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Manchester City preserved their perfect Premier League record with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland, moving to 15 points from five matches.
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Liverpool secured a narrow away win against Bournemouth, while Leeds United and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at Elland Road.
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Manchester United needed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Fulham, leaving both sides with different concerns after an eventful Sunday.
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City’s attacking strength once again proved decisive, although Sunderland’s three goals exposed defensive weaknesses in the league leaders.
September 20, (THEWILL) – Manchester City maintained their flawless start to the Premier League season after surviving a thrilling 5-3 battle against Sunderland on Sunday, September 20, while Liverpool claimed an important away victory and Manchester United rescued a late point at Fulham.
City entered the weekend with four wins from four matches and extended that run to five victories at the Etihad Stadium. However, the result was far from straightforward, with Sunderland repeatedly threatening the home side and keeping the contest alive until the closing stages.
Liverpool, meanwhile, defeated Bournemouth 1-0, while Leeds United and Crystal Palace shared the points after a goalless draw. At Craven Cottage, Manchester United came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Manchester City 5-3 Sunderland: City Survive Eight-Goal Thriller
Manchester City continued their perfect start with an entertaining victory over Sunderland in a match that exposed both the strength of their attack and vulnerabilities in defence.
Enzo Fernández gave City the lead after nine minutes, but Sunderland responded just three minutes later through Brian Brobbey. The visitors’ forward struck again before half-time, completing a first-half fightback that ensured the league leaders could not settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Rayan Cherki restored City’s advantage in the 29th minute before Antoine Semenyo put the hosts ahead again shortly before the interval. Semenyo added his second goal in the 57th minute, giving City a 4-2 lead and seemingly putting them in control.
Sunderland refused to surrender, however, as Brobbey completed his hat-trick two minutes later to reduce the deficit to one goal. The visitors continued to threaten, but Erling Haaland finally ended the tension in the 81st minute by scoring City’s fifth.
The victory moved Manchester City to 15 points from five matches and kept them at the top of the table. Sunderland’s performance, particularly through Brobbey, showed that City remain vulnerable when opponents attack them with intensity and purpose.
Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool: Isak Decides Tight Contest
Liverpool returned from the Vitality Stadium with all three points after edging Bournemouth 1-0 in a closely contested encounter.
Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the match in the 57th minute, giving Liverpool the breakthrough they needed after a relatively even opening period. Bournemouth attempted to respond, but Liverpool managed the game effectively and limited the hosts’ opportunities in front of goal.
The victory takes Liverpool to nine points from five matches and moves them into sixth place in the early Premier League standings. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain without a win and continue to struggle for consistency at the beginning of the campaign.
Although Liverpool did not produce a dominant attacking display, their ability to protect a narrow lead and secure an away victory could prove valuable as the season develops.
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Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Late Equaliser Saves United
Manchester United were forced to settle for a point against Fulham after a late equaliser rescued them from defeat at Craven Cottage.
United enjoyed 56 per cent possession and registered 25 shots, alongside 13 corners, but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities. Fulham took the lead in the 63rd minute and appeared set to secure their first league victory of the season.
Manchester United eventually found a response in the 89th minute, with Matheus Cunha scoring the equaliser to prevent another damaging defeat. The result leaves United 12th in the table with five points, while Fulham remain 19th with two points and are still searching for their first win.
The draw will offer United some relief, but their inability to convert sustained pressure into goals remains a concern. Fulham, meanwhile, will feel they came close to securing a result that would have significantly improved their position.
Leeds and Crystal Palace Share Points
Leeds United and Crystal Palace played out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.
The result leaves Leeds unbeaten after five matches and fifth in the table with nine points. However, three draws during that run have prevented them from turning their unbeaten record into a stronger points tally.
Crystal Palace sit 15th with four points after another match in which their attacking efforts failed to produce a decisive outcome.
With the international break approaching, Manchester City remain top with 15 points, while Liverpool’s victory strengthens their position in the upper half of the table. Manchester United and Fulham, meanwhile, will return to league action with work to do after Sunday’s contrasting results.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
