Premier League Matchweek 8 Day 1: Arsenal on top, as Haaland streak continues; Postecoglou sacked
The first day of Premier League Matchweek 8, held on October 18, 2025, was packed with drama, goals, and dominant performances. From Arsenal’s crucial away victory to Erling Haaland extending his incredible scoring streak, Saturday’s fixtures reshaped the top-half battle in the Premier League standings.
Arsenal edge Fulham to return to the top
Arsenal reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League table with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Leandro Trossard struck the decisive goal in the 58th minute, assisted by Gabriel Magalhães, continuing the Gunners’ momentum under Mikel Arteta.
A controversial VAR reversal denied Arsenal a penalty later in the match when Bukayo Saka was brought down in the box, but Arteta’s side held firm to secure all three points. The result puts Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City in the race for the title.
Haaland double powers Manchester City past Everton
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City produced another clinical display, defeating Everton 2-0. Erling Haaland scored both goals, extending his phenomenal streak to 11 consecutive Premier League games with a goal. Assisted by Nico O’Reilly and Savinho, Haaland now sits five clear in the Golden Boot race.
City controlled 71% possession and peppered the Toffees’ defence with 19 shots, leaving no room for a comeback. Pep Guardiola praised his striker’s relentless consistency post-match.
Chelsea cruise past Nottingham Forest; Postecoglou departs Forest
Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, increasing the pressure on Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, who was later dismissed following the loss. Reece James, Pedro Neto, and Josh Acheampong were all on target as Chelsea dominated from start to finish, with Neto providing a goal and an assist.
Forest’s defeat extends their winless streak to five matches, while Chelsea climbs into contention for European qualification.
Crystal Palace and Bournemouth deliver a six-goal thriller.
In one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth played out a stunning 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta was the star performer, scoring a hat-trick to rescue Palace from defeat after Bournemouth surged ahead with goals from Eli Junior Kroupi (brace) and Ryan Christie.
Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty earned Palace a deserved point and fueled social media buzz as fans dubbed the Frenchman the “hat-trick hero” of Matchweek 8.
Brighton beats Newcastle; Burnley rises out of danger.
Danny Welbeck’s brace lifted Brighton to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium. Nick Woltemade pulled one back for Newcastle late on, but the Seagulls’ defensive resilience secured the win.
Meanwhile, Burnley continued their resurgence, defeating Leeds United 2-0 at Turf Moor thanks to goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna. The victory moved them out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Sunderland, the surprise package, stun Wolves.
Sunderland extended their impressive start with a 2-0 win over Wolves, maintaining their momentum in their first top-flight campaign since promotion. Goals from Nordi Mukiele and an injury-time own goal by Krejčí sealed the win, moving Sunderland into the top half.
Matchweek 8 Day 1 Results
- Nottingham Forest 0–3 Chelsea
- Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1 Newcastle United
- Burnley 2–0 Leeds United
- Crystal Palace 3–3 Bournemouth
- Manchester City 2–0 Everton
- Sunderland 2–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Fulham 0–1 Arsenal
Check EPL Points Table here: EPL 2025-26 Standings
Day 2 of Matchweek 8 continues Sunday with Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa and the headline fixture Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield, both set to influence the title and top-four races.
Premier League Matchweek 8 – Day 2 Fixtures:
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa – 6:30 PM IST
- Liverpool vs Manchester United – 9:00 PM IST
- West Ham United vs Brentford – 12:30 AM IST (Oct 21)