventh last season, are 18th with five points from eight games. They visit Bournemouth on Sunday.

Liverpool must halt their three-game Premier League losing streak with Saturday's visit to Brentford to remain in touch with Arsenal and in-form Manchester City.

City's nine-game unbeaten run will be tested by trip to Aston Villa, while leaders Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates.

Manchester United are aiming to build on their long-awaited victory at Anfield last weekend but face a Brighton side that have grown used to winning at Old Trafford in recent seasons.

AFP Sports looks at three of the key fixtures of the weekend:

COULD ISAK INJURY HELP LIVERPOOL?

The loss of the Premier League's most expensive player in Alexander Isak to a groin injury could actually help Arne Slot stumble upon the right formula to turnaround Liverpool's fortunes.

The Sweden attacker's only goal since his £125 million ($167 million) move from Newcastle came against second tier Southampton in the League Cup as a lack of pre-season conditioning has hampered his start to life at Anfield.

Isak was replaced at halftime during Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt as the Reds ended a run of four consecutive defeats.

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

With Hugo Ekitike restored as the centre forward and Florian Wirtz able to operate in his preferred role behind the striker, Liverpool suddenly clicked into gear in the second half.

Wirtz, who has been dropped for the last two Premier League games, registered his first two assists since a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite Ekitike's impressive start, that includes five goals in 11 Liverpool appearances, the Frenchman has not started in any of his side's three Premier League defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and United.

Isak's absence should give the 23-year-old the run in the side he craved.

BRIGHTON TRUE TEST OF MAN UTD REVIVAL

"We will see after Brighton," said Ruben Amorim on whether United have turned a corner in the immediate aftermath of the Red Devils first win at Liverpool for nearly a decade.

The most significant win of Amorim's tenure was also the first time the Portuguese has won back-to-back league games, nearly a year into the role.

Heading north next... 🫡🔜 pic.twitter.com/mOFdRRdbbS

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 23, 2025

After Brighton cruised to a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in January, Amorim made headlines by claiming his squad was possibly the worst in the club's history.

But that was just one of three consecutive victories at the Theatre of Dreams for the Seagulls, since they won there for the first time ever in 2022.

In total, Brighton have won six of the last seven Premier League meetings between the sides.

Victory for United would lift them into the top four for a few hours at least and provide tangible evidence finally of some progress under Amorim.

GUARDIOLA SEES SHOOTS OF RECOVERY

City begin the weekend in second, three points off the top, and showing signs they will brush off the malaise that caused an unceremonious fall from grace last season.

Pep Guardiola's men finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal in their first trophyless season for eight years.

Villa Park awaits 🏟️🙌

🤝 #AsahiSuperDryUk pic.twitter.com/UmWFEi94No

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 23, 2025

Early defeats to Tottenham and Brighton suggested more of the same for Guardiola's new-look squad.

But the signing of giant Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the unstoppable form of Erling Haaland have dragged City back into title contention once more.

"I have the feeling things are coming back to what we were in the past," said Guardiola after Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win at Villarreal.

"Last season was tough for us, the vibe and how the team are playing now make me feel fine."

A trip to Villa Park, where City have lost for the past two seasons, is a litmus test of their credentials as title contenders.

After a slow start, Villa have won three consecutive Premier League games.

Haaland's 12-game scoring streak for club and country has masked the fact that no other City player has scored in the Premier League for nearly a month.

Global sports company PUMA has today unveiled the Under the Lights Edition of the official match ball of the Premier League. Drenched in a striking, high-visibility colourway, this latest version of the ball is engineered to shine brightest under stadium floodlights - ensuring every pass, strike, and goal is impossible to miss.

The bold new design isn’t just about style - it’s about visibility and performance. The vibrant colourway commands attention on TV broadcasts, in the stands, and on the pitch, allowing players and fans to follow the action effortlessly even on the darkest winter nights.

