At the iconic Old Trafford, under overcast skies, Manchester United's uneven start to the Premier League season took another hit as they fell 3-1 to a surging Brighton & Hove Albion. United's defensive frailties were exposed once again, this time by former Red Devil, Danny Welbeck, who capitalized on a defensive blunder to put Brighton ahead in the 20th minute.
Just when it looked like United was about to pull level, thanks to a brilliant play involving their new signing, Rasmus Hojlund, VAR intervened. Rashford's setup to Hojlund was rendered void as the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line before the assist.
Taking advantage of this reversal, Brighton showcased their attacking prowess. Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro found the net in quick succession early in the second half, leaving the Old Trafford faithful in shock.
Although Manchester United's young talent, Hannibal Mejbri, did manage to pull one back late in the game, Brighton's grip on the match remained unyielding, allowing them to walk away with a full three points. The win catapulted Brighton to an impressive third in the league table, while Manchester United's struggles saw them dip to a concerning 12th position.
Man City, the table toppers
In a contrasting tale of fortunes, Manchester City showcased their championship mettle by overturning a deficit against West Ham United to clinch a 3-1 victory. The Citizens, keen on asserting their dominance in the Premier League, faced an uphill task when James Ward-Prowse's masterful header off a Vladimir Coufal cross gave West Ham a surprise lead.
But the sky blues, true to their form and reputation, responded swiftly after the break. Jeremy Doku's early second-half strike, a blend of pace and power, leveled the proceedings. As Manchester City began orchestrating their symphony of passes, their sustained pressure led to a go-ahead goal by Bernardo Silva. The coup de grace was delivered by Erling Haaland in the closing minutes, securing a crucial victory for City.
Manchester City's resilient comeback was not just a statement win; it allowed them to reclaim their throne atop the Premier League, two points clear of their Merseyside rivals, Liverpool.
Both matches epitomised the unpredictability and drama of the Premier League – where on any given matchday, underdogs can upset giants, and champions can reaffirm their dominance.
(With inputs from Opta, powered by AI)
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