FIVE-STAR BRIGHTON, A FULHAM LIFELINE
Iwobi delivers Fulham's first win, Sunderland struggle to balance Europe and the league, and Chelsea continue to impress. Plus, our prediction check and Monday Night Football.
THE RESULTS
GAME OF THE WEEK: BRIGHTON 5-0 CRYSTAL PALACE
WHAT HAPPENED:
Brighton delivered a derby performance to remember, scoring three times in the opening ten minutes and leaving Crystal Palace shell-shocked. Jaydee Canvot's own goal opened the scoring before Diego Gómez stole the show with an outrageous strike from 51 meters, catching goalkeeper Walter Benítez off his line. It was the Premier League's longest-range goal since Wayne Rooney scored from 57.7 meters in November 2017. Yasin Ayari then made it 3-0 just three minutes later.
Charalampos Kostoulas added a fourth shortly after the restart, and academy graduate Jack Hinshelwood completed the rout in the 84th minute after coming off the bench to replace Pascal Groß. It was the first time in 70 years that Brighton had scored five goals against Palace, matching their record victory over their rivals.
WHY WE CHOSE IT:
Derbies are rarely this one-sided, especially between two rivals with plenty of close encounters over the years. Brighton had gone four meetings without beating Palace, but this time they completely overwhelmed them.
The performance was about much more than Gómez's wonder goal. He was one of Brighton's many standout performers, while Kostoulas contributed a goal and an assist. Groß also helped set the tone from midfield, delivering the cross that forced Canvot's own goal and helping Brighton take control from the opening minutes. Boscagli also deserves special mention, with his excellent passing and assist to Gómez highlighting how much quality Brighton had across the pitch.
TURNING POINT:
Three goals in less than ten minutes.
Palace never recovered from Brighton's explosive start. The hosts attacked with intensity, moved the ball quickly and repeatedly found space behind an overwhelmed defense. By the time Ayari made it 3-0, the contest was effectively over.
Brighton refused to take their foot off the gas after half-time, with Kostoulas scoring early in the second period. Palace had chances to pull one back, but Jean-Philippe Mateta somehow hit the crossbar from six yards out with the goal gaping, capping a miserable afternoon for the visitors.
BOT90 VERDICT:
Brighton look increasingly confident under Fabian Hürzeler, combining attacking flair with tactical flexibility. Six consecutive wins in all competitions and 23 goals in their first seven league games show just how dangerous they are, with goals coming from across the team.
Palace, meanwhile, have serious defensive problems to solve. But Brighton own the story, delivering a derby performance their fans will remember for years.
Final verdict: Brighton dominated the derby from start to finish. With their attacking depth, tactical flexibility, and growing confidence, the Seagulls look like genuine European contenders — and a Champions League place is becoming a realistic ambition.
PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND: ALEX IWOBI — FULHAM
WHAT HE DID:
This weekend offered plenty of outstanding performances, from Brighton's demolition of Crystal Palace to Erling Haaland's brace for Manchester City and Pedro Neto's double for Chelsea. But Alex Iwobi really impressed us, delivering a match-winning performance when Fulham and their under-pressure manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, desperately needed it.
Iwobi scored Fulham's only goal in a 1–0 win over Hull City, calmly finishing a flowing move in the 33rd minute. It was Fulham's first Premier League win of the season at the seventh attempt, lifting them out of the relegation zone and giving the Craven Cottage crowd a much-needed reason to celebrate.
WHY HE STOOD OUT:
Iwobi offered far more than just the winning goal. He registered five shots, created two big chances and made three key passes, constantly looking to unlock Hull's defense. He also delivered a dangerous cross that found Gonzalo García, whose header struck the crossbar.
Fulham dominated the game, finishing with 76% possession and 18 shots compared with Hull's five. Yet despite all that pressure, they only had Iwobi's goal to show for it, making his contribution even more important. The Nigerian midfielder provided the creativity, confidence and attacking intent Fulham had been missing, driving them forward when they needed someone to make the difference.
WHAT’S NEXT?:
This result could prove crucial for Arbeloa. After six league games without a win, pressure was mounting, with reports suggesting the next two fixtures could determine his future. Iwobi's decisive contribution has bought the Spaniard some breathing room, although one win won't solve all of Fulham's problems.
Fulham still needs to become more clinical in front of goal, but they can build on this result. Iwobi showed that he can be the difference-maker when his team needs him most, and his influence goes well beyond the scoresheet. The question now is whether he can stay consistent.
For now, Iwobi has given Arbeloa a lifeline and Fulham a reason to believe their season can still turn around.
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE WEEKEND
IS EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CATCHING UP WITH SUNDERLAND?
Sunderland beat Torreense 2–1 in Europe on Thursday but struggled on their return to the Premier League, losing 2–0 at Bournemouth, while Kevin Danso's early red card didn't help. The defeat leaves Sunderland 19th, with pressure mounting after four consecutive league losses.
