The English Premier League kicked off Sunday, September 14, 2025, with two headline matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Liverpool sealed a last-gasp victory at Burnley, while Manchester City demonstrated their ambitions with a commanding win over their historic rivals Manchester United.
Liverpool’s Dramatic Late Win Over Burnley
Liverpool traveled to Turf Moor to face Burnley in a tightly contested match. The hosts set up defensively in a 5-4-1 formation, frustrating Liverpool’s attacking efforts for much of the game. Despite Liverpool’s sustained pressure, the breakthrough came only in injury time when a handball in the box led to a penalty.
Mohamed Salah, a fine penalty taker with records to his name, stepped up and converted the spot-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sealing a 1-0 win for the Reds. This victory was crucial as it extended Liverpool’s perfect start to the season and allowed them to maintain top position in the league. Salah also climbed to fourth place on the Premier League all-time scorers’ list with this goal.
Burnley fought valiantly but could not earn any points despite the late intensity. A red card to Lesley Ugochukwu near the end diminished their hopes further.
Manchester City’s Commanding Derby Victory
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City faced their fiercest rivals Manchester United in a London derby that showcased City’s dominance. Phil Foden opened the scoring with an early goal, setting the tone for the match. Erling Haaland then cemented the victory with two clinical finishes after the hour mark.
City’s attacking prowess and tactical superiority were evident, as they controlled possession and outclassed United 3-0. This win propelled City to eighth place in the standings with six points, keeping pace with challengers. Meanwhile, Manchester United remains in 14th place with four points, reflecting their early-season struggles.
Premier League Standings Snapshot (As of September 14, 2025)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 | +5 | 12 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 9 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 9 |
| 4 | Bournemouth | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 9 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 8 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 8 | Manchester City | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 6 |
| 14 | Manchester United | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 4 |
| 17 | Burnley | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 3 |
Liverpool remains unbeaten and at the summit after four games, while Manchester City sits in eighth and Manchester United in 14th.
Key Takeaways
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Liverpool’s perseverance in a tough away game underlines their championship credentials and the importance of Salah’s clinical finishing.
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Manchester City’s derby thrashing of Manchester United sends a strong message to the rest of the league about their ambitions this season.
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Burnley’s defensive resilience is admirable but their lack of scoring power has them near the relegation zone after just one win.
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Early season league standings indicate a fierce battle for top positions with several teams within striking distance of the leaders.
The Premier League continues to captivate with dramatic moments, tight contests, and individual brilliance, setting up what promises to be an enthralling 2025/26 season.