Arsenal have avoided an alarming stat stretching to a tenth game as they began 2025 in the perfect manner.
Mikel Arteta‘s side picked up a big three points as they overcame Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
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Arsenal picked up a big three points away to BrentfordCredit: Getty
It was Brentford who stole a surprise lead in the 13th minute as Bryan Mbeumo scored his ninth goal at home in the Premier League this season.
With the Bees ahead, it left the Gunners with an uphill battle to work their way back into the contest.
History was not on Arsenal’s side either, as they had failed to win their last nine away league games whenever the opposition had scored first.
Thankully for Arteta’s side, that worrying run did not extend to a tenth game.
Gabriel Jesus netted the equaliser for the Gunners in the 29th minute to spark jubilant scenes in the away end.
The Brazilian was on his toes to nod home the rebound after Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made an impressive stop to deny Thomas Partey from range.
Jesus’ goal was his sixth in his last four games for the Gunners across all competitions.
The tally matched Jesus’ haul from his previous 48 games for the club, emphasising the impressive form he’s enjoyed of late.
Arsenal then ripped the contest away from Brentford with two strikes in the space of three minutes early in the second half.
Mikel Merino found himself in the right place at the right time as Brentford failed to clear their lines from a cross, smashing home from close range after the ball pin-balled around inside the hosts’ 18-yard box.
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Martinelli notched his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign against the BeesCredit: AFP
Gabriel Martinelli added Arsenal’s third in the 53rd minute when Brentford once again could not deal with a cross.
The Bees defended Ethan Nwaneri’s whipped ball into the box but it landed straight at Martinelli, who controlled the ball before unleashing an unstoppable volley.
Martinelli’s strike was his third in his last three away starts for Arsenal and helped to give Arteta’s side some needed breathing space against Brentford.
Arsenal’s third goal sucked the life out of the Brentford fans and the team, who simply could not handle the visitors changing gears.
The win lifted Arsenal back up to second in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest in the process.
However, they remain six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over the Gunners.
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Arteta and his stars were all smiles having moved back up to second in the tableCredit: AFP
As for Brentford, the loss extended their winless run to a fifth match and was their second-consecutive defeat at home having previously been unbeaten all season long.
Despite the defeat, the Bees remain 12th on 24 points.
Thomas Frank’s side have a golden chance to snap their winless run when they travel to last-placed Southampton on January 4.
Arsenal are also in action on the same day as they make the trip down south to Brighton, who are in the midst of a run of seven games without a win.
Gabriel Jesus’ last six games for Arsenal
December 11 vs AS Monaco (Champions League): Assist
December 14 vs Everton (Premier League): N/A
December 18 vs Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup): Three goals
December 21 vs Crystal Palace (Premier League): Two goals
The Premier League has clarified why Brighton’s Joao Pedro avoided a red card despite attempting to elbow an opponent during a 0-0 draw with Brentford.
Pedro looked to race away from Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk, but the Bees midfielder had other ideas and pulled his rival back by grabbing onto his jersey.
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Pedro tried to elbow Yarmolyuk but avoided a red card
Evidently frustrated at not being able to get away from Yarmolyuk, Pedro threw an elbow in his rival’s direction but missed him entirely.
The match was stopped by referee Andy Madley to give Yarmolyuk, who had entered the contest just three minutes prior to the foul, a yellow card.
But he was quickly told to delay the game by Chris Kavanagh, who was in charge of VAR for the fixture.
Replays confirmed Pedro had indeed thrown a vicious elbow in the direction of Yarmolyuk.
However, Pedro escaped any punishment as the VAR deemed it was not a red card offence.
The Premier League Match Centre on X soon clarified why Pedro was not sent off.
“The referee’s call of no red card to Joao Pedro for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed the referee’s call was not clear and obviously wrong,” the post read.
On Amazon Prime’s broadcast of the match, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg explained that the incident could not be deemed violent conduct as Pedro’s elbow never made contact with Yarmolyuk.
Had Pedro received a red card, it would have been his first since joining the Seagulls in May 2023.
Pedro avoiding a red card was not the only refereeing decision Brighton benefited from.
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Yoane Wissa thought he’d handed Brentford the lead, only for VAR to rule it outCredit: Getty
In the first half, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa had the ball in the back of the net after Mads Roerslev had squared it from the right flank.
