Premier League 2024/25 Matchday 3 Recap: Haaland Hat-Trick Plus Unmissable Drama as Liverpool beat Man United

Matchday 3 of the Premier League 2024/25 season provided thrilling encounters, with standout performances, dramatic results, and key moments. Let’s dive into the action-packed weekend and break down the major matches.

Remembering Sol Bamba: First, let us pay tribute to former Cardiff City player, Sol Bamba who passed on this week. Tributes have been pouring in, and in ours we say: “Rest Well Bamba, as the Sea and the Sun flow into the Heavens ️”. May the Lord comfort his family, friends, loved ones, and fans worldwide. Amen. Our sincerest condolences ❤️.

Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool: The Reds Dominate at Old Trafford

In one of the weekend’s biggest clashes, Liverpool delivered a dominant performance to beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Luis Diaz was the star of the show, netting a brilliant first-half brace. United struggled to cope with Liverpool’s high press and fluid attacking play, and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory with a third goal in the second half, capping off a superb team display.

United’s defense was porous throughout, and Liverpool could have scored even more had they been more clinical. The result piles pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag, as the Red Devils continue their shaky start to the season.

Mo Salah just loves playing Man Utd!

His 12th Premier League goal against them came in Liverpool’s 3-0 win on Sunday pic.twitter.com/XZsXzz14oF

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 2, 2024

Arne with the Magic: How Liverpool’s New Coach is Performing

Liverpool are showing great promise under new coach Arne Slot having scored seven goals so far, won all their first 3 games, and maintained a clean sheet. This is a clear indication that Arne Slot is up to something incredible. No wonder Liverpool are already being touted as title contenders.

Seven goals scored. Three clean sheets. Three wins.

The new era under Arne Slot at @LFC has started superbly pic.twitter.com/IgFrwCqmV5

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 1, 2024

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace: London Derby Ends in a Stalemate

Chelsea’s inconsistent form continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea ahead with a well-placed shot, but Eberechi Eze leveled for Palace with a sublime finish, capping off a well-worked team move. Chelsea dominated possession but failed to convert their chances, leaving fans frustrated with the dropped points.

Palace, meanwhile, will be delighted with the point, as they held firm defensively and made the most of their limited opportunities.

Chelsea Sign Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho on Loan

After clashing with Erik ten Hag last season, 24-year-old Jadon Sancho is now temporarily leaving Manchester United and heads to Chelsea.

Welcome to Chelsea, Jadon! pic.twitter.com/9VvrOR77lk

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2024

Chelsea signed the forward on loan from Man Utd, for the remainder of this season. Sancho will don the 19 jersey for Chelsea and is their 11th signing this season. Utd, on their part, recently signed former PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Newcastle Clobber PSG as Man City Beat RB Leipzig in the Last of UCL Group Stage Matchday 2 Games

Despite not performing so solidly these last few weeks, Manchester City seemed to revamp their energy as they went on to beat RB Leipzig

Mania AfricaDavid Mania

Manchester City 3-1 West Ham: Haaland Hat-trick Powers City to Victory

At the London Stadium, Erling Haaland put on a masterclass as Manchester City secured a 3-1 win over West Ham. The Norwegian forward continued his fine goal-scoring form, bagging a hat-trick to take his tally to seven goals in three games. City controlled the game for large periods, but West Ham managed to pull one back through an unfortunate Ruben Dias own goal.

City’s dominance in midfield and Haaland’s lethal finishing proved to be too much for the Hammers, as Pep Guardiola’s side continues its unbeaten start to the season.

Breaking Records: Haaland First Player to Score a Double Hat-Trick in First 3 PL Games

‘The Goal Machine’, Erling Haaland became the first Premier League player to score two hat-tricks in the first 3 games of a Premier League Season. He now has scored 7 goals in the first 3 games of PL 24-25, making him the player with the highest number of goals scored in the first 3 games of a Premier League Season.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: Points Shared Amidst Havertz Heroics and Rice Red Card

Arsenal dropped points at home with a 1-1 draw against Brighton. Kai Havertz gave the Gunners the lead with a deft finish, but Brighton hit back through Joao Pedro, who slotted home a well-taken equalizer. Arsenal’s hopes of a win were dashed when midfielder Declan Rice received a second yellow card followed by a consequent red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Mikel Arteta’s men to hold on for the draw.

The points are shared at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/nzGOu6yyhD

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2024

Brighton will be pleased with their resilience, while Arsenal will be frustrated at their inability to secure all three points, especially after taking the lead for the better part of an hour.

Arsenal Sign Raheem Sterling on Deadline Day

Arsenal signed Former Man City and Chelsea forward, Raheem Sterling on deadline day. The team, now well-fortified, will be looking to put Sterling at the fore as soon as possible, says coach Mikel Arteta.

Let’s get to work pic.twitter.com/jysRcjMK29

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2024

Sterling recently found himself in a difficult spot in Chelsea, as their new signings and the coach’s strategy meant that he would be benched for most games. New coach Enzo Maresca didn’t spare his words and even went as far as to say that he would bench Sterling. At the same time, Eddie Nketiah left Arsenal for Crystal Palace on a 5-year deal. Palace’s Odsonne Eduoard was, in turn, transferred to Leicester.

Original South London Material.

