“Not good enough.” That was Arne Slot’s blunt assessment following his inaugural loss as Liverpool manager last Saturday.
The unexpected 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League shattered Slot’s unblemished record since taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after the previous season.
“We dominated possession but carved out only three or four decent chances. Frankly, that’s insufficient,” lamented the Dutchman, expressing disbelief at his team’s loss to Forest.
“Losing a home game always stings, especially against a team like Forest. They might contest for Champions League spots, but realistically, they’re not top 10 material. So this loss really hits hard,” Slot remarked.
Slot had triumphed in his first three matches, including an outstanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United before the international break.
But that winning streak ended when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a curling effort in the 72nd minute, nudging it past goalkeeper Alisson.
Liverpool’s loss left Manchester City as the sole team with a perfect record in the league after their 2-1 victory over Brentford.
Manchester United broke their two-game losing streak with a 3-0 win at Southampton.
Christopher Nkunku, coming off the bench, scored seven minutes in to bag a 1-0 win for Chelsea at Bournemouth.
Unstoppable Haaland
Erling Haaland reached an impressive 99 goals for City, netting twice against Brentford.
The Norwegian’s brace came after Yoane Wissa shocked Brentford’s fans by scoring within 22 seconds.
Haaland tallied his 98th and 99th goals in his 103rd appearance for City in all competitions. He narrowly missed a third consecutive hat trick, denied only by the post.
“He’s performing spectacularly. At this rate, he’s the best we’ve seen, though it’s just four games in,” City manager Pep Guardiola praised.
Nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Haaland has nine goals in four league matches. He’s topped the scoring charts each season since his 2022 transfer from Borussia Dortmund for $63 million.
Haaland equalized the game with a shot deflected off Ethan Pinnock after Wissa’s goal astonished the Etihad Stadium. He then outmuscled Pinnock to net his second.
A near-miss saw his shot return off the post after beating the keeper.
Rashford snaps drought
Marcus Rashford ended a 12-game goal drought as United triumphed over Southampton.
Rashford scored United’s second at Saint Mary’s following Matthijs de Ligt’s first goal for the club. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho added a third in stoppage time.
The win snapped United’s back-to-back losses.
Rashford hadn’t found the back of the net since March in an FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool. His goal, from the edge of the area, put United up 2-0 before half-time.
Ten Hag remarked, “For any striker, scoring that first goal can be crucial. Like a ketchup bottle—once it starts, more comes.”
De Ligt, signed from Bayern Munich, headed in Bruno Fernandes’ cross.
Southampton might have changed the game if Cameron Archer had converted a penalty, but his attempt was thwarted by keeper Andre Onana.
A red card for Jack Stephens in the 79th for a high challenge on Garnacho reduced Southampton to 10 men.
Chelsea scare
Chelsea narrowly escaped as Nkunku’s 86th-minute goal secured a win, after Bournemouth hit the woodwork twice. Robert Sanchez also saved a first-half penalty.
Marcus Tavernier hit the bar early, and Evanilson had his spot-kick saved. Ryan Christie’s second-half shot also hit the post.
Nkunku, subbed in late, didn’t take long to score the winner, assisted by Jadon Sancho.
Villa comeback
Everton seemed set for their first win after three losses with a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa.
Goals from Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave them the advantage until Ollie Watkins struck twice.
Jhon Duran clinched Villa’s 3-2 comeback in the 76th minute, leaving Everton winless and bottom of the table.
Late drama
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty secured a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace versus Leicester.
Leicester led 2-0 with goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi, but Mateta ignited Palace’s response in the 47th minute.
Conor Coady’s foul on Ismaili Sarr gifted Mateta the chance, and he scored coolly.
West Ham likewise salvaged a point with Danny Ings’ added-time goal, equalizing Raul Jimenez’s opener for Fulham.
Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton, the manager of the month for August, were left frustrated with a 0-0 draw against Ipswich at home.