Built for the professionals on Premier League pitches - and fans everywhere who want to bring that same elite experience to their own games, the new colourway ensures that when the lights are on, it’s your time to shine. So hit that backheel. Take that shot from too far out. Send someone to the shops. When you get the ball, Have a Ball.

“Under the Lights isn’t just a look - it’s a statement,” said Dominique Gathier, Vice President BU Teamsport. “This colourway was developed for maximum visibility during the most electrifying Premier League moments, when the world is watching. We bring the tech, you bring the tekkers, when the lights shine brightest it’s when the true ballers come out to play.”

Officially named the PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL, 12 evenly sized panels ensure precise weight distribution, keeping the ball perfectly balanced. The high-frequency moulding guarantees long-lasting durability with enlarged and deeper seams to improve aerodynamics, shape retention, and a soft touch with every kick, no matter the pitch or weather. You might not be in the Premier League. Yet. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act like you are.

Sean Dyche said Nottingham Forest have to get back to basics if he is to turn around a disastrous start to the season that has already seen Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou sacked.

Dyche will take charge for the first time against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, returning to the City Ground where he began his playing career nearly 40 years ago.

The former Burnley and Everton boss' direct playing style has been criticised in the past for lacking flair.

But those tactics are now in vogue in the Premier League with long throw-ins and long punts down the field from kick-off becoming commonplace this season.

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"I have seen enough fashionistas come in and out of this division," said Dyche on Wednesday.

"You've got to win the games, it's as simple as that.

"Long ball, short ball? You've just got to play effective football. That will never go out of fashion."

Forest tried to switch styles from Nuno's more conservative counter-attacking approach to a more attack-minded manager in Postecoglou.

The Australian lasted just 40 days as he failed to win any of his eight games in charge.

After finishing seventh under Nuno last season to qualify for Europe for the first time in 30 years, Forest currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone and have just one point from their opening two Europa League matches.

"As a football manager, a football coach and football players you should be wanting more but the first thing is can we just stabilise the situation," he added.

"It still needs the basics put back into the team from my point of view, because they have lost sight of that a little bit."

Dyche added that Forst owner Evangelos Marinakis is realistic about the club's prospects and recognises that Premier League survival is now their main priority for the campaign.

"He's well aware of the challenges," said Dyche. "I don't think he thinks it's a gimme just because of last season."

Sean Dyche said taking charge of Nottingham Forest for the first time on Thursday 'rounds the circle' of his career having been an apprentice at the City Ground in the days of the club's greatest ever manager Brian Clough.

The 54-year-old became Forest's third manager this season when he was named as successor to Ange Postecoglou who was sacked 39 days after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.

Former Watford, Burnley and Everton manager Dyche's main focus will be arresting Forest's Premier League slide but he starts with a Europa League tie at home to Porto on Thursday.

Addressing media for the first time on Wednesday, Dyche said he takes a great deal of pleasure in managing the two-time European champions with whom his career began as a youth team player in the late 1980s.

"I have a longer history with the club from 87 to 90 and remember walking down the river (Trent) and Del Boy (Brian Clough's dog) running past you and the voice of Brian Clough in earshot," Dyche told reporters.

"All the legends that played at that time and there were some top players, and you know, you're thinking I just want to pull that shirt on, and now to round the circle and be here as manager is something quite big for me. But I'm not just here for a fun time, there's a job to be done."

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Dyche, who parted ways with Everton in January after two years at the helm, will be assisted by former Forest players Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Tony Loughlan and Billy Mercer.

"They've got a deeper history than me here but obviously it's fast forward now, it's a considerably different club."

Under the pragmatic Espirito Santo, Forest finished seventh last season in the Premier League after challenging for the Champions League places. Postecoglou's more expansive approach failed dismally, so Dyche, known for his direct style of play, was asked what Forest fans can expect from him.

"We've got to get back to winning ways," Dyche, whose only previous experience of managing a club in a European tie was a Europa League playoff in 2018 with Burnley, said.

