Premier League Weekend Drama: Stoppage Time Chaos, Giant Killings And Managerial Pressure

The Premier League once again proved why it’s the most unpredictable league in the world. Matchweek 6 had everything fans crave: underdogs defying odds, big names falling apart, and late goals that shook stadiums to their core.

From Manchester United’s collapse in west London to Arsenal’s defiance in Newcastle, this was a weekend that left managers under scrutiny and fans buzzing.

Brentford Outclass Manchester United

United went into the game with fragile optimism after beating Chelsea last week, but Ruben Amorim’s side were quickly undone. Igor Thiago’s double inside 20 minutes ruthlessly exposed United’s high defensive line, setting the tone for a long afternoon.

Benjamin Sesko’s first goal for United briefly lifted spirits, but Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty in the second half summed up the visitors’ struggles.

Brentford’s Mathias Jensen sealed it with a 95th-minute strike, sending the home crowd into raptures. For Amorim, the questions are piling up. Two wins in six matches is hardly the turnaround fans demanded, and social media was flooded with criticism of his tactics and team selection. For Brentford, it was another proud scalp their second consecutive home win over United, a reminder that they’re no longer anyone’s “small club.”

Palace Shock Champions Liverpool

Selhurst Park under the lights is one of football’s great atmospheres, and Crystal Palace fed off it in a stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool.

Ismaila Sarr struck early to rattle the champions, and although Federico Chiesa equalised late on, Eddie Nketiah’s 97th-minute winner sent the ground into pandemonium.

Arne Slot admitted Palace “totally deserved” the victory, a rare concession from a Liverpool manager. The Reds looked off the pace, undone not just by set-pieces but also by Palace’s pace in transition.

On social media, Liverpool fans expressed déjà vu over their set-piece defending, while Palace supporters celebrated what felt like a watershed moment a result that showed their ambitions stretch far beyond mid-table safety.

Chelsea’s Costly Mistakes

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea once again shot themselves in the foot. Enzo Fernández’s header put them ahead, but Trevoh Chalobah’s red card for a reckless challenge after a poor back pass flipped the script.

Brighton, ruthless in punishing mistakes, struck three times in the final 20 minutes. Danny Welbeck rolled back the years with a brace, while Maxim De Cuyper’s stoppage-time strike started the turnaround.

Enzo Maresca was furious post-match, repeating: “We are giving away presents.” For Chelsea fans, who booed the team off, it was another reminder that despite big spending, discipline and mentality remain major flaws.

Arsenal Leave It Late At Newcastle

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal showed the grit of title contenders at St. James’ Park. Despite dominating possession, they fell behind to Nick Woltemade’s header.

But in the closing stages, the Gunners turned the match on its head. Former Newcastle man Mikel Merino equalised in the 85th minute, before Gabriel Magalhães rose highest in stoppage time to nod home the winner.

The roar from the away end echoed Arsenal’s belief that this season might finally belong to them. For Newcastle, still without momentum, the result was another tough blow in a season of inconsistency.

Villa Back To Winning Ways

Aston Villa finally picked up their first league win of the season, coming from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins, criticised for a slow start, levelled before half-time. John McGinn and Emi Buendia added quickfire goals after the restart to seal the win.

Unai Emery called it “vital for confidence” and praised Watkins’ resilience after his Europa League penalty miss days earlier. Villa fans, who had grown restless, were visibly lifted, while Fulham boss Marco Silva raged at refereeing decisions that went against his side.

Spurs Denied By Stubborn Wolves

Tottenham narrowly avoided embarrassment, needing Joao Palhinha’s 94th-minute strike to draw 1-1 against winless Wolves. Santiago Bueno had put the visitors ahead from a corner, and Wolves could easily have been two or three up before Spurs’ late rescue act.

Thomas Frank reminded supporters post-match that the league is “relentless,” but there was no escaping the fact that Spurs’ attack looked toothless until the dying moments.

Stoppage Time Magic Defines The Weekend

If one theme captured the round, it was the sheer drama of stoppage-time goals. Gabriel for Arsenal, Jensen for Brentford, Nketiah for Palace, and Brighton’s late double all came deep into injury time.

In fact, eight goals across the league were scored after the 90th minute. For fans, it was a reminder of why the Premier League captivates like no other: no lead feels safe, and no game is truly over until the whistle blows.

{Source:SABC Sport}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com