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.

Ruben Amorim said a first victory at Anfield since 2016 was just reward for Manchester United's long suffering fans after Harry Maguire's late winner inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat on Liverpool.

The 2-1 win ensured that United earned theirs first back-to-back victories in the Premier League since Amorim took charge nearly a year ago.

But the Portuguese coach said that how his players respond next weekend when Brighton visit Old Trafford will tell him more about what United can aspire to this season.

"That was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United. It means a lot today but tomorrow it won't mean a lot," said Amorim.

35 matches, but Ruben Amorim has done it 💪#LIVMUN | #SSPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/lYKeCoubNk

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

United crashed out of the League Cup to fourth-tier Grimsby in August and Amorim appeared on the brink of losing his job after defeat to Brentford last month.

However, wins over Sunderland and their historic rivals have lifted the Red Devils up to ninth in the Premier League and within two points of fourth-placed Liverpool.

"It was really important for our fans. They struggled against Grimsby, against Brentford and today they saw a different team," added Amorim.

"To win in the stadium of the champions and our biggest rivals is really important."

Despite the magnitude of the victory, Amorim was far from fully satisfied with his side's performance.

Bryan Mbeumo gave the visitors the perfect start by firing home the opening goal after just 61 seconds.

United had chances to extend their lead as Bruno Fernandes hit the post, but also had to ride their luck.

Cody Gakpo hit the woodwork three times before the Dutch forward finally equalised on 78 minutes.

However, Maguire, who missed a glorious chance to win the game in a 2-2 draw when United last visited Anfield in January, was the unlikely hero when he headed in Fernandes's cross.

It's another 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗛 header from Harry Maguire 🤯🎯

📺 Stream #LIVMUN on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/lDItdhSFIU

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

"Was a great win, not a very well played game, but a great spirit and that is all I can ask," said Amorim.

'NEGATIVE SET-PIECE BALANCE' 

Arne Slot blamed his side's wastefulness in front of goal and set-piece defending for the latest in a string of poor results.

Not since 2014 have Liverpool lost four consecutive games.

Alexander Isak was denied his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool for a British transfer record £125 million by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens before half-time.

Mohamed Salah fired wide when presented with a huge chance early in the second period before Gakpo somehow headed off target with the opportunity to snatch a point after Maguire's goal.

"If you told me (before the game) we would create eight, nine or 10 open chances, I wouldn't think that is possible. From all the chances we got, we only scored one goal," said Dutchman Slot.

"It's almost impossible to win a big game of football with a negative set-piece balance.

"We conceded another one today that led to us losing the game."

Defeat leaves Liverpool four points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while champions Liverpool slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat in a 2-1 loss against Manchester United.

United's first victory at Anfield since 2016 gave under-fire boss Ruben Amorim a much-needed boost.

Arsenal's stingy defence kept the Gunners top with a 1-0 win at Fulham, while Erling Haaland was again Manchester City's match-winner with a double to beat Everton 2-0.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend:

LIVERPOOL CRISIS DEEPENS

Liverpool have suffered four straight defeats for the first time since November 2014, raising serious questions about their summer spending spree.

The vast majority of a near £450 million spend in the transfer market was focused on adding extra firepower to the Reds' attack.

But club record signing Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are yet to score a Premier League goal for Liverpool, while Arne Slot's men are suddenly wide open at the back.

Liverpool conceded just five times in Slot's first 12 games last season as he took a more conservative approach in his early days as Jurgen Klopp's successor.

At the same stage this season, the English champions have shipped 17 goals.

Slot has been keen to use his wealth of attacking options. For the final half hour against United he played with five forwards.

However, that lack of balance was exposed as, just six minutes after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's opener, Harry Maguire was left completely unmarked to head in Bruno Fernandes' cross.

"I think we conceded a very sloppy second goal," said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

"We worked so hard to get back into the game and we created great opportunities to score the winner but if you concede a second goal like that, that is the disappointing part."

Man Utd take all three points at Anfield 👏

Harry Maguire’s late header proves the difference! pic.twitter.com/6Rbw3Kjl7i

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 19, 2025

1-0 TO THE ARSENAL

The Gunners have a history of success built on solid defensive foundations.

Two league titles won under George Graham in 1989 and 1991 gave birth to the chant "1-0 to the Arsenal", such was the frequency of that scoreline at the old Highbury.

Yet, Mikel Arteta's current crop have proved even more difficult to breach in setting a new club record after conceding just three times in their opening 11 games of the season in all competitions.

For the second consecutive game, Arsenal did not even concede a single shot on target in grinding out a 1-0 win at Fulham to retake top spot.

"The level of organisation I'm very pleased with, but it's more about the mindset and the willingness to do it," said Arteta.

"The way our front line chases the ball, puts people under pressure, creates chaos there, it's phenomenal."

Once again Arsenal required a set-piece to get the only goal as Leandro Trossard turned in Gabriel Magalhaes' flick-on from a corner.

But they do not need to be prolific in front of goal if they continue to concede at a historically low level.

Our 10th different goalscorer of the Premier League season 😮 pic.twitter.com/ubg0q1WazP

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 19, 2025

BLACK CATS BUCK PROMOTED TREND

Sunderland were languishing in English football's third tier just over three years ago.

Now they are looking down on their Saudi-backed local rivals Newcastle after a dream start to their Premier League return.

The Black Cats have matched their best ever start to a Premier League campaign with 14 points from eight games after beating Wolves 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.

For the past two seasons all three promoted clubs from the Championship have sunk straight back to the second tier.

But a squad overhaul with 14 new signings has put Regis Le Bris' side in position to end that trend.

Relegated trio last season Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich managed just 14 points between them after eight matches last season.

Sunderland's points tally is the best from a promoted side since since Wolves in 2018-19.

