CHELSEA RUN RIOT, CITY MARCH ON
Chelsea hit five as Henderson steals the show, City stay perfect at Anfield, and Brighton keep climbing. Plus, our prediction check, bold calls and Monday Night Football.
THE RESULTS
GAME OF THE WEEK: CHELSEA 5-1 BOURNEMOUTH
WHAT HAPPENED:
Chelsea came flying out of the blocks at Stamford Bridge, with Jordan Henderson opening the scoring inside two minutes before setting up Morgan Rogers less than 90 seconds later. Bournemouth were suddenly 2-0 down before they could settle, and Chelsea took control.
João Pedro made it 3-0 just after half-time, but Bournemouth pulled one back through Evanilson, briefly giving themselves hope. However, João Pedro struck again in the 67th minute before Henderson capped off a brilliant performance with a stunning free-kick to complete his brace. Chelsea ran out convincing 5-1 winners.
WHY WE CHOSE IT:
Chelsea's explosive start and clinical finishing made this one stand out. Henderson stole the headlines with a rare two goals plus an assist, while Bournemouth's defence struggled to cope with Chelsea's attacking movement and pace.
With six goals, a stunning free-kick, and Chelsea racing to a two-goal lead within the opening three minutes, this game had everything. The goals kept coming after half-time, and Bournemouth's response ensured plenty of action despite Chelsea's early dominance.
Despite the scoreline, Bournemouth were competitive, with plenty of possession and chances to score. However, their wastefulness in front of goal, combined with defensive lapses, proved costly. Chelsea's ruthless finishing made for an entertaining afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
TURNING POINT:
Chelsea's blistering start set the tone.
This game had no single defining turning point. Chelsea scored twice in the opening three minutes, putting Bournemouth under pressure before they could settle.
Then, just after half-time, João Pedro scored to make it 3-0 and give Chelsea a commanding lead. Bournemouth briefly threatened a comeback through Evanilson, but Chelsea's attacking quality proved too much for Bournemouth.
BOT90 VERDICT:
Chelsea took their chances and punished Bournemouth's slow start. Henderson was the unexpected star, delivering a memorable home debut, while the Blues showed the attacking quality needed to turn a promising performance into a convincing win.
Bournemouth will be frustrated by the result, especially after creating their own chances, but Chelsea deserve credit for their ruthless finishing.
The big question now is whether Chelsea have finally found some defensive form, or whether Bournemouth were too wasteful in front of goal.
Final verdict: Chelsea made a statement with five goals, while Henderson stole the headlines on a memorable home debut that he will not forget.
PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND: JORDAN HENDERSON - CHELSEA
WHAT HE DID:
We are back at Stamford Bridge with Jordan Henderson, our Player of the Weekend, after rolling back the years with a brilliant performance in Chelsea's 5-1 win over Bournemouth. The 36-year-old midfielder was impossible for us to ignore, scoring twice and providing an assist in a remarkable attacking display few would have predicted before kick-off.
WHY HE STOOD OUT:
Henderson has never been known as a prolific goalscorer, making his two-goal performance all the more surprising. His experience, work rate, and leadership have always been his biggest strengths, but this time he added a spectacular attacking contribution.
It was also a surprise to see him in the starting XI, and we wouldn't expect him to start every week, let alone regularly score two goals and provide an assist. That's what made this performance so special. At 36, Henderson showed he still has plenty to offer when given his opportunity.
WHAT’S NEXT?:
Henderson hopes this performance earns him more opportunities, but expectations need to stay realistic. Chelsea will value his experience and energy, even if his role varies from game to game.
We don't expect him to score twice and provide an assist every week, or even to start every game, but performances like this will certainly strengthen his case for staying in the Chelsea 11 and the England squad. At 36, he'll need to keep showing he can make a difference when given the opportunity.
3 THINGS WE LEARNED
BRIGHTON CAN WIN UGLY AS WELL.
We know Brighton can blow teams away, but this was different. Reduced to ten men against Sunderland, they defended brilliantly and still scored a stoppage-time second to win 2-0. It's another sign that Fabian Hürzeler's side can win in different ways. After blowing Arsenal away in their previous game, they won ugly against Sunderland and moved up to third with 13 points.
CITY ANSWERED THE NOISE ON THE PITCH.
