GAME WEEK 2 - WEEKLY ROUND UP

With the first week of Premier League football done and dusted, teams turn to the second fixture of the season, where some look to build on positive opening results and others are searching for their first points on the board. Keep reading to find out what happened in each game this weekend.

Also on INMR this week: Spain vs England Women's World Cup Match Report (https://izzynewnham.wixsite.com/matchreports/post/captain-carmona-leads-spain-to-first-world-cup-victory) is out now, as well as a new podcast out on INMR YouTube, this week I interviewed Eastbourne Borough Captain Bradley Barry as we delved deep into his football journey (https://youtu.be/4SQWzClVsw8).

Wood's late header hurts Blades (Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United)

Nottingham Forest opened the game week at the City Ground as they faced newly promoted Sheffield United, both of whom were hoping to get their first win of the season. Forest's Awoniyi gave his side the lead just a few minutes in - nodding home Serge Aurier's perfect delivery to make it six successive Premier League appearances in which he has scored - stunning the United defenders. Similar to their opening fixture, Sheffield United didn't display anything impressive in the final third, registering just one shot on target in the first half.

The Blades came out much better in the second getting the equaliser almost instantly via Gustavo Hamer's wonderstrike. The set piece delivery was cleared by Forest but not far enough, as it fell to the feet of Hamer on the edge of the penalty area. His spectacular effort came off as curled into the top right corner, not a bad way to introduce yourself to the Premier League! Unfortunately for Sheffield United the goal meant nothing in the end, as Chris Wood scored a late header to steal all three points for his side. Very unlucky from a Sheffield United point of view as they did grow into the game, but ultimately a poor start cost them.

Wissa and Mbuemo combine to breeze past Fulham (Fulham 0-3 Brentford)

A bad day at the office for Fulham who suffered a disappointing defeat to London rivals Brentford, a loss that could easily have been prevented. Yoane Wissa broke the deadlock moments before the interval, capitalising on Issa Diop's poor pass across goal. The Brentford forward nicked the ball before taking it away from the onrushing goalkeeper and slotting it into the bottom corner. Brentford had been patient, waiting for Fulham to slip up, and when they did they executed their game plan perfectly by firing themselves into the lead.

Things didn't improve in the slightest for the home side in the second half, in fact they progressively got worse. Bryan Mbuemo doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a challenge from Tim Ream inside the box that caused him to be sent off. It looked like a soft challenge but was enough in the mind of the referee. Mbuemo confidently rolled it past Leno, who was rooted to the spot. In the final minutes of the game, Mbuemo put the game to bed in the last few minutes with a simple tap in, securing his sides five game unbeaten record in the Premier League. Fulham were totally outplayed, couldn't get any momentum going and were unable to figure out Brentford.

10-man Liverpool dominate Bournemouth (Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth)

Jurgen Klopp's boys get their first victory of the campaign over Bournemouth, after a shaky start they eventually displayed a dominant performance. Minutes into the game the Cherries took the lead, Trent Alexander-Arnold was caught out in the midfield and Antoine Semenyo made him pay. Philip Billing nicked the ball away from Alexander-Arnold and fed it in to Solanke. The striker got the ball caught under his feet and it then fell to Semenyo who fired past Alisson. The lead didn't last long as Luis Diaz goal the equaliser on the half hour mark with an improvised acrobatic finish. Liverpool then took the lead for the first time shortly from 12 yards; new-boy Dominik Szobozlai won the spot kick and the Egyptian King inevitably converted the strike.

Similar to the first half, Liverpool had a rough start as Alexis Mac-Allister was shown a red card due to a late, studs up challenge on Ryan Christie. However this didn't stop them in their tracks, the Reds played with good rhythm and ensured the victory on the hour mark when Diogo Jota tucked away the rebound after Szobozlai's effort on goal was parried back out. A great win for Liverpool and the fans will be pleased Salah got off the mark after failing to do so in the opening match for the first time. His penalty goal made him the 5th highest goalscorer in Liverpool history, overtaking Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard (186) with 187 goals for the club.

(Luton - Burnley)

This game has been postponed, the round up will appear shortly after the rearranged fixture has finished. Come back soon for updates or follow @inmr.journalist on Instagram to know straight away when the update has been made.

Mayhem at the Molinueix (Wolves 1-4 Brighton)

De Zerbi's blue and white army hit four for the second week in a row, this time Wolves were the victims. Mitoma kick things off with a glorious solo goal. Not as poor first half from Wolves, Mitoma's quality was too much for their defence but it was far better than what they showed in the second half.

After the break the only way to describe Wolves defence is frail, they got demolished by Brighton. Estupinan, who claimed the assist for Mitoma's goal, extended the Albion's advantage, this time Mitoma was the one setting him up. Solly March rubbed salt in woeful Wolves' wound with a quick fire brace, Julio Enciso assisted both of the Brighton boy's goals. Hwang Hee-Chan scored shortly after however it meant nothing but a consolation goal. If things couldn't get any worse, Nunes wasn't sent off in the final moments of an embarrassing match.

Brighton rang rings around their opponents, with every player in blue and white giving a top performance. A player that might fly under the radar due to the goalscorers was Billy Gilmour, the Scotsman impressed in his first start of the season, completing the most successful passes throughout the game, only misplacing one of his 70. Wolves will need to move on quickly and try and regain the form they had against Manchester United, because that display was like watching a new, disjointed side.

Super Sarr inspires Spurs victory (Tottenham 2-0 Manchester United)

The highly anticipated fixture was goalless at the break, however both sides did have chances to take the lead. Pedro Porro came closest for Spurs, hitting the crossbar from just outside the 18-yard box. For United, Bruno Fernandes had the best opportunity of the half; a free header from close range, guided off target, a moment to Portuguese midfielder wont want to watch back.