Highlights: Sunderland 2-0 Wolves 🍿 pic.twitter.com/oPBJmdvq8n

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 18, 2025

Thomas Frank admitted he had no instant solution for Tottenham's miserable home record after their crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Frank's side took the lead through Rodrigo Bentancur in the fifth minute in north London.

But once again they failed to build on a strong start as Morgan Rogers struck with a superb strike for his first goal in 20 matches to haul Villa level before half time.

Villa substitute Emiliano Buendia curled into the far corner in the 77th minute to leave Tottenham with 11 defeats and only three wins from their last 18 Premier League games on home turf.

Frank, hired from Brentford in the close-season, has overseen two defeats in his first four league fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, adding to the club's dismal record there under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou last term.

Asked if he could explain that poor form, Frank said: "I hope I can! Maybe it is not that simple.

"This is a game that is a draw. A clear draw and we could have easily won it instead of Villa and then it is a different narrative.

"So, I look at the performance on the pitch, we did well and I'll look at the bits we need to improve."

Thomas Frank reflects on defeat against Aston Villa 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/8q5j7lSB97

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 19, 2025

Frank lost captain Cristian Romero in the pre-match warm-up to adductor issue and Mathys Tel finished with his knee wrapped in a heavy bandage as the pair joined Tottenham's long injury list.

Villa's fifth consecutive victory ended Tottenham's seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

But Frank refused to condemn his players after their latest flop in front of their own fans.

"I think we performed quite well. Maybe not through the roof," the Dane said.

"We gave away what eight shots? Not even a cross more or less. Very, very low XG (expected goals) and (Guglielmo) Vicario didn't have a save.

"If you said to me before the game 'they will shoot from there, Rogers and Buendia', from that situation, I would say, 'of course, it's not dangerous', but fantastic quality shot from Rogers.

"In those very little moments, they had more quality in the end."

Liverpool slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in 11 years as Manchester United won 2-1 on Sunday to end their near decade-long wait for victory at Anfield.

Harry Maguire's 84th minute header secured back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time in Ruben Amorim's tenure as United boss.

Twelve minutes from time, Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's opener after just 61 seconds.

Defeat leaves Liverpool four points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table and Arne Slot still searching for answers in how to get the right blend after splashing out nearly £450 million on new players in the transfer market.

United close to within two points of their historic rivals and up to ninth in the table to ease the pressure on Amorim after his biggest win in nearly a year in charge.

"It means everything. They had had the better of us over the last few years and it's not been good for our club," said Maguire.

"We have not given our fans enough days like today, so it has been a long time coming, coming to this ground and picking up three points."

ANOTHER massive Maguire moment 💪 pic.twitter.com/Hc0FWsESI4

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2025

STATE OF FLUX

Liverpool had only lost one of the previous 14 Premier League meetings between the sides and United had not tasted victory at Anfield since the early days of Jurgen Klopp's reign in January 2016.

However, the Reds are in a state of flux after transforming the squad that stormed to the title last season and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July.

After three consecutive defeats for the first time in Slot's reign, Liverpool could barely have imagined a worse start.

Mbeumo sped past Virgil van Dijk with ease before firing past Giorgi Mamardashvili from Amad Diallo's pass after barely a minute.

🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/qtwYptLvwf

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2025

The home side and support were furious that play was not stopped in the build-up after Alexis MacAllister went down with a head injury, inflicted by his own captain Van Dijk.

Slot left £100 million signing Florian Wirtz on the bench for the second consecutive game as he looked in vain to find the right balance between defence and attack.

Gakpo should have levelled for the defending champions when he hit the post from Mohamed Salah's through ball in Liverpool's one flowing move of the first half.

However, it was United who should have been further in front by half-time.

Bruno Fernandes spurned a glorious chance to double the Red Devils' lead when he hit the outside of the post when unmarked from the edge of the area.

At the other end, Senne Lammens was rarely troubled in the first 45 minutes, but produced a big save when called upon to deny Alexander Isak his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool for a British transfer record £125 million.

A Gakpo deflected cross then came back off the post and the Dutchman rattled the woodwork for a third time early in the second half.

DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES 

Slot turned to his near £200 million in forward options off the bench as Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike were introduced on the hour mark to join Salah, Gakpo and Isak in a five-man attack.

Salah has scored more goals than any other player in this fixture, but his lack of form showed in a wild finish to slice wide with just Lammens to beat at the back post.

Liverpool's wealth of attacking talent finally broke the door down when Federico Chiesa, who had replaced Isak moments earlier, drilled in a low cross that Gakpo converted from point blank range.

Gakpo and Chiesa combine to bring us level 👊 pic.twitter.com/0AXpLTlbhR

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 19, 2025

Yet, their defensive frailties meant parity only lasted six minutes as Maguire was left unmarked to head in Fernandes's looping cross.

It's another 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗛 header from Harry Maguire 🤯🎯

📺 Stream #LIVMUN on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/lDItdhSFIU

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Gakpo should still have rescued a point when he headed wide with the goal gaping from Jeremie Frimpong's inviting delivery.

But Liverpool fell to their first league defeat at Anfield in over a year in another blow to their hopes of usurping United with a record 21st English top-flight title.

Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia inspired Aston Villa's fightback to win 2-1 against Tottenham on Sunday as the north Londoners suffered more misery on home turf.

Rodrigo Bentancur put Thomas Frank's side ahead early in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Rogers equalised with a superb strike before the interval and Buendia came off the bench to seal the points in the closing stages.

Aston Villa secure their first away win of the Premier League season 🔐#TOTAVL | #SSPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/PFf8atKZD6

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Tottenham's woeful home form in the Premier League -- 11 defeats and just three wins in 18 league games -- has proved a major issue for Frank since he replaced the sacked Ange Postecoglou in the close-season.

