Manchester City preserved their perfect Premier League record with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland, moving to 15 points from five matches. The match at the Etihad Stadium was a closely contested encounter, with Sunderland repeatedly threatening the home side and keeping the contest alive until the closing stages. City's attacking strength once again proved decisive, although Sunderland's three goals exposed defensive weaknesses in the league leaders.
Liverpool secured a narrow away win against Bournemouth, edging the match 1-0. Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the match in the 57th minute, giving Liverpool the breakthrough they needed after a relatively even opening period. Bournemouth attempted to respond, but Liverpool managed the game effectively and limited the hosts' opportunities in front of goal. The victory takes Liverpool to nine points from five matches and moves them into sixth place in the early Premier League standings.
Manchester United needed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage. United enjoyed 56 per cent possession and registered 25 shots, alongside 13 corners, but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities. Fulham took the lead in the 63rd minute and appeared set to secure their first league victory of the season. Manchester United eventually found a response in the 89th minute, with Matheus Cunha scoring the equaliser to prevent another damaging defeat.
Manchester City's victory over Sunderland was an entertaining match that exposed both the strength of their attack and vulnerabilities in defence. Enzo Fernández gave City the lead after nine minutes, but Sunderland responded just three minutes later through Brian Brobbey. The visitors' forward struck again before half-time, completing a first-half fightback that ensured the league leaders could not settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Leeds United and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at Elland Road, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. The result leaves Leeds unbeaten after five matches and fifth in the table with nine points. However, three draws during that run have prevented them from turning their unbeaten record into a stronger points tally. Crystal Palace sit 15th with four points after another match in which their attacking efforts failed to produce a decisive outcome.
The draw between Manchester United and Fulham will offer United some relief, but their inability to convert sustained pressure into goals remains a concern. Fulham, meanwhile, will feel they came close to securing a result that would have significantly improved their position. The result leaves United 12th in the table with five points, while Fulham remain 19th with two points and are still searching for their first win.
With the international break approaching, Manchester City remain top with 15 points, while Liverpool's victory strengthens their position in the upper half of the table. Manchester United and Fulham, meanwhile, will return to league action with work to do after Sunday's contrasting results. Sunderland's performance, particularly through Brobbey, showed that City remain vulnerable when opponents attack them with intensity and purpose.
Key points
- Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
- Liverpool secured a narrow away win against Bournemouth, edging the match 1-0.
- Manchester United rescued a late point at Fulham, drawing 1-1.