"They weren't winning at the end of last season after they perhaps ran out of steam and it's not been a great start this season. But this is a good group, a very talented group and they showed that willingness and desire last season to the world.

"Now we have to reignite that."

On the current fashion for set pieces and long throws, Dyche said there were many ways to win a game.

"I did a podcast with (former Stoke City manager) Tony Pulis and Tony is now being lauded for long throws, but before he was getting hammered for long throws. It's the fashion of football, it changes all the time. I'm not pontificating one way or the other, the bit I like is when you win."

Viktor Gyokeres says he is eager to respond to manager Mikel Arteta's call to take his goal-scoring momentum into the Premier League, after Tuesday's impressive performance against Atletico Madrid.

Attacker Gyokeres ended a run of seven games without a goal by scoring twice in Arsenal's 4-0 rout of Atletico in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium.

It took the 27-year-old's tally for the Gunners to five goals following his £58 million ($77 million) transfer from Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 97 times in 102 appearances.

Gunners boss Arteta challenged Gyokeres to keep the goals coming, with Arsenal back in domestic action against London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.

"I'm more hungry now," said Gyokeres. "You always want to contribute with work rate and other stuff, but when you score goals as well, it's a bit special. So that's something I always want to do.

"The group we have and the spirit is something different and something very special.

"When you win games and you do these performances, it builds confidence in the team. The belief has to always be there, but of course this helps to boost it. We just want to keep going like this."

Arsenal have won their three games in Europe so far this season with as many clean sheets.

They have conceded just three goals this term, away to champions Liverpool and Newcastle and at home to Manchester City, with just one of those coming from open play, in their first 12 fixtures.

 

Brilliant from start to finish 👌

Viktor Gyokeres is the @ChampionsLeague Player of the Match ✨ pic.twitter.com/pt9xkwoErK

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 21, 2025

 

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who has posted five consecutive shutouts, said: "I give clean sheets the same credit as goals.

"If we're keeping clean sheets, it's going to make games easier to win. It's really, really important for the whole team, not giving away that many chances and being very, very solid.

"The depth of the squad is incredible. We have a lot of players who can play in two, three or four positions.

"(Mikel) Merino came on as a striker (against Atletico), but he can play as a No 6, eight, or as a number 10, and that is the variety that the boss has and he is using it to our advantage.

"It gives us an extra level in training and in games, because if you are not at it you can lose your spot and everybody is on board with that."

Premier League table-toppers Arsenal will head into this weekend's round of fixtures with a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

Liverpool are a further point adrift.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday he would no more crack down on his youthful squad following a spate of sendings-off than he would harshly discipline his own children.

"I have four kids. When they do something wrong, I don't punish them, I try to teach them to do the right things. I try to treat the players in the same way, to try to help them to understand," Maresca told a press conference.

"This is the way I see things. It can be right or wrong, I don't know. But it's the way I like to do things."

The Blues have collected red cards in each of their last four matches and in five of their last six.

Maresca was himself dismissed at the end of the 2-1 win against Liverpool earlier this month.

The dismissals of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez against Manchester United and then Trevor Chalobah against Brighton contributed to defeats in both matches.

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"I'm not that kind of manager to punish players, I don't think it's the right way to do things," Maresca said. "I prefer to help them to understand and to do the right things."

"For sure, it's something we can do better"

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea can improve their disciplinary record after multiple red cards this season 🟥 pic.twitter.com/tZuarFuAXq

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 21, 2025

While Malo Gusto's late sending off on Saturday came with Chelsea already 3-0 up at Nottingham Forest he will miss the visit of Sunderland to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

Joao Pedro will be absent from Wednesday's Champions League clash at home to Ajax following his sending off, for two yellow cards, in the final minute of the win over Benfica in the London club's last European tie.

Maresca was fined £8 000 and banned for one match for his exuberant celebrations following Estevao Willian's stoppage-time winner against Liverpool.

He said his squad were themselves punishing ill-discipline.

"The players have a system inside the changing room in terms of fines," Maresca said. "It's something that they manage."