The linesman’s flag remained down for the goal, but VAR would unfortunately spoil the celebrations as the check confirmed Wissa had timed his run a fraction too early.
Brentford’s game plan was briefly thrown into disarray when starting goalkeeper Mark Flekken was forced to come off with an injury in the 36th minute.
It meant Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson would make his Premier League debut.
Luckily for the Bees, Valdimarsson oozed composure as he helped the visitors secure their first clean sheet since November 23.
For Brighton, the 0-0 result extended their winless run to a sixth-straight game, with four of those matches ending in draws.
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Hakon Valdimarrson is congratulated by his Brentford teammates after keeping a clean sheet on debutCredit: Getty
The result leaves the Seagulls sitting in 10th on 26 points, while Brentford sit one place below on 24 points.
talkSPORT understands that Southampton are set to appoint Ivan Juric as their new manager to replace Russell Martin.
The Croatian is a free agent after he was sacked by Roma in November after a 3-2 loss at home to Bologna, a game in which the club’s ultras walked out of at half time to show their distaste for the boss.
The Saints have long tracked Juric, and he had been under consideration to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl two years ago.
Juric is in England today to speak to Southampton.
He lasted just three months at Roma after he was picked to replace Daniele De Rossi.
If he is to be made the Saints new boss, he will hope to last longer.
Pressers, pressers, pressers
It’s Friday, which means there are lots of Premier League press conferences.
Arne Slot and Eddie Howe have already been speaking to the media, and we’ll have news from them soon, while later on, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will be among those to be speaking to the media.
Of course, there is plenty for Guardiola to talk about after City lost the Manchester derby 2-1, while Arteta will most likely speak about his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final draw against Newcastle and the title race.
We will also hear from new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira.
Marc Cucurella will do anything to win the ball, anything to win the game even, and he did it through fair means and foul here at Stamford Bridge against Brentford.
He was man of the match and sent off. He was goalscorer and goal preventer. When you have players as committed to defeating the opposition as Cucurella then Chelsea must be considered in the Premier League title race, especially as their A-team benefits from being rested in Europe.
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Cucurella scored against Brentford and his workrate epitomised Chelsea’s credentials as title contendersCredit: Getty
“We’ve got our Chelsea back,” Chelsea fans chanted as Liverpool and Arsenal supporters watched from afar. It’s still early days but they certainly have some of that old winning mentality back.
Only the rash would compare them to fine Chelsea sides of old but there was a togetherness that echoed some of the more successful sides at the Bridge.
There was a will to win that defined those sides, and was embodied by Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill. Supporters here have been singing about getting their Chelsea back for a couple of weeks but their chorus carried more intensity and belief.
Cucurella could win awards for most effective, most determined, most athletic and most annoying player of the weekend. His heat map resembled a line of fire along the left.
The 26-year-old was everywhere up and down that flank, racing back and forth, even scoring Chelsea’s first. Three minutes from time, Cucurella even threw himself through the air to beat Bryan Mbeumo to the ball in central midfield. He also did everything to run down the clock during the seven added minutes.
He fouled Fabio Carvalho to prevent an attack and eat up a few seconds. He made two vital clearances and then very deliberately and cynically stayed down after an innocuous challenge by Sepp van den Berg. As 3,000 Brentford fans booed, the moody Blue climbed to his feet, bravely recovered, and saw out the final few seconds. His celebrations were understandably pretty wild at the final whistle, but then childish as he argued with Schade, and received a second yellow. He’s now suspended for Everton away.
They will miss him. His mentality, however graceless at times, is why Chelsea have to be considered contenders for the title, even if everyone here says publicly they are still evolving, and to give them another season before being deemed genuine candidates. Nonsense. If Arsenal are rightly considered still in the frame, then so must Chelsea be, and Chelsea have a centre-forward.
Nicolas Jackson and company are four points clear of Arsenal and only two points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Chelsea have quality in reserve, and are able to bring on the prolific Christopher Nkunku for Jackson. Pedro Neto was suspended but Noni Madueke stepped up and, following a slow start, was an influence.
There is a returning buzz about the Bridge. Chelsea fans are loving the maturity and menace of their football.
Chelsea were patient in breaking down Brentford, who were 5-4-1 out of possession, occasionally a back-six with Christian Norgaard dropping into the back-line. Chelsea stayed calm, and looked to stretch the visitors.
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Cucurella was everywhere for Chelsea – scoring a goal, preventing on and being a general menace
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Sancho is another thriving under Maresca’s style of playCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca’s wingers, Jadon Sancho and slowly Madueke, provided some of the width but it was really his full-backs who caused Brentford most problems.
Maresca’s tactics place huge demands on his full-backs, defending and attacking. Immediately, they pushed up, the right-sided Malo Gusto delivering a cross that Jackson headed wide with Cucurella closeby hunting scraps.
All the talk was of the two leading scorers in the Premier League perhaps sharing a goalfest but the defences impressed. Ethan Pinnock again excelled for Brentford, who held out well for 42 minutes. But here was another reason why there should be confidence at the Bridge for sustained involvement in the title race.
Colwill continued to confirm what an important and improving centre-back he is for Chelsea. He read danger, calmly stepping in front of Mbuemo to intercept, and throwing himself into a block to deny Mikkel Damsgaard. Tosin Adarabioyo saw off a ground attack from Yoane Wissa, then leapt to deal with a Pinnock long throw special.
Chelsea deserved the lead, created by Madueke’s cross from the right and finished by Cucurella, who simply wanted to reach the ball more than Mads Roerslev. And then it was back to Chelsea’s defence catching the eye.
Robert Sanchez has been seen as a weak link but he commanded his area well here, catching Mbuemo’s free-kick. He varied his distribution well, confusing Brentford. He drilled a long ball down the middle to Jackson, then played the next one short to Cucurella, earning a thumbs up from Maresca. Sanchez tipped over Damsgaard’s volley and was then relieved when Carvalho’s effort hit the bar.
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Chelsea’s win kept them on course in their quest to win another league titleCredit: Getty
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Maresca’s Blues must be considered as title contenders now
Chelsea played rope-a-dope, absorbing Brentford’s combinations, then hitting on the counter. Jackson raced 60 yards down the inside-right channel, ignoring the option of Cole Palmer on the left, before sliding the ball between Mark Flekken and his upright.
There were a few nerves when Schade sent Mbeumo through and he neatly placed his finish low past Sanchez. But Cucurella simply closed the game down.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was given two yellow cards in a matter of minutes to be dismissed after their 2-1 win over Brentford.
Cucurella was sent off by referee Peter Bankes after the full-time whistle, meaning he will miss the Blues’ trip to Everton next Sunday.
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Cucurella scored and was sent off in Chelsea’s win over BrentfordCredit: Getty
He will be available to face Shamrock Rovers in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, though.
Cucurella can then return to league action against Fulham on Boxing Day.
Prior to stoppage time, Cucurella had not even been cautioned by Bankes before a manic three minutes ensued for the defender.
After being booked for a foul on Fabio Carvalho, he was shown a second yellow at full-time.
Cucurella’s second booking came for a shove on Bees forward Kevin Shade as he received his first Premier League red card.
The PGMOL said in a statement: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca commented on the sending-off post-match and revealed what officials told him.
“I didn’t see the second yellow card,” Maresca admitted.
“The referee said the second yellow card was for bad attitude. There are things we can do better.”
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The Spaniard was shown a second yellow card after full-timeCredit: Getty
The red card followed Cucurella’s first goal of the season to open the scoring in the closing stages of the first half.
That strike was also the 26-year-old’s first Premier League goal for Chelsea in his 60th league appearance.
Meanwhile, it was his first in the competition since scoring for Brighton against Manchester United in May 2022.
Maresca was impressed with his left-back’s goal and performance, saying: “It’s all about the position. You have to be in the right position and if you are you’ll have a chance.
“We worked with Marc in this game to arrive and be in the right position. We are very happy.
“It’s not something normal because he’s not a big full-back. We worked in the week for this kind of solution and we’ve been lucky.”
Nicolas Jackson was the scorer of the second for Chelsea before Bryan Mbuemo pulled a goal back for Brentford.
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Maresca’s side are now well in the title race after closing the gapCredit: Getty
The win sees the Blues close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points.
However, the Reds have a game in hand following last weekend’s postponement of the Merseyside derby.
Nicolas Jackson stunned fans with a shocking miss during Chelsea’s win over Brentford.
The Blues secured a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Jackson ending up getting the decisive goal, to move two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
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Jackson somehow missed from here
However, Enzo Maresca’s side could have had a more comfortable evening had Jackson not spurned a golden chance in the second half.
The forward had been picked out in the middle by Jadon Sancho, who cut the ball back after driving to the byline.
With the goal gaping, Jackson’s wayward effort soared over the crossbar to the dismay of Chelsea supporters on social media.
Reacting to the miss, one fan wrote: “Nicolas Jackson with the miss of the season.”
Another added: “Jackson, how did you miss that?”
A third supporter also commented: “Jackson you simply cannot be missing that.”
Meanwhile, one more said: “Bad miss by Jackson. Crazy!”
Fortunately for Jackson, he made up for his miss later in the half by doubling the home side’s lead.
The Senegalese international rounded off a flowing Chelsea break after being set up by Enzo Fernandez.
Jackson now has nine goals in 15 Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.
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Jackson spooned the effort over the bar with the goal at his mercy
Despite a late Bryan Mbuemo strike, the home side held on to claim all three points.
The win also sees his side close the gap to Liverpool following their draw on Saturday.
Chelsea now sit just two points behind the Reds but have played a match more than their title rivals.
As a result, the Blues could find themselves top of the table with a win at Everton next Sunday.
A ‘very disappointed’ Bruno Guimaraes claimed Newcastle were a ‘mess’ as they slumped to a 4-2 loss against Brentford.
The fixture began in explosive fashion as both teams scored twice inside the opening 32 minutes.
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Newcastle’s winless run extended to a fourth game with a 4-2 loss to BrentfordCredit: Getty
Brentford‘s second goal was certainly from a Newcastle perspective, as Harvey Barnes carelessly passed the ball straight to Yoanne Wissa, who gleefully drove at the Magpies backline before firing past Nick Pope.
Barnes atoned for his error by scoring the equaliser, but Newcastle could not match Brentford in the second half as goals from Nathan Collins and Kevin Schade wrapped up the three points.
Collins’ goal came from a free-kick lumped forward by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken while Sandro Tonali’s soft turnover led to Schade’s strike, underlining how easily the Magpies gave up goals.
The loss was Newcastle’s fifth of the season and extended their winless run to a fourth game as they sit 12th on the ladder.
It also continued the Magpies’ poor away form this term, having won on the road just twice.
Speaking to Newcastle’s in-house media team after the contest, Guimaraes opened on his frustrations at the defeat as Eddie Howe‘s side slipped further away from the European spots.
“But the second [half], we became a mess. After the third goal, we lost our way, we lost control. We became a mess on the pitch. Very disappointed.”
Worryingly for Newcastle, the four goals shipped against Brentford made it seven goals conceded in two games after the club’s pulsating 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Played in front of a raucous St. James’ Park, Newcastle appeared to have turned a corner with an impressive performance against the league leaders.
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Guimaraes was brutal in his assessment of Newcastle’s performance against BrentfordCredit: @NUFC on X
But the Bees brought out the worst in Howe’s side, sparking serious questions about a defence that just two seasons ago conceded only 33 league goals across the entire campaign, eight more than they have this term after 15 games.
However, Guimaraes does not believe it’s a problem isolated just to the backline.
“We have been conceding a lot this season,” Guimaraes said.
“We’ve got Champions League and we didn’t concede as much as we have.
“This is not a problem about just the defence. It’s a problem for the midfield, a problem for the attack. It’s the team’s problem.
“We have to stop this. But our season, being honest, has been very, very disappointing.”
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Howe has a big job on his hands to fix Newcastle’s recent defensive woesCredit: Getty
Howe also pulled no punches in his assessment of his team’s performance and bemoaned the string of individual errors that ultimately proved costly.
“That’s the frustration, because before that we looked tight at the back, the issues were at the other end of the pitch,” Howe said.
“Now we’ve scored five in two games and looked a really good attacking team, some of our attacking work was really strong today.
“Lo and behold we then we go and concede seven in two games from nowhere really. It’s difficult to work out because structurally we’ve been fine but there were a lot of individual errors today.
“We’ve got work to do in a lot of different areas. There’s a very good team in there, I’ve got no doubts, but we haven’t shown it consistently enough, we haven’t delivered it anywhere near enough for my liking.
“A period of reflection and a period of work, then we’ll try to fight back.”