Nketiah is Palace.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/x5RiDJLeQ6

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 30, 2024

Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Magpies Edge Spurs in Tight Encounter

Newcastle claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park, with goals from Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak securing the win. The Magpies took the lead early in the game, and despite Dan Burn’s own goal gifting Spurs an equalizer, Isak’s second-half strike proved decisive.

Newcastle controlled large spells of the game, and Spurs struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their efforts to find an equalizer. The result strengthens Newcastle’s bid for a top-four finish, while Spurs’ inconsistent form continues. Despite being ocassionally on and off, Postecoglou’s Spurs is yet to get into rhythm this season, and they might not know it but the early matchdays are where the title is decided.

Brentford 3-1 Southampton: Mbeumo Magic Seals Win for the Bees

Bryan Mbeumo‘s stunning performance helped Brentford secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton. The forward netted twice, and Yoane Wissa added a third to wrap up a comfortable win for ‘the Bees’. Southampton managed to score through Yukinari Sugawara, but they were unable to cope with Brentford’s relentless attacking play.

Press and punish

Bryan Mbeumo making it two yesterday pic.twitter.com/t3kdDPSy9a

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 1, 2024

The win keeps Brentford’s momentum going as they continue to push up the table, while Southampton’s return to the Premier League remains challenging. Southampton are currently 19th in the PL Table with 0 points.

Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City: King Power Stadium Hosts Another Entertaining Contest

Aston Villa edged Leicester City 2-1 in a tight contest at King Power Stadium. Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran were on target for Villa, while Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for Leicester. The game was an end-to-end affair, but Villa’s clinical finishing proved the difference, earning them a valuable three points.

Leicester remains near the bottom of the table—currently 15th—as they struggle to find their form in the early weeks of the season. Villa, on their part, continue to look like a strong top-table side. They are currently 7th with 6 points.

Fulham 1-1 Ipswich Town: Early Drama at Portman Road

There was drama at Portman Road as newly promoted Ipswich Town managed to take the lead early in their game against Fulham, with Liam Delap scoring in the 15th minute. Adama Traore‘s goal in the 32nd minute snatched a point for Fulham, giving them a crucial equalizer. The 1-1 draw saw both teams battling hard for the win, but neither side could find the breakthrough in the final minutes.

The result is a valuable point for Ipswich as they aim to stay clear of the relegation zone, while Fulham will feel they should have secured all three points. Ipswich Town are currently 17th in the PL Table with a single point.

An entertaining affair at Portman Road. #IPSFUL gallery. ⤵️

— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) August 31, 2024

Bournemouth 3-2 Everton: Late Comeback Stuns the Toffees

Bournemouth staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane gave Everton a two-goal lead, but Bournemouth responded in style. Antoine Semenyo, Lewis Cook, and Luis Sinisterra found the back of the net in a stunning second-half turnaround, leaving Everton shell-shocked. Lewis and Luis scored both their goals in stoppage time.

THE greatest comeback in @premierleague history pic.twitter.com/emI7nZ0y1x

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 31, 2024

The victory lifts Bournemouth to the 8th position in League Standings, while Everton’s defensive frailties were once again exposed, leaving Sean Dyche with plenty of work to do.

Premier League 2024/25 Matchday 3 Recap: What to Expect in EPL GW 4

Matchday 3 of the Premier League was filled with goals, drama, and crucial moments that will undoubtedly shape the season ahead. Liverpool’s dominance, City’s firepower, and Arsenal’s slip-up highlight the unpredictability of the league. With teams like Newcastle and Brentford continuing their strong form and others like Everton and Southampton struggling, the battle at both ends of the table remains as fierce as ever.

Man Utd legend Paul Scholes expects Arne Slot’s @LFC to challenge for the Premier League title

Do you agree with him? pic.twitter.com/DhMCYFLykh

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 2, 2024

PL Matchday 4 Fixtures

EPL GW 4 will see Arsenal battle Spurs on the 15th of September with Southampton facing it out with Man United on the 14th. Man City will be up against Brentford on the 14th while Liverpool face Nottm Forest at the same time. Chelsea will go head-to-head with Bournemouth later on the 14th.

EPL Standings After Matchday 3: 14th Place for Man United

Sitting top of the Premier League Table are Man City with 9 points, followed by Liverpool who are second, also with 9 points. Brighton are an impressive third with 7 points, followed by Arsenal and Newcastle who come in at fourth and fifth consecutively, also with 7 points. Brentford come in at sixth with 6 points, followed by Aston Villa who are seventh, also with 6 points. Bournemouth come in at eighth with 5 points, followed by Nottm Forest who are ninth, also with 5 points. Spurs come in at tenth with 4 points, followed by Chelsea who are eleventh, also with 4 points.

Man City and Liverpool are the only teams with a 100% record after three matches this season ✅✅✅ pic.twitter.com/kEPVG4i2tF

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 2, 2024

The bottom half of the table sees Chelsea followed by Fulham who are twelvth with 4 points. West Ham come in at thirteenth with 3 points, followed by Manchester United who are fourteenth, also with 3 points. Leicester, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Wolves follow at fifteenth place all through to eighteenth place respectively, all with a single point. Southampton come in at nineteenth while Everton come in at twentieth, both with 0 points.

The season is just beginning, and with so much at stake, the next few weeks promise even more excitement. Stay tuned to Mania Sports.

Mania Sports – Mania Africa

All our Sports articles. We report on developments in our favorite sports, analyze results from sporting events, and commentate while ensuring our commentary is insightful and informed.

Mania AfricaDavid Mania