Maresca said the injury that kept Enzo Fernandez out against Forest was not serious and that Liam Delap, sidelined with a hamstring injury since August, was near a return to training.

"Liam is very close," Maresca said. "He's not working with us yet, but hopefully he can start in the next days to take part in sessions with us.

"Enzo took part (on Monday). We have one more session, we'll see what we decide for (Wednesday). It's not something we have to be worried about, it's just to try and protect him."

Nottingham Forest have appointed Sean Dyche as their new head coach on a deal until 2027, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old former Burnley and Everton boss has replaced Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked on Saturday following just 40 days in charge at the City Ground.

Dyche, a Forest trainee under celebrated manager Brian Clough, becomes the club's third boss this season in what is his first job since the Englishman left Everton at the start of this year.

Former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini was reported to have held talks with Forest about the role, while Fulham boss Marco Silva was also linked to the vacancy.

But Forest opted for Dyche, with the club saying in a statement: "A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the club through its next chapter."

Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos.

The former Forest youth player joins the… pic.twitter.com/ZjUZdG4E6j

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 21, 2025

Dyche's first game in charge will be Thursday's Europa League tie at home to Porto, with his opening Premier League fixture away to Bournemouth on Sunday.

His coaching staff will include two former Forest players in Ian Woan and Steve Stone.

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Postecoglou was sacked just minutes after Saturday's 3-0 loss to Chelsea, making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis dismissed the former Spurs boss after no wins from his opening eight games.

Postecoglou was appointed following the exit of Nuno Espirito Santo, who was himself sacked in September following the collapse of his relationship with Marinakis.

Forest are in the Premier League relegation zone with just five points after eight games despite a squad bolstered by over £100 million ($134 million) of investment during the transfer window.

When Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike returns to face his former club Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, he will find a side which bears little resemblance to the one he left in July.

Last year, Frankfurt qualified for the Champions League by finishing in the Bundesliga top four for the first time in their history.

Their third-placed finish was their best result since the 1992-93 season.

However, the Eagles have lacked any sort of consistency since the start of the current campaign and boast just one win in their past five games in all competitions.

Liverpool's misfiring forward line will be licking their lips looking at Frankfurt's defence, which has conceded 18 goals in that five-game run.

While Liverpool, on a four-game losing streak, have teething problems of their own, Frankfurt have struggled after once again losing their biggest star.

Last season, Ekitike was Frankfurt's principal attacking force, particularly after the winter departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City.

The Frenchman scored 22 goals and laid on 12 assists in 48 games in all competitions.

But Frankfurt have made a habit of selling their biggest talents for big profits in recent years.

Ekitike became the latest starlet to leave Frankfurt in the summer, when Liverpool paid a reported £69 million ($92 million) for his services.

Ekitike, Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller and Willian Pacho have brought in a combined €418 million ($487 million) since 2020.

But while Frankfurt's scouts have shown a continued ability to unearth gems, the departure of key players always leads to a period of rebuilding.

And Frankfurt, as is often the case for a young team in such a phase, have shown strokes of brilliance and moments of pure chaos in equal measure this season.

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'A DIFFERENT GAME'

Playing in the Champions League for just the second time in their history, Frankfurt opened their campaign with an incredible 5-1 home win over Galatasaray, with their youthful attackers running riot.

But next time out, the 2022 Europa League winners were humbled at Atletico Madrid by the same scoreline, with their chaotic defence an utter shambles.

In the Bundesliga, Frankfurt's hot-and-cold three wins, three losses and one draw has them seventh after seven matches.

Apart from league leaders Bayern Munich, Dino Toppmoeller's side have scored the most goals in the league this season but they have also conceded more than any other side.

Frankfurt's struggles may be a chance for Liverpool to revive their season, but the home side know the English champions will be vulnerable while they try to find their feet.

Florian Wirtz has yet to score or assist in the Premier League or Champions League since arriving in Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

Deadly anywhere in or around the box for Newcastle, Alexander Isak is another summer arrival who is yet to look his best.

