For the second week running, defending champions Manchester City had to come from behind to secure a positive result as Pep Guardiola’s men had to come from two goals down to win 4-2 at home to Crystal Palace. Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, possibly the first of many in the Premier League for Manchester City, while a goal from Bernardo Silva completed a 2nd-half comeback.
City’s defensive frailties were exposed for the second time this season as Palace raced to a two-goal inside 30 minutes. Eberechi Eze’s free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box was guided into his own net by John Stones, while Joachim Anderson scored from a corner to establish a 2-goal lead for Palace at the home of the champions for the second season running.
But this time Pep’s men fought back as Bernardo Silva halved the deficit early in the 2nd half. Haaland, who was barely in the game up until then, came into his own and scored three times in 19 minutes to extend City’s unbeaten run.
Manchester United and Ten Haag secure second victory
Manchester United and Erik Ten Haag secured their second win of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Southampton away at St. Mary’s. Having attained a morale-boosting victory against rivals Liverpool last weekend, the match was eagerly anticipated to see how United would build on from their victory against the Reds.
Although the performance wasn’t as energetic and intense as the game against Liverpool, the Red Devils still managed to get the three points against a dangerous Southampton side. Ronaldo and Maguire were made to sit on the bench once again as Ten Haag picked the same that won against Liverpool.
United started brightly and should have taken the lead in the 19th minute but the Southampton defenders put their bodies on the line three times to deny the visitors. Both teams had some half chances but couldn’t convert as they went into the break 0-0. United took the lead as Bruno Fernandes volleyed home a low cross from Dalot. Southampton threatened throughout the 2nd half but couldn’t get the equalizer.
Sterling’s brace guides Chelsea to victory
In a game that saw two struggling sides lock horns, it was Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea who just came out on top in an entertaining 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling scored for the first time in a blue shirt to set up the win for the hosts.
A fast start from Chelsea resulted in an early penalty as Loftus-Cheek was fouled but was ruled out as Havertz was off-side in the build-up. Chelsea were rocked when Conor Gallagher received two yellow cards in the space of 7 minutes to reduce the Blues to 10 men.
Sterling scored early in the 2nd half and added a second 5 minutes later to give 10-men Chelsea a two-goal advantage. Leicester immediately responded through Harvey Barnes as he scored past Mendy to half the deficit. Leicester created plenty of opportunities against a tiring Chelsea and should have equalized but Tuchel’s men held on.
Liverpool hit Bournemouth for nine
Jurgen Klopp needed a response from his team after their defeat to United last week and his players did not disappoint as they put nine past Bournemouth to finally announce their arrival in the title race. Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliott, Alexander Arnold Roberto Firmino, Van Dijk and Fabio Carvalho were the goal-scorers for the Reds.
Diaz started it all in the 3rd minute to with a fine header, while Elliott made it two within 10 minutes. Alexander Arnold’s long-range goal was a thing of beauty, while Firmino and Van Dijk also got on the scoresheet to go into the break with a 5-goal lead. The 2nd half was more of the same as Diaz and Firmino added their second goals for the day, while Fabio Carvalho scored his first goal at Anfield.
Arsenal extend perfect start with win over Fulham
Arsenal continued to remain the only side with maximum points from their first four games as they came from a goal down to beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates. Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his hot form in the Premier League as he put Fulham in front in the 56th minute.
Going behind for the first time in the league this season, Arsenal responded brilliantly. Martin Odegaard came up with a captain’s goal to equalize for the Gunners. Gabriel, whose mistake led to the Fulham goal, made up for it with a late winner to give Mikel Arteta all three points.
In the other games across the weekend, Brighton won 1-0 against high-flying Leeds, while a Harry Kane brace was enough for Spurs against Nottingham Forest. Brentford came away with a point over Everton, Wolves and Newcastle played out a 1-1 draw and West Ham secured their first win of the season against Aston Villa.
