🔬 The Debrief on Sunday's hectic Premier League action

Four more Premier League games took place on Sunday, headlined by the Manchester derby.

Here's what we made of what went on around the grounds.

What happened? 📝

📸 JUSTIN TALLIS - AFP or licensors

In the early fixture of the day, Crystal Palace ended Brighton's unbeaten record at the AMEX this season as they cruised to a 3-1 win over their local rivals.

Then, Manchester United piled the misery on rivals Man City as they came from behind to win 2-1 late on, thanks to two goals in two minutes in the closing stages.

That allowed Chelsea to emerge as the major winners from the weekend's action as they beat Brentford 2-1 to move four points clear of Arsenal, and just two points behind Liverpool, though the Reds have a game in hand.

On the South coast meanwhile, Tottenham piled the pressure on Russell Martin as they thrashed a sorry Southampton side 5-0 with five first half goals.

Player of the day 🔥

In a game of low quality, Amad Diallo stuck out like a sore thumb for Manchester United as he orchestrated their late game comeback at the Etihad Stadium.

The Ivorian speedster won the penalty to level the game, before he poked home the winner moments later to secure all three points for his side with another mammoth performance.

It makes you wonder why Erik ten Hag used him so sparingly!

Stat of the day 📊

Just what is going on at Manchester City?

Can Pep Guardiola turn things around?

What this means 🤔

📸 Dan Istitene - 2024 Getty Images

Despite the big win for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim's side remain in the bottom half of the Premier League, while their rivals could be 12 points off the pace if Liverpool win their game in hand.

In fact, Liverpool's closest rivals are now Chelsea, whose win at Brentford moved them just two points behind the Reds and four points clear of Arsenal in third.

At the other end of the table, Southampton remain with just one win all season, but Crystal Palace's win has moved them up to 15th place and clear of the drop zone.

What they said 🗣

📸 Carl Recine - 2024 Getty Images

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was keen to take the blame himself after his side collapsed against Manchester United.

"I am not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and so far I haven't. That's the reality", he explained.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim urged calm around matchwinner Amad Diallo. "He can play different positions, he is very humble. We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place. Let's stay clam with Amad."

Oliver Glasner was full of praise for his players after they swatted aside Brighton.

"All the credit goes to the players. We defended compact, we didn't give them many situations."

"They changed their system and we struggled to put pressure on the ball. In this phase we needed Dean Henderson who made two or three big saves. The 3-0 was the moment that decided the game for us and it was a very positive performance."

Under-pressure Southampton boss Russell Martin slammed his team for their poor start to the game. “I’m hurt at the first half. We just don’t respond very well to setbacks as a group. The response is very poor. Incredibly disappointed.”

📸 JUSTIN TALLIS - AFP or licensors

And Thomas Frank admitted Chelsea were among the favourites to win the Premier League, even if Enzo Maresca won't.

"This is a very good Chelsea team with very good players and they've spent a few quid. Well coached."

"Second half we were better. A draw would have been well deserved in my opinion. We hit the crossbar, other big chances.

"We created quite a bit of trouble for Chelsea which you could see how much it meant to them. They are right up there as favourites for the title and well deserved."

What's next? 👀

The Premier League returns to our screens in less than 24 hours as West Ham United and Bournemouth lock horns, before a mammoth weekend of action sees Tottenham take on Liverpool and Aston Villa host Manchester City in a week's time.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors