After two weeks of nervous anticipation during the International Break—filled with World Cup playoff heartbreak and qualification drama—the English Premier League returned with a vengeance this weekend, delivering a host of unpredictable results that shook up the table.
None of Saturday's shocks were bigger than Newcastle United’s dramatic home win over Manchester City and a devastating 3-0 defeat for Liverpool at Anfield.
The results allowed Chelsea to climb into second place behind league leaders Arsenal.
Newcastle 2 - 1 Manchester City (Late Kickoff)
In the final match of the day at St. James' Park, Newcastle United derailed Manchester City’s title challenge by securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.
All three goals came in a chaotic second-half spell. Harvey Barnes opened the scoring for the Magpies in the 63rd minute.
Though Manchester City quickly responded with an equalizer from defender Rúben Dias just five minutes later, Barnes restored Newcastle's lead almost immediately, sealing a crucial win for the home side.
The defeat leaves Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in third place, four points behind Arsenal, who play on Sunday.
Liverpool 0 - 3 Nottingham Forest
Earlier in the day, Liverpool's poor run of form continued as they suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.
The loss marks Liverpool’s sixth defeat in their last seven league matches, sinking them to 11th place on the table.
Goals from Murillo, Nicolò Domínguez, and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a crucial win for Forest, adding to the pressure on the Anfield club.
Other Saturday Results
In the day's other fixtures:
-
Chelsea climbed to second place in the table with a comfortable 2-0 victory away at Burnley.
-
Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland, with Nigerian international Calvin Bassey featuring in the win for the Cottagers.
-
Brighton & Hove Albion mounted a comeback to defeat Brentford 2-1 at the American Express Stadium.
-
AFC Bournemouth were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United in a tight contest at the Vitality Stadium.
-
Crystal Palace defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Molineux.
The action continues on Sunday with the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
