Bruno Fernandes fired a hat-trick as Manchester United thrashed Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Chelsea also enjoyed a big afternoon, edging out Brighton 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge under new boss Xabi Alonso.
Bruno Fernandes Hat-Trick Sinks Ipswich at Old Trafford
United looked to be heading for a second straight opening-weekend upset after Leif Davis fired Ipswich ahead in the 29th minute. However, Fernandes soon settled Old Trafford’s nerves, equalising in the 40th minute after Marcelino Nunez slipped and gifted possession to Matheus Cunha, who found his captain for a composed finish. United then edged in front when Jacob Greaves diverted Harry Maguire’s shot into his own net, and moments later Greaves fouled Cunha inside the box, allowing Fernandes to convert the resulting penalty. The Portuguese completed his treble in the 68th minute, pouncing after efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo were blocked, before setting up Mbeumo for United’s fifth. Consequently, Chuba Akpom’s stoppage-time strike proved only a consolation for Ipswich, whose unbeaten start to their Premier League return came to an end. Fernandes said the win mattered greatly after United’s opening-day defeat, adding that scoring in front of the home fans made the achievement especially rewarding.
Chelsea Keep Winning Run Alive After Bruno Fernandes Hat-Trick Inspires Man Utd
Meanwhile, Chelsea moved to six points from two games as Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro built a 3-0 lead before Brighton fought back through Malick Yalcouye and a Joao Pedro own goal off Pascal Gross’s effort. Nevertheless, Cole Palmer restored the cushion with a fine curling finish, and although Gross headed in a late consolation, Chelsea held on. Emiliano Martinez made his debut in goal following his move from Aston Villa, while Enzo Fernandez was left out amid continued transfer speculation involving Manchester City ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Alonso said he was confident Chelsea would have a strong squad regardless of how the situation resolved. Elsewhere, Brentford were held to a 1-1 draw at Leeds despite Kevin Schade’s opener, and Sunderland claimed their first win of the season, beating Fulham 1-0 through Wilson Isidor’s late strike.