Ekitike is perhaps the only one of Liverpool's new recruits to impress despite the club's struggles this season.

The 23-year-old has five goals in 11 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool.

Sporting director Timmo Hardung said taking on the Reds could provide the spark to ignite Frankfurt's season.

"It will be a completely different game," Hardung told Frankfurt's website on Sunday.

"Starting Monday, things will move forward again.

"Liverpool. Champions League. There's nothing better in football. I'm incredibly excited about it."

Nuno Espirito Santo admitted "we have a problem" after West Ham suffered a lacklustre 2-0 loss at home to Brentford on Monday.

A night that started with a boycott by one set of Hammers fans ended with those that remained at the London Stadium booing the home side off the field as goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen secured a first away win of the season for capital Brentford, who should have won this Premier League match by a larger scoreline.

Nuno's first home match in charge coincided with a planned stay-away organised by supporters' groups in protest against the club's board.

Defeat meant the Hammers had lost their opening four home matches of a season for the first time in their history, with this reverse coming on the same day as former boss Graham Potter, sacked by the club last month, was named as the new manager of Sweden.

"Not good enough. Poor," said Nuno after a defeat that left West Ham in 19th place in the Premier League, with only basement club Wolves below them in the table. "Fairly, Brentford won the game, they were the better team.

"I think we are all concerned. You can see our own fans are concerned. Concern becomes anxiety, becomes silence. We have a problem."

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The Portuguese boss, previously in charge of Premier League Nottingham Forest, added: "It's understandable. It's up to us to change. The fans need to see something that pleases them and they can support us and give us energy."

The only surprise on Monday was that it took Brentford 43 minutes to open the scoring.

Maximilian Kilman's woeful effort at clearing a routine ball over the top allowed Kevin Schade to nip in behind and hook the ball to Thiago.

Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola got a hand to his shot but the ball spun away and settled inside the far post.

Thiago, ruled out for most of last season through injury, found the net again before halftime, only to be denied by VAR for offside.

Thiago and Schade also hit the woodwork before Brentford finally made the game safe in stoppage time when Keane Lewis-Potter cut the ball back for fellow substitute Jensen to fire into the roof of the net.

"Very pleased," said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. "We approached the game really well. I had a good feeling the last few days, the vibe, the energy around the place. I thought we produced a really good performance."

West Ham United’s dismal season plunged deeper into crisis on Monday when they were easily brushed aside by Brentford, who beat them 2-0 in the Premier League at the London Stadium.

New coach Nuno Espiroto Santo admitted his side, second bottom in the table with four points from eight games, were tentative in a game in which Brentford had a club record 22 shots in an away Premier League fixture.

"The fans are concerned, and we can feel it. And that feeling passes to the players and transforms to anxiety on the pitch," Espirito Santo said.

"Today was a disappointing evening because it was a disappointing performance. It was not good enough. The first 15 minutes things were clicking and the team were organised and combining well. After that we lost composure.

"Credit to Brentford, a physical team that put us under problems. Throw-ins, corners and the momentum of the game changed."

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There were plenty of empty seats at a quiet London Stadium as fans launched a stay-away in protest at the club owners.

"It was tough. Not just for me. It was tough for our fans, for our players, for everybody," Espirito Santo said. "It's a challenge for all of us. It's up to us to change the momentum and bring our fans back to support us.

"Win our individual duels. In four days’ time (away at Leeds United on Friday) we need a big improvement."

Espirito Santo promised hard work from the coaching staff to get the side away from the relegation zone.

"(We start) tomorrow, realising that every day is important to improve the situation," he said. "Responsibility, commitment, hard work and a little bit more of conscious effort. We need it."

Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen scored as Brentford secured a 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United on Monday, inflicting a club record fourth successive home league loss at the start of the season on their hosts.

Brentford moved up to 13th in the table with 10 points from eight games, while West Ham, booed off by their fans, are 19th with four points.

