Wonder strike gives Arne Slot’s lofty Darwin Nunez revolution lift off

 
Among Arne Slot’s lofty ambitions for turning Darwin Nunez into a consistently top class striker is to see more routine goals; the poacher’s tap-ins, the scuffed efforts from close range, or pouncing on a rebound from the goalkeeper in the six-yard box.
So, in typical Nunez fashion, what does he produce for his first strike of the Slot era? A wonder strike from a seemingly impossible angle from the edge of the penalty area, of course; the finishing touch to the kind of lightning counter-attack which has been a feature of the new manager’s introduction to English football.
“My instinct when he shot was, ‘Why did he shoot?’” laughed Slot, in a sentence which could encapsulate Nunez’s Liverpool career. “Then I thought, ‘Good choice!”
Here was a performance to enlighten Slot as to why so much goodwill is showered upon the Uruguayan, who when endeavouring to lead from the front can prompt a Kop chorus and vigorous applause from his coach just by chasing back into his half to retrieve possession.
There remains a sense that no choreographed training routines will curb Nunez’s maverick nature, his synchronicity with his team-mates often a bonus rather than a formality.
He spent the opening 15 minutes of the comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth trying to touch the ball. When his first kick arrived courtesy of a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass, Nunez spun and tested Kepa Arrizabalaga to thunderous applause, and from there his confidence swelled — the turns of pace, attempted audacious assists and belief the keeper can be beaten from any distance the traits which make him such a thrilling curiosity.
Nunez has the capacity to fill the edge of the seat because few believe he knows what he will do next, let alone the opponent or his coach and team-mates. Being exciting and exasperating, often in the same movement, may always be part of the package. 
For most of last season the Liverpool supporters were happy to buy a ticket for the joyride, giddily unsure as to where it might lead. When it hit the roadblock of Old Trafford and Goodison Park — Nunez missing chances against their most heated rivals as their title bid evaporated — there was less enthusiasm. Golden moments such as his latest will restore it.
So it was on 38 minutes when Nunez’s gorgeous flicked header began the combination with Mohamed Salah leading to the Uruguayan’s sublime finish, cutting inside Ilia Zabarnyi before locating the right-hand corner of the net via the inside of the post.
That was Liverpool’s third in 12 minutes and it was already job done, Luis Diaz ensuring it was a South American carnival at Anfield, as it was his virtuosity which irreversibly turned the game the hosts’ way.
Like Nunez, Diaz’s Achilles heel has often been his capacity to veer between hitting the bullseye and missing the board entirely. There is no Liverpool player more adept at carrying the ball from the halfway line to the edge of the opposition penalty area. With five goals this season, Diaz is in the midst of a spell in which he is lethal where it matters.
For all Liverpool’s intent to dominate possession, the opener on 26 minutes was route one, Ibrahima Konate’s 60-yard pass controlled and finished by Diaz with Arrizabalaga left stranded.
The second, two minutes later, was more cultured. Diaz was fed by Alexander-Arnold and beat Bournemouth’s ‘keeper at his near post.
It’s a fine line between commending a visiting side for their ambition and condemning their naivety. Either Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola missed the blueprint to trouble Slot’s side provided by Nottingham Forest last weekend, or he is so wedded to his beliefs he didn’t care.
Slot congratulated Iraola for creating plenty of chances which, had they been taken, may have caused more jeopardy, especially in the second half. Stylistically, there is much to like, but it does not disguise the fact Bournemouth played exactly the game Liverpool wanted.
Liverpool were in first gear by the second half, waiting for their chance to pounce having reduced the pace of the game once in control.
“They have been better when it mattered when the game was on the line,” acknowledged Iraola. “When they had the chances, they made the difference. They have not lost the identity of their team.”
Crucially, that identity applies to the workrate as much as deft touches, Slot enthusiastic when referencing how Nunez had the Kop back on side with his defensive work as much as the stunner.
“That’s what I noticed as well,” said the Dutch coach. “I play a striker because I like him to score goals and a winger to assist, but it also helps if you help to keep a clean sheet.”
Slot and his side are taking different tests every week as we look for the clues as to what Liverpool might become in his first season. Do they really have the capacity to be challengers, or are they still a work in progress?
He is discovering for himself.
“I learn from the players day by day and I was really curious to see how they would react after the AC Milan game,” said Slot. “I knew there was a lot of quality in this team from the start, but we are not the only ones. If you want to win more than only a few games it is about mentality. 
“After the United game, a statement win, to see us lose against Nottingham Forest is not what you want to see. After the AC Milan win, a statement win, I wanted to see how you react.”
