In case you needed further proof, Game 20 was set to show that nothing can be taken for granted in the Premier League.
Liverpool will be hosting Manchester United at Anfield on Super Sunday, who are suffering from what could be the worst underperforming side in the Premier League era, after Arsenal and Chelsea, who are expected to win the title, dropped points away from home on Saturday. The world expected a massacre.
But Ruben Amorim’s side offered more than just talent on Merseyside. Their significant improvement probably caught the league leaders off guard as they tormented, teased and tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold in more than a 2-2 draw.
The 2025 Premier League opening weekend certainly did not disappoint, with outstanding performances across the division. Introducing the top 6.
Jimenez keeps his cool from the spot to earn Fulham a point against Ipswich/Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jimenez was quick to deny the importance of the points after the match, but without him the Cottage would have succumbed at home to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.
The hosts were frustrated by Ipswich’s stubborn blocking and some questionable refereeing, but found their way back into the contest when Harry Wilson was clipped by Sam Morsy in the box. Jimenez made a bold decision from the spot.
Ipswich’s immediate response meant Fulham faced defeat heading into the final stages, but Jimenez was on hand to salvage a draw. The striker outmaneuvered Leif Davis to win another penalty, and the second spot-kick was delivered with even more conviction.
The Mexican has taken 10 penalties in the Premier League, making him the third-best perfect record in the competition’s history.
Haaland scores two goals as Man City beat West Ham/Carl Recine/GettyImages
Manchester City’s prolonged downturn towards the end of 2024 saw Haaland’s once impressive FPL ownership percentage drop to 30.4%, with managers eyeing midfielder Mohamed Salah as their most valuable asset. There is.
But with Haaland back in goal and City on the brink of a resurgence, there are no doubt some who will reconsider bringing the Nordic machine back.
Haaland found the back of the net against Leicester and scored his second Premier League goal, his first since September, as City beat West Ham 4-1. As always, Haaland’s performance was determined by the quality of his finishing.
The towering forward doubles the Cityzens’ lead in the first half with a wicked cross, before scoring his second goal with a trademark shot past Alphonse Areola, a record-breaking move from the 2022/23 season. It was just the way it was.
Mac Allister provided control amidst chaos/Alex Livesey – Danehouse/GettyImages
Liverpool were caught by surprise by Man United on Sunday, with the Red Devils benefiting from six days off between games. A change in midfield pivot and a concerted effort by United’s centre-backs to counter Liverpool’s midfielders between the lines meant the Reds’ impressive engine room was not working well on its own. did.
Despite dominating the field in the first half and taking the lead in the second half, Arne Slott’s side never looked completely in control of the game. Many players have failed to reach the top, but Mac Allister performed at the level we expect from him.
The Argentine brought calm amidst the chaos, his subtle brilliance on the ball revealed through his incisive first passes, changing Liverpool’s attacking dynamics and allowing him to cut through United’s stubborn defensive structures. His metronomic work on the ball was complemented by insightful interpretation of space and constant effort from possession.
He enjoyed a battle with fellow South American Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park.
Sabinho gave his best performance in a City shirt against West Ham/Carl Recine/GettyImages
A devilish ball-carryer and definitely a shrewd operator in the box, Haaland is not a striker who creates his own chances. Like many all-time greats, the Norwegian Hitman is only as good as his service will allow.
Haaland benefited from Sabinho’s outstanding performance against West Ham on Saturday.
The Brazilian was primarily used on the opposite right flank at the start of his City career, but manager Pep Guardiola has changed tack in the last two games, placing Savinho on his ‘natural’ flank. I chose that. The winger shone on the left flank for Girona last season and Guardiola’s move has seen the 20-year-old get the most out of his abilities.
After connecting with Vladimir Coufal and setting Haaland on goal with a wicked cross, Savinho scored the Norwegian’s second goal, winning the ball from the infield on the halfway line. The Brazilian’s pass in behind was pinpoint, allowing the striker to finish.
The winger has only shown flashes of brilliance so far, but this was arguably his best performance on English shores to date.
Fernandes’ performance at Anfield was key to United’s points/Alex Livesey – Danehouse/GettyImages
Bruno Fernandes was suspended for United’s sloppy display against Newcastle and although he returned to the starting lineup on Sunday, he initially struggled to find his form.
The Red Devils captain was used as a key organizer up front for United, playing a key role in ensuring the visitors were always at the back on the left. However, there was some hesitation when we entered the final third. Any frustrating aspects of his performance disappeared after he scored Lisandro Martinez’s opener with a cute reverse pass.
From then on, Fernandes took full command. Amid the turmoil, United’s playmaker moved at his own pace, linking up with Mac Allister to dictate the progress of the game.
The Portuguese star hasn’t always featured in big moments for the Red Devils lately, but it was a monster performance in the toughest of circumstances, especially in the second half. No Man United player since the 2003/04 season has created more chances in Premier League appearances at Anfield than Fernandes’ four.
Mbeumo certainly satisfied FPL owners/Warren Little/GettyImages
Brian Mbuumo’s evolution from Robin to Batman at Brentford saw the Frenchman enjoy a career year as their top scorer in 2024/25.
The Bees have suffered a dismal away record this season, but Mbeumo and strike partner Yoan Ouissa were instrumental in helping Thomas Frank’s side secure their first Premier League win on the road to Southampton. did.
Brentford ran riot on the south coast thanks to another productive Mbeumo display. The versatile forward created five chances and was rewarded with a late assist, as well as scoring two goals himself to take his tally to 13 in the league this season.
This partnership between Mbemo and Wisa will be the talk of the town for years to come.
