Premier League Drama: City Stumbles, Arsenal Thrills, and Palmer’s Historic Hat Trick
Manchester City felt the absence of star midfielder Rodri as the Premier League champions were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Saturday, allowing Liverpool to seize the top spot with a 2-1 win at Wolves.
Arsenal scored twice in stoppage time to secure a 4-2 victory over Leicester, leveling on points with City, while Cole Palmer made headlines, scoring four times in Chelsea’s 4-2 triumph over Brighton.
Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery following last weekend’s intense 2-2 draw against Arsenal. Although Josko Gvardiol put City ahead at St James’ Park, Newcastle earned a well-deserved point through Anthony Gordon’s second-half penalty.
Guardiola described Rodri as “irreplaceable,” and acknowledged the team’s struggle without his control and poise. “It is always difficult here with their physicality,” he noted, lamenting missed chances to extend their lead.
Liverpool capitalized on City’s slip, with Mohamed Salah netting a penalty after Ibrahima Konate’s header was canceled out by a defensive error that allowed Rayan Ait-Nouri to equalize for Wolves.
At the Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal before assisting Leandro Trossard to make it 2-0. Despite a strong response from Leicester, Mikel Arteta’s side clinched victory with an own goal from Wilfred Ndidi and a late strike from Kai Havertz. “To have that mentality, purpose and perseverance is really impressive,” Arteta praised.
In an electrifying display at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer became the first player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League match. After Brighton took an early lead, Palmer quickly turned the game around, scoring a clinical equalizer and a penalty before completing a stunning treble with a brilliant free-kick. He capped off his historic performance with a fourth goal, earning accolades from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Other highlights included West Ham salvaging a 1-1 draw against Brentford, who made Premier League history by scoring in the first minute for the third consecutive game. Everton ended their winless start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, while Fulham secured a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest thanks to Raul Jimenez’s penalty.
As the league heats up, Liverpool and Arsenal are breathing down City’s neck, setting the stage for an exciting title race ahead.
