Matchweek 3 in Review

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham

Enzo Maresca's men have obtained 7 out of 9 points to start the season. The Club World Cup hangover may have been exaggerated. Unfortunately for the Blues, the real star of this game was the VAR. In the 21st minute, Josh King slotted home what would have been an impressive first Premier League goal. It was ruled out due to Rodrigo Muniz stepping on Tosin Adarabioyo while attempting a skill move in the buildup. The contact was deemed “reckless.” I have to sympathize with Marco Silva who vented about VAR post-match. VAR was never created to “re-referee” the game but that is what happened in this match. In completely changed the course of the game for Fulham, unfairly in the eyes of many. That said, Chelsea capitalized on that break and showed an ability to manage the game. Tight mid-table clashes were where they lost lots of points last year.

Manchester United 3-2 Burnley

What is even happening at Manchester United?! I'm not sure anyone has the answer, but they were very lucky to get the win here. VAR once again let us down with an extremely questionable offside that ruled out a Burnley goal. If not for a soft penalty at the death, it would have been a devastating draw at home. It wasn't good but it was enough to keep Ruben Amorim in a draw.

Sunderland 2-1 Brentford

The Black Cats win again! Sunderland claimed their second relegation six pointer of the season in epic fashion. Not enough can be said for the goalkeeper Roefs whose penalty save swung momentum back Sunderland's way. His save kept the game in reach and Sunderland was able to snatch a win with two late goals in this thriller.

Spurs 0-1 Bournemouth

Spurs crashed back to Earth in epic fashion in this one. The stripped Bournemouth squad showed no signs of a decline from last year as they well and truly dominated this game. It was a game that showed the competitiveness of the Premier League and the brilliance of Andoni Iraola and his Cherries.

Wolves 2-3 Everton

Super Jack Grealish made it 4 assists in 3 games for Everton as the Toffees were able to hold onto a 3-2 victory at Molineux. The hero's redemption narrative at Everton could be poignant at Everton this year as forgotten men, Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish, are off to flaming starts. Worrying signs for Wolves as they go to the international break without a point.

Leeds 0-0 Newcastle

The combined total shots on target coming out as 3 says all that needs to be said about this game. Both teams were aggressive and physical but neither had a cutting edge. Newcastle looked hungover from a dramatic loss and Isak drama. Leeds showed the stoutness of a team that won't quietly go back to the Championship. Hopefully the arrival of new attackers on Tyneside will reenergize the group.

Brighton 2-1 Manchester City

City are mortal, tell the world. Pep's men are clearly still bedding in and now they lost their second consecutive match. They've haven't beaten Brighton in their last three tries as well. The Gulls showed resilience and squad depth as two substitutes provided the goals. James Milner added to his accolades becomes the second oldest player to score in the Premier League. Both Manchester sides are searching for answers heading into the derby.

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

Drama at Forest may have spilled onto the pitch. No one saw this coming. West Ham have been woeful but bossed things at the City Ground. Along the way, Callum Wilson robbed Jarrod Bowen of what would have been one of the best goals of the season without a doubt. West Ham will be delighted to get off the mark and the stir around Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will continue to broil.

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal

The champions vs their challengers. 1 vs 2. This game had all the makings of a jaw dropping clash of the titans. It didn't turn out to be that way. Liverpool were lackluster for the first 60 minutes or so but Arsenal did not capitalize. There was not much real traffic either way for large stretches. The Reds grew into the game and took the upper hand, but Arsenal held firm until Dominik Szoboszlai rippled the net without one of the best free kicks you will ever see. It was all the Scousers needed, and they stayed perfect in league play this year. Arteta will be disappointed that his team couldn't capitalize. In the end, his team looked more scared to lose than invigorated to win.

Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace

Villa made sure that Forest wasn't the only team to get stomped 3-0 on their home turf. Crystal Palace had their way in this one. Unai Emery's men look static in the early stages of the season and need a boost in the last few days of the transfer window. It was a huge moment for Marc Guehi, performing fantastically in what he thought was his last game for the club. After the fallout of his move to Liverpool, the mood around it will have changed.