The sixth round of the Premier League delivered unexpected drama. Liverpool tasted their first defeat of the season away to Crystal Palace, while Chelsea`s early struggles persisted. The start of the season had been relatively predictable, but with the added demands of European and EFL Cup fixtures, results are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Even Brentford`s two-goal victory over Manchester United, given United`s recent form, could be seen as surprising, though for a team where little has gone right, perhaps not entirely shocking.
Crystal Palace`s Impressive Stand
Under Oliver Glasnar, Crystal Palace continues to demonstrate why they are considered one of the league`s most tactically sound teams. They climbed the league table following a late winner from Eddie Nketiah. Palace started strongly, with Ismaila Sarr finding the net just nine minutes into the game. Despite conceding 70% possession in the first half, Palace`s defense limited Liverpool to just two shots on target, which Dean Henderson comfortably handled.
In the second half, Liverpool intensified their attack, with Federico Chiesa, coming off the bench, scoring his second Premier League goal of the season in the 87th minute, an equalizer that seemed to set the stage for another dramatic late comeback. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the Reds ultimately succumbed to a late Palace winner, experiencing a taste of their own medicine by losing their first match. While this defeat won`t drastically alter their strong league position—no team can close the gap to within two points this matchweek—it highlights a need for manager Arne Slot to solidify his preferred starting lineup.
Chelsea`s Struggles Deepen
Last season, squad rotation posed few problems for the Blues, who boasted one of the league`s top defenses and effectively fielded separate teams for the Conference League and Premier League. Now, back in the Champions League, despite their status as FIFA Club World Cup champions, this Chelsea side appears a shadow of its former self.
Following a defeat to Brighton, Chelsea has now failed to secure a win in three of their last five Premier League outings. With rivals like Tottenham showing significant improvement, a top-four finish could prove challenging. Adding to their woes, the Blues received a red card for the second successive game: Robert Sanchez was dismissed in their loss to Manchester United, and subsequently, Trevoh Chalobah also saw red, which ironically helped Brighton stage their comeback.
The red cards come at a particularly bad time, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana already sidelined with injuries. This defensive crisis is compounded by an underperforming attack, further weakened by Cole Palmer`s groin injury, which will keep him out for several weeks. With a challenging Champions League fixture against Benfica on the horizon, manager Enzo Maresca faces an urgent task to reverse the team`s fortunes.
Premier League Matchday 6 Results
- Brentford 3, Manchester United 1
- Leeds United 2, Bournemouth 2
- Manchester City 5, Burnley 1
- Chelsea 1, Brighton 3
- Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 1
