After last weeks return to club football, week 5 pitted some of the leagues biggest names against each other. With a battle between 2 of the possible title challengers, a Merseyside derby kicking off the weekend and a chaotic clash between 2 of the leagues oddities in Manchester United and Chelsea, it was a weekend of action, excitement and talking points for us to digest.

As always, in this post we will be picking out 3 of the biggest talking points of the weekend, along with giving out the game of the week and player of the week awards. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the weekend please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

Title Contenders?

This one had “title-race litmus test” written all over it. At the Emirates, Manchester City struck early when Erling Haaland finished a slick counter-attack in the 9th minute, putting City ahead and forcing Arsenal into chasing the game.

For much of the match, City defended deep and compact, absorbing Arsenal’s pressure. Arsenal dominated possession, nearly two-thirds of the ball, and probed relentlessly, but struggled to find a breakthrough. Arteta’s second-half substitutions, especially the introduction of Eberechi Eze, added fresh impetus and sharpened Arsenal’s attack.

Then, in the 93rd minute, Gabriel Martinelli produced the moment of the match. Latching onto Eze’s pass, he lofted the ball over Donnarumma to rescue a dramatic point for the Gunners. It was a night that showed City’s defensive discipline, but also Arsenal’s growing maturity and refusal to wilt under pressure.

Merseyside Derby

The Anfield atmosphere was predictably electric, and Liverpool wasted no time asserting control. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a crisp finish, before turning provider later in the half as Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead with a composed strike past Pickford.

Everton, though, refused to roll over. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back with a thunderous shot just before the hour mark, and suddenly the momentum shifted. The Blues pressed, the Reds wobbled, and for a spell it felt like an equaliser was coming.

But Liverpool dug in. Their midfield worked tirelessly to cut out passing lanes, and their back line managed the closing stages with just enough composure to see it through. It wasn’t the most comfortable win Arne Slot’s side will enjoy this season, but in a derby, style points don’t matter. Liverpool remain perfect, while Everton leave wondering what might have been.

A Chaotic Clash

Old Trafford served up a classic. The drama began almost immediately when Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez was sent off inside five minutes for bringing down Bryan Mbeumo outside the box. United capitalised, with Bruno Fernandes tucking in the opener and Casemiro heading home a second before the break.

But the story wasn’t that simple. Just before half-time, Casemiro picked up a second yellow card, reducing United to 10 men as well. From then on, the game became frantic, with Chelsea throwing everything forward despite being a man down themselves.

Trevoh Chalobah’s late header gave the visitors hope, but United’s defence clung on through a nervy final 10 minutes to secure a crucial 2–1 victory. For Ruben Amorim’s side, it was a much-needed lift after a turbulent start to the season. For Chelsea, it was another frustrating night, undone by discipline, and left with plenty of questions to answer.

Game of the week: Liverpool 2-1 Everton Kicking off proceedings on Saturday lunchtime, the Merseyside derby pitted the unbeaten Liverpool against an Everton team who had made a strong start to the season. With a terrific goal for Gravenberch, a possible late Everton comeback, bizarre refereeing at points and Jack Grealish stepping up for his new club again, this was the perfect starter to a weekend of action.

Player of the week: Anton Stach With newly promoted Leeds looking like a decent prospect for survival, the efforts of their 26 year old German midfielder Stach were massively helpful in their quest for early points on the board. Stach scored directly from a free-kick to make it 2-1 against Wolves, before turning provider for the 3rd goal to seal the game in Leeds’ favour and getting the valuable points on the board against a disappointing Wolves side.