Aston Villa earned another statement win, this time over Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, knocking the Gunners off the top of the table. Their domination was less pronounced than last time out against Manchester City, but nevertheless the Birmingham side is showing that it can hold its own with the upper echelon of the Premier League. Unai Emery’s side went up early, making good on an attack down the right side by shifting the ball to John McGinn, who turned and sent it home. Villa didn’t exactly put the match to bed, and Arsenal looked more dangerous, even scoring before it was chalked off for an unlucky handball by Kai Havertz. Ultimately, the hosts held on, extending their pristine home record. Whether this form can be maintained away from home remains to be seen, but Villa look to be genuinely elite this campaign.

Liverpool waited until late to take advantage of Arsenal’s dropped points, grabbing a late victory away at Selhurst Park. The Reds certainly made it hard on themselves with a flat first half performance, and it only stayed 0-0 thanks to a fantastic Alisson save and VAR intervening to cancel a penalty. In the second half, the Eagles pulled ahead, when VAR switched it up and awarded the South London side a spot kick, which was coolly finished by Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace’s fortunes changed when Jordan Ayew was sent off following two yellows, the second of which fans could rightly question. Almost instantly Liverpool were level, with Mohamed Salah netting his 200th Liverpool (and 150th Premier League) goal. Roy Hodgson’s side put up resistance, but right at the turn of 90, substitute Harvey Elliott finished from distance, completing the comeback. It was a huge result for Liverpool, who have snuck into first after some shoddy victories. For Palace, their indifferent run continues, troubling fans and Hodgson alike. 

Manchester City pulled off a comeback of their own at Kenilworth Road, though it wasn’t quite as dramatic. The Champions were on the front foot from the beginning, forcing the excellent Thomas Kaminski into several fine saves. It was the hosts, however, who drew first blood, Elijah Adebayo finishing a slick move (including some sublime control from Ross Barkley) with a towering header right before halftime. Luton Town were able to hold out for a while in the second half, but once City broke through via Bernardo Silva, the Hatters seemed temporarily rattled. That discombobulation created opportunity enough for Pep’s men to pounce, and Jack Grealish nabbed the winner. Rob Edwards’ side came close to another historic result at their home ground and will be disappointed to have fallen short. City arrested their mini skid and got back to winning ways, which they’ll hope can propel them out of 4th place soon.

Speaking of getting back to winning ways, Tottenham ran out 4-1 victors over Newcastle at home. Destiny Udogie opened the scoring, latching on to Son Heung-min’s cross in the 26th minute. Son repeated the trick, getting the better of Kieran Trippier and finding Richarlison to double their lead. It was the Brazilian forward’s first goal for Spurs with his feet, and he enjoyed it so much that he did it again in the second half, pushing the score to 3-0 at the hour mark. Son, who was instrumental in the first two goals, got one himself, earning and slotting home a penalty. Joelinton would grab a late consolation goal, but Newcastle were thoroughly dominated on the night. The Magpies (like Tottenham) are injury ravaged but will need to rally in their chase for another European adventure, after dropping out midweek. It was a steadying win for Ange Postecoglou, whose side remains in 5th place.

Manchester United were also eliminated from the Champions League and also suffered a heavy defeat last weekend, falling 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The Red Devils fell behind early, with Dominic Solanke cleverly tapping home through traffic in the 5th minute. It took awhile for the Cherries to double their lead, but Philip Billing was up to the task, heading home a cross to put Andoni Iraola’s side up 2-0. Marcos Senesi made it three with an emphatic header from a corner, and Bournemouth sealed their first ever victory at Old Trafford. Iraola has the Cherries in fine form, and their early season struggles are only a distant memory. Erik Ten Hag is in trouble, with reports of turmoil boiling around him. Manchester United face a trip to Anfield at the weekend, and there’s a sense that it could be a defining trip for the Dutch manager if things go awry. 

Everton notched an important victory over Chelsea, winning 2-0 at Goodison Park. It took until the second half for a breakthrough from either side, though both had good opportunities parried away by the goalkeepers. The Toffees, however, pulled ahead in the 54th minute, when Abdoulaye Doucouré latched onto a rebound and slotted past Robert Sánchez. Lewis Dobbin made the points safe in extra time, smashing home a half cleared corner kick. Everton’s players ecstatic celebrations mirrored the mood for the Merseyside club, who have taken their points deduction in stride and look not only good for survival, but could well end up nearly touching the top half of the table. Chelsea, on the other hand, are still in shambles. They lack an identity and intention, which is understandable given how many new pieces have been thrown together. That said, the money invested in the club needs some justification, and Mauricio Pochettino may soon find himself under pressure. 

Fulham ran out 5-0 winners over West Ham, continuing a string of high-flying performances. Raúl Jiménez headed home the opener in the 22nd minute, opening the floodgates at Craven Cottage. Willian made it two, taking advantage of poor marking on a low cross. By the 41st minute, the West London side were 3-0 up after Tosin Adarabioyo headed home a corner. Harry Wilson scored the pick of the bunch in the second half, curling a trademarked left footer past Łukasz Fabiański, and Carlos Vinícius capped the dominant display with a tap in. Marcos Silva’s side have clicked and are climbing the table. David Moyes' side, charitably, seemed to be saving themselves for a deciding Europa League match.

There were only 2 draws this weekend, and one was on the South Coast, with Brighton and Burnley sharing the spoils 1 all. The Seagulls were thwarted on several occasions by young James Trafford, who produced the best display of his Premier League career for the Clarets. Roberto De Zerbi’s side was unlucky not to lead, but that’s exactly what happened, as Wilson Odobert found the top corner and propelled Vincent Kompany’s side ahead. Simon Adingra, who was excellent on the day, eventually knotted the score, heading home and earning the Seagulls a point. Trafford again was instrumental after the equalizer, as Brighton had several great opportunities turned aside by equally great saves. Burnley look to have improved in recent weeks, but still have a long way to go to be anywhere close to safety. Brighton will chalk this one up to a fine goalkeeper and set their sights on Marseille, who visit midweek.

Steve Cooper, despite much speculation, is still in charge of Nottingham Forest, and he bolstered his claim on the job by drawing 1-1 at Molineux. Forest pulled ahead early, with Harry Toffolo heading home in the 14th minute. They weren’t able to hold on, however, and Matheus Cunha coolly equalized in the 32nd minute. Both teams had chances to snag a winner, with Nottingham creating the better ones on balance, including a dastardly miss by Toffolo, who headed over from very close range. It wasn’t necessarily a match that will live long in the memory, but it was a steadying point for Cooper and a solid point for Wolves.

The Chris Wilder era began in earnest at Bramall Lane, with the Blades downing Brentford 1-0. Both sides created chances in the first half, but neither found the back of the net until stoppage time, when James McAtee curled home a wonderful left-footed finish to put Sheffield United ahead. Brentford, whose already threadbare attack is now missing Bryan Mbeumo for an extended period, couldn’t put together an equalizer and are left begging for reinforcements. The Blades, who looked revitalized, even had chances to put the game to bed, with Cameron Archer looking the most likely culprit. It may well be too late for a survival push, but this version of Sheffield United look much more prepared to compete in the Premier League.