While the majority of those home losses came under Postecoglou last term, Frank's short tenure has produced mixed results at the club's 62,000-seat stadium, with boos audible after a defeat to Bournemouth in August and a 1-1 draw with lowly Wolves last month.

The end of Tottenham's seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions left them in sixth place after the second defeat in Frank's eight league games.

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

Villa have responded to their longest winless start to a season since 1964 with five successive victories, three in the top-flight and two in the Europa League, extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches.

It was especially notable that Villa finally beat a top-four rival away from home after taking just one point from their six trips last season to the English sides currently in the Champions League.

Unai Emery's team are up to 10th place as they try to climb back into the race for Champions League qualification.

Already without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke due to fitness issues, Frank lost captain Cristian Romero to an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

Despite that blow, Tottenham needed just five minutes to take the lead.

Mohammed Kudus's cross was headed back across goal by Micky van de Ven towards Bentancur, who dispatched a clinical finish past Emiliano Martinez from eight yards.

Rodrigo Bentancur strikes in four and a half minutes for the home team 😤🎯

📺 Stream #TOTAVL on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/9EPeQTdbjV

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Bentancur celebrated by shoving the ball under his shirt to create a bump in tribute to his wife, who is pregnant with the couple's second child.

Villa defender Matty Cash blasted just over from the edge of the area as the visitors tried to respond in the driving rain.

Tottenham forward Wilson Odobert threatened with a low drive that Martinez palmed away.

But Rogers hauled Villa level in spectacular fashion after 37 minutes.

The England midfielder's first goal this season was well worth the wait.

Taking aim 20 yards from goal, Rogers unloaded a stunning strike that left Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario grasping at thin air as it curled over his out-stretched arm.

It's a screamer from Morgan Rogers to get the equaliser 😲💥

📺 Stream #TOTAVL on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/dUj66VnD2K

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Odobert's goal-bound rocket was blocked by Ezri Konsa before Martinez denied Joao Palhinha as Tottenham looked to take charge in the second half.

But Mathys Tel joined Tottenham's growing injury list as the forward limped off to have a heavy bandage wrapped around his knee.

Frank's problems were mounting and Villa took full advantage in the 77th minute.

Cash's cross-field pass found Lucas Digne and he teed up Buendia, who whipped a fine finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Off the bench and onto the scoresheet 🤩

Emi Buendía gets Villa's second with less than 10 minutes to go 😲

📺 Stream #TOTAVL on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/tCncD1dPxP

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Randal Kolo Muani, making his Premier League debut, should have rescued Tottenham in stoppage-time, but the on-loan Paris Saint-Germain striker scooped over with the goal at his mercy.

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's 1-0 win against Fulham was an encouraging sign for the Premier League leaders as they ended their recent struggles at Craven Cottage.

Leandro Trossard's close-range finish in the 58th minute secured Arsenal's fifth successive victory in all competitions.

The Gunners are three points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the title race, with champions Liverpool four points behind prior to their clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Arsenal took just one point in their away fixtures at Newcastle and Fulham, and at home to West Ham, last season.

This term they have already recorded nine points from nine in those matches and their victory at Craven Cottage was a first in three visits to the west London club.

Tireless together 🙌 pic.twitter.com/2W0Y0agZXC

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2025

Arteta believes that those wins are a significant statement of intent as Arsenal -- runners-up for the last three seasons -- look to win the title for the first time since 2004.

"The recent history wasn't in our favour and we wanted to change that, like we did against Newcastle and West Ham at home," Arteta said.

"And this is another step to having that mindset and that ability to win these kind of matches against a really good opposition, and a really difficult place to come.

"When the context is 0-0, and the game gets longer and longer, it becomes more difficult. But we showed a lot of maturity. We kept knocking on the door in various ways, and in the end we found a way, with the set-piece to do it, but we deserved it."

In the moments after Trossard's opener, Bukayo Saka looked to have earned a penalty when he was upended on the corner of the area by Fulham substitute Kevin.

Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot but VAR ruled that Kevin touched the ball before taking out Saka.

Arteta, who was visibly frustrated on the touchline, said: "I was getting animated because it was taking so long.

"I asked Anthony 'why it was taking so long'. It was nothing to do with the process, it was just that the screen wasn't working.

"It probably wasn't a penalty so they made the right decision in the end, and I was just animated because of the process."

The only sour note for Arteta was Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres's failure to find the net for a seventh consecutive game.

Signed from Sporting Lisbon in the close-season, Gyokeres is struggling to make an impact in the Premier League after his prolific form for the Portuguese club.

"He was very close again today. We were all begging for him to score," Arteta said.

"The work rate he puts in for the team is phenomenal. We try to give him support and the love, and it will come."

Ange Postecoglou's reign as Nottingham Forest manager was ended after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday as Arsenal remained on top thanks to Leandro Trossard's winner at Fulham.

Another week at the top for @Arsenal 👏 pic.twitter.com/tg5Up9dCgE

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 18, 2025

Postecoglou was sacked after just eight games and 40 days in charge at the City Ground, making his the shortest ever managerial stint in Premier League history.

Forest picked up just one point from the Australian's five league games and were also dumped out of the League Cup by second-tier Swansea.

Club owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat during the match as Chelsea took control in the second half and Postecoglou's fate was confirmed shortly after full-time.

Forest are already looking for their third manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed last month.

Chelsea had to survive an early onslaught before two goals in three minutes early in the second period swung the game in the Blues' favour.

Teenager Josh Acheampong headed in his first senior goal from Pedro Neto's corner.

Neto curled in a free-kick to double Chelsea's lead before Reece James added a third late on to lift the visitors up to sixth in the table.

GET IN!!! 👏🔵#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/r8lyDvEvQy

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025

Defeat saw Forest fall into the relegation zone.

UNSTOPPABLE HAALAND

Arsenal retook top spot from Manchester City thanks to another set-piece goal to edge out Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

Trossard flicked in from a corner just before the hour mark and the Gunners' rock solid defence did the rest with an eighth clean sheet in all competitions already this season.

