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Liverpool surged to the top of the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, while Manchester United were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win at West Ham, while Aston Villa matched Liverpool on points after coming from behind to defeat Wolves 3-1.
Liverpool faced their first setback under Arne Slot’s management when Nottingham Forest stunned them at Anfield seven days ago. However, the Reds responded emphatically, overwhelming Bournemouth before half-time.
Luis Diaz was rested for Liverpool’s impressive 3-1 win at AC Milan to kick off their Champions League campaign midweek. Returning to the starting line-up, the Colombian struck twice within two minutes.
Diaz capitalised on a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga, collecting Ibrahima Konaté’s long ball, rounding the stranded Spanish goalkeeper, and sweeping into an empty net.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then set up Diaz to net his fifth goal of the season.
Darwin Núñez, making his first start of the season, ended his 14-game goal drought at club level in spectacular style by curling the ball into the far corner.
Liverpool’s three-goal margin of victory places them ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, both also on 12 points, based on goal difference.
“My first instinct was, ‘Why does he shoot?’ He made the ball free, and the defender was on the ground, but a fraction of a second later, the ball goes in off the post. Maybe he is a better player than I was in the past!” Slot said, commenting on Núñez’s strike.
United returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since their 4-0 humiliation towards the end of last season. While they avoided another embarrassing defeat, Erik ten Hag’s faltering side hardly delivered a memorable performance against a winless Palace.
United, having won only two of their first five league matches, were indebted to André Onana for a brilliant double save to deny Eddie Nketiah and then Ismaila Sarr.
Solanke Opens Account –
Tottenham relieved pressure on Ange Postecoglou by defeating Brentford 3-1 in north London. Spurs had won just one of their opening four league games, continuing a downward trend from the end of last season.
Bryan Mbeumo’s thumping volley put Brentford ahead after just 22 seconds. Spurs responded quickly to stave off a revolt from the home fans.
Dominic Solanke opened his Tottenham account with a tap-in after Mark Flekken parried James Maddison’s effort. Brennan Johnson’s accurate low finish put the hosts ahead before Maddison secured the points with his first goal since March, five minutes from time.
Villa needed to turn things around for their fourth win in five games after Matheus Cunha put Wolves ahead midway through the first half. Ollie Watkins’ deflected effort equalised, and a rare goal from Ezri Konsa gave Villa the lead. Jhon Duran continued his scintillating form as a substitute, netting his fourth goal of the season off the bench.
Chelsea Cruise –
Chelsea maintained their positive start under Enzo Maresca, with Jackson’s brace dismantling a lacklustre West Ham at the London Stadium. The Senegalese striker now has four goals in five Premier League matches this season after two composed finishes past Alphonse Areola, as West Ham were opened up with ease.
Jackson then turned provider for Cole Palmer, who rounded off the scoring within the first two minutes of the second half.
West Ham have now lost their opening three home league games for the first time in their history, marking an inauspicious start for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Fulham triumphed with a 3-1 victory against a lacklustre Newcastle at Craven Cottage. Ipswich snatched a 1-1 draw deep into stoppage time in the clash of the newly-promoted sides at Southampton. Everton and Leicester are also still seeking their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium.
The blockbuster clash of the weekend takes place on Sunday, with champions Manchester City hosting Arsenal, who have finished second to Pep Guardiola’s men for the past two seasons.
AFP
