Bruno Fernandez delivered a standout performance with a hat-trick as Manchester United thrashed Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, helping the Red Devils recover from their disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hull on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Chelsea also maintained their perfect start under Xabi Alonso after edging Brighton 4-3 in an entertaining encounter.
Fernandez Leads United’s Comeback
Manchester United captain Fernandez was at the heart of a dramatic turnaround after Ipswich took an early lead.
United manager Michael Carrick faced the prospect of another disappointing result against a promoted side when Leif Davis put Ipswich ahead in the 29th minute. His strike crashed in off the crossbar to stun the home crowd.
United eventually found their rhythm, with Fernandez equalising in the 40th minute. Marcelino Nunez’s mistake allowed Matheus Cunha to set up the Portuguese midfielder, who produced a superb finish.
The hosts moved in front 11 minutes after the restart when Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves turned Harry Maguire’s effort into his own net. Ipswich appealed for a handball against Maguire, but VAR rejected the claim.
Greaves’ difficult spell continued shortly afterward when he fouled Cunha inside the box and conceded a penalty. Fernandez confidently stepped up and converted to give United a 3-1 advantage.
Fernandez completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, finishing from close range after efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo were blocked.
It was the Portuguese star’s second Premier League hat-trick for United, following his three-goal performance against Leeds five years ago.
Fernandez then turned provider in the 82nd minute, setting up Mbeumo, who produced a clever lob that clipped the crossbar before crossing the line to make it 5-1.
Chuba Akpom scored a late consolation for Ipswich in stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent the newly promoted side from suffering their first defeat since returning to the top flight.
“It was a massive result for us. We lost three points last week. First game at home, the fans have been waiting for this,” Fernandes said.
“Scoring goals is the best feeling in football. Doing a hat-trick at home with our fans is something I’m proud of. I hope I can do much more and help my teammates score too.”
Palmer Magic Helps Chelsea Hold Off Brighton
Chelsea continued their winning start under Alonso with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer had all scored during Alonso’s opening match as Chelsea boss, a 3-2 victory away at Fulham on Monday.
Pedro and Palmer were again among the goals against Brighton, while Rogers provided the assist for Pedro Neto’s goal as Chelsea resisted a determined comeback from the visitors.
Emiliano Martinez made his Chelsea debut in goal just hours after completing his transfer from Aston Villa.
However, Argentina international Enzo Fernandez was absent as speculation continued over a possible move to Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
“We have to be aware until Tuesday evening what is going to develop. We’re not sure. We are preparing for all scenarios,” Alonso said of Fernandez.
“I’m sure that, whatever happens, from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in the Premier League.”
Chelsea took the lead when Romeo Lavia capitalised on a mix-up between Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and Mats Wieffer, poking the ball home from a corner.
Neto then doubled Chelsea’s advantage by converting Rogers’s cross before Pedro finished off an impressive counter-attack that began inside Chelsea’s own penalty area.
Brighton responded quickly, with Malick Yalcouye beating Martinez with a powerful volley.
Pedro then inadvertently turned Pascal Gross’s cross into his own goal shortly after the hour mark, allowing Brighton to level the contest.
Palmer restored Chelsea’s lead with a brilliant individual effort. After a fine solo run, he curled a shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Gross headed Brighton’s third goal in stoppage time, but Chelsea held on to claim another three points.
The victory leaves Chelsea, Manchester City and Hull as the only teams to have collected six points from their opening two matches.
Leeds Deny Brentford Perfect Start
Brentford looked set to make it two wins from two when Kevin Schade produced an audacious flick to open the scoring away at Leeds.
Leeds responded through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who converted Lukas Nmecha’s driven cross to earn his side a point and preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Elsewhere, Sunderland secured their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Fulham.
Wilson Isidor scored the decisive goal 15 minutes from full-time to give Sunderland a valuable three points.