"It was a tough game for us, especially first half the quality on our side wasn't there," said Trossard. "We picked it up in the second half."

What. It. Means. pic.twitter.com/R3D8YWlV4k

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2025

City remain three points behind the leaders but moved up to second thanks to another double from Erling Haaland to beat Everton 2-0.

After two defeats in their opening three Premier League matches, Pep Guardiola's men are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions.

Haaland proved the match-winner once more with two clinical finishes in five minutes either side of the hour at the Etihad.

He used all of his 1.95-metre (6ft 5in) frame to power in a header from Nico O'Riley's cross to break the deadlock.

Haaland then had a helping hand from Jordan Pickford for his second as the England goalkeeper failed to keep out a low shot to his left.

"Really pleased but we cannot rely on just him, we need other players," said Guardiola on Haaland's form dragging his side into the title race.

"Our delivery of passes has been better and Erling is our key man right now."

Starting the @premierleague season on fire. Again. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/1ezFy3J78u

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 18, 2025

Bournemouth missed out on going top for a few hours after Jean-Philippe Mateta's 97th-minute penalty to complete his hat-trick salvaged a 3-3 draw for Crystal Palace.

Two goals from Eli Junior Kroupi put the Cherries 2-0 up at Selhurst Park at half-time.

Palace lost for the first time in 20 matches in their last outing at Everton.

The Eagles avoided another defeat thanks to the in-form Mateta, who was fresh from scoring his first international goal for France.

Mateta struck twice to level before Ryan Christie turned in Marcus Tavernier's cross in the 89th minute to restore Bournemouth's lead.

However, Andoni Iraola's men were denied another huge win when Mateta stroked home from the spot after want-away Palace captain Marc Guehi was fouled inside the box.

A bittersweet hat-trick for Jean-Philippe Mateta... pic.twitter.com/WCUITzPuHG

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 18, 2025

Newcastle's struggles on the road continued with a 2-1 defeat at Brighton as Danny Welbeck struck twice.

Heyyy, Danny Welbeck... 🎶 pic.twitter.com/aa9nSGmXY6

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 18, 2025

The Magpies have yet to win away in the Premier League this season and slipped to 12th, behind local rivals Sunderland.

The Black Cats climbed up to seventh with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, which left the visitors five points off safety at the bottom of the table.

Burnley climbed out of the bottom three thanks to goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna to beat Leeds 2-0.

Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League as Leandro Trossard sealed a 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.

Belgian forward Trossard bagged his first league goal this season in the second half at Craven Cottage.

That was enough to clinch Arsenal's fifth successive victory in all competitions and extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

What. It. Means. pic.twitter.com/R3D8YWlV4k

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2025

Arsenal were installed as the bookmakers' favourites to win the Premier League after Liverpool's two successive defeats knocked the champions out of pole position.

Manchester City's 2-0 win against Everton earlier on Saturday had taken them briefly above Mikel Arteta's side into first place.

But the north Londoners regained top spot with an efficient if unspectacular performance by the banks of the River Thames.

Arsenal have won six of their eight league matches this season as they chase a first English title since 2004.

Fulham threatened an early opener when Harry Wilson's reverse pass reached Raul Jimenez, but the Mexican's effort was pushed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Pouncing on a misplaced pass by Gabriel Magalhaes, Wilson went close with a curler that flashed just past the far post.

Riccardo Calafiori thought he had given Arsenal the lead against the run of play, but the defender's sweet strike was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.

Wilson almost squeezed a low drive past Raya from the edge of the area before Josh King's cross forced the keeper to tip the ball over his bar.

Running onto Bukayo Saka's pass, Viktor Gyokeres was denied by a good save from Fulham keeper Bernd Leno as the Arsenal striker's goal drought reached seven games.

Calafiori volleyed over from 18 yards and Declan Rice drilled wide on the stroke of half-time.

Trossard's wayward shot from close-range was followed by a goal-line clearance from Timothy Castagne moments later as Arsenal's frustration mounted.

Arteta's men nearly paid for those misses when Wilson lashed a fierce volley narrowly over.

But Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, a noted Arsenal fan, was watching from the stands and the Gunners finally got some satisfaction in the 58th minute.

Arsenal's set-piece prowess proved decisive as Gabriel flicked on Saka's corner and Trossard converted from close-range.

🎶 Trossard again, olé olé 🎶 pic.twitter.com/INXgFJdzDT

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2025

Arsenal have now scored 37 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

The momentum was with the Gunners and Saka slalomed through the Fulham defence for a shot that forced Leno into a smart stop.

Arsenal were denied a penalty when Kevin's challenge on Saka was initially ruled a foul before referee Anthony Taylor had to overturn his decision after VAR showed the Brazilian's tackle made contact with the ball.

Gyokeres scored 97 times in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, but the Swede has just three goals for his new club.

His travails showed no signs of ending as he smashed over with the goal at his mercy, then fired straight at Leno, but Arsenal had already done enough to boost their title charge.

Another week at the top for @Arsenal 👏 pic.twitter.com/tg5Up9dCgE

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 18, 2025

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his side are too reliant on Erling Haaland for goals after the Norwegian scored two more in a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.

The Norwegian has struck 23 times in 13 games for club and country during a blistering start to the season.

Haaland's double took City top of the Premier League, for a few hours at least prior to Arsenal's visit to Fulham.

However, Guardiola is concerned by his side's over-reliance on their number nine.

"Really pleased but we cannot rely on just him, we need other players," said Guardiola.

"Wingers, attacking midfielders. They have to make a step-up and score goals.

Haaland accounts for 11 of the 17 league goals scored by City this season.

A goal-scoring phenom 😤 pic.twitter.com/x5QpZjUS86

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 18, 2025

"We play to provide Erling with quality and passing but other players have to step up. The chances were clear and they have to score," said Guardiola.

