The Premier League Matchweek 8 had a very eventful day for the top clubs. It all started with Chelsea thrashing Nottingham Forest and ending Ange Postecoglou's spell at the club, while Manchester City won again with Haaland shining and Arsenal defeated Fulham.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
The first half was relatively even, though Chelsea seemed the stronger side; but in the second half they turned it up and dominated: Josh Acheampong opened the scoring with a header, Pedro Neto scored from a free-kick and Reece James sealed the win with a volley.
Chelsea made tactical adjustments at halftime (including substitutions) that unlocked their dominance in the second half. Their ability to score via set-piece (free-kick for Neto) and wide delivery (for Acheampong’s header) reflects a multi-dimensional attacking threat.
Forest’s defensive frailties, especially after halftime, were exposed: they conceded from set-pieces and lacked impetus to recover. Chelsea’s disciplined shape and control allowed them to manage the game comfortably once ahead. This defeat triggered the sacking of their head coach Ange Postecoglou just minutes after the final whistle. His 40-day tenure (zero wins) becomes the shortest for a permanent coach in the Premier League.
Manchester City 2-0 Everton
Manchester City defeated Everton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium with Erling Haaland scoring both goals in the second half (58th & 63rd minutes). Despite the win, manager Pep Guardiola remarked the team still relies heavily on Haaland and asked for more from midfield/wingers. Everton had some moments (including a near-penalty), but lacked cutting edge. City were mostly in control after halftime.
Without key midfielder Rodri in the engine room, City still managed control but showed slight vulnerabilities in transitions. Haaland’s two goals came from excellent crosses and good positioning (one header, one left-footed shot) indicating City’s ability to exploit wide delivery + central finish. Everton attempted to stay compact and hit on the break, but simply couldn’t match the quality and volume of chances created by City.
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Fulham started well with early chances, but Arsenal gradually asserted control and defended well, without conceding a shot on target for the second consecutive game – something they hadn’t managed since their 2003-04 title season.
Arsenal showed defensive solidity: compact mid-block, good organisation, and effective set-piece execution with Leandro Trossard scoring in the 58th minute from a corner flick-on by Magalhães and a cross from Bukayo Saka. With the win, Arsenal moved to 19 points from 8 games, three ahead of Manchester City.
Premier League Today Results
Nottingham Forest 0–3 Chelsea
Goals: Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto, and Reece James.
Manchester City 2–0 Everton
Goals: Erling Haaland (58’, 63’).
Fulham 0–1 Arsenal
Goal: Leandro Trossard (58’).
Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1 Newcastle United
Goals: Danny Welbeck (2), Alexander Isak (1 for Newcastle).
Crystal Palace 3–3 AFC Bournemouth
Goals: Jean-Philippe Mateta (3 for Palace); Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier (2 for Bournemouth, plus one own goal).
Burnley 2–0 Leeds United
Goals: Zeki Amdouni and Jacob Bruun Larsen.
Sunderland 2–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Goals: Jack Clarke and Pierre Ekwah.