While goals and late drama dominated the headlines in Premier League Matchweek 7, four red cards also had a significant bearing on proceedings, with dismissals proving decisive in two matches and largely inconsequential in the other two.
According to the Premier League's official Matchweek 7 records and subsequent suspension list, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Vitaly Janelt, Ryan Sessegnon and Kevin Danso were all sent off during the round of fixtures.
1. Yehor Yarmoliuk (Brentford)
Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
45+8'
The first red card of the matchweek arrived deep into first-half stoppage time at the Gtech Community Stadium.
With Brentford leading 1-0 through Keane Lewis-Potter's opener, Yehor Yarmoliuk was dismissed for violent conduct after VAR spotted a headbutting action on Jérémy Jacquet during a melee ahead of a Liverpool corner. Referee John Brooks reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor before upgrading the punishment to a straight red card.
The dismissal transformed the contest. Liverpool took advantage of their numerical superiority in the second half, with goals from VÃctor Muñoz and Alexander Isak overturning Brentford's lead to secure a 2-1 comeback victory.
DID IT AFFECT THE RESULT?
Yes. Brentford were leading when Yarmoliuk was sent off and went on to lose after playing the entire second half with 10 men. The red card was arguably the turning point of the match.
2. Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)
Fulham 1-0 Hull City
90+4'
The second dismissal came at Craven Cottage, although unlike Yarmoliuk's, it arrived long after the result had effectively been decided.
Fulham were protecting a 1-0 lead thanks to Alex Iwobi's first-half strike when substitute Ryan Sessegnon was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a late challenge on Robinio Vaz, catching the Hull City substitute around the Achilles area.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Fulham comfortably saw out the remaining seconds to claim their first league win of the season.
DID IT AFFECT THE RESULT?
No. The sending-off occurred in the dying moments and Hull had no meaningful time to capitalise on the numerical advantage. Fulham still secured all three points.
3. Kevin Danso (Sunderland)
Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
17'
If Yarmoliuk's dismissal changed the course of a game, Kevin Danso's red card effectively left Sunderland facing an uphill battle from the outset.
After Bournemouth had already taken an early lead through Marcus Tavernier, Danso misjudged a bouncing ball and hauled down Evanilson as the striker raced through on goal. Referee Craig Pawson immediately produced a straight red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, a decision subsequently confirmed by VAR.
Sunderland played more than 70 minutes with 10 men and never recovered. Evanilson later added Bournemouth's second goal as the Cherries cruised to a 2-0 victory and their first league win of the campaign.
DID IT AFFECT THE RESULT?
Yes. Sunderland were already behind but were left a man short for most of the afternoon. Bournemouth dominated thereafter and the dismissal had a clear influence on the outcome.
4. Vitaly Janelt (Brentford)
Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
90+2'
The fourth and final red card of the matchweek went to Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt.
Already trailing 2-1 and playing with 10 men following Yarmoliuk's earlier dismissal, Brentford's task became even more difficult when Janelt received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha.
Brentford finished the contest with nine men, but the outcome was already effectively settled by that stage.
DID IT AFFECT THE RESULT?
No. Liverpool were already leading and only moments remained. The dismissal had no meaningful impact on the final scoreline.
Verdict: Which Red Cards Mattered Most?
Of the four dismissals in Matchweek 7, two had a decisive influence on results.
Yehor Yarmoliuk's red card changed the complexion of Brentford's match against Liverpool, turning a winning position into a defeat.
Kevin Danso's dismissal left Sunderland with an impossible task against Bournemouth and contributed heavily to their 2-0 loss.
Ryan Sessegnon and Vitaly Janelt were both sent off late in matches where the result was already largely settled, making their dismissals significant for upcoming suspensions rather than the immediate outcome.
In a matchweek featuring only four red cards, it was the early dismissals of Yarmoliuk and Danso that ultimately left the biggest mark on the Premier League landscape.