Liverpool suffer their first loss, Chelsea fall while Manchester City cruises

Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were stunned 2-1 by Crystal Palace in a dramatic finish, while fellow English giants Manchester United and Chelsea also suffered defeats. Manchester City, meanwhile, made light work of Burnley with a commanding 5-1 win.

LIVERPOOL SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT

The reigning champions appeared on course to maintain their unbeaten record but were undone in the dying moments at Selhurst Park. Palace took an early lead in the ninth minute when a set-piece fell to Ismaila Sarr, who smashed the ball home. Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson kept the scoreline respectable, denying several Palace opportunities, including a close-range chance by Jean-Philippe Mateta that rattled the post.

Liverpool found a lifeline in the 87th minute when Federico Chiesa equalised, only for substitute Eddie Nketiah to snatch a dramatic winner in the seventh minute of added time. VAR confirmed Nketiah was onside, prompting Selhurst Park to erupt in celebration.

“The boys are in really good form and think we can win every game and today we showed that,” Nketiah told the BBC.

The win propelled Crystal Palace provisionally to second place, just three points behind Liverpool.

CITY THRIVE ON OWN GOALS AND HAALAND’S LATE BRACE

Manchester City made light of their trip to Burnley, running out 5-1 winners thanks to a bizarre double own goal by Burnley’s Maxime Esteve and a late brace from Erling Haaland. Matheus Nunes had restored City’s lead with a close-range effort, but Esteve’s second own goal handed City a comfortable advantage. Haaland capped off the scoring in the final minutes, delivering Burnley their heaviest defeat of the season and sending City up to fourth in the table.

UNITED SLUMP AT BRENTFORD

Manchester United endured a frustrating afternoon at Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo, returning to Griffin Park for the first time since his move to Old Trafford, witnessed his former club roar to a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes. Igor Thiago scored both goals, exploiting United’s high line, before Benjamin Sesko pulled one back. Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved by Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Mathias Jensen sealed a 3-1 victory with a spectacular strike in added time.

“We didn't control the game, we played the game of Brentford. We were really confused on second balls, first balls, set pieces,” United manager Ruben Amorim admitted. “The crucial moments, they were against us. Tough to lose again.”

CHELSEA SEE RED AND CRUMBLE

Chelsea’s woes continued as Trevoh Chalobah received a second red card in consecutive league games for denying Brighton a goal-scoring opportunity. Although Enzo Fernandez had given the hosts a first-half lead, Brighton capitalised on the numerical advantage. Danny Welbeck equalised before Maxim De Cuyper’s stoppage-time header, and Welbeck sealed the win in the tenth minute of added time, handing Chelsea another painful defeat.

LATE DRAMA AT LEEDS

Leeds United were held 2-2 by Bournemouth in a match full of twists. Antoine Semenyo’s free-kick gave Bournemouth an early lead, but Leeds fought back with goals from Joe Rodon and Sean Longstaff. Just when it seemed Leeds would secure all three points, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi volleyed home in the 93rd minute, earning Bournemouth a crucial point.

On Saturday, Nottingham Forest were scheduled to host Sunderland, while Tottenham Hotspur prepared to face bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are still seeking their first points of the season.