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EPL: Haaland Shines, Iwobi Nets His 23rd as Arsenal Gains Ground |
Saturday’s matchday 2 in the 2024/25 EPL season was action-packed, with last season’s top two teams making strong statements. From Manchester City's dominance at the Etihad to Arsenal's revenge at Villa Park, the title contenders showed their mettle.
Erling Haaland, the EPL’s top scorer for the past two seasons, has started the new season in spectacular form, netting four goals in the first two weeks. The prolific Norwegian recorded his 23rd career hat-trick, bringing his tally to 67 goals in 68 EPL appearances.
Ipswich’s first visit to the Etihad began promisingly with Sammie Szmodics scoring in the seventh minute. However, the defending champions quickly turned the tide with three goals in four minutes, capitalizing on a mistake by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Earlier, Brighton secured their second win of the season with a late goal from João Pedro. Former United striker Danny Welbeck opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, marking his 100th EPL goal. United equalized through Amad Diallo on the hour, but a potential lead goal by Alejandro Garnacho was disallowed due to Joshua Zirkzee’s offside interference. Pedro’s header in the 95th minute sealed the win, keeping Brighton joint-top with City.
On the banks of the Thames, Alex Iwobi scored his first goal of the season, leading Fulham to a 2-1 victory over a struggling Leicester City side featuring Wilfred Ndidi. New signing Emile Smith Rowe marked his debut with an 18th-minute goal, but Leicester equalized just before halftime with a header from Wout Faes. Fulham secured the win with a counter-attacking goal from Iwobi in the 70th minute, earning their first victory of the season.
Iwobi, now with 23 EPL goals in his 254th league appearance, aims to surpass last season’s five goals. His Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey also played the full 90 minutes.
Joe Aribo’s Southampton continues to struggle after their promotion, falling 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest. Aribo lost possession on the edge of the box, leading to Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal. Despite playing well, the Saints have yet to earn any points. For Forest, Ola Aina started as left-back, while Taiwo Awoniyi replaced Chris Wood in the 76th minute.
Ollie Watkins missed two golden opportunities to give Villa the lead—first in the first half when he side-footed wide in a one-on-one with Raya, and then in the second half when Raya made an incredible save to keep the scoreline level.
Substitute Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock, and Thomas Partey added a second in the 77th minute, securing some revenge against the only team to defeat the Gunners twice in the league last season.
Elsewhere, Everton, another relegation candidate, suffered a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham, with Son Heung-Min scoring twice, bringing Everton’s total to seven goals conceded in their first two games. West Ham, meanwhile, earned their first points of the season with a 2-0 away win over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal’s title credentials were rigorously tested at Villa Park, but they emerged with all three points. Mikel Arteta will be grateful for both luck and goalkeeper David Raya.
