Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham: Emery’s Men Fight Back to Claim First League Win and Escape Drop Zone

Aston Villa finally claimed their first Premier League win of the season, coming from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park in a fiery encounter filled with controversy, drama, and goals. Early pressure from Fulham paid off when Raul Jimenez opened the scoring just three minutes in with a well-taken header. But the striker was forced off injured shortly after, and the game quickly descended into a stop-start affair as the visitors twice appealed for penalties—first when Josh King went down under pressure, then when Matty Cash appeared to block a shot with his arm. Both claims were waved away, much to the frustration of Fulham boss Marco Silva, who was booked for his touchline protests. Despite a passive first half in which they failed to make a single tackle, Villa found their rhythm. A defensive error from Joachim Andersen gifted Ollie Watkins the opportunity to lob Bernd Leno and level the score before the break—his first goal of the season after a difficult start. Unai Emery’s team came out with renewed energy in the second half. John McGinn’s low drive into the corner gave Villa a 2-1 lead after a turnover in midfield, assisted by substitute Emiliano Buendia. The Argentine then added a third just minutes later—scoring and assisting in the same game for only the second time in his Premier League career. Fulham did threaten a response, notably when Emi Martinez’s fumble presented Sasa Lukic with a golden opportunity, only for Ezri Konsa to make a crucial goal-line clearance. In the end, it was a chaotic yet vital win for Villa—who also defeated Bologna in midweek—lifting them out of the relegation zone. Fulham, meanwhile, remain stuck on 10 points and slide toward mid-table, with Silva left fuming over the officiating.

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Man Utd Boss Ruben Amorim Facing More Scrutiny After Latest Premier League Defeat at Brentford

Man Utd Boss Ruben Amorim Facing More Scrutiny After Latest Premier League Defeat at Brentford

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is under growing pressure after his side suffered a 3-1 defeat at Brentford — their third loss in four visits there. Amorim has now won just nine of his 33 Premier League games and is yet to secure consecutive league victories nearly 10 months into the job. United came into the match hoping to build on their win against 10-man Chelsea, but any momentum quickly vanished as Brentford outclassed them. The Red Devils now find themselves back in the bottom half of the Premier League table. “Winning two in a row used to mean something different at Manchester United.” Amorim had described the Brentford fixture as the club’s “most important in a long time,” but his players failed to reflect that urgency. The defeat has raised further questions about his tactical approach and the team’s lack of consistency. Tactical Stubbornness Exposed Again One of the most consistent criticisms of Amorim’s tenure has been his insistence on a three-at-the-back system, which continues to leave United’s midfield pivot exposed. On Saturday, Brentford switched to a back four and fielded a midfield three — Jordan Henderson, Yehor Yarmoliuk, and Mikkel Damsgaard — that outnumbered and overwhelmed Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. Despite this, Amorim seemed unwilling to acknowledge the tactical flaw after the match: “It’s always the same, when we win it’s not the system, when we lose it’s the system,” he said. No Dominance Over Top Teams So far this season, Manchester United have yet to dominate any top-half side with a full squad. Their narrow win over Chelsea came after Casemiro’s red card tilted the balance in their favour, but otherwise, the team has shown limited control or consistency. Brentford manager Keith Andrews — in his debut season as a head coach — revealed that exploiting United’s midfield was part of the plan: “You try and create overloads… if we have a three-man midfield, and they have a two, that’s where we can get control,” said Andrews. His tactical flexibility stood in stark contrast to Amorim’s rigidity. By the end of the match, Amorim had Mbeumo and Mason Mount operating as wing-backs — a sign of how disjointed the game had become for United. What’s Next for Amorim? United’s next fixtures are critical, and failure to turn things around soon could increase pressure on the board to reconsider his position. With the club still searching for an identity and fluidity under Amorim, the question remains: Can he adapt — or will Manchester United be forced to look elsewhere?

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Arsenal’s Madueke Out for Six to Eight Weeks

Arsenal’s Noni Madueke to miss about six to eight weeks with the knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday. However, the 23-year-old England international is not believed to have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The summer signing from Chelsea was substituted at half-time of the Premier League match with City and has been undergoing tests to discover the severity of the problem. Sources are indicating medics are waiting for the swelling to subside before making a definitive diagnosis on the injury, but it is understood that Madueke will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks, though that timescale is thought to be the best-case scenario. The news will arrive as major blow to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and England head coach Thomas Tuchel given Madueke’s promising start to the season. If the initial prognosis is confirmed, Madueke will not return to action until November at the earliest, ruling him out of a clutch of key domestic and European games for the Gunners. The attacker is set to miss England’s forthcoming games against Wales and Latvia, while also making him a doubt for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in mid-November. Arsenal face Sunderland on 8 November in the Premier League. If Madueke is unavailable for that games and the international break, he could return for the north London derby versus Tottenham on 23 November.

