Arsenal made it four wins from four while Manchester City won a feisty Manchester derby, headlining a big Premier League weekend.
Premier League Matchday 4 produced a title-race statement and a Manchester derby settled by a single moment of controversy. Arsenal ground out a fourth straight win, Manchester City edged Manchester United, and results elsewhere kept the table unusually tight. Here’s what happened.
Arsenal’s perfect start continued, but it wasn’t comfortable. Sunderland actually out-shot the champions 12-7 and forced David Raya into a crucial penalty save from Enzo Le Fée before Bruno Guimarães broke the deadlock with a stunning 25-yard strike in the 58th minute — his first goal since arriving from Newcastle United in the summer. Bukayo Saka added a stoppage-time penalty after Reinildo Mandava was sent off for Sunderland, sealing a 2-0 win that puts Arsenal top with 12 points from four matches.
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side have now shown they can win comfortably and win ugly — a trait that matters over a full title race. For more on Arsenal’s early-season form, see our Sunderland vs Arsenal preview.
Erling Haaland’s goal settled a bad-tempered Manchester derby that saw Manchester City’s Phil Foden sent off in the first half. United had chances to level but couldn’t find a way past City’s defence, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with a 1-0 win despite playing over an hour with ten men. It’s the kind of scrappy, backs-to-the-wall result that title-winning teams tend to find a way to get. Our Man United vs Man City preview has the full build-up to the derby.
Liverpool were frustrated at home, unable to break down a resolute Fulham side in a goalless draw — a result that leaves them off the early pace despite a strong squad on paper. Chelsea, meanwhile, twice let a lead slip against Hull City, settling for a 2-2 draw that will concern Enzo Maresca more for the defending than the dropped points.
Arsenal’s four wins from four have them top with 12 points, with Manchester City close behind after their derby win. Liverpool and Chelsea’s draws, however, mean the traditional “big four” gap hasn’t opened up the way many expected before the season — Hull City’s point at Stamford Bridge in particular continues an eye-catching start for the promoted side.
Who is top of the Premier League after Matchday 4?
Arsenal lead the table with 12 points from four wins, after beating Sunderland 2-0.
Who won the Manchester derby?
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 thanks to an Erling Haaland goal, despite playing more than an hour with ten men after Phil Foden’s red card.
Did Liverpool or Chelsea win this weekend?
No. Liverpool drew 0-0 with Fulham and Chelsea drew 2-2 with Hull City.
For the latest on Nigerian stars in the Premier League, see our piece on Alex Iwobi’s 100th Premier League appearance.
18+. Bet responsibly and only with what you can afford to lose.
Related reading:
⚡ Ready to bet? 22Bet — 100% up to ₦168,849. Read our 22Bet review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
