Late Equalizer Keeps Manchester United from Defeat
Manchester United managed to avoid a third loss this week, as a late goal from Matheus Cunha salvaged a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Meanwhile, Manchester City continued their impressive run under coach Enzo Maresca, winning a thrilling match 5-3 against Sunderland.
United appeared to be heading for a frustrating international break after an own goal by Lisandro Martinez put Fulham ahead just after the hour mark. A shot from Calvin Bassey hit goalkeeper Senne Lammens and then deflected off Martinez into the net, giving Fulham the lead.
However, United fought back, with Bryan Mbeumo forcing a great save from Fulham’s Bernd Leno, and earlier in the match, Bruno Fernandes had struck the post. It wasn’t until the very last minute that United found the equalizer. Cunha’s shot took a big deflection, beating Leno and securing a crucial point for United, who have now won just one out of their first five Premier League games.
Fulham were on track to claim their first home league victory over United since 2009 and their first win under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa until Cunha’s timely strike.
City’s Goal Fest
In a different clash, Manchester City ensured they kept their perfect record this season after a dramatic match against Sunderland, winning 5-3 at the Etihad Stadium. City twice lost their lead in the first half due to an outstanding performance from Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who notched a hat-trick and took advantage of defensive errors.
City’s Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring, but Brobbey quickly equalized. Rayan Cherki put City back in front, only for Brobbey to strike again, keeping the match exciting. Antoine Semenyo then found the net twice, even giving City a brief lead.
Brobbey completed his hat-trick soon after, pushing the ball over the line, while Ruben Dias saved another goal from Sunderland by clearing it off the line. Ultimately, Erling Haaland sealed the win for City with a goal in the 81st minute, marking his seventh goal in five matches.
As they enter the international break, City sits three points ahead of Arsenal, but coach Maresca will need to address the team’s defensive issues.
Liverpool Stays Unbeaten
In another match, Liverpool continued their unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth, thanks to a goal from Alexander Isak in the 57th minute. Isak was quick to respond after Cody Gakpo’s run resulted in a loose ball, scoring his fourth league goal of the season.
Despite the win, Liverpool’s attacking play wasn’t at its best, managing only six shots on goal. Florian Wirtz struggled to make an impact, while Gakpo and Bradley Barcola contributed to Liverpool’s attack. Nevertheless, the clean sheet and three points were enough to send Liverpool into the international break with their unbeaten record intact.