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Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Gravenberch Shines as Arne Slot’s Side Maintain Perfect Start

By Kamal Yalwa: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Liverpool continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a fiercely contested Merseyside derby at Anfield. The result extends David Moyes’ winless record at Anfield to 21 Premier League games across four different clubs, as Liverpool made a fast start and held firm under late pressure. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute, latching onto a precise delivery from Mohamed Salah to give the hosts an early lead — their fastest home goal in over two years. Gravenberch, who returned to the midfield trio alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, was instrumental throughout. Shortly before halftime, he turned provider with a clever through ball to Hugo Ekitike, who calmly slotted home his fourth goal for Liverpool since joining in the summer. The 2-0 cushion gave Arne Slot’s side firm control going into the break. Alexander Isak made his Premier League debut for Liverpool, coming on for the final 20 minutes, but his presence wasn’t crucial as the hosts had already done the damage. Everton responded in the second half with renewed intent. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back with a powerful volley following an incisive run and cross from Jack Grealish, who was arguably Everton’s standout performer. The visitors pushed for an equaliser, creating a tense finish, but lacked the composure and final product to break through Liverpool’s defence again. Liverpool have now won five straight Premier League matches for the first time under new manager Arne Slot and sit six points clear at the top of the table. Their lead could be reduced depending on the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, live on Sky Sports. The result strengthens Liverpool’s title credentials and deepens Everton’s early-season struggles, leaving Moyes and his side still searching for their first win at Anfield in the Premier League era.

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Man City Sacks Barman for Wearing United Shirt

Manchester City have dismissed a bar worker who wore a Manchester United shirt while serving drinks at the Etihad Stadium during the derby on Sunday. The club were made aware of the worker via a post on X from an account called @Mataniels. It included a photograph of the man in question handing over a pint while wearing a black shirt containing a clearly visible United club crest, alongside the caption: “Absolute joke @ManCity – letting one of the bar staff in block 315 wear a United shirt on Derby Day #mcfc.” City’s Man City Fan Support account messaged back: “Thank you for making us aware of this. We can confirm that this individual has now been removed from their position.” The @Mataniels account no longer exists, possibly due to some replies on X pushing back against the message highlighting the worker wearing the shirt. City declined to comment. City won the 197th Manchester derby 3-0 with a goal from Phil Foden and two from Erling Haaland.

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Wolves Sign Tolu Arokodare on Deadline Day

Wolves have signed Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare from Genk on a four-year deal, with an option for a further year. Arokodare, 24, arrives after winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot last season. He scored 21 league goals and 23 in all competitions. The 6-foot-6 forward began in Nigeria, then moved to Latvia with Valmiera in 2019. He scored 22 goals in 34 games there at just 18. He spent time on loan at FC Köln in the Bundesliga, then two seasons with Amiens in France, where he hit 21 goals. Genk signed him in January 2023. They went close to the Belgian title that spring, missing out on the final day. In his first full season with Genk, he made 52 appearances, including seven in Europe, and scored 15. Last season was his standout year as Genk challenged again. He finished with 23 goals in all competitions and seven assists. His 21 league goals tied for most in the division, and he claimed the Golden Boot on away goals. On the international stage, Arokodare helped Nigeria qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in his first two caps in March. He now has four caps and scored his first Super Eagles goal against Russia in June. He started this season with five games for Genk and a goal versus Standard Liège. Now he heads to the Premier League and Molineux for the first time.

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Fulham Seals Deal for Samuel Chukwueze

Fulham have confirmed the signing of winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan. The Nigeria international, 26, has joined on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent move. He was on Fulham’s radar during the January transfer window and the club maintained their interest in him. Chukwueze moved to Milan from Villarreal in 2023. “I feel at home already and I can’t wait to get started,” he told Fulham’s website.

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Chelsea Signs Garnacho From Man U

Chelsea have officially signed Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40million. The fee makes Garnacho the most expensive academy graduate sale in United’s history, eclipsing the £24.5m received for David Beckham in 2003. The 21-year-old winger has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues after passing a medical on Friday. United have inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the sale agreement. Garnacho was in attendance at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca’s side eased past Fulham to win 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Now, the Argentina international will join his new team-mates as the international break falls upon us. His first opportunity to suit up in his new colours will come on September 13 when Chelsea travel to west London rivals Brentford. Upon signing, Garnacho said: ‘It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club. I can’t wait to get started. ‘I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special – we’re the best team in the world! ‘It’s amazing to be here and I’m very happy.’ Garnacho joined United’s youth set-up from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and went on to make 144 senior appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists. He lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, but fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim towards the end of last season. Amorim told Garnacho at the end of the campaign that he was free to find a new club. The winger did not feature in pre-season and trained separately as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’. Garnacho also publicly expressed his frustration after being introduced only late in United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May, a moment which appeared to accelerate his exit. Chelsea beat off competition to secure his signature after weeks of haggling over the fee. The Blues initially offered £25m, but talks eventually settled at £40m plus the sell-on percentage. Garnacho is expected to compete with fellow summer signing Jamie Gittens for a place on the left wing in Enzo Maresca’s squad. He joins a raft of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato and Brazilian teenager Estevao. Garnacho is Chelsea’s 51st signing since the Todd Boehly era began in 2022.

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