Chelsea maintained their place at the Premier League summit following a 2-1 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The visitors took the lead at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Christian Eriksen’s first domestic goal of the season, only for goals from Pedro and Victor Moses to condemn the Lillywhites to their first defeat of the season.
The Blues, having kicked off on Saturday evening, had temporarily given up first place to Liverpool who were momentarily top thanks to a 2-0 win over Sunderland in one of Saturday’s 3pm kick-offs. The Reds left it late, however, as Divock Origi and James Milner scored the goals to secure the three points against the strugglers.
Manchester City kept within touching distance of the top two, but again showed their flaws having had to come from behind to beat Burnley. Sergio Aguero’s brace, the second goal coming after some comical Clarets defending, cancelled out Dean Marney’s superb twenty-five yard volley.
However, the Citizens’ arch rivals, Manchester United, fell further away from the division’s pace-setters, drawing at home again. Their opponents, West Ham United, took a surprise early lead when Diafra Sakho headed in following Dimitri Payet’s free-kick. The Red Devils, who had manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands, required Zlatan Ibrahimovic to net an equaliser twenty-one minutes into the game. Mourinho’s side should have won but missed several chances, meaning they are without a win at Old Trafford since 24 September, a 4-1 victory against Leicester City.
Arsenal remain fourth, seven points from top placed Chelsea. The Gunners defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Alexis Sanchez and a Theo Walcott header. There was a scare for the North Londoners, though, who saw themselves on level terms at half-time after Callum Wilson dispatched a disputed penalty beyond Petr Cech late in the first half.
Bob Bradley earned his first win as Swansea City boss in remarkable fashion, at the expense of Palace who extended their winless run to seven games. The Swans somehow won the game 5-4, despite the Eagles being 4-3 ahead in the first minute of second half added time. Palace had to fight back from 3-1 down in an enthralling encounter, having seen Gylfi Sigurdsson and Leroy Fer’s brace cancel out Wilfried Zaha’s opener at the Liberty Stadium. James Tomkins netted from a corner to give his side hope and an own goal from Jack Cork levelled the score, before Christian Benteke sensationally put Palace ahead. However, there were still further twists as a double from Fernando Llorente in injury time gave Swansea their first top flight win since the opening game of the season.
Leicester City continued their stuttering start to the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Middlesbrough. The Foxes required two penalties to twice equalise against their opponents, with Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani both scoring from the spot to cancel out Alvaro Negredo’s brace.
West Bromwich Albion followed their 4-0 win over Burnley the following week with a draw against Hull City on Saturday. Gareth McAuley gave the Baggies the lead at the KCOM Stadium, only for central defensive counterpart Michael Dawson to equalise, earning the hosts a much needed point.
Meanwhile, Heurelho Gomes’ own goal was enough to earn Stoke City a 1-0 win against ten man Watford. the Hornets’ goalkeeper was unfortunate having seen the ball crash against the post only for it to ricochet off his body and into the net. To add further insult to injury, defender Miguel Britos was sent off late on for a second bookable offence.
Finally, Charlie Austin’s first minute goal was enough to ensure Southampton saw off Everton at St Mary’s on Sunday. The striker tapped home from close range following debutant Josh Sims’ pass.