Pep Guardiola reacts to ‘harsh’ Rico Lewis red card in Man City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace
Howe and his Newcastle side will hope to have found a solution to their defensive woes in time for their next fixture on December 14 as they host Leicester City.
Ruben Amorim’s honeymoon period at Manchester United may be over as he slipped to a worrying feat.
Amorim oversaw United’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, which condemned him to back-to-back losses for just the second time in his managerial career.
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Ruben Amorim has now lost back-to-back fixtures in charge of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
One of Amorim’s key men was partly to blame for the result, as he was one of a number of individuals named in talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy’s winners and losers from Saturday’s action.
Winners
Jhon Duran
Jhon Duran was handed a rare start for Aston Villa and he made the most of it, as his goal proved to be the winner against Southampton.
The Colombian proved to be a menace for the Saints’ backline and will hope to retain his spot in the starting lineup for Villa’s Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
“He deserves to be in the winners this week,” Cundy said.
“He takes his time, bides his time and I know he wasn’t happy a couple of weeks ago when he got pulled off in the Champions League but he got the all-important goal.
“Villa weren’t great today, I thought that Southampton might have got something but Southampton are only heading one way.”
Frank Lampard
Granted, Frank Lampard‘s achievement may not have been part of the Premier League action, but it can’t go unnoticed.
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Lampard secured his first win as Coventry City bossCredit: Getty
The 46-year-old picked up his first win as Coventry City manager and did it against Millwall at The Den.
Coventry’s win also consigned Millwall to an unwanted 116-year first as it was the first time the latter had lost four-straight league games to the Sky Blues since they first faced off in 1908.
Given Lampard’s West Ham and Chelsea ties, it makes the historic defeat all the more brutal.
“Well done on his first win,” Cundy said.
“I think he’s unbeaten so far as Coventry manager and they go up to the dizzy heights of 14th and just 10 off those play-off places.
“He needed that and Millwall away, it’s a horrible place to go.”
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Will Lampard be able to lead Coventry on a play-offs charge?Credit: Getty
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Mbeumo and Wissa have a combined tally of 18 Premier League goalsCredit: Getty
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa
One of the most lethal double acts in the Premier League were at it again.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa both got on the scoresheet in Brentford’s 4-2 win over Newcastle, with the former providing the assist for Kevin Shade’s 90th-minute strike.
With their goals, Mbeumo and Wissa took their Premier League tally to nine each.
“Brentford at home, of course they win and of course they score loads of goals,” Cundy said.
“I’m kind of torn between Mbeumo and Wissa, so I’ll give it as a collective.
Troy Deeney URGES Eddie Howe to win a trophy & elevate English managers to elite status
“I like the pair of them – Mbeumo, I’m a big fan and if he carries on doing what he’s doing then the big dogs will be looking at him.
“He’s definitely on the radar.”
Losers
Rob Jones
Referee Rob Jones was the man who gave Rico Lewis his marching orders during Manchester City’s draw with Crystal Palace.
Lewis received a second yellow for a tackle on Palace’s Trevoh Chalobah, but replays showed it was the latter who appeared to make first contact.
Given it was a second yellow and not a straight red, the decision could not be reviewed by VAR.
Upon seeing Lewis’ red card during the match, Cundy said: “The Rico Lewis second yellow card, I’m not having it mate. Okay. I’m not having it.
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Jones made the controversial decision to send Lewis off against Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
“I’ll tell you what, if football really wants to move down the track of improving VAR – this has bugged me for a while – a second yellow card for a red, why it cannot be looked at by VAR?
“It is an absolute mystery.”
So it should come as no surprise Jones found his way into Cundy’s losers.
“I’m throwing a ref in there, mate,” Cundy said.
“I’m throwing Rob Jones in there.
“It’s just such a terrible decision.”
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Lewis’ second yellow card has sparked a massive debate about VARCredit: Premier League productions
Eddie Howe
The criticism is coming thick and fast for Howe as Newcastle’s winless streak extended to a fourth game with the 4-2 loss to Brentford.
Newcastle’s defeat also left them five points off the top six, not an insurmountable gap but one Toon fans won’t be overly pleased with.
“I don’t care what you say, he is under pressure,” O’Hara said.
“They’re 12th in the table.”
Cundy replied: “Under pressure seems harsh. OK, he’s under pressure. He’s under the spotlight.
