After a mere three goals against Fulham last weekend, Man City boss Pep Guardiola kicked off a crackdown on his players. They were hauled in for extra training, and then lost their next game. A response was certainly needed from the Citizens, and they pulled off a storming victory over Cardiff in the Premier League this weekend. A 5-0 win in the Welsh capital guided the champions to another three points, maintaining their unbeaten start and bolstering their goal difference.
There was certainly a score to settle here, as there was an acrimonious meeting between the pair in the FA Cup last season. City’s Amazon documentary showed the players and staff livid after heavy challenges there, and this humiliation seemed like revenge. Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and a brace from Riyad Mahrez sealed the victory,
Clarets Respond in Style
A difficult start for Burnley marked them out as candidates for relegation, but the Clarets managed to bounce back in style this week. They hosted an in-form Bournemouth side on Saturday, but Burnley were far too strong as they recorded a first win of the season. They hammered the Cherries 4-0 at Turf Moor, with Ashley Barnes putting gloss on the scoreline with his late brace. However, Matej Vydra and the impressive Aaron Lennon had them two up before half-time, so this was a dominant display by Sean Dyche’s side, who should kick on from here and climb up the table.
Liverpool are now the only side in the Premier League with a 100% record, after they hammered Southampton 3-0 on Saturday and Chelsea failed to beat West Ham. The Reds had their game wrapped up by half-time, including a much-needed strike for Mo Salah. Jurgen Klopp’s men have made the perfect start to the season, ahead of a double header against Chelsea this week. As it stands, they are the team to beat so far this campaign, that’s for sure.
Tottenham secured a win over Brighton in Saturday’s late game, as they bounced back from a defeat in the Champions League. Issues have been continuously cropping up for Mauricio Pochettino’s men and they can’t shake accusations of fatigue hampering the squad. Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot in the victory, which has lifted them up to fifth despite their troubled start to the campaign.
Five in a Row for Arsenal
Arsenal are level on points with Tottenham following a 2-0 victory over Everton on Sunday. The Gunners were under fire after starting with back to back defeats, but they’ve managed to get their season back on track. Opening against City and Chelsea was too tough for Unai Emery’s men, but since that they’ve won five straight matches. They were comfortable winners in the end in this clash, and the attacking prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette is really starting to show for them. Having hit form, Emery will be aiming for his side to kick on to rival Spurs and Man United for a place in the Champions League.
Man United have been left in seventh place following their draw on Saturday, with Wolves picking up yet another strong result in the Premier League. United went into this clash having won three straight games, and it seemed like the Red Devils were turning a corner. They were stopped in their tracks by Wolves, who have now taken points off both Manchester clubs, as well as Everton. The experienced Joao Moutinho hit the equaliser which pulled back Jose Mourinho’s side. In the aftermath, Paul Pogba aimed his criticism at Mourinho’s management as the factor in their underperformance this season. After claiming they should attack more, Pogba offered Mourinho up as the target, saying, “I’m a player. It’s not me.”
Leicester claimed a 3-1 victory over Huddersfield on Saturday, after falling behind to the Terriers. They were losing after five minutes, but it took just 14 more before Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal levelled the score. James Maddison’s great start to life in the top flight continued as he scored Leicester’s second, with Jamie Vardy hitting the final goal to wrap up the points. That’s got the Foxes just inside the top half, with three wins and three defeats in an inconsistent start.
Hornets Stay in Top Four
Fulham picked up another point on Saturday, holding high flying Watford to a draw at Craven Cottage. The Hornets were ahead inside two minutes thanks to Andre Gray, but they had to settle for a point after Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised. That result still keeps them inside the top four after a quick start, once again Watford have gone flying out of the traps. With just one defeat so far this season, it’s hard to argue with Javi Gracia’s reign so far.
As said, Chelsea dropped their first points of the season on Sunday, with a 0-0 draw against West Ham. The Hammers would have been pleased with that point, after having less of the ball and creating fewer chances in the clash. The London Stadium has been a mixed venue for the Blues, having lost there last season. It won’t go unnoticed that their first post-Europa League game was the end of their 100% record. However, the energy of the Blues was never in question, and they stayed true to their style in search of a winner, which is to Sarri’s credit.
It’s hard to judge Rafa Benitez at Newcastle of late. Was this draw with Palace a point gained or two lost? They managed to contain Wilfred Zaha, something few sides can do. The Magpies are supremely organised at the back when you consider the level of talent the Spanish boss is dealing with, but is that enough? On the one hand, Benitez is a manager who should be fighting for the top seven and silverware at least. Meanwhile, he’s fashioning a solid side on a meagre budget, which is an impressive achievement. Regardless, they still sit in the bottom three on just two points, so things need to improve on Tyneside.