Arsenal climbed to the summit of the Premier League on 2 November 2026 after Kai Havertz scored the only goal in a disciplined 1-0 victory at Liverpool, while Manchester United's miserable run deepened with a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea — their longest winless stretch since 1988. The results reshuffled the top of the table, with Manchester City dropping three points behind the Gunners following their own home loss.

Havertz the difference at Anfield

Kai Havertz latched onto a measured pass from Declan Rice to tap in from close range in the 16th minute, giving Arsenal the lead they would never relinquish. Liverpool threw everything at the visitors for the remaining 74 minutes, registering more than 15 shots, but were unable to breach a disciplined Arsenal rearguard. The win moves Arsenal to the top of the standings on goal difference and form.

City slip up at home to Brighton

On Saturday, Manchester City suffered their second consecutive defeat, going down 1-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. The decisive moment came in the 11th minute when Matheus Nunes misjudged a clearance, gifting Yasin Ayari a straightforward finish. City now sit second in the table, three points adrift of Arsenal, in what is a rare wobble for Pep Guardiola's side this deep into a season.

Manchester United's misery deepens under Carrick

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick endured another torrid afternoon as his side fell 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. United were competitive in the first half but were undone in the 50th minute by an excellent individual goal from Morgan Rogers. The situation worsened when Lisandro Martinez received a second yellow card and conceded a penalty; Cole Palmer stepped up to convert in the 64th minute, doubling Chelsea's advantage. The result leaves United on their longest winless run since 1988, heaping further pressure on Carrick.

Glasner defiant as Forest drop deeper

Nottingham Forest coach Oliver Glasner struck a combative tone after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Brentford. Defender Nikola Milenkovic turned Dango Ouattara's low cross into his own net before Igor Thiago added a second in the 76th minute, assisted by Jaidon Anthony. 'Nobody needs to have pity on Oliver Glasner. If I want, I could start in two weeks somewhere else,' Glasner said at his post-match press conference. Forest remained second from bottom in the standings.

Rest of the weekend results

Sunderland remained rooted to the bottom of the table after a 3-1 loss away to Coventry City. Goals from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Jack Rudoni effectively settled the tie before Enzo Le Fee converted a penalty for Sunderland in the 67th minute. Bournemouth beat Leeds United 2-0 at home, with Evanilson scoring in the first half and Amine Adli wrapping up the points deep in stoppage time. Tottenham Hotspur defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at home through goals from Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke, with Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta sent off as early as the 13th minute for a reckless challenge. Fulham earned a point at Villa Park after Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki scored an own goal, cancelling out Nicolas Jackson's 39th-minute opener for the hosts. Finally, Hull City and Ipswich Town shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, keeping Hull's unbeaten home record intact.

With Arsenal now perched at the top and City and United both struggling for consistency, the title picture is taking shape early — and the coming midweek fixtures could prove pivotal.