Only a point separates the top four teams in the league as each of them claimed valuable victories on away territory. Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all currently on 23 points with Chelsea moving back into the top four with 22 points.
While the top of the table heats up, things are looking ever so bleak for the bottom sides with Sunderland, Hull and Swansea City struggling in the relegation zone.
#1 Big teams win away from home
Arsenal took on Sunderland in the opening fixture of the week, beating the Black Cats by a comfortable 4-1 margin. Two goals apiece from Alexis Sanchez and substitute Olivier Giroud were enough for the Gunners to extend their fantastic run in recent weeks. Arsene Wenger’s side have now won seven of their last eight league games and are looking worthy title contenders already.
Manchester City and Liverpool also managed four goals in their respective away fixtures. Pep Guardiola’s side ended their disastrous run in recent weeks with a convincing 4-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. It was only the second time that City have managed a clean sheet in the league this season and Guardiola will want more of the same in the upcoming fixtures.
Liverpool maintained pace with the top two after they beat Crystal Palace in a thrilling 4-2 win at Selhurst Park. The fixture has produced some memorable matches in recent years and we were treated to no different this week. Despite throwing away the lead twice, the Reds fought back to claim all three points, thanks to goals from Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino.
Chelsea broke through into the top four with an impressive display in their 2-0 win over Southampton. The Blues have been on fire ever since Antonio Conte switched to three at the back, with noticeable improvement being seen throughout the Chelsea squad. Conte’s side are on a four-game winning streak in the league and have also not conceded a goal during that period.
#2 Relegation battlers suffer demoralising losses
Sunderland and Hull are gathering an unwanted reputation of being the whipping boys of the league. The Black Cats are yet to win a game this season and have only managed two points from their opening 10 games. David Moyes will be feeling the pressure as he looks to improve a demoralised team.
The former Manchester United manager will know that Sunderland must start gathering points quickly if they are to avoid the drop this season.
Mike Phelan’s Hull City are on a poor run of form themselves and are without a victory in their last eight games. The Tigers have also lost in each of their last six league games, shipping in 18 goals during that time as well. A narrow loss to Watford will hurt the Tigers, who are now in 18th position with seven points to their name.
Bob Bradley tasted defeat for the first time since becoming Swansea manger after his team were beaten at Stoke 3-1. The Swans only managed victory on the opening week of the season and have struggled ever since. They are currently only three points off the bottom of the table, with five points to their name.
#3 Aguero silences critics
Sergio Aguero ended his minor drought in front of goal with two superb strikes against West Brom. The Argentine put in a man of the match performance, which also included an assist to his name.
Aguero had been the bearer of criticism in recent weeks for his below par performances and Guardiola showed that even Aguero was susceptible to being benched in recent weeks, but, a strong performance against the Baggies will surely change that.
City have an important fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League next before hosting Middlesbrough and they will need their star striker to be at the very top of his game, if they are to be successful.
#4 Spurs extend unbeaten run
Tottenham still remain the only side in the league to not lose a game this season. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be a bit disappointed after drawing their third game in a row.
Champions Leicester City claimed a vital point at White Hart Lane thanks to Ahmed Musa’s equaliser, as they aim to move further up the table. Spurs new signing Vincent Janssen scored his first league goal for Spurs with a well-dispatched penalty but it wasn’t enough to get all three points.
Toby Alderweireld’s absence has had an effect on his side’s form, with Tottenham unable to win a game since he got injured.
#5 Frustration growing at Old Trafford
Jose Mourinho was left frustrated yet again after his side failed to take their chances in the 0-0 draw at home against Burnley. Tom Heaton was the star of the show as he was responsible for keeping his team in the game on numerous occasions.
The Clarets skipper produced 11 saves in a game for the second time in the last three weeks as Burnley won their first away point of the season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be ruing the number of missed opportunities he had as the big Swede simply could not find a way past the brilliant Heaton. Mourinho was also sent to the stands after an altercation with the referee as United slipped down to eighth position in the league. The Red Devils are winless in their last four league games, with Mourinho hoping for a quick turn in fortunes.
Results
Sunderland 1-4 ArsenalManchester United 0-0 BurnleyMiddlesbrough 2-0 BournemouthTottenham 1-1 Leicester CityWatford 1-0 Hull CityWest Brom 0-4 Manchester CityCrystal Palace 2-4 LiverpoolEverton 2-0 West Ham UnitedSouthampton 0-2 ChelseaStoke City 3-1 Swansea City
