Manchester United head into the international break in the Premier League relegation zone, but with some hope and pride restored after scoring twice in stoppage time to rescue a chaotic 4-4 draw at home against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Brighton & Hove Albion had earlier climbed to second place in the Premier League standings with a 2-0 home victory over Brentford, but it was another Old Trafford rollercoaster that emerged as the major talking point of the weekend’s action.
Under-pressure manager Michael Carrick, whose standing among United supporters remains high despite a calamitous season so far, received a boost in midweek as his side came from two goals down to beat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.
However, another rescue act appeared beyond his team as Villa scored twice inside the opening five minutes through Alysson and Nicolas Jackson. United responded with a Bruno Fernandes penalty and an equaliser from Youri Tielemans before Villa reasserted their dominance.
United crumbled early in the second half, with Diogo Dalot conceding a needless penalty after fouling Alysson. John McGinn converted the spot kick in the 48th minute.
Leon Goretzka then restored Villa’s two-goal lead five minutes later with a tap-in following sloppy defending by United.
But whatever the ills that have befallen the 20-time English champions, there is no denying their fighting spirit.
Joshua Zirkzee gave United late hope by slotting home in stoppage time before substitute Patrick Dorgu headed in after Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to deal with a corner, sparking delirium among the home fans.
The unlikely draw left United in 18th place with just eight points from 10 games, above Sunderland only on goal difference after the Black Cats claimed their first league win since August by beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
“I thought we were the better team,” said Carrick. “We played some very good football and got back into the game.
“Two goals again put us on the back foot. In the end, we could have even won it,” added the United boss, who went through every imaginable emotion on the touchline.
“We never gave up and never stopped believing.”
Crystal Palace slumped to the bottom of the table after a 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool, who moved up to fourth place.
Brighton’s Lofty Position
Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton are continuing to provide ample evidence that their lofty position is no fluke. Although they were helped by Igor Thiago’s red card midway through the first half, they defeated Brentford comfortably.
The 33-year-old German has led the club to their best-ever start to a top-flight season, and they head into the international break on 22 points, with Arsenal on 27 following their 1-0 home win over Hull City on Saturday.
Brighton took the lead in the 15th minute when Diego Gomez, who scored a wonder goal against Palace a few weeks ago, seized on a clearance at the edge of the area and fired a superb left-footed shot on the turn into the top corner.
Brentford striker Thiago was then involved in a tussle with Chema Andres and, following a VAR check, the Brazilian was sent off.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Pascal Gross dispatched a penalty high into the net after Keane Lewis-Potter had held Luka Vuskovic.
Despite the wave of euphoria on the south coast, Gross was quick to play down Brighton’s title prospects.
“No. We are not in a title race. But we have started the season really well. It’s the beginning of the season,” the German said. “You see the Premier League, the margins, you look at the results — we are not getting carried away yet.
“Every game we have to suffer a lot. Sometimes it is momentum. But we are really pleased to head into the international break like this.”
Liverpool Bounce Back
Liverpool bounced back from last week’s home defeat by Arsenal, with Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak all finding the net at Selhurst Park.
Eddie Nketiah scored a stoppage-time consolation penalty for Palace, but pressure is mounting on their French manager, Pierre Sage, and will only intensify with Palace at the bottom of the table for the first time in almost nine years.
“Today my job is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to find an efficient solution for the team and club,” Sage said.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris will be breathing a little easier, though, after his side upset Chelsea.
Enzo Le Fee scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Chelsea defender Levi Colwill was adjudged to have pulled Brian Brobbey to the ground.
Bournemouth’s fourth successive league win lifted them to seventh place, with Evanilson scoring for the fifth consecutive Premier League game in a 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town.
