Defending Man City returned to winning ways this past weekend as they defeated Bournemouth 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
After dropping their first points in the 2-2 draw last weekend, City raced into a 2-0 lead inside the first 43 minutes thanks to goals by Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero. Harry Wilson pulled one back for the home side on the stroke of halftime but Aguero scored again in the second half to seal a second victory in three games for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Liverpool who are currently top of the log, defeated Arsenal 3-1 at home in the headline fixture of Match-Day 3 to maintain their 100% record. Mohammad Salah’s brace and Joel Matip’s opener saw the Red take a 3-0 lead in the game before substitute Lucas Torreira scored a consolation for Arsenal.
Man United were defeated 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace in a game that saw Marcus Rashford miss from the spot; United’s second missed penalty in two successive games. Jordan Ayew and Patrick Van Aanholt scored either side of a David James late equalizer to ensure Palace register their first victory of the season.
The other top six occupants-Chelsea and Tottenham, endured mixed results. Chelsea required a Tammy Abraham double to defeat stubborn Norwich 3-2 at Carrow Road while Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle United with Joelinton scoring the winning goal on 27 minutes.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa stunned Everton 2-0 on Friday, Southampton were 2-0 winners away to Brighton, Leicester beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane, West Ham were 3-1 winners at Watford while Wolves scored a late Raul Jimenez penalty to draw 1-1 against Burnley.
Here are the XI players who stood out for me this past weekend in a 3:4:3.
GK: Angus Gunn (Southampton)
Southampton continued their fine form against Brighton as they defeated them 2-0 at the Annex. That would not have been possible but for the heroics of Gunn who made three top saves in the victory.
CB: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
When Liverpool searched for the opener against Arsenal, it came from the most unlikely of sources, Joel Matip. As well as scoring against Arsenal, Matip won all seven of his contested duels.
CB: Paul Dummett (Newcastle United)
What a defensive display Newcastle showcased in their victory over Spurs this past weekend. At the center of it all was Paul Dummett. Dummett made a league-high 12 clearances in the 1-0 victory.
CB: Patrick Van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)
Van Aanholt scored the winner as Palace defeated Man United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The Dutch international also made four clearances and one block to cap a strong performance at left-back.
MF: Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United)
Just like Dummett at the back, Hayden was equally impressive in the middle as he worked his socks off all day. The former Arsenal academy graduate won 4 of his attempted 6 duels.
MF: David Silva (Man City)
Silva assisted two of City’s three goals in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
MF: John McGinn (Aston Villa)
McGinn was impressive in the 2-0 win over Everton on Friday as he made three tackles and recovered possession on six occasions.
MF: Mohammad Salah (Liverpool)
After a slow start to the season, Salah took the initiative in the victory over Arsenal on Saturday evening, scoring twice to ensure Liverpool maintain their 100% record.
FW: Sergio Aguero (Man City).
After a disappointing show in the 2-2 draw at home to Spurs last weekend, Aguero bounced back with two goals as Man City beat Bournemouth 3-1 away from home this past Saturday.
FW: Sebastien Haller (West Ham United)
Haller scored twice in West Ham’s away win at Watford, registering the most shots on target of any Hammer (3).
FW: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
Abraham scored a brace from just two shots on target in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Norwich on Saturday afternoon.