WHAT. A. PERFORMANCE. pic.twitter.com/la3NcW7QVq

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 20, 2025

New West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have seen the size of the job at hand as his side were second to everything and only the woodwork and wasteful Brentford finishing prevented a rout.

"It's very nice to get the three points and get away from the relegation zone," Brentford midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard said.

"We missed a lot of chances, on set-pieces we could have had more (goals), but we are happy with the three points. We are finding a rhythm as a team and connecting a bit more."

EMPTY WEST HAM SEATS

There were empty seats at kickoff as what seemed like several thousand West Ham fans staged a stay-away in protest against chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.

"It was 2-0 but probably could have been more to them," West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen said.

"We started well and had some corners and set-piece, but the goals were poor (to concede) on our part.

"We will only get better by watching back the things we have not done well. We are not doing anything well this season."

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Brentford came into the game having lost all three of their away league matches this season but had 22 attempts on goal, the most they have managed away from home in the Premier League.

The goal that had been coming for Brentford arrived on 43 minutes as a long ball was collected by Kevin Schade on the edge of the box and he held off three defenders before feeding Thiago.

The striker’s shot was half-blocked by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but the ball dribbled into the corner of the net.

🎯 Thiago hitting the target pic.twitter.com/4xy63JSTDe

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 20, 2025

It was more of the same in the second half as Brentford dominated possession and Schade struck the crossbar with a header on the hour-mark.

West Ham never looked like finding an equaliser, and Brentford made it 2-0 with virtually the last kick of the game when Jensen was picked out in the box in space and drilled the ball into the net from 15 yards.

🥰

Mathias Jensen 🤝 Late goals pic.twitter.com/xGxMGaB7c8

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 20, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was pleased with his players' commitment, but warned that they cannot get ahead of themselves as they fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

Arsenal, unbeaten since August, are three points clear at the top of the Premier League and have won both their Champions League matches so far, but Arteta was not keen to accept the "favourites" tag in the English top-flight.

"The only thing I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature, the commitment and quality that they can deliver. That gives me the conviction that we can go all the way," Arteta told reporters on Monday, a day before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

"But that's just a feeling, then the next day you have to prove it and you can't be busy thinking about those topics.

"Every game in (the Premier League) is must-win. We are very appreciative of that, so we don't get carried away with anything."

How the Premier League table looks after 8 games😮👀 pic.twitter.com/v5HwWC7gdR

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 19, 2025

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Asked about a video shared on social media that showed Arsenal defender William Saliba watching Atletico Madrid on the coach after Saturday's 1-0 win at Fulham, Arteta praised the France international's eagerness to prepare for future opponents.

"Very pleased because I didn't encourage it, that came from them. We know this will be a tough one, so the earlier we think about it the better. I love that initiative from the players," Arteta said.

ARTETA PRAISES 'INCREDIBLE' SIMEONE

Arteta said he looked up to Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who has led the Spanish club to two Europa League and two LaLiga titles since taking charge in 2011.

"What he has done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what has achieved but the way he has done it. The identity he has created, they are simple and clear to identify because the manager is very much them," Arteta said.

"That's very difficult to achieve, he's been there 14 years and what he's done is incredible.

"He is someone I look up to. His passion, how long he has been in the game, how he still has that capacity to transmit a willingness to win. To keep convincing players in this environment, you have to be extraordinarily good."

Defender Piero Hincapie will be available for Tuesday's clash after recovering from a groin injury, Arteta added.

Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite will undergo surgery on Tuesday following a complication during his recovery from a hamstring injury, the Premier League club said.

The England international, who made 65 league appearances in the previous two seasons, has been sidelined since August.

The 23-year-old signed a new deal in July that will keep him at Everton until 2030.

We can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite has experienced a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

— Everton (@Everton) October 20, 2025

"Following specialist consultation, it has been determined the defender will undergo a surgical procedure tomorrow to address the issue," Everton said in a statement on Monday.

