Arsenal extend lead. City keep pace.

Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead under controversial circumstances. Former Reds' striker Andy Carroll added a second with a typical bullet header.

Arsenal were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The visitors had the better chances but found Petr Cech near impossible to breach. They were made to pay when Laurent Koscielny popped out with the winner.

Leicester's goal-less streak extends to 3 games when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez had the best chance of the game but he missed from the penalty spot.

Manchester United ended their 6 games winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea. Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal after Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out Anthony Martial's opener.

Alexander Tettey scored the only goal of the game to give Norwich a 1-0 win over Southampton which saw Victor Wanyama sent off shortly before the goal.

Sunderland came away with three important points against fellow struggler, Aston Villa. Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland the lead with  Carles Gil equalising for the away side. Jermain Defoe then scored two goals to give Sunderland the win.

Jonny Evans late goal gave West Brom a 2-1 victory over Stoke after Stephane Sessegnon and Jonathan Walters had levelled the score at 1-1.

Manchester City scored two goals in three minutes to leave Vicarage Road with all three points. Yaya Toure cancelled out Aleksandar Kolarov's own goal before Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal.

Chelsea continue their revival under manager Guus Hiddink. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals.

Points were shared between Everton and Tottenham. Ex-Spurs player, Aaron Lennon gave Everton the lead before Dele Alli equalised at the stroke of half time.

Top five performing team *

Arsenal: 7.08
Leicester: 7.01
Tottenham: 7
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.93

Top five performing players *

Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.09
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.84
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.65
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.63

* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com

Leicester goes top while Chelsea lost at home again

Marko Arnautovic scored twice within the first 15 minutes to condemn the Manchester City to their second defeat in three games.

Joel Campbell put the host ahead but Olivier Giroud's own goal ensure both teams went into half time on level time. The Frenchman scored on the right end to put Arsenal ahead and Aaron Ramsey ensure the victory.

When Manchester United hosted West Ham, it was the third best home record versus the third best away record. The result was both side cancelling each other out in a 0-0 draw.

Southampton was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Aston Villa. Joleon Lescott put the away team ahead before Oriol Romeu equalised in the second half.

Leicester moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Riyad Mahrez scored all three goals.

The match between two newly promoted teams saw the home team grabbing all three points. Troy Deeney put the home team ahead and Odion Ighalo added a second in the 90th minute.

FT West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

Spoils were shared between West Brom and Tottenham. Dele Alli put the visitors ahead but were held back when James McClean equalised for the home side.

Chelsea's dreadful season continues as they slumped to another home defeat, their fourth this season. Glenn Murray scored the only goal of the game.

Newcastle grabbed a much needed victory to move above cross-town rival Sunderland in the league table. Martin Skrtel put through his own net before Georginio Wijnaldum confirmed all three points.

Crystal Palace went ahead through Scott Dann before in-form striker, Romelu Lukaku, equalised for the home team.


Top five performing team *
Arsenal : 7.14
Leicester: 7.04
Tottenham: 7
Manchester City: 6.99
Everton: 6.94

Top five performing players *

Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.33
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.82
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.72
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68

* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com

Leicester moved to second while Newcastle condemned to the bottom

Leader Manchester City face an in-form Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park without David Silva or Raheem Sterling. To make thing worse, they lost Sergio Augero on the 25th minute through injury. The game seems to be heading for a draw until Kelechi Iheanacho came up with the winner to preserve Manchester City 100% start to the season.

Champions Chelsea poor start to the season just got worse as they lost 3-1 to Everton at Goodison Park. Steven Naismith scored twice in 5 minutes to give the home team a 2-0 lead. Nemanja Matic gave Chelsea hope of a fightback when he thumped in from distance. However, Naismith hat-trick ensure all three points for Everton.

