Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after Manchester City and Arsenal both lost on Saturday (Nov 2), with Mohamed Salah capping a comeback 2-1 win for Arne Slot’s team over Brighton. Bournemouth surprisingly handed Man City its first league loss of the season, winning 2-1 at home as Pep Guardiola’s injury-plagued side couldn’t take advantage of Arsenal slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle in the early kickoff.
Arne Slot's Liverpool continued their dream start to the Premier League season, going two points clear at the top of the table after a sensational come-from-behind win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday (Nov 2). Manchester City suffered a shock defeat while Arsenal's slump continued on a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League.
Liverpool's ascent to the top of the table was also facilitated by Manchester City's unexpected loss to Bournemouth. Manchester City, who had been one of the top contenders for the title, suffered their first defeat in the league in 11 months. This loss, combined with Liverpool's win, gave the Reds a two-point cushion at the top of the table.
The match against Brighton began on a challenging note for Liverpool. Ferdi Kadioglu put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute with an impressive strike. Georginio Rutter came close to doubling Brighton's lead, but a crucial save by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denied him.
Despite the early setback, Liverpool managed to turn the game around in the second half. Cody Gakpo equalized in the 69th minute with a cross that fortuitously found the bottom corner of the net, evading Darwin Nunez in the process. This goal marked a significant shift in momentum, and just three minutes later, Mohamed Salah sealed the victory with a trademark left-footed finish that curled beyond Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Man City and Arsenal lose, Forest impress
Meanwhile, Manchester City's 32-game unbeaten Premier League run came to an unexpected end with a 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. Despite manager Pep Guardiola's insistence that injuries were not an excuse, the team's injury crisis significantly impacted their performance. Key players such as Jack Grealish, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, and John Stones were absent, while others like Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne were returning from injuries.
Bournemouth capitalised on Man City's lack of intensity, with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson securing the victory. Guardiola acknowledged that his team could not match Bournemouth's intensity, particularly in winning long balls and maintaining rhythm due to the injury issues.
At St James' Park, Newcastle added to Arsenal's woes. Arsenal managed only one shot on target in the early kickoff while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's early headed goal proved the difference between the sides.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest won a third Premier League game in a row for the first time since 1999 as they took West Ham apart.
In-form striker Chris Wood gave his side the lead against West Ham who were reduced to 10 men on the cusp of halftime as Edson Alvarez chopped down Anthony Elanga. Callum Hudson-Odoi doubled Forest's lead after the break before Ola Aina blasted in a third goal to send the City Ground fans into raptures.
