Matchday 3 of Premier League table brought plenty of emotions, with shocking defeats by two usual top 6 contenders and a clash between two favorites in Anfield. Liverpool continued with their perfect start to the new Premier League season by facing Arsenal, the only other team with a 100% record on Saturday evening.
The Gunners had won their first two Premier League games for the first time in ten years, but any hopes of a possible title race were quickly diminished with the sheer difference in quality between themselves and Liverpool.
Arsenal set up in an odd diamond shape, which allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson the freedom of the park in the wide areas.
Unai Emery’s team had the best chance in the opening 20 minutes when a rushed clearance from Adrian fell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the striker could only put his looping effort wide. A little after, Liverpool took the lead before the break.
The Arsenal backline was far too concerned with the threat of Virgil van Dijk that they left Joel Matip completely unmarked from six yards out. The central defender, who was given a starting berth ahead of Joe Gomez, made no mistake and fired past Bern Leno in a corner kick, after another sublime assist by Trent Alexander Arnold.
David Luiz already costing goals to Arsenal
Emery would have been appeased with his team’s first-half display, but any hope of them getting back into the game was effectively over after 15 minutes of the second half.
Summer signing David Luiz was poor throughout, and he gave away a penalty after pulling Salah’s shirt. It was lazy defending by the Brazilian, and the Egyptian made sure that Liverpool didn’t spurn the opportunity.
Luiz was once again at the center of things in the 58th minute when he allowed Salah the time to turn past him before bursting down on goal. His recovery run was non-existent, and David Luiz was only too happy to jog back, hoping that the forward would miss.
Unfortunately for him, and the Gunners, Salah wasn’t in a forgiving mood, and he curved a delightful effort around Leno into the bottom left-hand corner.
Liverpool’s job was complete, but the Gunners to their credit didn’t stop trying. Their efforts were rewarded five minutes from time when Lucas Torreira found the back of the net following good wide play for Aubameyang. It was the very least that the Gunners deserved for their efforts, but the difference in quality was astounding.
Shock Home Defeats For United and Spurs
It wasn’t a good weekend for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as they fell to home defeats against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United. The Red Devils fell behind to a Jordan Ayew goal, following some slack defending by Victor Lindelof.
Penalties have been a talking point surrounding United for the past seven days, but they had a chance to put that right when Scott McTominay was fouled in the box. Marcus Rashford stepped up following Paul Pogba miss against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, but the Englishman smashed the post.
The Red Devils did pull themselves level in the last ten minutes through Daniel James, but Patrick van Aanholt shocked Old Trafford by scoring in injury time to claim a first-ever Premier League win for the Eagles over United.
Tottenham was looking to get back to winning ways following their draw last time out against Manchester City, but their title aspirations were handed a massive blow against Newcastle United.
The Toon came to North London having failed to pick up a single point so far, but a brilliant team effort saw them upset all the odds and claim all three points.
Joelinton scored the only goal of the game, that gave the first 3 points to Steve Bruce’s reign on Newcastle. Still, it was the defensive trio of Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar that were the heroes.
Pukki couldn’t stop Chelsea to get their first win of the season
Frank Lampard got his first win as Chelsea manager in a pulsating fixture at Carrow Road, that ended 2-3. The Blues were twice pegged back, first by Todd Cantwell – with Tammy Abraham making it equal for the London side – but Teemu Pukki would make it 2-1.
The Finish striker, after a hat trick against Newcastle, has 5 goals and he is tied with Raheem Sterling as top EPL scorer.
However, not even Pukki could stop Chelsea’s attacking force this time. Mason Mount made it 2-2 and a second on the day for Tammy Abraham wrapped up all three points with 20 minutes remaining.
After stumbling over Leicester and getting a terrible matchday 1 against Manchester United, Frankie got a hard-fought, but flavourful win.
City get past the exam in Bournemouth
Manchester City kept pace with Liverpool at the top of the table by seeing off Bournemouth on Sunday (1-3). The Citizens hold a dominant record of the Cherries, and despite a Harry Wilson screamer that never looked like changing.
Goals from Raheem Sterling and a brace from Sergio Aguero put them on their way to three points. After losing two crucial points last weekend against Spurs, due to VAR interference, City showed they are not backing down from reconquering the Premier League title.
Top 6 outsiders Leicester and Wolves with different fates
Sheffield United was looking to make it two home wins on the bounce against Leicester City, but Chris Wilder was left frustrated by his team’s defensive mistakes as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for the Foxes before Blades new signing Oliver McBurnie leveled. However, a wonderful half volley from Harvey Barnes ensured a first win of the season for the Foxes, who had two draws so far in the Premier League schedule.
Meanwhile, Wolves keeps accumulating draws, with 3 in a row already. After shocking United last Monday, they hosted Burnley at the Moulinex and the result was the same: 1-1.
Ashley Barnes put Burnley ahead with his third goal this season, an amazing strike from outside the box.
However, a 97th-minute penalty from Raul Jimenez saved Wolves’ blushes from an embarrassing home defeat.
It is worth reminding that Wolves played in Italy last Thursday, for Europa League playoff against Torino. They won 2-3 that game, the first leg, but the fatigue is probably something Nuno Espirito Santo will need to address.
Hammers, Saints, and Villains Claim First Wins
West Ham inflicted more misery of Javi Gracia at Vicarage Road, as club-record signing Sebastian Haller scored a brace in their 3-1 win. Mark Noble had put the Hammers in charge before Andre Gray leveled the scores. But the second half action was dominated by Haller’s two goals.
Watford continues at the bottom of the table with 0 points, while the Hammers seem to be finally be showing the results of their Summer shopping spree.
At the Falmer Stadium, a red card to Florin Andone scuppered any hopes for Brighton as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Southampton. Andone saw red after a high tackle on Yann Valery in the 20th minute.
In the second half, goals from Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond ensured the Saints took all three points.
Meanwhile, the opening fixture of the weekend saw the first points for Aston Villa on their return to the Premier League. A 2-0 win over Everton guaranteed some breathing space for the Villains.
Summer signing Wesley put Aston Villa ahead before the break with his first goal for his new side. The Toffees seemed unable to finish, despite debutant Alex Iwobi, Everton’s Premier League deadline day signing, close to doing it.
Anwar El Ghazi doubled the lead with the final kick of the game.
The Premier League schedule continues next weekend, with the must-watch match between the two North London rivals. Arsenal and Tottenham face on Sunday and it is a derby you won’t want to miss.
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