Matchweek 3 had everything fans love (and sometimes hate) about the Premier League — last-minute winners, controversial VAR calls, and young stars stepping up. Here’s the full roundup.
Liverpool edge Arsenal thanks to Szoboszlai’s magic
At Anfield, Liverpool beat Arsenal 1–0 with a moment of pure class. Dominik Szoboszlai bent a free-kick into the top corner that left Ramsdale rooted to the spot. It wasn’t the most thrilling game, but that strike reminded everyone why Liverpool spent big on him — he can decide matches in a flash.
Chelsea survive another VAR marathon
Chelsea got past Fulham 2–0, but once again, the story was the referee’s screen. João Pedro scored in the 9th minute of first-half stoppage time, before Enzo Fernández slotted home a penalty after a long VAR check for handball. Stamford Bridge celebrated, but Fulham fans were furious. Love it or hate it, VAR is shaping Chelsea’s season so far.
Everton show bite at Wolves
Everton grabbed a 2–1 win at Molineux that felt like a statement. Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring after clever link-up play with Jack Grealish, who was pulling strings all game. Then James Garner smashed in a rocket from distance. Wolves fought back late, but Everton held strong. Moyes finally looks to have a team with balance and bite.
Sunderland prove they belong
Back in the Premier League, Sunderland delivered drama. Brentford went ahead through Igor Thiago’s header, but Sunderland refused to fold. Enzo Le Fée coolly converted a penalty, and in stoppage time, Wilson Isidor fired home the winner. The Stadium of Light erupted — this was a “we’re here to stay” moment.
Spurs stumble, Bournemouth buzz
Spurs suffered their first loss under Thomas Frank, falling 1–0 at home to Bournemouth. The Cherries pressed high from the first whistle, forcing errors and stopping Spurs’ usual buildup. Evanilson’s early goal was enough, and despite Spurs’ late push, Bournemouth deserved the points. A warning sign that the Postecoglou-era fluidity won’t come easy this season.
Newcastle frustrated by Leeds
It was wet, scrappy, and ended 0–0 at St James’ Park. Leeds sat deep, defended in numbers, and broke quickly when they could. Newcastle had most of the ball but almost no clear chances. Eddie Howe’s side looked blunt without a focal point up front, and the fans felt it.
Bruno saves United at the death
Manchester United and Burnley served up a 3–2 thriller at Old Trafford. United led early through a scrappy own goal, but Burnley twice fought back. Just when it looked like points would be shared, VAR handed United a stoppage-time penalty. Up stepped Bruno Fernandes — cool as you like — to smash in the winner. United fans went wild, Burnley fans went home heartbroken.
What We Learned in Matchweek 3
- VAR is everywhere: From Chelsea’s handball call to Bruno’s penalty, video reviews continue to shape results.
- Pressing pays off: Bournemouth showed how suffocating Spurs’ midfield can win big points.
- New heroes are emerging: Szoboszlai, Ndiaye, and Isidor aren’t just filling gaps — they’re making headlines.
- Some big sides still look shaky: United found a way, Newcastle didn’t, Spurs were smothered. Early-season nerves? Absolutely.
Standout Players of Matchweek 3
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
That free-kick was pure class. He bent it perfectly around the wall, kissed the post, and left Ramsdale frozen. Beyond the goal, Szoboszlai kept dropping into pockets, carrying the ball forward and giving Liverpool a rhythm Arsenal struggled to break. He looks like the creative spark Klopp has been missing since Coutinho’s days.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
VAR pressure can rattle even seasoned pros, but Enzo stayed ice-cold. After a long pause and a retake call, he buried his penalty like he’d been waiting all week for it. Add his energy in midfield — tackling, pressing, and linking play — and it’s clear Chelsea have a reliable heartbeat in him.
James Garner (Everton)
His thunderbolt strike was arguably the weekend’s best goal. But it wasn’t just the finish — Garner’s constant energy gave Everton control in midfield. He tracked back, intercepted, and then drove forward with intent. He’s quietly becoming one of Moyes’s most trusted engines.
Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)
Football is about big moments, and Isidor delivered Sunderland’s. His stoppage-time winner was all composure: strong run, clean strike, and pure joy in front of a roaring Stadium of Light. For a promoted side, players who can handle pressure like that are priceless.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
He loves the spotlight, and once again, he owned it. A 95th-minute penalty with Old Trafford holding its breath is no easy task, but Bruno blasted it home like he was in training. He kept driving United forward even when Burnley clawed back, showing why he’s still their go-to leader when chaos hits.
Matchweek 3 gave us everything — big goals, VAR drama, and late winners. Liverpool showed their edge, Chelsea kept grinding, Sunderland proved fearless, and United found a way. With plenty of storylines already unfolding, this Premier League season promises more twists every weekend.