"At this level they have to demand themselves. Chances from Savinho and Jeremy (Doku) and Tijjani (Reijnders) -- they have to score. They have to do it otherwise we can't do what we want to do."

City finished a distant third to Liverpool and Arsenal last season as their run of four consecutive titles came to a crashing halt in a trophyless season.

After two defeats in their opening three Premier League matches, Guardiola's men are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and look like title contenders once more thanks to Haaland's form.

"Erling lives for it," added Guardiola. "Our delivery of passes has been better and Erling is our key man right now."

Much has been made of the difficulty for promoted sides in adapting to the Premier League in recent years, but this season's trio have fared much better having accumulated more than double the number of points after eight games as last term.

Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers took them to seventh in the table with 14 points, while Burnley’s victory by the same margin over fellow promoted side Leeds United leaves them on seven points and the Elland Road club one better off.

That collective total of 29 points is in stark contrast to the 14 managed by the promoted clubs after eight games last season.

At the same stage, Leicester City had nine points, Ipswich Town four and Southampton one, with all three ending the campaign with relegation back to the Championship.

Sunderland’s smart acquisitions and steely defence have made them tough to beat. They have conceded six goals in their eight games, the joint third best record in the Premier League.

Having said that, they have not had the toughest of runs, facing only Manchester United so far among the so-called 'Big Six', a game they lost 2-0 at Old Trafford. They did go to Crystal Palace and get a 0-0 draw and held Aston Villa 1-1.

Sunderland's impressive start rolls on 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/BuW7U0sEXI

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 18, 2025

"For me it's just a question of the next game," Sunderland manager Regis le Bris told BBC Sport. "It's a long journey and a tough journey. If we can win points early, it's good for the confidence."

By contrast, Burnley have lost to Tottenham Hotspur (0-3), Manchester United (2-3), Liverpool (0-1) and Manchester City (1-5), so will be pleased to be out of the bottom three after that start.

Burnley defender Kyle Walker says home form is key for his side having lost all four of their away trips this campaign.

"It's a massive win. We all knew that especially when these teams (bottom half teams) come to Turf Moor, we need to turn it into our game. They are coming to our home and we need to take three points,” he said.

Leeds' wastefulness in front of goal has been a scourge for them all season and was again at Turf Moor, but manager Daniel Farke remains positive they will have a good campaign.

"We want to pick up points everywhere and for that we need good performances. We showed that today in many aspects but effectiveness is what's crucial. This is what we need to add to our game."

Danny Welbeck scored late in each half to hand Brighton & Hove Albion a 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Saturday as the 34-year-old rolled back the years with a vintage display of finishing.

Newcastle came into the game having failed to score in any of their away league games so far this season and fell behind when Welbeck put the home side ahead in the 41st minute, latching onto a Georginio Rutter pass and dinking home a beautiful finish.

Brighton almost doubled their lead in the 50th minute as Yankuba Minteh broke down the right and played the ball into the middle, but Yasin Ayari’s attempt was deflected behind for a corner.

Having made two changes at halftime, Newcastle burst into life, but despite plenty of possession in dangerous areas, they continued to struggle to get efforts on target.

They finally got the equaliser in the 76th minute as big summer signing Nick Woltemade scored with a brilliant flicked back-heel from Lewis Miley's centre.

However, Welbeck had other ideas and came to his side's rescue again, snapping up a loose ball and flashing a shot across Nick Pope and into the Newcastle net in the 84th minute to put his side back in front.

The visitors continued to pour forward but Dan Burn, Woltemade and Harvey Barnes were all unable to convert late chances for Newcastle as the Seagulls held on to win.

Danny Welbeck rolls back the years ⚽🙌

📺 Stream #BHANEW on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/i2iDvjqE20

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

The win lifted Brighton above Newcastle and into ninth place on 12 points, while their visitors slipped to 12th in the standings on nine points from eight games.

"It was a very good win and it was very important for us. We've had some results where we've been pushing and not quite got there," Welbeck said.

"We've been ahead here at home and have not got the three points. It was a test of our character today."

Substituted late on, Welbeck shrugged off talk of his age and said he would keep going.

"I love it. I have the passion and love for football. It's what I want to do. I feel good. I feel strong and fit so I won't be stopping soon," he said.

With four goals in five Premier League appearances, Woltemade's arrival at Newcastle has given them a huge boost in the wake of the acrimonious departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, even if they did come up short against Brighton.

"The second half, there was good energy in the game. We scored one goal and it felt like we would win but they played good and scored. That's football sometimes," Woltemade said.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland kept up his torrid scoring pace with two goals in five second-half minutes on Saturday to lift City provisionally top of the table with a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton.

Pep Guardiola's men have 16 points after eight games, before Arsenal and Liverpool, now second and third respectively, play their games this weekend.

Everton dropped to 10th on 11 points.

Man City move to the top of the Premier League 🔵🔝#SSFootball | #MCIEVE pic.twitter.com/9E3ZyXVfJ3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

The 25-year-old Haaland -- who scored in an 11th consecutive game for club and country for a season total of 23 goals -- broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when he leapt to head home Nico O'Reilly's cross from the left.

The Norwegian doubled City's lead five minutes later when he latched onto Savinho's cross and struck a blistering left-foot shot from the middle of the box that was slightly deflected by Everton's James Tarkowski past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Erling Haaland's on fire 🤖🔥

📺 Stream #MCIEVE on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/sotY4G7MZl

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

Haaland was hungry to complete a hat-trick, with three brilliant chances in the dying minutes, with Pickford racing out to save two of them with his legs.

Haaland took the ball around Pickford on the third, but his looping shot from an impossibly tight angle dropped wide of the net.

Haaland shook his head in frustration, while the crowd chanted "Haaland! Haaland!" for his efforts.