Another box has been ticked. The one turning Nunez into a 20-goal a season striker will remain vacant for a while longer, but, like the team, at least he has started by moving in the right direction.
After scoring his first Spurs goal in their 3-1 win against Brentford, Dominic Solanke told BBC MOTD: ““[It feels] fantastic. To get the win here meant a lot to all of us. We have had some great performances to start the season but haven’t managed to get the to match that so today we wanted to mix them both together. Today we did that.”
On Brennan Johnson, he said: “It’s magnificent and Brennan is a great player. In the last two games he has had two great finishes and helped the team massively so great credit to him. We’re all happy for him.
“Everyone in the team loves and helps each other so it’s a great spirit.”
Speaking after his team’s draw against Leicester, Everton boss Sean Dyche said: “Very positive display. We had chances that went begging again unfortunately, which we have done too many times in games where we should be killing them off. We didn’t manage to do that today but a lot of positives to take.
“James Garner was ill and got thrown in last minute and played excellently, Youngy and Illiman produced some superb play for the goal, lots more positives.
“Unfortunately you come away from a game where you probably should win with just a point. Normally you would be pleased with a point but at the moment we would have loved that win obviously.”
On his team’s missed chances, he said: “We had numerous chances today. The good news is we are creating them and getting into good areas. We had sixteen efforts at goal away from home which is not easy in the Premier League, so there are good signs. We have to take them and kill teams off.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson said: “Darwin [Nunez] has had to be patient. He has worked hard in training, trying to get better like we all have.
“He has waited for his chance and today he was excellent.
“Luis [Diaz] has started the season really well, delighted for those two.
“He [Nunez] was waiting for his chance and he took it today.”
Ezri Konza said his team showed “character and togetherness” after Aston Villa completed a second-half comeback to beat Wolves 3-1 at Villa Park. 
He had high praise for Jhon Duran and said: “He’s a big talent. We see it every day in training. It’s important for him to stay humble and we’ll help him do that. He’s still young.”
And on the tribute to Gary Shaw, he said: “It’s been an emotional week for us with the passing of Gary Shaw. On Tuesday we wanted to dedicate the win to him. And we wanted to do it today in front of our fans and in front of his family.”
Harvey Barnes told BBC MOTD that his team were not  “solid” or “aggressive” in their 3-1 loss against Fulham this afternoon. 
He said: “It wasn’t clicking for us. On the ball we weren’t good enough and off the ball, you can see with their goals, we weren’t at our level.
“It was disappointing to go in at half time and we needed a reaction. We got one – to a degree, anyway, because we didn’t get the result – but there were more promising signs in the second half.
“The basics weren’t there for us. Off the ball we were not as solid as we normally are and not as aggressive as we usually are on the ball. Our levels weren’t there.”
Speaking to BBC MOTD after Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Brentford, Ange Postecoglou praised his side’s performance, but said they should have won by more goals: “It was a good win, a good performance. Our performances have been good all year but today we got the result as well which is the most pleasing but. We should have won by a fair bit more but we still got the job done.”
He said Dominic Solanke “worked his socks off” and that his goal would have been “a great moment for him, especially at home”. 
On Brennan Johnson, Postecoglou said: “He’s had a top week, he’s scored two goals, he’s won us a game to get through in the [League] Cup. Life’s good. Sometimes going through tough moments gives you perspective of what’s important.”
We will shortly be bringing you the reaction from this afternoon’s 3pm Premier League kick-offs, as Liverpool thrashed Bournemouth to go top of the table, Tottenham bounced back with a win against Brentford, and Aston Villa made a remarkable second-half comeback after falling behind against Wolves.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Fulham’s 3-1 win over Newcastle, Emile Smith-Rowe said his team is “really happy” and he feels “really confident” at Craven Cottage. 
On the key to his side’s win, he said: “Sticking together and staying patient at times, we know Newcastle are a really strong team so we had to sit at times and be patient, get the ball and score. We’re really happy.
“Happy we took our chances, first few games we struggled to take our chances, so we’re happy with our three goals.
“It starts off the pitch, it’s like a family in there and we know we want to do everything for each other and want to work and want to win.”
Aston Villa 3 Wolves 1 
Villa beat their Midlands rivals Wolves 3-1 thanks to second half goals from Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran. Unai Emery’s men were as brilliant after the break as they were bad before it.
Leicester 1 Everton 1
Everton finally have their first point. Neither side will be particularly happy with that scoreline, with the visitors in front until the 73rd minute.
It wasn’t a polished performance from the home side but they managed to salvage an equaliser and take a point thanks to on-form striker Stephy Mavididi. 
Lots for both sides to improve on.
Southampton 1 Ipswich 1 
Late drama at St Mary’s as Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy fires in a stoppage-time screamer as Ipswich break Southampton hearts in the 94th minute.
After Aaron Ramsdale looked to have sealed a first win for the Saints with a superb save to deny George Hirst from a Jack Clark cross, Ipswich equalised from the subsequent corner after Ross Stewart’s headed clearance found the midfielder who brings the ball under control and finds the top left corner via a big deflection off Joe Aribo.
A hugely entertaining encounter looked to be going the way of the Saints, who had lost their first four games, thanks to 18-year-old Tyler Dibling’s fifth-minute strike. But the home side were left to rue missed chances through Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton-Diaz and are left with just one point instead of a much-needed three. Ipswich are also still seeking a first win of the season but will return home to East Anglia feeling like they have won.
Aston Villa 3 Wolves 1 (Duran)
Another Villa goal, who now lead 3-1. Jhon Duran, who just can’t stop scoring this season, slides home unmarked as Wolves unravel.
Thirteen, yes 13, minutes of added time here at Villa Park.
Tottenham 3 Brentford 1 
Thomas Frank may be rethinking his bold game plan of taking the lead before the opposition have woken up. For the second week running his Brentford scored in the first minute, only to find themselves ultimately on the losing side. 
And just as against Manchester City last weekend, all that early onslaught did was apparently anger their opponents. For Tottenham, though, this was the most welcome of results. 
Not only did they respond to that early setback with real aggression and resolve, quickly equalising, then taking the lead before James Maddison’s third secured the points late on. But there were also goals for a couple of their players who had been suffering online abuse from so called fans. 
Dominic Solanke scored his first for the club, while Brennan Johnson scored his second in a week. Both were created by the irrepressible Maddison, who epitomised Ange Postecoglou’s approach with his speed of thought and application, forever looking to play the ball forward as quickly as possible. With him on this sort of form, all that suggestion that Tottenham and Ange-ballo were in decline really was a touch premature.
Fulham 3 Newcastle 1
Liverpool 3 Bournemouth 0
Liverpool enjoyed a South American carnival as Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez led a first half blitz against Bournemouth.
 Either Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola missed the blueprint to trouble Arne Slot’s side provided by Nottingham Forest last weekend, or he is so wedded to his beliefs he didn’t care.
It’s a fine line between commending a visiting side for their ambition and condemning their naivety. Bournemouth played exactly the game Liverpool wanted at Anfield and Diaz and Nunez cashed in. 
 Diaz was mesmerising from the start and continued the theme of the season wherein he has added an end product to his scintillating build-up play. For all Liverpool’s intent to dominate possession, the opening goal on 26 minutes was pure route one, Ibrahima Konate’s 60 yard pass controlled and finished by Diaz.
 The second two minutes later was more cultured. Diaz fed by Trent Alexander-Arnold and beating Kepa Arrizablaga at his near post.
 Nunez scored with a typically audacious individual strike before half-time, cutting inside and swerving into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
 Liverpool dropped into first gear in the second half, Nunez and Diaz subbed to standing ovations after 71 minutes to enable Federico Chiesa to make his Anfield debut as the host eased to victory.
Aston Villa 2 Wolves 1 (Konsa)
Villa have turned it around. Ezri Konsa produces an acrobatic finish after meeting Youri Tielemans cross.
Southampton 1 Ipswich 1
Ipswich have done it deep in extra time!
Sam Morsy fires the ball into the net in the 95th minute and salvages a point for the visitors.
That will be a tough one to take for Southampton, who were on the brink of their first Premier League win this season.
Fulham 3 Newcastle 1 (Nelson)
It’s too little, too late for Newcastle after Fulham score a third goal in the 92nd minute. 
The visitors have been on the front foot since scoring their first at the start of the second half, but they haven’t been able to break down this Fulham defence.
It feels very comfortable for the home side now.
Wolves have just been dealt another blow, as Yerson Mosquera is stretched off with what looks like a serious injury. He’s conscious as he’s carried along the touchline towards the dressing rooms, and acknowledges the applause from the home fans as he passes by.
That’s it for Spurs. A third goal, scored by James Maddison who has been brilliant throughout, secure the three points. 
The ball was won by the substitute Yves Bissouma deep in his own half. Christian Romero quickly belted it forward to Son, who passed to Maddison. Unable not to show off, he duly chipped the ball delicately over Flekken, removed his shirt in delight and was promptly booked. 
Tottenham 3 Brentford 1 (Maddison)
It’s a third for the hosts in the 85th minute and that should be that. 
A fantastic team goal on the counter. Romero sends Son away and he picks out Maddison who sends the ball neatly over the goalkeeper. 
Maddinson’s first home goal in 11 months – what a relief for the midfielder.
Ben Brereton-Diaz misses a great opportunity to put the game out of sight for the Saints when he blazes the ball high and wide over the bar after the excellent Dibling puts the ball into the danger area. 
Ipswich pushing hard for an equaliser and substitute George Hirst should do better with a header from another fine delivery from the excellent Omari Hutchinson. Dibling’s day is done and the 18-year-old leaves the field to a huge ovation as he is replaced by Adam Armstrong for the final 10 minutes. 
Leicester 1 Everton 1 (Mavididi)
The visitors had done so well to hold on to their one-goal lead against Leicester, but it just wasn’t enough as the hosts break through and in-form Stephy Mavididi finds the equaliser. 
Game on at the King Power Stadium.
Aston Villa 1 Wolves 1 (Watkins)
Villa are level now. Ollie Watkins, who had earlier seen a header hacked clear, does the damage.
Villa are dominating and nearly draw level, as Ollie Watkins sees a goalbound header cleared by the Wolves defence. The hosts are well on top now.
Liverpool have been in first gear in the second half. Hopefully Chiesa’s introduction will give the climax some of the glitter witnessed in the first half.
Time is running out for Newcastle to rescue a point from this game, with around 15 minutes left to play at Craven Cottage. 
The visitors have come close a few times in the second half with attempts from Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar. 
Still no break-through yet, though. They’ve just sent Sandro Tonali on to the pitch. Can they find a way through this Fulham defence?
Jhon Duran, who has scored the winning goal in all three of Aston Villa’s Premier League victories this season, has just come to to the cheers of the home fans. 
He will need to produce something special to get Villa back into this game. 
Ross Barkley comes on with him and they replace Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana.
Lots of pushing and shoving in the middle of the pitch as Southampton players take exception to a physical but fair-looking challenge from Jack Taylor who wins the ball from Mateus Fernandes. 
Bookings for Finn Downs who pushes Taylor and Ipswich’s hulking centre-forward Liam Delap for getting involved in what has been his only real contribution to the game so far. 
Saints make three subs with the evergreen Lallana, who has been superb, making way for Lesley Ugochukwu. Cameron Archer and Ryan Fraser are replaced by Ben Brereton-Diaz and Ross Stewart. 
Emery’s changes appear to have had the desired effect. Wolves still lead 1-0. But Villa have been much more purposeful since the break.
This game could still go either way. 
Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario makes a strong save to deny Bryan Mbeumo’s shot from the edge of the box. 
Then, Spurs hit on the counter as Brennan Johnson crosses a ball across the Brentford net which no one can reach in time. 
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario scoops the ball away with his hand right on the edge of the box.
A nervy moment as the referee must decide whether or not Vicario’s hand was in the box… But he finally decides it was in. 
Brentford player Kristoffer Ajer and manager Thomas Frank are both booked for dissent in the aftermath of that decision.
There are shouts for a penalty after Trent Alexander-Arnold hits a cross into the box which brushes the arm of Julian Araujo, who does his very best to keep it out the way. 
The crowd boos as the referee dismisses the call. It is the right decision – it would have been very harsh if it was given.
Cameron Archer forces a vital save from Arijanet Muric who does well to spread himself to keep out the former Villa forward’s shot after he was played in by Ryan Fraser five minutes after the restart.
The travelling Ipswich fans thought they had scored, but their cheers are stifled immediately when they realise Hutchinson’s shot from a tight angle hits the side-netting. Defending at a premium at times from both sides in what is a wide open affair. 
There was an extended half-time break at the King Power Stadium in hopes the rain might ease for the second half. 
Unfortunately, it still seems to be tipping it down in Leicester as the players eventually come back out and the second half gets underway.
As expected, Villa’s John McGinn doesn’t appear for the start of the second half with Leon Bailey replacing the Scot. 
The hosts have also made another change, swapping Lucas Digne for Ian Maatsen.
We are back underway for the second half of today’s Premier League 3pm kick-offs.
Fulham 2 Newcastle 1 (Barnes) 
An early response from the visitors at the start of the second half. 
Jacob Murphy came on at the break and was immediately involved in the action. He picks out Harvey Barnes with a pinpoint strike and the midfielder rolls the ball into goal. 
After a quick VAR check, the goal is given. 
Could we see a second-half comeback from Newcastle?
Another weather-related update and referee Darren England is out on the pitch testing whether the ball is bouncing properly on the sodden turf.
There are obviously some concerns over the torrential rain’s impact on the match, though it is nowhere near as severe as it was 20 minutes ago.
More weather updates as I get them. Regards, John Kettley.
What a cracker of a first half that was. For the second Saturday on the bounce, Brentford took the lead within the first minute. And just like last weekend at Manchester City, they headed into the break 2-1 down, the cheek of their opening salvo merely serving to wake up their opponents. 
Tottenham, infuriated by Bryan Mbeumo’s superb finish within 25 seconds, tore into their visitors, their press furious and relentless. Led by James Maddison on sparkling form, they tore back into contention. 
Dominic Solanke hit the equaliser after Maddison’s shot was saved, then the midfielder set off a warp-speed counter attack, which was finished by Brennan Johnson. 
His finger to lips celebration a telling response to those Spurs fans who have been querying his value to the side. Not that Brentford were out of it: they should have scored when Fabio Carvalho robbed Vicario and laid the ball off toe Mbeumo. But his shot was weak. If the second half is as good as the first, we are in for a treat. 
Matheus Cunha’s strike, midway through the first half, hands Wolves a deserved lead at the break. Both sides have looked to attack. But the visitors’ forays forward have carried greater threat so far, with Jorgen Strand Larsen testing Emiliano Martinez’s handling just before the break. 
Villa have also lost John McGinn to injury.
It’s a fine line between commending Bournemouth’s ambition and condemning their naivety. 
They have played exactly the game Liverpool want at Anfield and Diaz and Nunez have cashed in.  
Southampton just about value for their halftime lead at St Mary’s thanks to 18-year-old Tyler Dibling’s first Premier League goal after five minutes. 
Cameron Archer should have made it 2-0 when he hit the post but Ipswich are very much in this game with Aaron Ramsdale producing a brilliant save to tip away a long-range, curling effort from Omari Hutchinson in first-half stoppage time. 
Southampton are 45 minutes away from picking up their first win of the season.
After an exciting 45 minutes, these are the scores at half-time in today’s 3pm fixtures:
– Liverpool 3 Bournemouth 0
– Spurs 2 Brentford 1
– Aston Villa 0 Wolves 1
– Fulham 2 Newcastle 0
– Southampton 1 Ipswich 0
– Leicester 0 Everton 1 
Incredible downpour of rain here, with thunder and lightning also in the mix.
The ball is still rolling okay on the pitch at the moment but if the rain continues there could be a problem here.
Sean Dyche and Steve Cooper are absolutely drenched.
Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario almost gifts Brentford a goal after being tackled and dispossessed by Fabio Carvalho.
He manages to claw the ball back and then quickly saves Bryan Mbeumo’s effort. 
But he is needed again seconds later as Mikkel Damsgaard drives forward and shoots. The shot is easy for the Spurs goalkeeper to gather, but it is clear Brentford are still very much in this game. 
Arne Slot wants Nunez to score a few more scruffy goals. The Uruguayan is having none of it. He only deals with the spectacular. Liverpool are having fun today, assisted by Bournemouth’s ambitious approach. Could be plenty more goals to come.  
Liverpool 3 Bournemouth 0 (Nunez)
Darwin Nunez has clearly taken Arne Slot’s messages onboard as he fires home Liverpool’s third goal of the game. 
Surely no way back for the visitors now.
This is a very nervy performance from Leicester, where misplaced passes and weird individual mistakes have been the norm.
Steve Cooper looks frustrated from the technical area, and the home fans are starting to become anxious.
The game is messy and that will be suiting Everton down to the ground.
So nearly a second goal for Southampton. Cameron Archer does well to hold off the attention of Ipswich defenders after picking the ball up outside the box, then recovers well after it looked like the chance may have gone begging to get a shot on goal inside the box.  But his effort comes back off the base of the post. It’s been an entertaining opening half-hour at St Mary’s.
Liverpool 2 Bournemouth 0 (Diaz) 
And right on cue… It was not quite Slot’s Dutch ‘total football’ from Liverpool as Konate launched it sixty yards, but Diaz’s control and finish was symptomatic of a player at the top of his game.
Diaz is having the kind of match footballers dream about. The Kop cannot stop singing his name. Stunning individual performance.
Tottenham 2 Brentford 1 (Johnson) 
Spurs take the lead with a really good piece of counter attacking. Maddison again won the ball, this time in his own half. Immediately belting forward he passed to Son, who then found Brennan Johnson lurking on the edge of the Brentford box. He hits the ball home. A masterclass in the art of recovery from Spurs. 
Aston Villa 0 Wolves 1 (Cunha)
Wolves have taken the lead through Matheus Cunha, who not so long ago was writhing around in agony after being fouled by Ollie Watkins. 
Diego Carlos’ terrible pass presented the visitors with a chance he never looked like missing.
Liverpool 1 Bournemouth 0 (Diaz) 
Luis Diaz breaks the stalemate at Anfield with a clean strike straight into the un-guarded goal.
Mbeumo’s 23rd second strike against Spurs today is beaten only by his team mate Wissa’s 22-second goal against Manchester City.
Well I think it is a pretty bet to say Newcastle will not going top of the league this evening after a goalkeeping howler from Nick Pope has enabled Smith-Rowe to put Fulham 2-0 up. 
It was a really good move from the Cottagers but Newcastle’s midfield are being sliced through with ease repeatedly. 
As for Pope, the top-poked finish was well within his reach but he made a complete mess of it, trying to scoop it away only to help into his own net.
Liverpool’s only attacking strategy for the time-being should be ‘give it to Luis Diaz’. The Colombian is, as they say, ‘on fire’. 
Both teams have tried to get forward during the opening exchanges. But that intent has failed to translate into clear cut openings until now, with Wolves’ Lemina testing Martinez’s handling and positioning after meeting a corner.
Fulham 2 Newcastle 0 (Smith-Rowe)
The visitors came to Craven Cottage on great form, but they’re struggling here as Emile Smith-Rowe nets a second goal for the home team. 
Ipswich have responded well following that early goal from Dibling and should be on level terms when Omari Hutchinson’s ball into the box finds the head of the unmarked Sammie Szmodics. 
But the Republic of Ireland international nods straight into the hands of Aaron Ramsdale. The home side then scramble away a corner at the third time of asking
Leicester 0 Everton 1 (Ndiaye)
Everton leading and the goal has been coming.
Despite those remarkable capitulations against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Everton did actually play well in both matches and they have started well at Leicester.
It was a fine finish from summer signing Illiman Ndiaye, who is already looking an excellent piece of business.
Already a vastly different game to last week’s at Anfield. Bournemouth playing with ambition and Liverpool already enjoying more space than Nottingham Forest granted them. Entertaining start with chances at both ends.
And Spurs are straight back in it. A poor pass out of defence by Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock was snaffled by James Maddison, who bore down on the goal and shot. 
Mark Flekken saved, but the ball rebounded to Dominic Solanke, who scored his first goal for Spurs with a swift, crisp finish. It is precisely what Spurs deserved after attacking relentlessly since they went behind. 
Now Wolves’ number three, Rayan Ait-Nouri, is in the thick of the action. He’s received an early yellow card for pushing over an opponent. Manager Gary O’Neil, who has endured more than a few grips with officials of late, can’t have any complaints about that.
Tottenham 1 Brentford 1 (Solanke)
Finally – Solanke finds the back of the net with his first goal for Spurs. 
James Maddison has a shot saved but the rebound falls to Solanke who slots it home.
That will be a big relief for the Spurs striker.
Tyler Dibling remember the name. The 18-year-old announces himself to the Premier League with his first ever goal in only his second start. 
The 18-year-old produces a superb first touch to get past Jacob Greaves after a smart pass from Adam Lallana then shows great composure to finish past Arijanet Muric. Superb start from the home side.
Some early concern for Villa, as Diego Costa requires treatment after clearing a Wolves attack. Panic over. He’s up and – seemingly – ready to continue.
Southampton 1 Ipswich 0 (Dibling)
Great start for the hosts. Adam Lallana finds Tyler Dibling and his first touch is perfect as he slots the ball into the bottom corner.
Fulham 1 Newcastle 0 (Jiminez)
Adama Traore finds Raul Jiminez inside the box and he hammers the shot into the back of the neck.
After four minutes, Bournemouth have the ball in the back of the net at Anfield… but after a VAR check the goal is disallowed. 
Incredible start from Brentford. Barely had the Spurs trumpeter finished his rendition of When The Spurs Go Marching in, when Kane Lewis Potter did a quick skim down the left wing, turned inside, then out again and crossed and Bryan Mbeumo, standing on the penalty spot, swivelled to hammer the ball into the top corner of the Spurs net. 24 seconds had elapsed. Wow. 
The clamour on Tyneside has been for Sandro Tonali to start in midfield instead of Sean Longstaff, but Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has picked Joe Willock instead. As we have been arguing for a while at Telegraph Sport, Newcastle are a better side when the former Arsenal man is in it.
The return of Kieran Trippier at right back also feels significant. Tino Livramento has replaced Trippier in the England squad but the veteran has got his place back at club level. Livramento can have few complaints. He has not done enough to prove he is ready to supplant Trippier.
Tottenham 0 Brentford 1 (Mbeumo)
What a start for Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 
22 seconds in, and a cross is swung in which Bryan Mbeumo volleys straight into the top corner.
Not the start Ange Postecoglou had in mind. 
All six 3pm Premier League matches are underway – with Liverpool seeking a strong response after their shock defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, and Spurs chasing a win at home after a frustrating start to the season. 
Elsewhere, Aston Villa face Wolves, Fulham host Newcastle, Leicester take on Everton and Southampton battle Ipswich as both teams look for their first win of the season.
A giant flag, emblazoned with Gary Shaw’s appearances, goals and medals for Aston Villa, is spread across the Holte End ahead of kick-off. 
Shaw passed away earlier this week, after suffering a fall. A poignant but richly deserved tribute.
Will be interesting to see Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss today, making his first start since a £19 million move from Genk.
There has been a buzz of excitement around the Morocco international since a highly promising cameo as a substitute against Aston Villa in the last home game.
Steve Cooper has chosen a very attacking line-up for this game and El Khannouss has the potential to be a matchwinner.
If Newcastle beat Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon, they will move to the top of the Premier League for the first time since the opening weekend of the 2023-24 season.
They have won in each of their last five Premier League meetings against the home side and have had an impressive start to the season with three wins and one loss. 
Form is certainly on their side. 
However, if they do win, their time on top of the table could be short-lived with both Man City and Arsenal able to overtake them in tomorrow’s heavyweight clash.
Just four Premier League matches in and this already feels like an absolute humdinger at King Power Stadium.
Everton have made their worst start to a league season for 66 years and tempers are already fraying among some Leicester fans after a winless start for Steve Cooper.
The big question is: if Everton take a two-goal lead, can Sean Dyche relax or fear the worst?
After the last two throwaways against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Everton supporters could do without another tale of the unexpected.
Southampton boss Russell Martin, who is seeking his first point as a Premier League manager, rings the changes following last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United. 
Taylor Harwood-Bellis returns in place of the suspended Jack Stephens with veteran midfielder Adam Lallana preferred to Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu. Ryan Fraser starts ahead of Ben Brereton-Diaz and Charlie Taylor replaces Kyle Walker-Peters, who this week rejected a new contract offer from the Saints.
Kalvin Phillips misses out for Ipswich due to injury and is replaced by Jens Cajuste in the only change to the side that drew at Brighton last Saturday.
Darwin Nunez is finally unleashed. He makes his first start under Arne Slot – a surprise inclusion ahead of Diogo Jota – and he carries unlimited goodwill from the new coach as he endeavours to prove his long-term future remains on Merseyside. 
Nunez was impressive until March last season but fell away with the team. There has been much excitement about what a new manager might unlock. Today the Kop gets a chance to cast judgement as to whether he can become the mature striker he needs to be.
Tottenham have suffered a frustrating start to the season, with two losses, a draw and one win in their opening four fixtures. 
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s advice? Do some yoga. 
As Jon West reports, the coach has told angry fans to “take a breath and do some yoga” instead of criticising his players.
Last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal stoked up a barrage of social media disapproval that might have turned into an avalanche had not two late goals secured a 2-1 Carabao Cup win at Coventry in midweek.
The signing of striker Dominic Solanke, who cost £65 million from Bournemouth, has also been questioned after three games without a goal, which saw manager Postecoglou reply with some angry words of his own.
“People are just so quick to judge,” he said. “It’s a small sample. If he had gone 15 games without a goal or 15 games where he hasn’t contributed but I just think take a breath, do a bit of yoga.
“Think about the world for a second and make an assessment after that. We don’t have to rush to make judgment all the time.”
Spurs host Brentford this afternoon in the unfamiliar position of 13th in the Premier League table. Despite Postecoglou’s advice, fans will head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon with just one thought on their minds: victory. 
Read more from Jon here.
Despite Arne Slot currently preferring Diogo Jota to Darwin Nunez, the Uruguayan has been granted an unprecedented spot in Liverpool’s starting XI this afternoon. 
As Chris Bascombe explains, Nunez’s maverick reputation has been more of a curse than blessing since his arrival. He has enjoyed wonderful moments, but they are in danger of being packaged as memorable cameos rather than sustained periods of excellence.
