Arsenal will look to extend their perfect start to the new season when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (20:00 BST) in the Premier League. Arsenal have also won all three of their league games so far this campaign, making a strong start to the defence of the title they won last season. Sunderland have bounced back well after an opening-weekend loss to Ipswich Town, taking four points from games against Fulham at home and Brentford away in their subsequent fixtures.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match (15:00 BST), with Alvaro Arbeloa seeking his first points as Fulham boss against his former club Liverpool. Liverpool are chasing a third win in the space of eight days after Andoni Iraola's first Premier League victory as Reds boss, a comfortable 2-0 success at Ipswich, was followed by Wednesday's victory over Atletico Madrid in his first Champions League match as a manager. Alexander Isak scored twice at Portman Road, meaning he has already equalled his league tally from an injury-disrupted 2025-26 campaign, and the Swede is now aiming to score in three consecutive top-flight games for the first time in 18 months.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match between Crystal Palace and Ipswich (15:00 BST), with newly promoted Town hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Crystal Palace earned their first Premier League win under Pierre Sage by beating Fulham 3-2 last weekend, but the head coach was notably magnanimous afterwards, admitting he was "disappointed for the other team and the coach, they had opportunities too". Sage stressed Boro were "a really good team", adding: "I want to congratulate them – the score is for us, but they played well."
Bournemouth are looking for a first Premier League victory over Brentford. Two points from three matches so far probably isn't a fair reflection on how Marco Rose's side have played, but they have developed a habit of crumbling late on in games. In contrast, all of the four league goals scored by Bournemouth have come in the first half.
Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis, who has started in each of the club's first three Premier League games, has been speaking to the media before Saturday's fixture against Crystal Palace (15:00 BST). "It has been perfect for me," he replied when asked about linking back up with Gary O'Neil, having worked under him while on loan at Bournemouth.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