With the financial verdict dominating headlines, Manchester City faced a hostile Anfield crowd and responded with a 3-0 win. Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored after Liverpool went down to ten men. City remain perfect after six games, sitting three points clear at the top. Whatever happens off the pitch, they're delivering on it.
UNBEATEN BRENTFORD AND EVERTON ARE PUSHING FOR EUROPE.
Both clubs remain unbeaten after six games, sitting fourth and fifth with ten points apiece. Brentford have already beaten Tottenham and Chelsea, with smart recruitment and their familiar set-piece threat helping them make an impressive start. Everton, meanwhile, have shown defensive resilience under David Moyes, grinding out results even when performances haven't always been convincing.
BOT90 PREDICTION CHECK
Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth
Our Pick: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth
We expected goals, just not quite this many. Chelsea came flying out after the international break, and Alonso got exactly the reaction he wanted. With João Pedro, Palmer, and Rogers leading the attack, Bournemouth couldn’t handle them and failed to capitalize on their chances.
Verdict: We predicted goals. Chelsea scored nearly all of them.
Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City
Our Pick: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Liverpool were well in this game and had chances of their own, but the sending-off completely changed it. From that point on, City took control and eventually ran out comfortable 3–0 winners.
Verdict: The red card changed everything.
Player to watch: Johan Manzambi
At least Manzambi helped our predictions out with an assist, and was unlucky not to score.
Verdict: Manzambi already looks like a key player for Villa
FROM THE MANAGERS:
MITCH’S TAKE
Pascal Groß will finish as the Premier League's assist leader.
I've always been a big fan of Groß and made sure to pick him in my Fantasy team, so I'm delighted to see him back at Brighton and playing so well. He might not be the flashiest player in the league, but he's the one who makes Brighton tick in midfield. His intelligence, passing and ability to dictate the game have a huge impact on this talented Brighton side.
He's made a flying start, scoring three goals and providing four assists in his first six league appearances, putting him at the top of the Premier League assist charts. There are bigger names out there, like Fernandes, Palmer and Cherki, but if Groß stays fit and plays regularly, I genuinely believe he can finish as the league's top assist provider. At 35, that would be an incredible achievement.
My call: Groß beats the bigger-name stars to finish as the Premier League’s top assist provider.
DAN’S TAKE
João Pedro will win the Golden Boot
Two more goals this weekend and I’m ready to say it: João Pedro can win the Golden Boot.
If he stays fit, I think he can push Haaland all the way. Chelsea will create plenty of chances, and with Palmer and Rogers playing around him, Pedro shouldn’t be short on opportunities.
Another thing in his favor: Chelsea have no European football. While Haaland and the other leading strikers face extra midweek games, Pedro should have more time to recover and stay fresh for the Premier League.
We’ve already seen how dangerous this Chelsea attack can be. If Pedro stays on the pitch, I think the goals will keep coming.
My call: João Pedro beats Haaland to the Golden Boot.
COVENTRY CITY VS NEWCASTLE
Monday Night Football takes us to Coventry, where Newcastle will be looking to build on their win before the international break.
Coventry have shown they can make games difficult and finally got their first Premier League win away at Nottingham Forest, so confidence should be a little higher. But this is another step up, and if they want to get something from Newcastle, Jack Rudoni will have to play a big part.
Newcastle still have Elanga sidelined, but Harvey Barnes and Fernandez-Pardo have stepped up as two of the team's main creators. Barnes in particular has been driving them forward, while Fernandez-Pardo adds another player who can find space and create chances around the box. With Wissa expected to be available, Newcastle should still carry plenty of threat going forward.
ONE THING TO WATCH
Can Coventry stop Newcastle’s playmakers?
Barnes and Fernandez-Pardo could be the key to this game. Newcastle will want to get both of them involved early and force Coventry onto the back foot.
For Coventry, Rudoni feels like the player who could make the difference. If they want to come away with something, he’ll need to link midfield and attack, create chances, and make sure Newcastle have something to worry about going the other way.
BOT90 CALL
Coventry City 1–2 Newcastle
I think Coventry will make this competitive, especially at home, but Newcastle have more quality in the final third.
With Barnes in form, Fernandez-Pardo creating, and Wissa available up front, I think Newcastle will eventually find a way through.
