MANCHESTER: Title-chasing Arsenal lost to Bournemouth 2-0 in one of the biggest shocks of the burgeoning English Premier League on Saturday.
Runner-up in the last two seasons, Arsenal had the chance to top the standings with a win, but lost for the first time after going down to 10 men when William Saliba was sent off before halftime.
Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert sealed victory for Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium to leave third-placed Arsenal a point behind leader Liverpool and level with Manchester City in second, having played a game more than its title rivals.
While it was a stunning loss for Arsenal, Manchester United picked up only their third league win by beating Brentford 2-1.
Fourth-placed Aston Villa tightened up the top of the standings by moving to within a point of leader Liverpool and level with Arsenal after beating Fulham 3-1. Brighton were three points off the pace after winning at Newcastle 1-0.
Garnacho stunner
Alejandro Garnacho scored from a brilliant volley as United fought back to beat Brentford.
The Argentina international fired home from a tight angle when connecting with Marcus Rashford’s cross just after halftime.
It sparked a comeback that saw Rasmus Hojlund hit the winner and ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
“In this team you see its togetherness and there is a fighting spirit,” Ten Hag said. “And today we add some determination to score goals and that is what we needed.”
United were reeling from their worst season start in the Premier League era heading into Saturday’s game and it looked like being another disappointing day for Ten Hag, who was angered when Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring for Brentford in contentious circumstances in first-half added time.
United defender Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off for medical attention on his bleeding head from a collision. It left the home team down a man as Brentford prepared to take a corner and Pinnock headed over the line in the fifth minute of added time.
United responded quickly after the break thanks to Garnacho’s goal in the 47th.
Hojlund flicked past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken for the winner in the 62nd.
“We don’t score enough, we are not clinical enough. But today we scored two brilliant goals,” Ten Hag said. “It’s only one win, but it can help us.”
Villa rise
Villa were up to fourth after coming back from going a goal down at Craven Cottage when Raul Jimenez fired Fulham in front in the fifth minute.
Morgan Rogers quickly leveled four minutes later and Ollie Watkins made it 2-1 in the 59th. An Issa Diop own goal in the 69th completed the scoring.
Southampton collapse
Leading 2-0 after 28 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium, last-placed Southampton looked on course for their first league win.
Second-half goals from Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Vardy from the penalty spot, and Jordan Ayew secured an unlikely comeback that left Southampton rooted to the bottom of the table and moved Leicester six points clear of the relegation zone.
Also, Everton won at Ipswich 2-0 to move five points above the relegation zone.
Brighton flying high
Brighton’s impressive start under coach Fabian Hurzeler continued with the win at Newcastle.
Hurzeler, born in Texas, has made his presence felt in England’s topflight following his appointment in the offseason.
Hurzeler is also working wonders with Danny Welbeck, who scored in the 35th at St. James’ Park, his fifth goal of the season.