Injuries are adding to the pressure. Brian Brobbey was unavailable with a hamstring problem, while Thomas Meunier, Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle were also missing. With limited options and another European fixture ahead, Régis Le Bris faces a real challenge managing his squad. Can Sunderland compete on two fronts all season?
CHELSEA ARE BECOMING DANGEROUS AT BOTH ENDS.
Chelsea's attacking quality has never really been in doubt, but their defensive struggles have held them back. After a 5–1 win over Bournemouth last weekend, they followed it up with a 2–0 win over Everton, finally keeping their first Premier League clean sheet since January and ending a 22-game league run without one.
Everton had been unbeaten in their opening six league games, making this an important test for Xabi Alonso’s side. Pedro Neto delivered again with two second-half goals, while Chelsea looked far more assured defensively.
The Blues already have the attacking firepower to trouble anyone. If their defense can maintain this improvement, they could become a serious threat to the teams above them. Could Chelsea finally be putting it all together?
MANCHESTER CITY ARE FLYING — BUT AT WHAT COST?
Manchester City beat Ipswich 3–2 to make it seven wins from seven. Erling Haaland scored twice, reaching 100 non-penalty Premier League goals in just 139 appearances, a competition record.
The win came with injury concerns. Haaland, Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes all left with problems, while Nico O'Reilly managed a back issue and Antoine Semenyo appeared to struggle at full-time.
With a Champions League clash against AEK Athens on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, City's schedule leaves little time to recover.
BOT90 PREDICTION CHECK
Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
Our Pick: Brentford 2-2 Liverpool
We expected a draw, but Liverpool took all three points instead. Yarmoliuk’s red card changed the game, and Isak struck the winner before Janelt’s stoppage-time dismissal left Brentford with nine men.
Verdict: Close, but Brentford beat themselves with the red cards!
Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
Our Pick: Leeds United 2-1 Manchester United
Mbeumo gave United the lead, but Calvert-Lewin equalized for Leeds. We backed the home side to win, but they couldn't find the winner.
Verdict: Leeds earned a point, but we predicted three.
Player to watch: Bradley Barcola
Our Prediction: Barcola to score and assist
Barcola assisted Isak's winner but couldn't find the net himself, despite having chances.
Verdict: Half right! The assist arrived, but the goal didn't.
FROM THE MANAGERS:
MITCH’S TAKE
Newcastle will sack Matthias Jaissle before the year ends.
Newcastle's season is already unraveling. Three defeats in four league games, including a 4–1 loss to Coventry, have exposed serious defensive problems. They've also gone 16 consecutive home games without a clean sheet across all competitions.
For me, Newcastle got it wrong with Howe. He ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 League Cup and secured Champions League football twice. They should have stood by him instead of gradually diminishing his role at the club.
Jaissle is already under pressure, and unless results improve quickly, I can see Newcastle making another managerial change soon.
My call: Jaissle will be gone by the end of the year, and Newcastle will regret losing Howe.
DAN’S TAKE
Brighton are ready for Liverpool.
Brighton were brilliant again this weekend, putting five past Crystal Palace, and next week they get the perfect test of just how good this attack really is.
Liverpool against Brighton feels like the new Street Fighter movie — Ryu vs Ken. Attack versus attack. Liverpool could have three £100m players on the pitch, while Brighton arrive at Anfield having just put five past Palace.
Both sides want to play on the front foot, both have players who can hurt you in transition, and Brighton are going to Anfield with confidence sky-high.
They’ve already shown they can compete with the best teams in the league. Now we get to see whether they can do it again on one of the toughest stages.
This one could be absolute chaos and I’m here for it. Hadouken!
TOTTENHAM VS COVENTRY CITY
Monday Night Football takes us to North London, where Tottenham are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
Spurs have shown flashes, but they haven’t put together a full performance yet, and confidence still looks fragile. Coventry arrive in a completely different mood after that brilliant 4-1 win over Newcastle, their second straight league victory, and suddenly Frank Lampard’s side look like they believe they belong at this level.
That’s what makes this one interesting. On paper, Spurs should have enough quality at home, but Coventry come in with momentum and nothing to fear.
ONE THING TO WATCH
Can Dominic Solanke finally step up?
Spurs badly need someone to take responsibility in the final third, and this feels like a game where Solanke has to make his presence felt.
Coventry showed against Newcastle that they will punish mistakes and attack with confidence, so Tottenham can’t afford another slow or nervous start. If Spurs want that first home win, Solanke needs to hold up the ball, occupy Coventry’s center-backs and, most importantly, start taking his chances.
BOT90 CALL
Tottenham 2–1 Coventry City
Coventry tempts us after what they did to Newcastle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they came away with something.
But Spurs desperately need a result; they’re at home, and this feels like the night when they finally get over the line.
Coventry will make them work for it, but I’m backing Spurs to nick their first league win.
