Manchester City's historic start marked by fan protests as World Cup winner stretchered off

City manager Enzo Maresca also became the first manager in Premier League history to win his opening seven league matches in charge. His side opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table over Arsenal, who were in action at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. "I'm very happy. We've won seven in a row, but what pleases me even more is how the players work and improve every day," Maresca said via the club's official website.

The star of the show was once again Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, whose brace took his tally to eight league goals for the campaign. Phil Foden broke the deadlock in the 19th minute before Daizen Maeda leveled just two minutes later. Haaland restored the hosts' advantage in the 34th minute and added his second after the break in the 69th minute.

Zian Flemming pulled one back from the penalty spot late on, but City held on to secure the points. Haaland had another effort ruled out for offside and was seen limping off after the final whistle. Foden was full of relief after ending his 307-day goal drought.

It was his first goal since December 14, 2025, against Crystal Palace, snapping a 35-match barren run in all competitions for City: "I've been waiting for this goal for a long time; I've missed a few big chances this season. But the most important thing is that we got all three points."

Manchester City are currently awaiting the verdict regarding alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, having denied all wrongdoing. The club face the threat of a severe points deduction or even expulsion from the top flight.

Supporters at the Etihad Stadium voiced their backing by booing the Premier League anthem and bringing thousands of inflatable bananas—a famous staple of City's fan culture dating back to the 1980s. "I didn't expect to win all seven games, but we are working well. We suffered a bit at the end, but overall I'm pleased," Maresca added.

Liverpool came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Brentford, having trailed at the break to Keane Lewis-Potter's opener. The hosts were reduced to ten men before half-time when Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off, and the Reds capitalized on their numerical advantage. Victor Muñoz equalized in the 62nd minute before Alexander Isak sealed the comeback eight minutes later with his fifth league goal of the season.

Brentford finished the match with nine men after Vitaly Janelt was also dismissed, condemning them to their first defeat of the campaign. Liverpool climbed to fifth, though the win was soured by injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong. Isak highlighted the importance of the result: "It's very difficult to play here, they are a tough opponent. We knew it would be a battle, so it's vital that we came out on top."

Everton also suffered their first league defeat of the season, falling 2-0 at home to Chelsea. Pedro Neto grabbed a brace for the Londoners, striking just 44 seconds into the second half before sealing the win deep into stoppage time. The result lifted Chelsea into fourth place.

The victory was overshadowed, however, by an injury to Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who sustained a concussion following a clash of heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 34-year-old 2022 World Cup winner received around ten minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken to hospital.

"It was a concussion, but I don't know much more at the moment. He left the stadium conscious and is in hospital for precautionary checks. We hope it's nothing too serious," said manager Xabi Alonso.

Martinez was replaced by 21-year-old Belgian Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut and helped the Blues record their first clean sheet in the competition since January.

Fulham secured their first win of the campaign, edging Hull 1-0 courtesy of an Alex Iwobi strike to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.