"Branthwaite will commence a structured rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club's medical team following the operation."

Everton, who have 11 points after eight league games, host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

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Harry Maguire said Manchester United must build on their momentum after a long-awaited win at Liverpool gave manager Ruben Amorim back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time.

The centre-back headed an 84th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 win against the champions on Sunday, meaning United have now won four of their past six matches.

The club, who slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, are up to ninth following their win at Anfield – just two points behind third-placed Bournemouth and Liverpool, in fourth.

But former United captain Maguire says the team need to use the result – their first win at Anfield in nearly a decade – as a springboard.

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"This club will probably get a few plaudits this week – resilience, fighting spirit," he said.

"But if we don't perform next weekend against Brighton, it will be exactly the same the following week so we need to build on it, we need to build momentum, we need to build positive performances – that's the most important thing.

"Performances breed results in the end. Take the positives, take the confidence but at Old Trafford next week against Brighton, we have to make sure we perform and get the win."

 

I love this club ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1H5wFAsDFf

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 19, 2025

 

In last season's fixture at Liverpool, Maguire squandered a glorious chance to score a last-gasp winner in a match that ended 2-2 so he was delighted to find the target this time.

The England international may have played for United for the final time at Anfield as his contract expires at the end of the season.

"I've been here seven years now and it's been tough not getting that win, it's been on my mind a little bit to be honest," said the 32-year-old.

"I'm in my last year now so this could be the last time I play at Anfield for this club so it's really important I came here and ticked that one off because it has been playing on my mind."

Liverpool's blip is becoming a full-blown crisis as manager Arne Slot urgently seeks answers after the Premier League champions suffered a fourth straight defeat for the first time in more than a decade.

The Reds lost 2-1 to Manchester United on Sunday – the first time their bitter rivals have won at Anfield since January 2016.

Liverpool rode their luck in a seven-game winning run at the start of the season, boosted by a flurry of late goals, but an expected improvement in performances has failed to materialise.

They have now lost four consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since November 2014 when Brendan Rodgers was manager.

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AFP Sport looks at the serious issues that Slot must address to save Liverpool's season.

SALAH SLUMP

Mohamed Salah looks a pale shadow of the man who terrorised defences last season on his way to winning the Premier League's Golden Boot award.

The "Egyptian King", so often the fulcrum of Liverpool's attack, has scored just one goal from open play in the Premier League this season, on the opening weekend.

On Sunday he was guilty of missing two big chances against United.

The forward was left out of the starting line-up in the recent Champions League defeat at Galatasaray and, starkly, was hauled off on Sunday even as Liverpool chased an equaliser.

Slot will hope it is just a temporary loss for form for a player who signed a new two-year contract in April but there must be concerns that, at 33, his best days are behind him.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, says Salah should no longer have a guaranteed spot every week.

"I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in," he said on Sky.

"Would he be OK with that? Probably not. But when you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you're not playing well, where's your argument?"

STRUGGLING SIGNINGS

Slot chose to go big in the summer transfer window, splashing out more than $450 million ($604 million) on new signings.

The club twice broke their own transfer record to bring in playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and forward Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

But neither player is yet to register a Premier League goal.

 

Defeat at Anfield. #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/ItoPfakXJ5

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 19, 2025

 

Hugo Ekitike, another big-money arrival, has made a splash but the Frenchman now appears to be behind the misfiring Isak in the pecking order.

Liverpool's substantial spending on forwards was partly driven by the death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in July.

His absence is the elephant in the room at a club still coming to terms with the absence of the 28-year-old Portugal international.

At the other end of the pitch, new arrival Milos Kerkez has struggled to settle at left-back, where he has been preferred to veteran Andy Robertson, and Jeremie Frimpong has failed to nail down his spot on the other flank.

DEFENSIVE CRISIS

Could Liverpool's failure to sign central defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day cost them the Premier League title?

Since the beginning of May, Liverpool have conceded two more goals in more Premier League games than any other side, doing so in eight of their 12 league matches.

