Despite seeing breathtaking action in the Premier League, the weekend was dominated by talk of VAR and officiating. Manchester City and Arsenal both secured road wins, extending their dominance at the top of the table. With two teams collecting four straight wins, the title race has already narrowed to just two contenders.

Arsenal and Manchester City, who won their most recent title in 2024, have opened a four-point lead over fourth-place Hull City. Chelsea possess the attack to trouble the best teams, but defensive vulnerabilities keep the Gunners and City out on their own. Arsenal needed a wonder goal from Bruno Guimarães to defeat Sunderland, while Erling Haaland's controversial goal gave City a 1-0 derby win over Manchester United, despite Phil Foden's early sending off.

City's impressive game management secured the victory. Arsenal have barely missed a beat since last season, with summer recruitment adding sturdiness. Goalkeeper David Raya shone, saving a penalty, while Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka show early-season form.

The teams around them struggle, as Liverpool lack clinical touch and Manchester United have made a poor start. Four matches in, newly promoted Hull, Ipswich Town, and Coventry are already surpassing last year's promoted achievements. Hull were briefly league leaders, sitting on eight points and remaining undefeated.

Sunderland, by comparison, had seven points at this stage last year and finished seventh. Tottenham Hotspur continued their scoring woes, while Coventry City were humbled at home despite a managerial change.