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Can Howe turn Newcastle around, or is the season starting to slip away?Credit: Getty
“People are looking at him and waiting to see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
“When you’re under the spotlight, you’re under pressure. It’s Eddie watch.”
Andre Onana
The Manchester United goalkeeper was a late inclusion, but given his calamitous error against Nottingham Forest, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.
Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White took a shot from the edge of the box and it went straight in the direction of Onana.
However, Onana misread the direction of Gibbs-White’s shot as he fell over to his right.
It proved to be a costly action as Forest recorded a 3-2 win.
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Onana had a moment to forget against Nottingham ForestCredit: Sky Sports
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The United goalkeeper’s howler proved to be costly
“He’s going in – what was he doing?” Cundy said.
“He dives the opposite way and falls into his own goal with the ball.
“He’s about three feet away from it in the end.
O’Hara said: “It’s one of the worst saves I’ve ever seen – it wasn’t even a save because he missed the ball.”
On the flipside of the result at Old Trafford, Chris Wood’s winner cemented him as Forest’s all-time Premier League goalscorer, with a tally of 25.
Aston Villa earned their first clean sheet in eight games with the 1-0 win over Southampton.
Mbeumo and Wissa’s brilliance inspired Brentford’s 4-2 win over Newcastle, with the four-goal haul placing the Bees as the league’s equal-top goalscorers.
There was also meant to be the small matter of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, but the fixture was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
Thrilling derbies, historic moments, two hat-tricks and an injury time equaliser.
It was yet another wild Saturday of action which saw 21 goals scored across five matches.
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Arsenal thrashed West Ham on Saturday evening to move up to secondCredit: AFP
And that’s not including Friday night’s controversial south coast derby between Brighton and Southampton.
Moving onto Saturday’s 3pm action, and Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert created Premier League history.
He became the first player to ever score a hat-trick of penalties in the Cherries’ 4-2 win away at Wolves.
Meanwhile Brentford striker Kevin Schade became the fourth German player to score a Premier League treble.
He proved to be the star of the show in the Bees’ comeback 4-1 win over Leicester, which saw new Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy watching on from the stands.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace equalised at the death against Newcastle at Selhurst Park with Daniel Munoz cancelling out Marc Guehi’s own goal.
And Chris Wood brought up his ninth league goal of the season in Nottingham Forest’s win over Ipswich.
Finally, Arsenal beat West Ham 5-2 in Saturday evening’s London derby, which saw a record-equalling seven goals scored in the first half.
Mikel Arteta‘s side also become the first team in Premier League history to score 60 away goals at a single tournament.
Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from the weekend’s action so far on the Game-Day Phone-In…
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Wood continues to bang in the goals for Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
Winners
Justin Kluivert
The Dutchman scored two spot-kicks in the first half, before making history with his third in the second period.
It’s been 67 years since a player in the top-flight has scored three penalties in the same match, with ex-Chelsea defender Cundy left almost speechless by his feat.
He said: “It’s not often you see history being made in the Premier League, especially at this stage when you think of the history of how long the Premier League has been alive.
“But the first player ever to score a hat-trick of penalties, and I believe I’m right in mentioning Evanilson is the first player ever to win a hat-trick of penalties in the same game.
“He must be fuming he’s not on pens, but you know what? It’s all about taking it, so congratulations to Kluivert.”
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Kluivert proved to be Bournemouth’s hero against Wolves
Daniel Munoz
The Colombian right-back missed a sitter in the first half, but made amends by rescuing a point for the Eagles in dramatic fashion with his header too hot for Nick Pope to keep out.
His mess from point-blank range led former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara to say: “He was going to be on our losers!”
Cundy then remarked: “He missed a chance, wait until you see this, he’s at the back post, it’s on his left foot, goal gaping, comes off the end of his toe, he doesn’t get good contact, if he hits the target it’s a goal.
“But he misses the post, and you think to yourself, ‘Is he going to be in the losers?’
“Well no, he manages with the last header of the game pretty much to get himself out of the losers and into the winners.”
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Munoz wheeled away in delight after helping Palace rescue a point for Palace against NewcastleCredit: Getty
Kevin Schade
The 23-year-old scored his first Premier League goals of the season against the Foxes having failed to find the back of the net in the previous 12 matches this term.
Schade scored twice in the first half to help seal Brentford’s comeback, before wrapping up the win in the 59th minute.
West Ham fans filmed in huge brawl as supporter is knocked to ground in crazy clash with Arsenal
Speaking of the four-cap Germany international, Cundy stated: “A hat-trick for him, you talk about Ivan Toney leaving Brentford, ‘Where are the goals going to come from?’
“Well, Kevin Schade steps up.”
His treble at the Gtech Community Stadium has seen Thomas Frank’s men move up to seventh in the table.
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Schade moved to Brentford on an initial loan deal in January 2023Credit: Getty
Losers
Jarred Gillett
The Australian referee was on VAR duty for Southampton’s clash with Brighton which saw the Saints denied a late winner.
Cameron Archer thought he had fired Russell Martin’s men in front, but it was deemed by VAR that an offside Adam Armstrong was in Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s line of sight.
Having his say on the incident, Cundy said: “By the letter of the law, Archer’s goal was chalked off because Armstrong was in an offside position.
“So being in an offside position on the field of play, that is not a crime in itself, you can be offside in an offside position, it’s when you become active.
“And VAR deemed that Armstrong became active when he tried to play the ball off his heel when the ball was behind him.
“I personally think the goal should stand, but they’ve gone for letter of the law.
“Has he tried to touch the ball? You have to say yes, but then they’re trying to say that it impacted Verbruggen, I don’t believe that, because the ball was behind Armstrong.”
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Archer has a late strike at the Amex Stadium ruled out in controversial fashionCredit: AFP
Jose Sa
The Wolves goalkeeper, who clashed with his own supporters, was guilty of a poor performance at Molineux – giving away Bournemouth’s second and third penalties.
He inadvertently took out Evanilson after the Brazilian pipped him to the ball, before clattering into him later in the game.
Commenting on his display, O’Hara said: “Jose Sa obviously deserves to be in there today, he’s had a howler, he’s had a stinker.
“There’s no getting away from it, he’s cost his team today.”
Cundy then added: “He has. For him to dwell on the ball, credit to Evanilson, he’s sharp, he’s a quick boy, he reads it, gets there.
“Jose Sa decided to boot him in the ankle, and then second half, Evanilson goes through, Evanilson is 60/40 in his favour.
“Jose Sa comes through and slides him down, nowhere near the ball, pretending he got a little whack on the head to try and put the referee off the scent.
“Referee wasn’t having any of it, gives the penalty and books him.”
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Sa gave away two penalties as Wolves lost to Bournemouth at MolineuxCredit: Getty
Jose Sa rows with Wolves fan in shocking scenes in defeat to A.F.C. Bournemouth
Julen Lopetegui/West Ham
The Hammers were 4-0 down against the Gunners after just 36 minutes.
Despite halving the deficit to 4-2, the east London outfit soon fell 5-2 behind and failed to have any answers for their visitors.
Lopetegui watched on from the stands having been given a one-match touchline ban, but he still made into Cundy and O’Hara’s losers.
Cundy pointed out he had no influence from the stands, but O’Hara wasn’t having any of it, as he stated: “Well even more so! Double stinkfest from him!
“He had to sit in the stands and watch it, he might have left [before full-time].”
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The Hammers have now lost three home London derbies in a row for the first time since 2008Credit: Getty
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This is how the table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures
A shock win, a drab draw, a five-goal thriller and more attacking artistry.
Saturday’s Premier League action yet again failed to disappoint with 12 goals scored across six fixtures.
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Manchester City lost at Brighton to see them lose further ground on LiverpoolCredit: AFP
The biggest surprise of the day was at the Amex Stadium where Brighton came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1.
In doing so, they have ensured that the Citizens have lost four games in a row for the first time since 2006.
City’s slip-up saw Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points, which they did by beating Aston Villa 2-0.
Meanwhile Wolves recorded their first top-flight win this term after coming out on top against fellow strugglers Southampton in a 2-0 win at Molineux.
Elsewhere, Fulham beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in a fiery London derby at Selhurst park, with Brentford fighting back against Bournemouth to claim all three points in a 3-2 win.
Though it was another poor performance from West Ham under Julen Lopetegui, as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton at the London Stadium.
Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In…
Winners
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian chipped in with a goal and an assist for Wolves as he proved to be his side’s main man yet again.