Slot's men have let in 11 goals in their eight league games, in stark contrast to just three by Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Kerkez and Frimpong have struggled to fill the shoes of Robertson and the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold in the full-back positions.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate has come under sustained fire for his poor performances and even the usually imperious captain Virgil van Dijk was caught out in the build-up to Bryan Mbeumo's opening goal on Sunday.

Guehi has told Crystal Palace he will not sign a new deal at the club, meaning he could leave in January or at the end of the season.

But even if the England defender chooses Liverpool over other potential suitors, it could be too little, too late.

When Nottingham Forest unveiled Ange Postecoglou, owner Evangelos Marinakis hailed him as the man to take the club to the next level.

“We are bringing a coach to the Club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies,” Marinakis said. “His experience of coaching teams at the highest level, along with his desire to build something special with us at Forest, makes him a fantastic person to help us on our journey and achieve consistently all our ambitions.”

“After gaining promotion to the Premier League, then building consistently season after season to secure European football, we now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies. Ange has the credentials and the track-record to do this, and we are excited he is joining us on our ambitious journey.”

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

But that journey came to a crashing halt on Saturday just 19 minutes after fulltime, Forest confirmed Postecoglou’s departure following a 3–0 home defeat to Chelsea. It was his sixth loss in eight matches, leaving the club in 17th place, one point above the drop zone and carrying the joint-worst goal difference in the league.

Marinakis walked out of the directors’ box before the final whistle. Postecoglou, visibly broken, clapped toward the fans, staring into space, the end of a reign that lasted just 39 days, the second-shortest in Premier League history.

WHAT PLAYERS AND MANAGERS SAID

Ryan Yates, speaking after the match, revealed what unfolded during the 19 minutes of chaos in the dressing room. He described the mood as “flat” and admitted the players “felt they let the manager down.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed sympathy for Postecoglou but said the decision was no surprise, calling it typical of the pressures at the top level of modern football.

WHO IS ON MARINAKIS LIST?

The search for a new head coach is already underway. Marco Silva has emerged as a strong contender, despite ongoing talks with Sean Dyche. Silva, speaking to TNT Sports after the Chelsea game, didn’t rule out a move, saying he was “open to conversations.”

Marinakis is reportedly weighing up multiple options, but urgency is key. Forest finished seventh last season, a high watermark that now feels distant. Whoever comes in must arrest the slide and reignite belief at the City Ground.

SACK RACE RECORD

Only Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated Leeds spell was shorter. He managed four games, lost three, drew one, and left when his contract expired in June 2023. Postecoglou’s stats are strangely similar except his side managed just one goal in five matches, a feat not seen since Sean Dyche’s early days at Burnley in 2014.

Postecoglou arrived with pedigree but leaves with a record that reads: five Premier League games, four losses, one goal scored. His 0.2 points-per-match average ties him with Allardyce and ranks among the lowest in the competition’s 33-year history, only Frank de Boer fared worse, with zero points in four games at Crystal Palace.

Premier League’s Fastest Sackings

Sam Allardyce – Leeds United (30 days)

Brought in for a last-ditch survival bid in May 2023. One point from four games. Relegated. Gone.

Les Reed – Charlton Athletic (40 days)

Four points from seven games and a League Cup exit to Wycombe. Sacked on Christmas Eve.

Javi Gracia – Leeds United (69 days)

Three wins in 12 games. Replaced by Allardyce as Leeds spiraled.

Rene Meulensteen – Fulham (75 days)

Lost 9 of 13. Took over in December, gone before March.

Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace (77 days)

Four games, zero goals, zero points. Shortest reign by games managed.

Bob Bradley – Swansea City (85 days)

Eight points from 11 games. Sacked after Christmas.

Quique Sánchez Flores – Watford (85 days)

Second stint lasted just 12 games. Two wins. No spark.

Nathan Jones – Southampton (84 days)

Nine defeats in 14. Another failed move away from Luton.