Premier League Matchday 7: Ranking All 20 Teams' Performances

Matchday 7 Premier League Review

This weekend in the Premier League saw a mix of milestones and memorable moments. Chelsea finally kept their first clean sheet in the top flight since January, Dejan Kulusevski made his first Tottenham appearance in over 500 days, Manchester United experienced a so-called "fresh start," and Enzo Maresca achieved a record by winning his first seven league matches at a new club.

While Manchester City's ongoing legal situation hangs over the league, the on-field action remains our most reliable reference point.

How We Ranked Each Team

• Performance: We judged how well each team played based on the flow of the game, not just the final score.
• Expectations: Results that defied odds earned extra credit.
• Venue: Away performances gained some bonus points, recognizing home advantage.

Team Rankings from 20 to 1

• 20. Sunderland (0-2 Loss vs. Bournemouth) – Kevin Danso's early red card worsened an already poor performance. The Black Cats looked disorganized and outclassed, with defender Nordi Mukiele admitting arrogance might be to blame.
• 19. Crystal Palace (0-5 Loss vs. Brighton) – A heavy defeat left Palace players and fans feeling ashamed after a thoroughly one-sided match.
• 18. Hull City (0-1 Loss vs. Fulham) – Hull were dominated in every aspect, with manager Sergej Jakirović describing the game as "men against boys." Fulham controlled the match despite a narrow scoreline.
• 17. Newcastle United (0-1 Loss vs. Aston Villa) – Newcastle’s chaotic play contrasted Aston Villa’s composed approach. Despite heavy spending on forwards, the Magpies struggled offensively and lacked smartness according to Matthias Jaissle.
• 16. Coventry City (1-3 Loss vs. Tottenham Hotspur) – Frank Lampard’s side showed promise early but could not maintain momentum, falling short against Spurs’ late surge.
• 15. Everton (0-2 Loss vs. Chelsea) – A tough afternoon where David Moyes praised a crunching tackle as the highlight amid a poor second half where Everton barely threatened.
• 14. Brentford (1-2 Loss vs. Liverpool) – Referee John Brooks’ red card decision shifted the game, making it difficult for Brentford to recover against Liverpool’s pressure.
• 13. Ipswich Town (2-3 Loss vs. Manchester City) – Ipswich managed to unsettle the champions and challenge them, though they couldn’t secure any points.
• 12. Leeds United (1-1 Draw vs. Manchester United) – Leeds disappointed by playing cautiously against an underperforming Man Utd squad, missing opportunities to take control.
• 11. Manchester United (1-1 Draw vs. Leeds United) – Despite tactical changes, United failed to tighten their defense or press effectively but managed to earn a point.
• 10. Arsenal (1-0 Win vs. Nottingham Forest) – Arsenal struggled through the first hour but substitutes helped secure a narrow win, continuing a trend of slow starts followed by late rallies.
• 9. Nottingham Forest (0-1 Loss vs. Arsenal) – Forest expertly contained Arsenal’s key players but lacked finishing touch, going scoreless in front of their home crowd for over eight hours.
• 8. Liverpool (2-1 Win vs. Brentford) – Alexander Isak scored again while Jérémy Jacquet impressed defensively. Liverpool showed resilience, aided by an early red card to Brentford.
• 7. Aston Villa (1-0 Win vs. Newcastle) – Johan Manzambi scored the winning goal at St James’ Park, adding sweet revenge after his summer transfer saga.
• 6. Manchester City (3-2 Win vs. Ipswich Town) – Despite off-field distractions, City kept up their impressive run with Erling Haaland continuing to terrorize defenses.
• 5. Tottenham Hotspur (3-1 Win vs. Coventry) – Spurs returned to form with a strong win featuring Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, recalling memories of better times.
• 4. Bournemouth (2-0 Win vs. Sunderland) – Bournemouth dominated completely, recording 29 shots and an xG of 4.23, reflecting their overwhelming superiority.
• 3. Chelsea (2-0 Win vs. Everton) – Xabi Alonso’s team showed grit in a tough, physical match, securing their first clean sheet in months.
• 2. Fulham (1-0 Win vs. Hull City) – Álvaro Arbeloa earned his first Premier League win as Fulham manager, with a performance showing belief and resilience.
• 1. Brighton & Hove Albion (5-0 Win vs. Crystal Palace) – A stunning display and five-goal blitz over their rivals crowned Brighton the best performers of Matchday 7. Fabian Hürzeler emphasized humility but celebrated the joy given to fans.