Brighton move second as Sunderland end Chelsea’s league wait

Brighton moved above Manchester City into second place in the Premier League after a 2-0 home win over 10-man Brentford, while Sunderland claimed their first league victory since August by beating Chelsea 1-0.

Fabian Huerzeler’s side are now the closest challengers to champions Arsenal after 10 matches, with their best-ever start to a top-flight season taking them to 22 points. Arsenal have 27 following Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over Hull City.

Brighton took control when Diego Gomez collected a clearance on the edge of the penalty area and sent a superb left-footed shot on the turn into the top corner in the 15th minute.

Brentford’s afternoon deteriorated when striker Igor Thiago was involved in a tussle with Chema Andres. After a VAR review, the Brazilian was shown a red card.

Pascal Gross made it 2-0 from the penalty spot seven minutes before half-time, sending the ball high into the net after Keane Lewis-Potter was judged to have pulled down Luka Vuskovic.

Liverpool responded to their defeat by Arsenal last weekend with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, moving them up to fourth in the table.

Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak scored for Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Palace were awarded a late consolation penalty, which Eddie Nketiah converted in added time.

The result leaves Pierre Sage’s team bottom of the table heading into the international break, with pressure increasing on the manager.

Sunderland, meanwhile, climbed off the bottom after ending Chelsea’s winning run with a 1-0 victory.

Enzo Le Fee scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Chelsea defender Levi Colwill was deemed to have brought down Brian Brobbey.

The win lifted Sunderland to 18th on eight points, one ahead of Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Manchester United host Aston Villa later.

Bournemouth also moved up the table, reaching seventh after Evanilson scored in his fifth consecutive Premier League match during a 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town.