The pre-match predictions did not fully materialise: Liverpool were held 0–0 by Fulham, Chelsea drew 2–2 with Hull City, while Arsenal’s match against Chelsea had already been played the previous weekend. The results reinforced how quickly early-season Premier League forecasts can be overturned by defensive organisation and momentum swings.
Liverpool’s trip to Fulham ended goalless at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola’s side unable to break down a disciplined Fulham defence. The result followed Liverpool’s 2–1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid less than three days earlier, and Iraola pointed to fatigue as a major factor in a flat attacking performance. Fulham, who had lost their opening three league matches under Álvaro Arbeloa, earned their first point of the campaign.
Chelsea also dropped points, drawing 2–2 with newly promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge. Morgan Rogers gave the Blues an early lead in the seventh minute, ending Hull’s opening run of three league clean sheets, but Mohamed Belloumi scored twice for the visitors before half-time. João Pedro equalised in the 66th minute after a low Cole Palmer cross, but Chelsea could not find a winner.
The match emphasised the contradiction in Chelsea’s start under Xabi Alonso. Their attack remains highly productive through Rogers, Palmer and João Pedro, but their defensive control remains poor: they have conceded in every Premier League game so far and were again forced to recover rather than manage the match from a position of strength. Hull, meanwhile, remained unbeaten after four matches and showed that their compact structure and transition threat can trouble stronger opponents.
Arsenal’s 2–1 victory over Chelsea had taken place on September 6, not on this Saturday’s fixture list. The defending champions came from behind to win that London derby and began the weekend level with Manchester City at the top of the table on nine points from three games.
Rather than a straightforward weekend of wins for Liverpool and Chelsea, the fixture list delivered two important reminders before the international break: Liverpool must find sharper solutions against deep defensive blocks, and Chelsea must urgently improve their defensive structure if they are to turn their attacking quality into a sustained title challenge.
