The first and most high-profile fixture of the weekend ended in a drab goalless draw, as Manchester United came away from Anfield with only a point against Liverpool. Jose Mourinho seemingly set up for a draw, and got what he wanted in a game where neither team registered a single shot on target in the second half.
This meant that United lost ground on Man City, who were absolutely unstoppable in a staggering 7-2 win over Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium. A brace from Leroy Sane, along with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva meant that Pep Guardiola’s men have now scored 29 goals in their opening 8 games. No team in Premier League history has had more at this stage. City move two points clear at the top of the table following this week’s results.
Palace, Swansea score important victories at the other end
In a script written in the starts, Crystal Palace scored their first goals and got their first win of the season over champions Chelsea. An own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta and a brilliant solo goal from WilfriedZaha were sandwiched by a solitary strike from TiemoueBakayoko. Roy Hodgson’s men showed great fight and desire, along with the quality needed to overhaul the Blues. This win gives Palace renewed hope of mounting an improbable comeback, even though they still lie 5 points from safety. Chelsea, on the other hand, dropped out of the top 4.
Swansea City lifted themselves out of the bottom 3 and into 13th with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham scored both goals, as Paul Clement’s men got their first victory at the Liberty Stadium this season. Huddersfield, after their dream start, are now winless in 6.
Bournemouth put in a spirited performance at Wembley Stadium, but were unable to get anything from the game, as Christian Eriksen’s strike early in the second half saw Spurs run out 1-0 winners. This was the first home win of the season at their adopted residence for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who move up to 3rd. Bournemouth remain in 19th.
Leicester City fell into the relegation places after they could only manage a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion at home. The Foxes needed a saviour in the form of RiyadMahrez ten minutes from time, after NacerChadli had given the visitors the lead on the hour-mark.
Wayne Rooney scored an injury-time penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Everton at the Amex Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Toffees looked like they were headed for another defeat after Anthony Knockaert gave Brighton the lead with less than 10 minutes left. A moment of madness from Seagulls’ captain Bruno though, gave them the opportunity to leave the south coast with a point. Rooney slotted home for his third goal of the season, as Everton still languish in 16th place.
In other results, Tom Cleverly scored a last-gasp winner as Watford scored a dramatic last-minute winner over Arsenal. The Hornets moved into the top 4 following this result, which saw them come from behind after Per Mertesacker headed the Gunners in front before half-time. A Troy Deeney penalty 20 minutes from time was followed by a smash-and-grab winner by Cleverly.
Manuel Gabbiadini scored a brace as Southampton came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 point against Newcastle United at St. Mary’s. Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez scored for the visitors. Also, Burnley needed an equalizer 5 minutes from time from Chris Wood to earn a point at home against West Ham United, who had Andy Carroll sent off for two yellow cards. Michail Antonio had given the Hammers the lead in the first half.
Here are the weekend’s results in full:
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United
Burnley 1-1 West Ham United
Crystal Palace 2-1 Chelsea
Manchester City 7-2 Stoke City
Swansea City 2-0 Huddersfield Town
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Bournemouth
Watford 2-1 Arsenal
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Everton
Southampton 2-2 Newcastle United
Leicester City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
