London, Sep 27: Bruno Fernandes endured more penalty heartbreak as Manchester United slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, while Manchester City got back on track with a 4-1 victory over Burnley, Brighton stunned a ten-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and Liverpool’s unbeaten run ended in dramatic fashion at Crystal Palace on a packed Saturday of Premier League action.
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At the Gtech Community Stadium, United’s misery deepened after Fernandes’ second penalty miss of the season. The Portugal midfielder saw his 76th-minute spot-kick saved by Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher, denying United a chance to draw level. Igor Thiago’s early brace (8th and 20th minutes) put Brentford in command, and though Benjamin Sesko struck on the rebound for United in the 26th, Mathias Jensen’s stoppage-time strike sealed the win. It marked United’s third league loss in six matches under Ruben Amorim, who admitted, “We played Brentford’s game, not ours.”
City, meanwhile, brushed aside Burnley at the Etihad, aided by the misfortune of defender Maxime Esteve, who scored two own goals. Esteve’s errors, coupled with a Matheus Nunes volley and an Erling Haaland brace, ensured Pep Guardiola’s men bounced back from last week’s draw with Arsenal. Despite Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser, City were always in control and moved up to fifth, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea’s woes continued as they fell 3-1 at home to Brighton, a second successive match marred by a red card. Trevoh Chalobah’s 53rd-minute dismissal turned the tide after Enzo Fernandez’s opener, with substitutes Danny Welbeck (77th, 90+9) and Maxim de Cuyper (90+2) scoring late to complete a remarkable comeback.
Boos rang around Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino’s side slipped to seventh.Liverpool, chasing a sixth straight win, instead tasted defeat for the first time this season, falling 2-1 at Crystal Palace. Ismaila Sarr gave Palace the lead in a scrappy first half, and although Federico Chiesa equalised in the 88th minute, Eddie Nketiah struck at the death to hand Arne Slot’s side their first league setback of the campaign.Elsewhere, Leeds United were denied victory at the last gasp, drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth after the Cherries struck deep into injury time at Elland Road, moments after the club honoured legend Johnny Giles with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
With shocks, comebacks and controversies defining the weekend, the Premier League table tightened at both ends, promising another gripping season ahead. (Agencies)
