Arsenal Hands Spurs First Loss as Haaland and Foden Net Hat Tricks in Derby Weekend

Matchweek nine for the English Premier League wrapped up Monday as Leicester City shut out Nottingham Forest 4-0.

The weekend’s fixtures were highlighted by Saturday’s North London derby and Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Arsenal Tops Spurs in North London Derby

Arsenal handed Tottenham its first EPL loss of the season Saturday with a 3-1 home victory. The win marks Arsenal’s third straight in North London derbies held at Emirates Stadium.

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey gave Arsenal an early 1-0 lead, but Spurs forward Harry Kane — the top scorer in North London derby history — tied the match with a penalty-kick goal in the 31st minute.

⚪️ @HKane's 13 goals against Arsenal is the most in north London derby history and for any #PL player against the Gunners#ARSTOT | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/uaSsSOdBNP

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 1, 2022

Shortly into the second half, Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Granit Xhaka each netted goals to clinch the victory.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1576316021719420928?s=20&t=6bOOUXsNRozVrHGsoUOGlQ

First-place Arsenal will return to Emirates Stadium Thursday for a Europa League match before they welcome Liverpool Sunday.

The Spurs will look to bounce back Tuesday in Champions League action as they take on The Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt. Tottenham will return to its Premier League schedule Saturday on the road against Brighton.

City Wins Highest-Scoring Manchester Derby Ever

Manchester City hosted Manchester United on Sunday in what resulted in the highest scoring affair between the cross-city rivals.

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1576670857757433857?s=20&t=fdj0-bTukKUPHzhFcOcHlQ

Man City prevailed in a 6-3 shootout as Norwegian forward Erling Haaland and English midfielder Phil Foden each scored hat tricks. The dynamic duo each scored a pair of first-half goals to give City a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime. After scoring his second goal, Foden surpassed PSG forward Lionel Messi as the youngest player to score 50 goals under Spanish manager Pep Guardiola.

.@PhilFoden is the youngest player to score 50 goals under @PepTeam! ✨ pic.twitter.com/f4AOB6OG4T

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 3, 2022

Man U responded with three goals in the second half as French forward Anthony Martial scored in the 84th minute and again in extra time to cut the deficit. But Haaland and Foden each scored again to record hat tricks and seal City’s victory. The derby marked the third straight home match in which Haaland scored a hat trick.

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1577010597673173006?s=20&t=fdj0-bTukKUPHzhFcOcHlQ

Man City will host Copenhagen Wednesday for its third Champions League match before the club welcomes Southhampton Saturday in EPL action. City remains undefeated this season with a 2-0-0 Champions League record and 6-2-0 Premier League record.

United will return to the field Thursday for an away Europa League match against Omonia. The club will return to EPL action Sunday as it prepares to face Everton on the road.

Wolves Axe Manager Bruno Lage After Stagnant Start

Following a 2-0 road loss to West Ham Saturday, Wolverhampton fired manager Bruno Lage.

The Wolves are off to a disappointing 1-3-4 start in the English Premier League and are currently in relegation position with only six points. The club holds just a two-point advantage over the bottom-two clubs: Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.

Although Portuguese goalkeeper José Sá has allowed only nine goals through eight matches this season, Wolverhampton’s attack has found the back of the net just three times — the fewest of any team in the league and fewer than Haaland alone.

https://twitter.com/DeportesAndy/status/1576596604617752578?s=20&t=fdj0-bTukKUPHzhFcOcHlQ

Lage led Wolverhampton to a 10th place finish last year in his debut season as manager. Prior to coaching in the EPL, Lage had a successful two-year stint in his home country — Portugal — where he led Benfica to a 51-12-13 record.

Wolves Chairman Jeff Shi released the following statement Sunday regarding the decision to sack Lage.

“We would like to thank Bruno and his coaching team for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them the very best for the future,” Shi said. “I honestly have no doubts about Bruno’s ability, and I’m sure he will succeed elsewhere, however the team’s form and performances over the last few months mean that we have no choice but to act. On behalf of everyone at Wolves, I would like to place on record our gratitude to Bruno and his coaching team for all their efforts during their time with the club, and wish them the very best for the future.”

Wolverhampton has maintained its Premiere League status since 2018 when the club was promoted from the English Football League Championship. The Wolves will look to bounce back from the relegation zone Saturday at Chelsea under coaches Steve Davis and James Collins.