Premier League Storylines: Maresca's Record-Breaking City Start Continues
Arsenal's squad depth proved decisive at Nottingham Forest, Manchester United's winless run dragged on at Leeds, and Enzo Maresca made Premier League history as Manchester City continued their flying start.
Maresca makes history as Arsenal show squad depth...
Arsenal dug deep for a narrow 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest to keep pace with league leaders Manchester City, while Manchester United's miserable winless streak hit five games in the Premier League.
Chelsea and Liverpool both climbed into the top five with wins, but the day belonged to free-scoring Brighton who thrashed rivals Crystal Palace 5-0 to surge up to third.
Arsenal's Depth Makes The Difference
Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure with arms folded on the touchline as his Arsenal side struggled to break down a resolute Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
For the first time since 2023, the champions went 70 minutes of a Premier League match without a single shot on target, and Arteta's patience was clearly wearing thin.
But with game-changing quality waiting on the bench, the Arsenal manager turned to his squad depth to change the game on the banks of the Trent.
32 - Since Mikel Arteta became Arsenal manager in December 2019, they have had the joint-most 1-0 wins in the Premier League of any side (32, level with Everton). Stereotype. https://t.co/nD7C3j7Xjw
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 18, 2026
Arteta hooked an underwhelming Eberechi Eze at the break for Noni Madueke, before throwing on Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber as the second half unfolded.
Madueke proved to be the match-winner, cutting inside from the left before firing a fierce strike that took a deflection on its way past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels in the 80th minute.
Matchwinner. Noni Madueke 🌟 https://t.co/krNh3d5Kfz
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2026
It was just enough to seal a sixth win in seven league outings for second-placed Arsenal, closing the gap to leaders Manchester City to three points.
Madueke said: “If you look at the quality of our starting XI and bench, it's absurd, so we know that we're going to start some and finish some.”
Michael Carrick Still Searching For Answers
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick tried to take the positives from a 1-1 draw at Leeds, but he will be left wondering where his next victory is coming from.
After Dominic Calvert-Lewin cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's first-half opener at Elland Road, United now have just two wins from 10 games in all competitions this season.
Sunday's build-up was overshadowed by Lisandro Martinez's explosive midweek interview, in which he criticised the club's hierarchy for failing to invest sufficiently in the squad.
While United showed spirit, they lacked firepower and a cutting edge the feel-good factor that carried them to third place in the Premier League last season has completely evaporated.
💬 "I spoke to the players this morning about the history of the game and what it means." Michael reflects on his team handling a tough atmosphere ⤵️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 18, 2026
Sitting 13th in the table, the Red Devils have recorded their fewest wins at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986/87.
Although Carrick's position does not seem to be under immediate threat, with tough away games at Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon, unrest among the fanbase is growing.
Enzo Maresca Writes His Name Into History
History-making Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca looks untroubled by the cloud hanging over the club after they were found guilty of multiple breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
Man City's 3-2 victory over Ipswich at home on Saturday saw Maresca become the first manager ever to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a club.
He surpassed a group that includes his illustrious predecessor Pep Guardiola, who won his opening six league matches in the 2016/17 season.
Seven matches. Seven wins. 😮💨🩵 A record-breaking @premierleague start for our boss! 🤩 https://t.co/UKvIqXsPmr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 17, 2026
Erling Haaland struck twice at the Etihad to take his total to 12 goals in all competitions this season, while Phil Foden opened his account for the campaign.
Maresca said he was pleased to see his squad continuing to progress.
“We give credit to the players... they are not worried about people who judge from outside,” he said.
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