Match week eleven saw Liverpool’s excellent start to the season continue as they earned top spot for the first time this campaign.
The Reds comfortably cruised past Watford at Anfield, winning 6-1 against Walter Mazzarri’s side. Sadio Mane’s brace was the highlight of the game, and the score line was added to with goals from Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Giorginio Wijnaldum. Hornets full back Daryl Janmaat scored a mere consolation for the visitors, his first goal for the club.
Chelsea are now the Reds closest rivals at the top of the table after they emphatically beat Everton 5-0 courtesy of an Eden Hazard inspired performance. The Belgian scored twice at Stamford Bridge, while Marcos Alonso, Diego Costa and Pedro added further gloss to the score line.
It now seems a long time ago since Manchester City were dominating the early stages of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side were held by Middlesbrough at the Etihad, with several key chances being wasted. Sergio Aguero scored from close range to put the hosts ahead but the Argentine and Kevin de Bruyne both missed golden chances to double the lead. The Citizens were ultimately the architect of their own downfall as Marten de Roon headed home in injury time to snatch a shock point for the visitors.
At the other end of the table, an inspired performance by Victor Anichebe helped Sunderland earn their first win of the season and bought some much needed time for under pressure manager David Moyes. The Nigerian forward scored the equaliser, after Dan Gosling put the Cherries ahead, before winning a penalty which veteran striker Jermain Defoe converted.
Sunderland are now level on points with Swansea City who lost once again at the weekend, with Manchester United the latest to condemn the Swans to defeat. Paul Pogba’s memorable volley had the Red Devils ahead before Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s double increased United’s lead to three before half time. Mike van der Hoorn added a late consolation for Bob Bradley’s side.
Fellow relegation candidates Hull City earned a shock victory against Southampton. The Tigers had not taken all three points since they won their opening two Premier League games and finally ended their poor run by coming from behind against the Saints. Charlie Austin tucked away a penalty early on, but goals from Robert Snodgrass and Michael Dawson ensured Hull stay within distance of top flight survival.
Meanwhile, Burnley continued their excellent home form with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. The Clarets have already beaten the likes of Liverpool and Everton at Turf Moor this season but needed a stoppage time strike from Ashley Barnes to overcome the Eagles. Alan Pardew’s side came back from 2-0 down and appeared to have snatched a point thanks to goals from Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke, but Barnes caught them on the counter late on, tucking Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s cross past Steve Mandanda.
While Burnley continued their good home form, Leicester City’s year long unbeaten run at the King Power stadium came to an anti-climactic end. The Foxes were poor as West Bromwich Albion earned a 2-1 win, with goals coming from James Morrison and Matt Phillips.
The weekend also saw the first North London derby of the season. Arsenal took the lead at the Emirates Stadium through Kevin Wimmer’s own goal, despite a suspicion of offside, before Harry Kane – having passed a late fitness test – equalised from the penalty spot on his return from injury.
Finally, West Ham United dropped points once again at the London Stadium, drawing 1-1 with Stoke City. Michael Antonio headed in the opener courtesy of a big deflection off Glenn Whelan, before a defensive mix-up allowed Bojan to equalise late on.
