We’re now around a quarter of the way through the Premier League season, and we’re already being promised a very tight race. We have three unbeaten sides, and five teams who have claimed at least 21 points from a possible 27. Those incredible starts have put all of those clubs in the early title race, including a revitalised Arsenal.
The Gunners were able to claim a 10th successive win in all competitions under Unai Emery this week, after a 3-1 win over Leicester on Monday night. The Foxes took the early lead thanks to a Hector Bellerin own goal. However, it was the Gunners who took the initiative, with Mesut Ozil impressing. He scored the first and set up the third in a great performance. With Arsenal looking like a real attacking force yet again, Ozil has the chance to kick on and show his best form this season.
Mourinho Sees Red at Blues
Jose Mourinho came close to a vital win at Stamford Bridge, only to have it snatched away. Ross Barkley scored a crucial added time leveller to secure a 2-2 draw for Maurizio Sarri’s side. Anthony Martial had hit a double to put United in front, as defensive errors crept into the Blues’ game. However, the biggest drama came off the pitch, as Chelsea’s backroom staff made a meal out of their celebrations. Not to be outdone, Mourinho was at his most juvenile in the aftermath. The Portuguese leapt into the melee looking for a fight, before talking down to the Blues in the most patronizing of ways afterwards.
Manchester City crushed Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday, as they kept their place at the top of the table. They had five different scorers in the victory, with Sergio Aguero opening their tally. Bernardo Silva and Fernandinho each scored in the space of two minutes in the second half, while Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane capped off the big victory with goals. The Citizens remain top, and that victory was a real statement of intent. They’ve now racked up 26 goals so far this season, conceding just three. The myth that City are poor at the back isn’t exactly holding up.
Liverpool kept pace at the top of the Premier League table, but they weren’t able to match City in the scoring stakes. Mo Salah gave the Reds a 1-0 win over Huddersfield, keeping them level with City on 23 points. However, City’s thumping win means they’re now 10 goals better off on goal difference. While Jurgen Klopp’s side are keeping pace, they’re still not matching the incredible displays that Pep Guardiola’s outfit are producing each week.
Bluebirds Leapfrog Cottagers
Andre Schurrle’s stunner put Fulham in front at Cardiff, but it wasn’t enough as they produced another defensive slump. The two promoted sides played out a 4-2 thriller in the Welsh capital, with Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid scoring to put the Bluebirds ahead by the 20 minute mark. Ryan Sessegnon scored his first top flight goal for the visitors, but Fulham were sloppy again in the second half, and they were punished twice as Cardiff jumped out of the relegation zone.
Everton continued their fine form with victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, after Jordan Pickford saved a penalty from Luca Milivojevic. The Toffees saw two of their young stars combine for the opener, as Ademola Lookman’s cross was converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Cenk Tosun scored the second for Everton on the break, capping off a solid display, and taking them into eighth place. They’ve now won three on the spin in the league, and their chances of a European finish are growing.
Wolves’ strong start to the season took a hit, as they lost at home to Watford. The newly promoted side hadn’t lost at home this season before this, while Watford had just a point from their last four. However, the form book went out of the window in this clash, with Etienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra each scoring for the Hornets. Those strikes moved Watford into the top seven – two spots above Wolves.
More Pain for Hammers
Tottenham kept themselves on the edge of the top four after yet another victory. They won for the fourth league game running, as Erik Lamela hit the only goal of the game at the London Stadium. That victory kept them in the title mix, as they’re on 21 points. However, West Ham had been raising their game for big clashes, and losing this one was a blow. They sit in 14th with just seven points to their name, just two points above the drop zone. After a big summer of spending, Manuel Pellegrini’s side should be concerned about their lack of return.
Newcastle are now bottom of the Premier League, as they lost at St James’ Park yet again. Rafa Benitez saw his side lose 1-0 against Brighton, with Baram Kayal scoring the only goal of the game. The Magpies have yet to win a game all season, and they spectacularly blew this opportunity, to fall to the basement of the Premier League. Rafa Benitez has a huge job on his hands in order to guide this team away from the drop this term, while a former Newcastle boss cheered in the opposing dugout. Brighton are up to 12th following this victory, moving six points clear of the drop at this early stage.
Last of all, there was a dull derby on the south coast on Saturday, with Bournemouth drawing at home to Southampton. The Cherries should have taken three points here after their fine start, especially against a Saints side who are just a point clear of the bottom three. Eddie Howe’s side remain in the top six after nine games, but they’ve slipped six points off the top after that draw. While the Cherries might be short of pulling a Leicester, they’ve made an excellent start.