City's Phil Foden hailed Haaland for breaking the deadlock, calling the moment "very important".

"We know he's got that quality to time his runs to perfection and be in the right position. If they mark him out of the game he is still capable of scoring and we know he only needs one chance to score.

"He remained very patient, there wasn't a lot of space for him today. And as you can see he is always there for us at the right times, that is the sign of a world class striker."

There was no emotional homecoming for Everton winger Jack Grealish, who was ineligible to face his parent club.

A TV camera showed Grealish at the game, but the absence of the league's joint assist leader was a gaping hole for David Moyes's team.

City, who thoroughly dominated in the second half, had 19 shots to Everton's five, and seven on target to the visitors' one.

Everton squandered a handful of chances. Early in the game Iliman Ndiaye raced down the right side before sending a cross to Beto who slid to just get his foot on the ball but poked it wide.

City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma tipped a long shot from Ndiaye over the bar later in the first half.

Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager on Saturday after his side crashed to a 3-0 defeat by Chelsea -- a brutal end to a reign that lasted just 40 days.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat during through the match at the City Ground in an ominous sign for the Australian and his fate was confirmed shortly after full-time.

"Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect," the club posted on X.

"The club will make no further comment at this time."

Ange Postecoglou departs Nottingham Forest following Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea pic.twitter.com/zX9z9WslwG

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 18, 2025

It is the shortest managerial reign of any permanent Premier League manager to leave a club during the season.

Postecoglou was only appointed on 9 September but has failed to win a single match in his eight games in charge in all competitions.

Forest collected just one point from his five Premier League matches at the helm, leaving the side one point above the relegation zone in 17th spot.

The club are now on the hunt for a third manager this season after Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed last month.

Who do Nottingham Forest turn to next after they parted ways with Ange Postecoglou? 🤔#SSPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/VCGbxXqHke

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

Postecoglou, sacked by Tottenham in June, was defiant at his pre-match press conference on Friday, saying if he is given time at a club it always ends "with me and a trophy".

18 Oct 2025: Ange Postecoglou is sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge.#SSPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/56koV0s08t

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

Last season he won the Europa League with Tottenham, in his second season in charge, though a terrible league campaign cost him his job.

Former Burnley and Everton manager Sean Dyche is reportedly in the frame to be the new boss at Forest.

The Chelsea match was an unhappy final chapter in a miserable reign for Postecoglou, 60.

The home side started brightly against Chelsea but failed to take their chances.

Teenager Josh Acheampong headed the visitors ahead early in the second half before Pedro Neto curled home from a free-kick.

⚽ 49' Josh Acheampong
⚽ 52' Pedro Neto

Chelsea hit Forest with two quick goals to start the second half 🔥

📺 Stream #NFOCHE on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/YydW6yLvoi

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

Captain Reece James made it 3-0 late on to lift Chelsea into fourth spot in the table ahead of the later kick-offs.

GET IN!!! 👏🔵#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/r8lyDvEvQy

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025

Chelsea were without a long list of first-team players including Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile and Enzo Fernandez, while Moises Caicedo started the game on the bench.

But ultimately they were too strong for Forest.

The visitors took the lead when Neto sent in an inviting cross for defender Acheampong, who headed home for his first senior goal in the 49th minute.

Three minutes later Chelsea doubled their lead when Neto curled his free-kick around the wall of red shirts, past the despairing dive of Matz Sels.

Nikola Milenkovic and substitute Igor Jesus failed to take chances for Forest and James scored late to make it 3-0 on his 200th appearance for the club.

That sparked a mass evacuation from the City Ground, leaving Postecoglou pensive on the touchline.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has to find solutions after three consecutive defeats for the Premier League champions, but Sunday's meeting with Manchester United is arguably even more important for Ruben Amorim.

AFP Sport looks at the challenge that faces both managers ahead of the hotly anticipated clash between English football's two most successful clubs.

SLOT'S FIRST CRISIS

The Dutchman made the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp look easy last season as Liverpool won the league with four games to spare, equalling United's record of 20 English top-flight titles.

Only once in Slot's debut campaign did Liverpool suffer back-to-back defeats and that came in exiting the Champions League and losing the League Cup final in March as a gruelling winter schedule took its toll.

The Reds were determined to build from a position of strength, ploughing a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($604 million) into new signings in the transfer window.

Twice Liverpool smashed their own record transfer record for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Yet neither has yet scored a Premier League goal for the Reds and the huge squad overhaul has disrupted last season's well-oiled machine.

Mohamed Salah has looked a shadow of his former self and even attracted criticism for his work rate off the ball in the build-up to Chelsea's late winner two weeks ago.

Despite winning their opening seven games of the season in all competitions, the warning signs were there for Slot.

Ragged performances were papered over by a series of late winners until Liverpool's luck ran out in narrow defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.

Slot's men are just one point behind title rivals Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and with plenty of time to right the ship.

Extending United's winless streak at Anfield beyond a decade could provide the perfect pick-me-up for the champions.

But anything other than victory would raise serious questions over Slot's ability to get the best out of his new group of supremely talented individuals.

AMORIM TO BE SACKED 'SOONER OR LATER'?

Ruben Amorim was handed a stay of execution by a 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break.

United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has even claimed the Portuguese coach has "three years" to prove himself, a statement that even Amorim knows does not wash.

"You know, I know and Jim knows that football is not like that," the former Sporting Lisbon boss said on Friday.

"It's good to feel the support but we need to prove in football, and especially in big clubs, that in every weekend we are ready to win games."

United begin the weekend in 10th place after three defeats in their opening seven league games and still licking their wounds from a shocking League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby.

Despite another expensive summer overhaul of their forward line to the tune of £200 million, there has so far been little sign of progress.

Nearly a year after his appointment, Amorim is yet to win back-to-back Premier League games and has taken just 37 points from 34 league matches.