The game of the weekend sees Manchester United hosting their fierce rival, Liverpool. After an uninspiring first half, Danny Blind opened the scoring 4 minutes after the restart. Ander Herrera added a second from the penalty spot. Christian Benteke scored a brilliant bicycle kick to give Liverpool a glimmer of hope which was extinguished within 2 minutes. Making his debut, Anthony Martial beat three defenders before sliding the ball into the net.

Despite their near total dominance, the Gunners went into the half-time only 1-0 ahead, courtesy of a Theo Walcott goal. Stoke had goalkeeper Jack Butland to thank for keeping the scoreline down but he is unable to stop Olivier Giroud from adding a second.

Two teams who were winless faced off at the Stadium of Light and Tottenham came away with the three points with Ryan Mason scoring the only goal of the game.

In the battle between the newly promoted sides, Norwich defeated Bournemouth 3-1 at the Carrow Road. Cameron Jerome opened the scoring with Wesley Hoolah and Matt Jarvis adding further goals. Steve Cook scored the consolidation goal for the visitor.

Watford got their first win of the season, beating Swansea 1-0. Odion Ighalo scored the winner but the home team had to play with 10 men after Valon Behrami was shown a straight red on 64th minutes.

Leicester completed a remarkable comeback to defeat Aston Villa. Jack Grealish and Carles Gil put the visitor 2-0 ahead. Ritchie De Laet pull one goal back before Jamie Vardy equalised for The Foxes. The comeback was completed when Nathan Dyer scored with 1 minute left.

West Brom and Southampton played out a goal-less draw at The Hawthorns.

Over at Boleyn Ground, Dimitri Payet scored twice to condemn Newcastle to the bottom of the table.

Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.23
Arsenal: 7.13
Leicester: 6.99
West Ham: 6.96
Everton: 6.94

Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.76
David Silva (Manchester City): 8.03
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City): 7.88
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 7.86
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 7.86

*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com 

Manchester United and Chelsea lost further ground

Manchester City continue their winning start to the season with a victory over Watford. Raheem Sterling scored his City goal shortly after half time and Fernandinho added a second to ensure that City goes into the international break with a three points lead at the top of the table.

Champions Chelsea stuttering start continues as their lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, only the second time in 100 home games under Jose Mourinho. All the scoring came in the second half with Bakary Sako putting Palace ahead only for Radamel Falcao to equalise. But it took the visitor only two minutes to restore their lead through Joel Ward.

Liverpool and Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of West Ham and Swansea respectively.

Manuel Lanzini making his premier debut, got a dream start when he put West Ham ahead in the third minute. Mark Noble made in 2-0 after Lovren's mistake. Any hope of a fight-back was extinguished when Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two yellow card offenses. The numbers was even out when Mark Noble joined the Brazilian for an early shower. Diafra Sakho added a third just before the final whistle.

Over at Liberty Stadium, Juan Mata put the Red Devils ahead but the home team hit back in quick succession with goals from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis.

Arsenal's poor conversion rate in front of goals continue as they struggled to beat Newcastle who had to play 74 minutes with 10 men, after Aleksandar Mitrovic got his marching order. The Gunners needed an own goal from Fabricio Coloccini to ensure they came away from St. James' Park with all three points.

Callum Wilson followed up his hat-trick the previous weekend with another goal to put Bournemouth in front. Jamie Vardy equalised from the spot on the 86th minute to maintain Leicester's unbeaten start to the season.

Yann M'Vila put Sunderland ahead at the Villa Park only for Scott Sinclair to hit a double before half-time. Jeremain Lens equalised for the visitor to share the spoils.

Tony Pulis, who was given a warm reception on his returned to Britannia Stadium, left his old hunting ground will all three points. Jose Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the games after Stoke had Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam sent off.

Southampton finally got their first win of season, a 3-0 victory over Norwich. Graziano Pelle scored on the stroke of half-time before Dusan Tadic added two more in the space of three minutes.

Tottenham was still searching for their first win as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Everton.

Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.3
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7
Southampton: 6.94
Leicester: 6.92

Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.46
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.36
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.08
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.07
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City): 8.04

*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com 

Liverpool and Manchester United lost perfect record

Before the start of the weekend ganes, there were four teams who had 100% from their first 2 games. At the end of it, only Manchester City gets to keep their perfect start in tact.

The Citizens follow up their 3-0 success over Chelsea with another impressive victory at Goodison Park with Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri scoring the goals.

Liverpool and Manchester United were held to goal-less draw against Arsenal and Newcastle respectively. Both Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney had goals wrongly ruled out for outside.

Leicester and Riyad Mahrez continued their brilliant start to the season with the Algerian equalising after Dele Alli had given Tottenham the lead 60 seconds earlier.

Champions Chelsea finally got their first win of the season at The Hawthorns. Debutant Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring and Diego Costa put Chelsea 2-0 ahead. James Morrison made up for his earlier missed penalty by pulling a goal back before Cesar Azpilicueta restored the Blues 2-0 advantage. James Morrison got his second of the night but West Brom could not find an equaliser against ten men Chelsea after John Terry was sent off.

Bournemouth scored their first Premier Leagues goals when Callum Wilson scored twice to put the newly promoted side 2-0 ahead. Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate levelled the score for the Hammers before Marc Pugh and Callum Wilson restored Cherries' 2-0 lead. Modibo Maiga pulled one back but forcing a draw proved too much for the home side who had Carl Jenkinson sent off.

Crystal Palace players scored all three goals in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Scott Dann put home side ahead only for Pape Ndiaye Souare to put through his own goalkeeper. Bakary Sako pops up with the winner to spare the Senegalese's blushes.

Watford got their third consecutive draw, helding Southampton 0-0 at Vicarage Road.

Matches between Norwich City vs Stoke City and Sunderland vs Swansea ended in a 1-1 draw.

Mame Biram Diouf put Stoke ahead in the 11th minute and Norwich replied through Russell Martin 17 minutes later.

Swansea scored on the stroke of half time, courtesy of Bafetimbi Gomis. Jermain Defoe replied to ensure Sunderland got their first point of the season.

Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.33
Liverpool: 7.12
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7.02
Watford: 7.01

Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 9.22
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.51
David Silva (Manchester City): 8.25
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.21
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.14

*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com 

Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd wins

Finally the big kick off is here and normal service for weekends resumes.

The big four / five endured mixed results with only Manchester City making an early statement. The Citizens put West Brom to the sword with Yaya Toure (twice) and Vincent Kompany scoring the goals.

Holder Chelsea was held to a 2-2 by Swansea at Stamford Bride. The Blues led twice and had Courtois sent off.

Arsenal was humbled by West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Both goals were results of Cech's mistake, the signing that many said tilt the title in the Gunners' favour.

Liverpool and Manchester United were hardly inspiring in their 1-0 victory. Liverpool needing a Coutinho superb goal and the Red Devils had Kyle Walker to thanks for the three points.

Steve McClaren's tenure as manager of Newcastle began with a 2-2 draw against last season surprise package, Southampton.

Leicester will try to avoid last season scrap and did their cause no harm with a opening 4-2 victory over Sunderland.

None of the newly promoted team manages a win. Watford earn a point with at 2-2 draw at Everton, while both Bournemouth and Norwich lost their home game against Aston Villa (0-1) and Crystal Palace (1-3) respectively.

Top five performing team *
1) Manchester City: 7.70
2) Leicester: 7.55
3) West Ham: 7.52
4) Watford: 7.42
5) Crystal Palace: 7.42

Top five performing players *
1) Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 10.00
2) Marc Albrighton (Leicester): 9.31
3) Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.80
4) Adrian (West Ham): 8.78
5) Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 8.31

*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com

Six new faces to look out for

With the season to start in a couple of days, let us look at some of the new faces that could light up the Premier League.

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Jordan Ayew
Striker, Aston Villa

The man tasked with replacing Christian Benteke has goals in him. He scored 13 times in the Ligue 1 for FC Lorient.

His pace will offer Villa options on the flank as well.

Appearance: 29
Goals: 11
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.07

View image | gettyimages.com

Yohan Cabaye
Midfielder, Crystal Palace

Possibly the transfer coup of the summer, Cabaye will be linking up once again with manager Alan Pardew, after the pair enjoyed a successful stint together at Newcastle United from 2011 to 2014.

A great passer of the ball, Cabaye will also be adding goals to the London club. He scored 18 times in 93 appearances for Newcastle.

Appearance: 13
Goals: 1
Assist: 1
WhoScored.com rating: 7.06

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Memphis Depay
Forward, Manchester United

One of the most promising young players in the world, Louis Van Gaal was so eager to sign him up that a deal was done before the end of last season.

Top Scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 22 goals, Depay is a good dribbler with plenty of pace and packed a power long shot.

Appearance: 30
Goal: 22
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.92

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Georginio Wijnaldum
Midfielder, Newcastle

Newcastle third most expensive player, after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, Wijnaldum captained PSV to the Eredivisie title last season and was crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year 2014/15.

The attacking midfielder had 19 caps for Netherlands and scored 56 goals in 152 appearances for PSV before arriving on Tyneside.

Appearance: 32
Goal: 14
Assist: 3
WhoScored.com rating: 7.47

View image | gettyimages.com

Dimitri Payet
Midfielder, West Ham

A sensational swoop. Payet was the star in the Marseille side that finished four in the Ligue 1 last season.

He topped the Ligue 1 assist chart with 17 assists and wasted no time in winning the fans over with his man-of-the-match performances in the pre-season friendlies against Southend United and Norwich.

Appearance: 35
Goals: 7
Assist: 17
WhoScored.com rating: 7.62

View image | gettyimages.com

Roberto Firmino
Forward, Liverpool

Firmino will add creativity and goals to Liverpool.

Known for his attacking prowess and dribbling ability, Firmino will add creativity and goals to a Liverpool side who was very dependent on Coutinho as a playmaking outlet last season.

The Brazilian can play across the front three.

Appearance: 33
Goal: 7
Assist: 10
WhoScored.com rating: 7.79

Carver, best manager in the Premier League. NOT!

"I still feel I am the best coach in the Premier League." declared John Carver.

I am not sure what Carver has been eating but whatever it is, it sure seems to have some effects on his brain.

With a win ratio of 11.8% and 0.56 points per game, his boast seems far off.

Not to mention the likes of Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger, his record pale in comparison to even his predecessor Alan Pradew, whom the Geordies cannot wait to get rid of.

If Newcastle is to get relegated, I expect him to be sack. And if it does happens, maybe Bayern Munich will be knocking on his door, offering the post vacant by Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea crowned Champions.

When Chelsea hosted Crystal Palace on Sunday, the equation is simple. Win and Chelsea will be crown champions.

Win they did, 1-nil (what other scoreline will one expect). Arsenal should hand over their famous chant "1-nil to the Arsenal".

While clubs in similar situation will put up a good show, to win the game in style and reward the fans, this is not in the DNA of Jose Mourinho.

Remain tight, grab a goal and close out the game.

Thou I hated to say as much, it works and they are the "best" team during the course of the season. "Best" in churning out results, low on entertainment value.

Not that it matters to Mourinho, as long as there are trophies at the end of the season.

Anyway, kudos to Chelsea.

Now that this is settled, the top four should be done and dusted, with position to be decided, the focus will be on the relegation battle.

Barring a miracle, Burnley will be relegated. Two among Aston Villa, Newcastle, Hull City, Leicester, Sunderland and QPR will be joining The Clarets.

Who will face the drop? My picks, Newcastle and QPR.