Sunderland shock Chelsea to rise to second, Newcastle overcome Fulham
Sunderland rose to second in the Premier League thanks to Chemsdine Talbi's goal in added time that surprised Chelsea, while Newcastle scored late to secure a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
Returning to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, the Black Cats appear poised to defy the usual fate of newly promoted teams dropping back to the Championship.
Chelsea seemed destined to take second spot when Alejandro Garnacho netted his debut goal for the team after only four minutes.
Yet, with Brazilian youngster Estevao unexpectedly on the substitutes bench and Cole Palmer sidelined by injury, the Blues struggled to create chances up front.
Sunderland drew level in the 22nd minute as Wilson Isidor forced the ball over the line from close range following a poorly defended long throw by Chelsea.
The away side managed to contain the Club World Cup champions effectively during the second half, even after Estevao came on around the hour.
Sunderland delivered the decisive blow on a quick break in the 93rd minute, with Brian Brobbey setting up Talbi to bend the ball neatly into the far corner.
This loss drops Chelsea to seventh place, diminishing their prospects for a serious title push.
Newcastle grabbed an important league victory courtesy of captain Bruno Guimaraes' effort in the 90th minute at St. James' Park.
Jacob Murphy capitalised on a mistake by Calvin Bassey to put the Magpies ahead in the first half.
Sasa Lukic nodded home Fulham's leveller shortly before the hour.
However, Marco Silva's squad suffered a fourth straight loss, leaving them precariously positioned just outside the drop zone.
Guimaraes finished off the loose ball after Bernd Leno parried William Osula's first shot, marking only Newcastle's third league success this campaign.
Eddie Howe's side move up to 11th, now just three points shy of the Champions League spots.
Man Utd chase form
Manchester United could reach fourth with a win against Brighton later on.
The Red Devils upset Liverpool last week, securing consecutive Premier League triumphs for the first time during Ruben Amorim's 12-month tenure.
Still, Brighton have triumphed in their previous three trips to Old Trafford and five of the last six league clashes with United.
Liverpool aim to halt their run of three league defeats in the 1900 GMT clash at Brentford.
Arne Slot's team broke a four-match slump by demolishing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League midweek.
Nevertheless, the Reds' slump has cost them, placing them four points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal, who face Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.