Premier League: Manchester City’s legal case, Manchester United crisis and Bruno Guimaraes’ Arsenal impact

Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season has been overshadowed by their unresolved financial case, while Manchester United’s poor form has increased pressure on Michael Carrick and Bruno Guimaraes made a decisive contribution for Arsenal.

Pressure grows on Manchester City

In most seasons, City’s opening six matches would have placed them firmly in control of the title race. They have won every game, including impressive away victories against major rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

However, uncertainty remains over whether Enzo Maresca’s side will ultimately be allowed to compete for the title. The club are awaiting a ruling on their appeal against a guilty verdict involving more than 100 alleged breaches of the English Premier League’s financial rules.

City showed little sign of being distracted by the case as they won 3-0 at Anfield. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored after Liverpool were reduced to 10 players when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.

Their position at the top of the table, with a 100% record, is likely to increase calls for a quick resolution to the case. The prospect of the issue continuing to hang over the world’s most-watched league remains a significant concern.

Manchester United’s difficult start

United have collected only six points from their opening six league matches, their worst start for 40 years.

They again failed to make their numerical advantage count after Tottenham recovered from going a goal and a player down to equalise through Dominic Solanke in stoppage time at Old Trafford. The 1-1 draw was the least Tottenham deserved after they controlled large parts of the match.

Missed chances denied Tottenham what would have been their first league victory of the season, but United’s display placed further scrutiny on Carrick only months after he was appointed manager on a permanent basis.

United also lost 1-0 to Manchester City last month despite having more than an hour against 10 men. A similar failure occurred in last season’s home defeat by Everton.

Carrick now faces a demanding 10 days, with away fixtures against Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como.

“The pressure is on him, the questions are obviously always with the manager and you just hope they can come out of it in these next few weeks,” former United captain Gary Neville said.

Guimaraes gives Arsenal a lift

Bruno Guimaraes strengthened his case for a regular starting place after coming off the bench to score the winning goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Leeds.

Arsenal had looked close to a second successive defeat after falling behind at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Riccardo Calafiori restored parity before Guimaraes, introduced by Mikel Arteta in the second half, scored the decisive goal just minutes later.

It was the Brazil midfielder’s second league goal since moving to north London from Newcastle and his first at Emirates Stadium.

Guimaraes has made only one league start for second-placed Arsenal, while Arteta said he “wasn’t at the level” required in the defeat by Brighton.

The midfielder hopes his performance will earn him a starting role in Tuesday’s Champions League home match against Lille.

“I felt amazing and I can’t wait to score more goals now. It was very loud when I scored. I want to hug them (the Arsenal supporters) for everything they have been doing for me,” Guimaraes said after celebrating among the supporters.

“I couldn’t wait to go to the pitch, and I was very anxious on the bench. So, getting in the game and scoring an important goal is always a very good feeling,” he added.