big wins for Arsenal and Wolves as domestic duties resume

There were plenty of goals across the six Saturday afternoon kick-offs as the Premier League marked its return following the international break.

For the likes of Arsenal, Wolves, Brighton and Chelsea, it was a welcome return to league action as all picked up important victories, while Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham and Nottingham Forest were left licking their wounds.

Two of the biggest questions this weekend – how will Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester United game play out? Can anyone stop Liverpool? – will be answered on Sunday. But there was plenty to enjoy on a busy day of domestic action.

ALL THREE POINTS! 💪#CFC | #LEICHE pic.twitter.com/Q7CbO0MWyf

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 23, 2024

Leicester 1-2 Chelsea

In the early kick-off, it was a happy return to the King Power Stadium for Enzo Maresca, who guided Leicester to the Championship title last term before departing for Chelsea in the summer.

Nicolas Jackson gave Maresca’s side a first-half lead before Enzo Fernandez doubled the scoreline on 75-minutes.

Leicester, who had created very little all afternoon, had two late penalty shouts – one turned down, one given. Jordan Ayew dispatched the given spot-kick deep into stoppage time.

Achievement unlocked: 2,000 top-flight wins ✅

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 23, 2024

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Arsenal returned to winning ways at the Emirates in what was Mikel Arteta’s 250th game in charge.

The Gunners went ahead through a sensational strike from Bukayo Saka before Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri made it a comfortable afternoon for the hosts.

Despite their fine start to the season, Forest rarely troubled Arteta’s side, who move to within six points of league leaders Liverpool.

Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace

Unai Emery’s side are now five games without a win after they twice had to come from behind to salvage a point at Villa Park.

Palace were looking for their first Premier League away win of the season and Ismaila Sarr put them in front inside five minutes.

Ollie Watkins equalised on 36-minutes before Dean Henderson in the visitor’s goal saved a Youri Tielemans penalty.

Justin Devenny then put Palace back in front before the break but Ross Barkley nodded in the leveller with 15 minutes remaining.

Everton 0-0 Brentford

Everton and Brentford played out a goalless stalemate at Goodison Park, despite the visitors going down to ten men shortly before half-time.

Christian Norgaard saw red for the Bees but Thomas Frank’s side, despite the numerical disadvantage, did enough to claim a point.

Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton

Brighton continued their impressive start to the season as they triumphed against their south coast rivals.
Joao Pedro put Brighton in front before Kaoru Mitoma doubled the lead in the second-half.

Brighton were reduced to ten men when Carlos Baleba received his marching orders and, despite a late goal from David Brooks, Fabian Hürzeler’s team held on to claim all three points.

A big, big win in London.

💜🐺 pic.twitter.com/MnRiBsyhYf

— Wolves (@Wolves) November 23, 2024

Fulham 1-4 Wolves

It was a happy trip to London for Gary O’Neil as his Wolves side ran out convincing winners against Fulham.

Alex Iwobi gave the hosts the advantage but Matheus Cunha’s brace, as well as goals from Joao Gomes and Goncalo Guedes gave the visitors a resounding victory.