Ending that barren spell at Anfield would be his biggest win as United manager so far and firm evidence that he is capable of reviving the ailing English giants, even if many believe the writing is already on the wall.

"It (Amorim's sacking), is going to happen sooner or later," former United midfielder Nicky Butt told The Times. "I can't see it turning around."

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim welcomed the backing of co-owner Jim Ratcliffe on Friday but said it did not ease the pressure of needing to turn around his side's fortunes quickly.

Ratcliffe said during the international break that Amorim should be allowed the full three years of his contract to prove himself at Old Trafford despite a tough first year in charge.

Amorim has never won back-to-back Premier League games and has only 10 wins from his first 34 in charge ahead of Sunday's clash against champions Liverpool at Anfield.

That record has left him under pressure, but Ratcliffe, who appointed him last year, offered some reassurance in an interview with The Times last week.

"He tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games – but you know, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that," Amorim said in his news conference on Friday.

"It is really good to hear that, I think it helps our fans understand that the leadership knows it will take a while.

"But, at the same moment, I don't like that because it will give a feeling like we have time to work things out so I don't want that feeling in our club. It's good to feel the support, but we need to show people we are ready to win games. I know it is going to take a while, but I don't want to think like that."

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

United are in 10th place in the table, five points behind Liverpool who have slipped to second after back-to-back Premier League defeats away to Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

A 2-2 draw at Liverpool last season was arguably Amorim's most impressive result since taking charge and there have been other creditable performances against top clubs but the former Sporting coach says that exposes a mentality issue.

"Maybe the expectations, when you have to win and the responsibility of winning it is so much harder," he said.

"When you play in big clubs, you need to win every game. We have difficulties sometimes to play with that responsibility. Maybe when Manchester United are not expected to win, it is easier for the players to perform but we need to change that."

Few will expect them to win at Anfield on Sunday for the first time since 2016 in what is the 100th clash between the old rivals at Liverpool's ground, even if Liverpool are on a run of three defeats in all competitions.

"It is one more game we need to prove again that we are playing better," Amorim said. "We need to be better in both boxes. It's one more game that we need to win."

Lisandro Martinez is not yet ready to return as he recovers from a knee injury, while Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful.

Tottenham Hotspur's France striker Randal Kolo Muani is in contention to make his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on Sunday, but an ankle injury has sidelined midfielder Yves Bissouma for weeks, manager Thomas Frank said.

Kolo Muani, who joined Spurs on loan from Paris St Germain last month, has missed the last five games with a "dead leg", while Bissouma suffered an ankle ligament problem playing for Mali in this month's World Cup qualifiers.

"Kolo Muani has trained now for two weeks with the team, so that's good. He looks better and better. He will be in contention for the squad ... so that's positive," Frank told reporters on Friday.

“Biss unfortunately had a situation with the national team, I think everyone saw that, unfortunately, so he got a ligament injury to his ankle. That’ll keep him out for weeks.”

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

Striker Dominic Solanke is also still sidelined with an ankle issue, having had minor surgery last month.

“Dom has progressed well after the surgery. (He has) been on the pitch ... he's progressing and he's going forward, so that's good," Frank said.

Spurs are without seven injured players, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai.

 

Thomas Frank has provided injury updates on Bissouma, Solanke and Kolo Muani in today's press conference 🗣️

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 17, 2025

 

The Europa League winners are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions and sit third in the Premier League table on 14 points, two points below leaders Arsenal.

Villa are 13th on nine points from seven games.

However, former Brentford manager Frank has failed to beat Unai Emery's Villa in his five league matches against them, suffering three losses.

"What Unai has done in his career is amazing, what he's created at Villa is fantastic. They almost qualified for the Champions League again," Frank said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Nottingham Forest's embattled manager Ange Postecoglou defended his early tenure on Friday, insisting that patience will be rewarded with silverware just as it was at his previous clubs.

The under-pressure Australian has overseen a dismal start since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo last month, with Forest winless in seven games and plummeting from fifth to 17th in the Premier League table.

But Postecoglou, speaking at length about his situation, rejected the narrative that he is a "failed manager" and painted an alternative picture of his recent stint at Tottenham Hotspur.

"From my perspective, I just don't fit. If you look at it through the prism of I'm a failed manager that's lucky to get this job... then it looks like this manager is under pressure. There is an alternate story," Postecoglou told reporters.

"I came to the Premier League two years ago, I took over 'Spursy' Tottenham. I was told by the chairman this club has to win a trophy. 'We tried to bring winners in, Jose (Mourinho) and Antonio (Conte), it hasn't worked, we need something different.'

'I SEE MYSELF AS A WINNER'

"I was slightly offended, I see myself as a winner... We finished fifth in my first year... But somehow that year has disappeared from the record books."

Last season, Postecoglou sacrificed Spurs' Premier League form and put all eggs in the Europa League basket, eventually guiding them to the title and Champions League qualification.

"We win a trophy, we shed the tag of being 'Spursy'. It's Champions League football, which brings some rewards, opportunity to bring better players. But all I've heard since I finished at Tottenham is that we finished 17th last year," he added.

"If you look at that, then yeah, I'm a failed manager... Maybe I'm a manager that, if you give me time, the story ends the same – at all my previous clubs – with a trophy.

"I am trying to change the way we play. The players are adapting, but there's been inconsistency in there for sure. But some will look at the weeds, I will look at what's growing."

'BAD DECISION' TO FIND AN APARTMENT

Postecoglou said there would always be pressure, even if he wins his first game at Forest on Saturday when they host Chelsea in the early kickoff.

"There's a difference between pressure and saying that somebody should lose their job after five weeks. I mean, I only just found an apartment to move into, which may be a bad decision on my behalf," he said.

"I should have stayed in temporary digs. That's how early it is. So there's a difference.