His goal in the second half – his fifth of the campaign – was a goal of the season contender after finding the top left corner from range to leave ex-Chelsea defender Cundy waxing lyrical over him.
He said: “He set up [Pablo] Sarabia for the first goal, but his goal, what a strike, this boy has got so much quality.
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Cunha doubled Wolves’ lead in the second half in exquisite fashionCredit: Getty
“Ball at his feet, he travels at pace, there ain’t many players that can travel with the same pace with the ball at their feet than they can in a sprint.
“He will end up leaving Wolves, he’s going to end up being too good for them, he’s a top, top player.”
Yoane Wissa
The Brentford striker scored twice to help Brentford move into the top half of the table.
Only Erling Haaland [20] has now scored more non-penalty goals than Wissa [15] in the Premier League in 2024.
Praising the DR Congo international, Cundy stated: “He has now scored seven goals in his last five games at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“He is on fire, him and [Bryan] Mbuemo, they are good players. And Brentford are side, underestimate them at your peril, because they can turn you over.
“But Wissa and Mbuemo, they are two brilliant attacking players.”
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Wissa has been one of the standout players in the top-flight so far this term
Jordan Pickford
The Everton goalkeeper helped his save take a point back to Merseyside thanks to a wonder save in injury time to deny Danny Ings.
Ings’ deflected strike seemed destined to nestle into the roof of the net, only for Pickford to heroically tip it over the bar.
Cundy said of the stop: “What a save he makes, he made a couple of really good saves, but the one at the end, it’s at point-blank range.
“The thing that suits him, it’s above his head, it’s straight at him, but his reactions, he’s like a ninja.”
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Pickford celebrated after the full-time whistle in what was a game lacking qualityCredit: Getty
Losers
Rob Edwards
Dropping into the Championship, and Luton boss Edwards continues to find himself in deep water with the Hatters in serious trouble.
Luton are in danger of back-to-back relegations, with Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Middlesbrough leaving them in 21st spot.
From their 15 matches in England’s second-tier this season, they have won just four times – losing on eight occasions.
Fearing Luton could now relieve Edwards of his duties, O’Hara remarked: “It feels like he’s in here every week at the moment.
“But a 5-1 drubbing away from home, sitting 21st in the table, he’s having a nightmare.”
He added: “He’s waiting for the call [to inform him of sacking].”
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Edwards is under pressure at Kenilworth Road with Luton sitting in the relegation zoneCredit: Getty
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Bournemouth could have escaped with a point at the Gtech Community Stadium had Kepa not allowed Mikkel Damsgaard to equalise at his near post.
The Spaniard – on loan from Chelsea – failed to stop the Danish midfielder’s low effort from trickling in, before Wissa scored the winner moments later.
Criticising the former Real Madrid man, Cundy said: “It’s at the near post, and if he covers that near post, it doesn’t go in.
“The gap is tiny, it’s a good finish, but you shouldn’t get beat, the angle is so tight.
“If you cover the near post, the worse-case scenario is the attacker has got to drill the ball across the face of goal, if Kepa gets anything on it, it then goes back in.
“But Kepa has already gambled, and in doing so, he has left the space, [Damsgaard] finished it and they end up winning.”
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Kepa failed to cover himself in glory for Brentford’s second goal of their 3-2 winCredit: Getty
Anyone at West Ham
West Ham were guilty of another lethargic display – much to the dismay of the Hammers fanbase who have been left bored by new boss Lopetegui’s style of play.
Languishing 14th in the table, West Ham have failed to impress this season having been tipped for a potential European spot due their summer transfer business.
Ripping into the east Londoners, Cundy said: “So here’s the deal, the fans, I feel for you guys, you paid money to be there, but there’s people there today, the stewards, the St John’s Ambulance, the referee, he had to run around amongst that turgid poop, he was amongst it all.
“He was there thinking, ‘Get me out of here,’ the manager, the camera crew, anyone, people that work up in the boxes, you have my sympathy.
“Luckily the chefs didn’t see it! No bubbles come out today.
“The ball boys, I feel for you ball boys, that was one of the worst games we’ve seen in a long time.”
O’Hara then simply stated: “It was an absolute nightmare of a game.”
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Thins haven’t went to plan for Lopetegui at West Ham as of yetCredit: AFP
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This is how the Premier League table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures
