Overview of Arsenal beat Chelsea to maintain perfect start as Maitland-Niles rescues Everton
This episode is a live Sunday-night Premier League round-up from The Totally Football Show, focusing on Matchday 3. The big headline was Arsenal beating Chelsea 2-1 in a statement win that underlined their title credentials, while Everton fought back to draw 2-2 with Manchester United thanks to a late impact goal from Maitland-Niles. The panel also ran through the rest of the weekend’s results, with strong reaction to Spurs’ goalless start, Hull’s surprising defensive record, and several teams already showing clear strengths and weaknesses.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: champions’ mentality on display
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea was framed as a “champions’ performance.”
Why Arsenal impressed
- They responded immediately after Chelsea’s early goal.
- The panel felt Arsenal played with more confidence, swagger, and control than they might have in previous seasons.
- Kai Havertz was singled out as one of the standout players of the season so far.
- Martin Ødegaard’s goal-scoring run was highlighted as a big evolution in his game.
Match dynamics
- Chelsea’s early goal changed the pattern of the match and made it much more open.
- Arsenal reportedly had nine shots on target in the opening 25 minutes after going behind — an extraordinary attacking response.
- Arsenal’s expected goals were cited as 2.11 to Chelsea’s 0.35, though the panel noted Chelsea’s performance felt more competitive than the numbers suggested.
Chelsea’s positives and concerns
- Chelsea’s aggressive, front-foot style created an entertaining match.
- But the panel questioned their midfield control and balance, especially without a fully controlling presence in the middle.
- The verdict: Chelsea have potential, but there is still plenty of work to do.
Everton 2-2 Manchester United: United’s passivity punished
Manchester United twice led, but Everton came back to earn a point in a game that exposed familiar issues for United.
Main talking points
- United again looked passive after scoring.
- The panel said they had chances to “turn the screw” but allowed Everton back into the game.
- Everton’s resilience and mentality were praised, especially considering the off-field uncertainty around the club.
Everton positives
- Their comeback spirit stood out.
- The bench and squad depth were seen as better than the pre-match gloom suggested.
- The late equaliser from Maitland-Niles was described as a “get-you-out-of-your-seat” moment.
- James Tarkowski, Jordan Pickford, and the general defensive fight were all praised.
United concerns
- Their shape and in-game management were criticised.
- There was frustration with substitutions and the lack of control after taking the lead.
- The panel noted that United have already conceded too many chances against opponents they should be handling better.
Other Premier League results and quick reactions
Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich
- Liverpool got the job done comfortably.
- The link-up play and balance in the side were viewed positively.
- There was particular praise for the way they are stabilising the right side of the team.
Newcastle 2-2 Bournemouth
- An entertaining game with plenty of chances.
- Bournemouth led 2-0, but Newcastle fought back.
- Harvey Barnes was praised as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
Brentford 1-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland were applauded for their ability to recover points from losing positions.
- Brentford were off the pace in the first half but improved later.
Brighton 1-1 Leeds
- Leeds were described as excellent for large stretches and were said to have battered Brighton in the first half.
- Brighton were criticised for looking too open.
Fulham 2-3 Crystal Palace
- Fulham were described as structurally fragile, especially defensively.
- Palace’s first win under their manager came via a brace from one full-back and another goal from a left-back.
- The panel felt Fulham’s early-season defensive problems are serious.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Spurs
- Spurs’ start to the season was called historically bad: no goals after three league matches.
- The VAR controversy around Forest’s disallowed goal drew criticism.
- The panel felt Spurs have too much quality to stay this poor for long, but the early signs are alarming.
Hull 0-0 Aston Villa
- Hull’s defensive record was a major storyline: three straight clean sheets to start the season.
- Villa’s lack of chance creation was flagged as a real concern.
- The panel worried Villa may struggle to score consistently.
Coventry and City
- Coventry were praised for competing well despite losing 1-0 to Manchester City.
- City’s win was efficient rather than dazzling.
- A young player’s passing numbers and composure were highlighted as a possible future asset.
Broader themes from the episode
Early-season table movement is still volatile
The hosts spent time discussing which teams might move the most between now and the end of the season. Common guesses included:
- Spurs, in either direction
- Aston Villa, because of their slow start
- Nottingham Forest
- Everton
Managers and tactical identity matter early
A recurring theme was that teams are already showing distinct identities:
- Arsenal look settled and confident.
- Chelsea are entertaining but still unbalanced.
- United are reactive rather than controlling.
- Hull are becoming a genuinely difficult side to break down.
- Spurs and Villa have clear attacking issues.
Defensive structure vs attacking talent
Several matches reinforced the idea that:
- good structure can keep weaker squads competitive,
- but teams with elite attacking players still need control in midfield and at the back.
Looking ahead
Arsenal
- Away to Napoli in the Champions League
- Then away to Sunderland in the Premier League
Chelsea
- Leeds in the Carabao Cup
- Then Hull in the league
Manchester United
- Midweek Champions League action at Old Trafford
- Then the Manchester derby next weekend
Other highlights coming up
The hosts also previewed upcoming European coverage and noted that they’ll return with a Champions League-focused edition later in the week.