Rubin Amorim said, “I think that was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United. We fought for every ball, we lost our composure in the second half, but the spirit was there and that is the most important thing. If you have the spirit, you can win any game.”
For Manchester United, game week 8 was historic as the team registered a win over Liverpool at Anfield after 10 long years. Bryan Mbeumo scored within the first two minutes and gave United the lead, but what really worked for them was going back to the basics. Amorim clearly pushed everyone forward and focused on gaining control of the ‘second touch’ to the long ball from the goalkeeper. That, coupled with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro orchestrating the play, worked brilliantly for the Reds as they prevailed 2-1 over a hapless Liverpool — their second win in a row.
Brighton secured a hard-fought home win thanks to a brace from veteran Danny Welbeck, either side of a brilliant back-heel equaliser by Nick Woltemade for Newcastle. Brighton held on despite late pressure, while a six-goal thriller played out at Selhurst Park with Bournemouth racing to a 2-0 lead (via youngster Eli Junior Kroupi), but Crystal Palace rallied, with JeanPhilippe Mateta scoring a hat-trick (including a stoppage-time penalty) to rescue a draw.
Manchester City regained momentum with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Everton. The standout performer was Erling Haaland, who scored both goals and reminded everyone of his finishing prowess. A dominant away display by Brentford exposed West Ham’s continuing troubles at home. Brentford fired off many chances and sealed the 2-0 win with goals by Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen.
Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 away win with Forest’s woes deepening at The City Ground in Nottingham. Wolves struggled to retain form and Sunderland landed a 2-0 result, while Burnley grabbed a key home win by an identical scoreline against Leeds United and some breathing spcae.
Arsenal maintained their lead at the summit with a narrow 1-0 win away to Fulham thanks to a set-piece finished by Leandro Trossard, while Villa took advantage of Spurs’ defensive frailities with a notable 2-1 away win.
Match of the Week
Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth
This one earns Match of the Week honours because it had drama, quality and storylines in abundance. The two-goal cushion for Bournemouth early on courtesy of Kroupi, and you’d think they were cruising, but Palace fought back strongly: Mateta scored twice in quick succession in the second half to bring his team level.
Bournemouth looked set to win with a goal at 89’, but Palace won a penalty in injury time which Mateta converted to seal the draw. The match underlined the competitiveness of the mid-table: neither side gave up and attacked with verve. In short, a match that provided entertainment, uncertainty and a fitting showcase for why the Premier League remains so compelling at all levels.
Player of the Week
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland scored both goals in City’s 2-0 win over Everton — clinical finishing, strong performance. In a week where several players stood out, Haaland delivered when it mattered and kept his side’s momentum. His output reminds us that top-level forwards still make the difference in these tight contests.
Game week 8 offered a reminder that even outside the marquee fixtures, big narratives are unfolding with experienced players making decisive contributions. The takeaway is clear: the title and top-four races remain alive, but so does the fight in the middle of the table. Performers outside the traditional “big six” are making their voices heard.