Brighton & Hove Albion unexpectedly dropped points. Crystal Palace and West Ham United, on the other hand, cherished a point after they seemed to be heading for a defeat.
Brighton & Hove Albion's strong start to the season was quickly overshadowed by their surprising struggle against newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Having already secured two victories and a draw in the early stages of the season, Brighton came into the match as heavy favorites, with expectations high for a third win that would solidify their position in the top half of the table. However, the absence of key player João Pedro, who had scored twice in earlier matches, proved to be a crucial blow. The Brazilian forward returned from international duty with Brazil carrying an injury, after a disappointing match against Paraguay. His absence was felt as Brighton lacked the attacking edge to break down Ipswich Town’s defense.
Despite missing João Pedro, manager Fabian Hürzeler still fielded a strong lineup. Dutch defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Joël Veltman, as well as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, all started, along with Yankuba Minteh, who had recently arrived from Feyenoord. Brighton's usual possession-based, attacking football was on display, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Kaoru Mitoma, one of their most creative players, managed to get a shot off before halftime, but it was saved by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who remained composed under pressure. Brighton’s inability to capitalize on their early dominance was a recurring theme throughout the match.
The second half saw Ipswich Town grow in confidence. Their best chance came when Liam Delap, son of former Premier League player Rory Delap, struck the post with a fierce shot, leaving Brighton relieved but wary of Ipswich’s threat. The home side continued to press but couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed. Hürzeler brought on Ferdi Kadioglu for his debut midway through the second half in an attempt to add some creativity and energy to the midfield, but it wasn't enough. Despite having the upper hand for most of the game, Brighton left the pitch frustrated, having dropped points against a team they were expected to beat comfortably. This result highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, where no match can be taken for granted.
Fulham 1 - 1 West Ham United
Meanwhile, the London derby between Fulham and West Ham United unfolded dramatically at Craven Cottage. Both sides had contrasting ambitions going into the match, with Fulham looking to assert themselves at home and West Ham keen to avoid a defeat that would dent their early season momentum. Fulham, led by Raúl Jiménez, opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a well-placed pass from Emile Smith Rowe. Jiménez, who had been brought in during the summer transfer window, was eager to prove himself as a reliable goal-scorer for Fulham, and his first-half strike seemed to set the tone for the match.
For much of the game, Fulham controlled possession, with West Ham struggling to create clear-cut chances. However, as the match entered stoppage time, West Ham found a way back. Substitute Crysencio Summerville, a dynamic winger with the ability to change games, injected some much-needed pace into the Hammers' attack. In the dying moments, Jarrod Bowen sent in a precise cross, and Danny Ings, always a threat in the penalty area, finished calmly to make it 1-1. The late equalizer was a hammer blow to Fulham’s hopes of a win, but West Ham left the match feeling like they had stolen a valuable point.
Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Leicester City
The match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park was equally thrilling. Leicester, relegated from the Premier League the previous season, were eager to bounce back and had taken an early lead thanks to Jamie Vardy, who capitalized on a pinpoint pass from Wilfred Ndidi midway through the first half. Vardy, Leicester’s talismanic striker, showed once again that he remains a potent force even as he approaches the latter stages of his career. The Foxes doubled their lead immediately after the break when Stephy Mavididi found the back of the net, again assisted by Ndidi. At 0-2, Leicester seemed to be cruising to their first win of the season.
However, Crystal Palace had other ideas. Manager Roy Hodgson’s team displayed resilience and determination, refusing to let Leicester leave with all three points. Jean-Philippe Mateta, brought into the game with the sole aim of turning things around, quickly halved the deficit in the 47th minute. Although his goal was subject to a lengthy VAR review, it was eventually allowed to stand, giving Palace hope of a comeback. The drama continued to unfold as Palace pushed for an equalizer, and just when it looked like Leicester would hang on for the win, they conceded a penalty in stoppage time. Mateta, cool under pressure, converted the spot-kick to level the score at 2-2, sending Selhurst Park into a frenzy.
Both matches, along with Brighton’s surprising draw, demonstrated the intensity and unpredictability of the English football landscape. The ability to grind out results, even in the face of adversity, will be crucial as these teams navigate a long and challenging season.
