English Premier League match week 8 Roundup: How the top 6 teams performed

• Tottenham stormed back to thrash West Ham 4-1, with Son Heung-min shining on his return and Kudus seeing red later on
• Manchester United snapped their winless run, defeating Brentford 2-1 thanks to Garnacho and Hojlund’s second-half strikes
• Arsenal’s unbeaten streak crumbled in a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth after Saliba’s red card, with Christie and Kluivert punishing the Gunners

The Premier League always brings its fair share of drama, and this weekend was no exception. As fans across the globe tuned in, the top six clubs delivered memorable moments, comebacks, late goals, and red cards. 

From Tottenham’s brilliant win over West Ham to John Stones’ heroics for Manchester City, the weekend’s fixtures were full of intrigue. This roundup captures how these clubs fared in their respective matches as they continue to fight for the top spot in the EPL standings.

Here’s a deep dive into how the top six teams performed this week.

How the top 6 EPL clubs performed

Here's a summary of how the top 6 teams performed:

1. Tottenham 4-1 Westham

Tottenham Hotspur bounced back in style after falling behind early to overcome West Ham United 4-1 in the London derby. Mohammed Kudus gave the Hammers a 1-0 lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the hosts regrouped with a dominant second-half display. 

Tottenham dominated possession from the onset but found themselves trailing after 18 minutes when Kudus slotted home from Jarrod Bowen’s pass. The equaliser came just before halftime when Kulusevski’s strike went off both posts before crossing the line, giving Spurs the momentum they needed. 

The second half saw Tottenham ramp up their intensity, with Bissouma finding the net before an own goal from West Ham goal-keeper Alphonse Areola.

Son Heung-min, returning after a three-game absence due to injury, put the game beyond West Ham’s reach with a stunning solo goal on the hour mark. His run and composed finish capped an impressive performance for the hosts. 

A late VAR check led to Kudus receiving a straight red card after a heated altercation, further dampening West Ham’s hopes of a comeback.

The win lifts Tottenham to sixth in the table, just five points off the league leaders. Meanwhile, West Ham languishes in 14th, five points adrift of Tottenham. 

Spurs now turn their attention to their upcoming Europa League clash against AZ before travelling to Crystal Palace. West Ham, on the other hand, will look to bounce back when they host Manchester United.

2. Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Manchester United finally ended their five-game winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Second-half strikes from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho overturned a first-half header from Ethan Pinnock, handing Erik ten Hag some much-needed relief. The result helps United gain positive momentum after weeks of disappointing performances.

Brentford had taken the lead just before halftime, with Pinnock powering home a header from a well-delivered cross. Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, but a tactical switch after the break paid off. Garnacho, introduced early in the second half, quickly made an impact, unleashing a thunderous strike that levelled the score.

Hojlund’s clinical finish came shortly after, as Bruno Fernandes’ clever backheel set up the young striker, who beat the offside trap to delicately chip the ball over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. 

The win takes United up the table and relieves pressure on Ten Hag, who had been under fire following their recent poor form.

Next up for United is a Europa League clash against Fenerbahce, followed by a visit to West Ham in the Premier League, where they’ll look to build on their recent victory.

3. Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal

Arsenal's unbeaten run came to a sudden halt with a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, as they struggled to cope after William Saliba’s red card left them with 10 men for over an hour. Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert, both substitutes, delivered the goals for Bournemouth, punishing the Gunners' defensive lapses and sealing off a well-deserved win.

Saliba’s dismissal in the 30th minute was a turning point for Arsenal, who had been showing signs of vulnerability early on. The French defender was sent off for a last-man foul on Evanilson, a decision confirmed after a VAR check. 

Down to 10 men, Arsenal’s defence crumbled in the second half, with Bournemouth capitalising through Christie’s well-executed finish from a corner routine.

As the Gunners pushed for an equaliser, a misplaced back-pass from Jakub Kiwior saw David Raya bring down Evanilson in the box, leading to a penalty. Kluivert confidently converted the spot-kick, doubling Bournemouth’s advantage. 

The defeat leaves Arsenal very insecure at third spot on the league table, with captain Martin Odegaard still sidelined due to injury and Saliba now suspended for their next match, Arsenal’s vulnerability seems like a time bomb.

Arsenal will look to regroup ahead of a crucial home clash against Liverpool, while Bournemouth celebrated their best performance of the season thus far.

4. Wolves 1-2 Manchester City

Manchester City had to dig deep once again, as John Stones’ 95th-minute header secured a dramatic 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Wolves took an early lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen, but City clawed their way back into the match thanks to Josko Gvardiol’s stunning strike. Just when it seemed Wolves would hold on for a point, Stones rose highest to snatch victory for the reigning champions.

Larsen’s opener came just seven minutes into the match, as Wolves executed a slick passing move to break through City’s defence. Pep Guardiola’s side responded with a spell of sustained pressure, and Gvardiol’s spectacular effort from the edge of the box ensured the teams went into halftime level.

Wolves defended valiantly throughout the second half, frustrating City with their compact setup. However, the visitors’ persistence paid off in stoppage time when Stones nodded home from a corner, sending City to the top of the Premier League table for a few hours. Wolves, despite their improved performance, remain second from bottom with just one point from their last eight matches.

City’s victory extends their unbeaten run in matches where they’ve trailed, setting a new Premier League record. 

5. Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Liverpool overcame a tough challenge from Chelsea to secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield, with goals from Mo Salah and Curtis Jones sealing the win. Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser for Chelsea, initially ruled offside, was later awarded after a VAR review, but Liverpool struck back quickly to regain the lead.

Chelsea started brightly, dominating possession and creating several chances. However, a clumsy foul by Levi Colwill on Curtis Jones led to Salah’s opener from the penalty spot. Liverpool thought they had a second penalty after Robert Sanchez fouled Jones again, but VAR overturned the decision.

Jackson brought Chelsea level in the second half, with his goal standing after a VAR check confirmed he was onside. Yet Liverpool wasted no time in responding, as Jones’ composed finish restored their advantage just minutes later. 

The victory sees Liverpool go top to the first spot, while Chelsea will be disappointed not to have taken more from a game in which they showed flashes of promise.

English Premier League Matchweek 2 Roundup: How the top 6 teams performed

Previously, TheRadar reported that the second week of Premier League action brought plenty of goals, late drama, and a few unexpected twists. Manchester United’s struggles continued as they faced yet another frustrating loss to Brighton, raising early questions about Erik ten Hag’s ability to fix their ongoing issues. 

Meanwhile, Tottenham bounced back from a disappointing opening game with a dominant win over Everton, while Chelsea’s attacking prowess shone in their victory over Wolves, though defensive concerns linger.