The modern game is far more about adding the finishing touches to choreographed training ground drills than free spirits relying on their instinct in the heat of battle.
Whenever he has been summoned off the bench this season, whether Liverpool have been comfortably ahead as they were against AC Milan in the San Siro in midweek or desperately seeking an equaliser against Nottingham Forest three days earlier, Nunez has still looked like the raw number nine of his first two years, drawing the same crazy patterns as his eagerness to impress with extraordinary attempts is in sharp contrast to the poise and purpose of Liverpool’s other attackers.
Jota, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah possess game intelligence as much as incredible skill, intuitively understanding where they should be operating in all zones. The signing of Federico Chiesa means Slot has six forwards to choose from, the Italian having already shown during his career that a football brain accompanies his rapid pace. When he is picked, as with the other four, there is an expectation he will carry out his attacking and defensive duties with equal vigour. With Nunez, there is a feeling that there is more hope he will do so.
Today presents a golden opportunity for Nunez to prove himself a worthy selection among Liverpool’s talented and wide-ranging pool of attacking options. 
Read more from Chris here.
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Leicester XI: Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen, Winks, Ndidi, El Khannouss, Ayew, Mavididi, Vardy.
Everton XI: Pickford, Garner, Tarkowski, Keane, Young, Mangala, Doucoure, Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin.
Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic, Pereira, Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Jiminez. 
Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Joelinton, Gordon, Barnes, Isak, Kelly, Willock, Burn, Bruno G.
Southampton XI: Ramsdale, Suguwara, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Downes, Fernandes, Lallana, Dibling, Archer, Fraser.
Ipswich XI: Muric, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics, Delap.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey, Watkins.
Wolves XI: Johnstone, Semedo, Mosquera, Dawson, Toti, Bellegarde, J. Gomes, Lemina, R. Gomes, Cunha, Larsen.
Spurs XI: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Maddison, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Brentford XI: Flekken, Ajer, van de Berg, Pinnock, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Carvalho, Mbeumo.
Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold. 
Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga, Huijsen, Kerkez, Cook, Evanilson, Christie, Tavernier, Kluivert, J. Araujo, Semenyo, Zabarnyi.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the six matches kicking off at 3pm in the Premier League. 
In today’s 12:30pm kick-off, West Ham are trailing Chelsea 3-0 after an early brace from Nicolas Jackson shocked the London Stadium crowd.
Cole Palmer added to Chelsea’s goal tally – and to West Ham’s misery – with a tidy finish just two minutes into the second half.
Across the capital, Tottenham host West London rivals Brentford and will hope to bounce back after a flat start to the season. They have lost two of their opening four games and were most recently beaten 1-0 in the home North London Derby fixture. It has not been a smooth start to the season for Brentford either who are without key players including Yoane Wissa and Josh Dasilva.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth head to Anfield, where they have suffered nine defeats in 10 visits. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is a doubt as he deals with a muscle strain and Harvey Elliott remains sidelined as he continues recovery from an ankle injury. The home side will be looking for a strong response after a shock 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last weekend marked new manager Arne Slot’s first loss at the club.
Wolves make the short trip to Villa Park, with the home side in excellent form after starting the season with three wins in four games. Their visitors have struggled to make a similar impact, with three losses and a draw. Jhon Duran has scored the winning goal in all three of Villa’s Premier League victories this season, while Ollie Watkins has been involved in seven goals in his last six home fixtures for the club. 
Fulham prepare to host Newcastle as the visitors seek to preserve their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. It has been a difficult week for the hosts after they dropped two points from winning positions in the league and suffered a penalty shootout defeat in a midweek Carabao Cup clash. Newcastle’s Callum Wilson and Sven Botman remain sidelined with injuries and manager Eddie Howe confirmed a late call will be made on the availability of striker Alexander Isak who was forced off at half-time in their last game. 
Ipswich travel to Southampton as both sides look to build on recent results after a tough start to the season. Kieran McKenna’s side held both Brighton and Fulham to a draw in their last two Premier League fixtures, while Southampton were victorious in their Carabao Cup tie against Everton on Tuesday night. 
Leicester and Everton are both still on the hunt for their first Premier League win of the season as the two clash at the King Power Stadium. The hosts were two goals up against Crystal Palace in last week’s league fixture however they collapsed in the second half and were held to a two-all draw after a Jean-Philippe Mateta brace. Meanwhile, Everton were dumped out of the Carabao Cup after suffering penalty shootout heartbreak against Southampton.