"The pressure's there, it's always there. Pressure is part of managing at this level and we're all judged by our results. And at the moment, the results are suggesting I'm not doing a good job."

While admitting the constant scrutiny also affects his squad, Postecoglou praised his players' response during his short tenure.

"Again, it's just something we have to deal with and try and insulate the players from. As I said, they've been great since I've come in," he said.

"But I guess all that stuff is not helpful. I'm sure they read the same stuff that everyone else does."

As the Premier League cranks back into action after the international break, the jury is still out on the impact of some of the most expensive close-season signings.

Here is a look at how eight of them have fared so far.

HUGO EKITIKE (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool, 69 million pounds ($92.64 million))

France forward Ekitike's arrival at Liverpool was overshadowed by the club's summer-long pursuit of Alexander Isak, but he has arguably been the champions' best player so far.

Showing a coolness in front of goal and the energy to win the ball back in dangerous areas, Ekitike has three goals and one assist in six Premier League games.

The only blemish was a red card for celebrating a League Cup goal against Southampton by removing his shirt.

JOAO PEDRO (Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea, 60 million pounds)

The 24-year-old Brazilian has two goals and three assists in his first seven Premier League games.

After his goals helped power Chelsea to the Club World Cup title, he has taken that momentum into the new season with his adaptability and 'problem-solving' impressing coach Enzo Maresca.

Happy anywhere across the front line, Joao Pedro has given Chelsea plenty of attacking options.

MOHAMMED KUDUS (West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur - 55 million pounds)

After a disappointing final season at West Ham, there were doubts when Tottenham signed the Ghana winger, but he has rediscovered his spark and already made a big impact.

Kudus made two assists on his debut against Burnley and already has a league-leading four.

He also scored the winner last time out at Leeds United and it will be interesting to see what manager Thomas Frank does when Swede Dejan Kulusevski returns from injury.

FLORIAN WIRTZ (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool - 100 million pounds, plus 16 million in potential bonuses)

Liverpool broke their transfer record to sign the Germany playmaker, only to break it again to buy Alexander Isak.

So far, Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League and, while there have been flashes of the ability that saw him score 57 goals and make 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen, he has been disappointing.

After no goals or assists in seven Premier League appearances, manager Arne Slot will hope he finds his groove soon and ignites Liverpool's season.

ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle United to Liverpool - 125 million pounds)

After missing the beginning of the season as he held out for his dream move to Liverpool, Isak has lacked sharpness.

He has only started two Premier League games and is yet to score a league goal for the Reds, although most observers expect him to improve soon once he achieves full match fitness.

A goal against Manchester United this weekend would be the perfect way to announce himself to the Kop.

BENJAMIN SESKO (Leipzig to Manchester United - 76 million pounds)

United fans were excited about the arrival of the 22-year-old Slovenian, but the initial reaction was mixed as he struggled in a struggling team and some suggested United may have fallen into the same trap as their ill-fated signing of Rasmus Hojlund.

But goals in successive Premier League games before the international break hint at better things to come once he connects with fellow new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting to Arsenal - 55 million pounds plus around 8 million pounds in add-ons)

Arsenal's impressive start to the campaign has rather glossed over the Swede's underwhelming start. He has three Premier League goals but has not scored in his last six games.

Manager Mikel Arteta says he is not concerned but will need goals from the player expected to be the out-and-out striker the club was missing in previous seasons.

NICK WOLTEMADE (VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle - 69 million pounds)

The loss of Isak and missing out on Ekitike has been softened by the form of the towering 23-year-old, who has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances as well as netting in the Champions League against Union St-Gilloise.

Early indications are that he could become the latest fan favourite on Tyneside.

Manchester City will be without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri when they host Everton in Saturday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed in a blow to the team's efforts to maintain momentum in the title race.

The midfielder, who missed most of last season recovering from a major knee injury, limped off in the first half of City's 1-0 win over Brentford on October 5, and then withdrew from the Spain squad ahead of the international break.

"No news. He (Rodri) is not ready for tomorrow," Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "I don't know when he will be back."

City are fifth, three points off leaders Arsenal through seven games, with Everton a further two points back in eighth.

 

Guardiola did have some good news with the return of full back Rayan Ait-Nouri and forward Omar Marmoush to full training. Neither has featured since the end of August due to injuries.

"Much, much better, they are close to come back," he said.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic could feature for the first time since Achilles tendon surgery last season after he played for Croatia in their World Cup qualifying win over Gibraltar.

"He needs to give us quality moments, quality time and quality minutes. Step-by-step but it's important he's back," Guardiola said.

There will be no emotional return to The Etihad for winger Jack Grealish, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Guardiola heaped praise on Grealish, who has been brilliant for Everton since he left City on a loan deal, sharing the league lead in assists with Tottenham Hotspur's Mohammed Kudus.

"His impact has been massive since day one," Guardiola said of Grealish's form at Everton. "He is playing well — it's what he wanted. The position we have with him, he is a lovely unbelievable guy but he didn't play for us for different reasons. He is back to real business. He is playing every game."

 

Manager's Preview:

🆚 Everton (H)
🏆 @PremierLeague
🎙️ @PepTeam
⤵️ Watch live

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 17, 2025

 

City striker Erling Haaland has set a blistering pace, scoring 21 goals for club and country this season, including a hat-trick in Norway's 5-0 win over Israel in World Cup qualifying.

Guardiola, however, cautioned against expecting perfection every week from the 25-year-old.

"He's doing really well right now. But you cannot sustain this level always," the manager said. "When he's going to drop, I'll be there. We'll be there. We just have to sustain his levels.

"To go to the World Cup in the United States - for him and Norway, it's really, really nice and important."

Norway, who top Group I, could qualify next month for the 2026 World Cup in North America. They lead Italy by three points with a far better goal difference and two games left.