THE FUSE

By Razeen Gutta

Bukayo Saka maintained Arsenal’s perfect start with the winner in a 1-0 victory at Aston Villa on Monday night after Bruno Fernandes scored a hatrick as Manchester United thrashed Ipswich 5-2 on Sunday.

Arsenal had to work hard at Villa Park, but Saka broke the deadlock on the hour mark to secure back-to-back wins and clean sheets.

United responded to their opening weekend shock at Hull as captain Fernandes led the fightback at Old Trafford.

Leif Davis gave Ipswich a surprise 29th-minute lead, but Fernandes levelled after Marcelino Nunez’s error allowed Matheus Cunha to set him up.

Jacob Greaves’ own goal from Harry Maguire’s shot put United ahead, before his foul on Cunha allowed Fernandes to convert from the spot.

Fernandes completed his first league hatrick since 2021 against Leeds in the 68th minute, and later assisted Bryan Mbeumo’s lob.

Chuba Akpom netted a late consolation for Ipswich.

Chelsea also made it two wins from two as Xabi Alonso’s side edged Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.

Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer scored for the Blues, with new signing Emiliano Martinez making his debut in goal.

Malick Yalcouye, Pedro’s own goal and Pascal Gross replied for Brighton.

Elsewhere, Dominic Calvert-Lewin salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leeds against Brentford after Kevin Schade’s opener, while Wilson Isidor earned Sunderland a 1-0 win over Fulham.

Pictured above: Bukayo Saka

Source: @the_gunners_pl