The deadlock was broken at the start of the second half, Pape Sarr arrived in the box at the perfect time to meet Dejan Kulusevski's cross and blast it into the back of the net. United punished for not taking their chances, and continued to do so when searching for an equaliser. Antony was unlucky not to score; his left-footed curling effort struck the far post. Not long later Casemiro's header was tipped over the bar by Guglielmo Vicario who was having a much better game than last week against Brentford.

Man United weren't convincing at all and were caught out by Spurs, the Red Devils topped off their disappointing display with an own goal from Lisandro Martinez. The weren't great against Wolves and Ange's side exposed them. By far second best - a real need for improvement if they hope to reach last seasons heights. Spurs were much more impressive, like we've never seen them before, the midfield looked slick with James Maddision and Yves Bissouma linking up well, the Malian international even picked up his second Man of the Match award in as many games. The 2-0 victory was Tottenham's first against United for the first time since October 2020.

Alvarez strike the difference against Newcastle (Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle)

The Etihad was much quieter than usual in terms of action on the field, a narrow victory for City. Surprisingly, Erling Hallandale had a few good chances he couldn't take advantage of; it was actually second choice striker Julian Alvarez who made the impact on Saturday night. Phil Foden cut the ball inside to the Argentine who only needed one touch to get the ball out his feet then BANG! Right into the top corner, flying past Nick Pope who had absolutely no chance of getting to it. What a goal!

Apart from that sublime shot from Alvarez, City weren't as clinical as usual; talisman Haaland dragged shots wide on multiple occasions, unable to get the right connection on the ball, something we hardly ever see from him. Luckily for them though, Newcastle struggled to get back in the game, and. Pep's side saw the 1-0 lead out to secure their 17th consecutive home win in all competitions and most importantly another three points on the board.

Villa embarrass woeful Everton (Aston Villa 4-0 Everton)

The best result of the weekend was at Villa Park as the Villians thrashed a lacklustre Everton side. Two goals in each half, dreadful defending from the Toffees in both too. John McGinn started proceedings, Leon Bailey cut the ball back from the byline and McGinn turned it goalwards to give his side the advantage. Six minutes later McGinn's midfield partner Douglas Luiz joined his on the scoresheet as he slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford from the penalty spot. The spot kick was given because Ollie Watkins was wiped out by Pickford, a goal that could have easily been prevented with a little more thought and composure from Everton's man between the sticks.

In the second half, Bailey - who set up the opening goal - a quick throw from Luca Digne caught out Everton, the ball fell to Bailey who lashed it through Pickford's legs, again a very preventable goal, but one that Villa will be more than happy to take. Jhon Duran got the fourth and final goal for Unai Emery's side. The substitute capitalised on Michael Keane's mistake and placed the ball in the bottom right corner. Duran's finish was the quickest from a Aston Villa substitute since John Carew in 2009, also against Everton. A perfect response from Villa after their Newcastle loss, Everton on the other hand have a lot to improve on, conceding cheap goals at this level will catch up with you at the end of a season.

Moye's Hammers shock Chelsea (West Ham 3-1 Chelsea)

Poch's first game on the road was against West Ham, on paper a game that should be straightforward to win, however that was not the case. The Hammers took the lead early on from a set piece, Declan Rice replacement James Ward-Prowse whipped a delicious ball into the box, Nayef Aguerd met it first and guided his header past Robert Sanchez. Chelsea responded with the equaliser thanks to a great bit of individual class from Carney Chukwuemeka. They had the opportunity to take the lead just before the interval from 12 yards, however Enzo Fernandez's effort was saved and the score remained level. Ironic that the man who created the most chances in the game was unable to score what is usually the easiest one.

Fernandez was punished for not take his chances in the second half. Micheal Antonio scored a stunner to put his side into the lead once more. James Ward-Prowse grabbed his second assist of the match, feeding it into Antonio who held off Axel Disasi well before finding the net from outside the box. Goalscorer Aguerd was sent off for a terrible late challenge on Nicolas Jackson, although this didn't stop West Ham's momentum as they continued to fizz the ball around nicely. In the dying moments, Lucas Paqueta put the game to bed from the spot. Moises Caicedo had a debut to forget as he was the one who conceded the penalty to put the result beyond doubt.

Chelsea came out on top in the first half, got their equaliser and keeping the ball well with 79% possession in the first half; West Ham were electric after the break, even after losing a player. A very positive debut for James Ward-Prowse who got 2 assists and completed a 96% successful pass rate.

10-man Arsenal hold on at Selhurst (Crystal 0-1 Arsenal)

Final game of the match week took place at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace took on London rivals Arsenal as both sides hoped to build on their victories from last week. Palace scared Arsenal at first, moving the ball around well and testing Aaron Ramsdale, the Gunners grew into the game and with such contrasting attacking styles, this was guaranteed to be and exciting affair in the second half. The best chance of the first half fell to Nketiah, his attempt brushed against the far post and was swiftly cleared by the Eagles.

Odegaard broke the deadlock in the 54th minute from the spot, the 6th and final penalty of the weekend. Nketiah was fouled in the box and awarded the penalty. Odegaard has taken over from Bukayo Saka as penalty taker and showed why as he nonchalantly put the ball past Sam Johnstone. Palace continued to mount on the pressure as they searched for an equaliser, Arsenal were defending for their lives and it got made that much harder when Takehiro Tomiyasu was controversially shown a second yellow. Arteta's side managed to cling on by the skin of their teeth, Crystal Palace's all out attack approach hurt Arsenal but not enough to find a way through. Arsenal scraped the three points, making them just one of three sides in the league to win both of their first two games this season - Brighton and title rivals Manchester City are the only other teams to have done this.

Written by Isabelle Newnham