The first round of fixtures from gameweek five of the Premier League produced few shocks, as title contenders Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all recorded victories. Here is what happened in Saturday’s action:
Liverpool prove title credentials at Wembley
The Reds took the lead on 39 minutes with the help of goal-line technology. Gino Wijnaldum headed James Milner’s corner kick powerfully towards goal, only for Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm to palm the ball away. However, the goal-line system and replays showed the whole of the ball had crossed the line.
The home side hit the post early in the second half through Lucas Moura before the visitors doubled their lead on 54 minutes. Sadio Mane saw a cross hit the post and Toby Alderweireld and land at the feet of Roberto Firmino, who had the simple task of scoring from close-range.
The home side scored a consolation goal in stoppage-time, as substitute Erik Lamela fired home the goal of the game on the volley. However, it was too little too late for the team from north London.
The Merseysiders started the campaign in top-spot, but courtesy of results elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp’s team dropped to second, although they maintained their winning start to the season.
Belgian winger gives Hazard warning with display against Cardiff
Chelsea’s Belgium international winger Eden Hazard continued his good start to the top-flight season by scoring a hat-trick in the Blues 4-1 demolition of Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors actually made the brighter start of the two teams and took the lead on 17 minutes. Centre-back Sean Morrison flicked on a free-kick and Sol Bamba was there to score from close-range.
From there on in the home side took control of the game. On 37 minutes, the Blues equalised, as Olivier Giroud found Hazard who took one touch and fired home superbly from the edge of the Cardiff penalty area.
The Belgium international had a second on 44 minutes. Giroud once again finding Hazard in the area and the winger saw his effort take a big deflection to beat Neil Etheridge in the visitor’s goal.
Hazard completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes from the penalty spot after Bamba had fouled Willian. The Brazilian got on the scoresheet himself 83 minutes, producing a superb finish from 20 yards.
The big victory took Sarri’s men to the top of the table on goal difference. It seems the Blues could be serious title contenders this season under their highly-rated Italian boss. The Blues are now third-favourites for the top-flight title following their stellar start to their campaign.
Business as usual for City against Fulham
Manchester City recorded a routine 3-0 win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to produce fantastic football.
City took just 90 seconds to take the lead in this clash, as Leroy Sane tapped home from a Fernandinho cross after the Brazilian had stolen possession from Jean Michael Seri.
Raheem Sterling struck the bar with an effort before the Citizens doubled their lead on 15 minutes through David Silva. Sergio Aguero saw an effort blocked inside the area but the ball rebound to Silva, who smashed home his 50th Premier League goal.
City completed the scoring early in the second half, as Raheem Sterling scored from close-range from an Aguero cross.
The result leaves the reigning champions third-place in the Premier League table, two points behind Chelsea and Liverpool.
Saturday’s other Premier League results:
Bournemouth 4-2 Leicester
Huddersfield 0-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Watford 1-2 Manchester United
Will the current top three in the Premier League be the same at the end of the season?
