Liverpool dropped their first points of the season this past weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to eternal rivals Man United. The home side took a first-half lead through Marcus Rashford but Adam Lallana came off the bench to save a point for Liverpool as he struck five minutes from time. The draw means Liverpool move to 25 points, six ahead of second-placed Man City while Man United drop into 13th with 10 points from their first 9 games.
For Man City, they returned to winning ways thanks to a 2-0 victory away to Crystal Palace. Two goals in two first-half minutes through Gabriel Jesus and David Silva did the damage on a day that City started minus a recognized centre-back. The win ensures that Pep Guardiola’s side remains second with 19 points.
On the same weekend, Spurs required a late Dele Ali controversial equalizer to steal a point at home to Watford while Chelsea were 1-0 winners at home to Newcastle United. Marcos Alonso scored Chelsea’s winner with 17 minutes to play. Spurs climb into 7th with12 points while Chelsea are now 4th on 17 points.
Third spot on the log is currently occupied by Leicester City who defeated Burnley 2-1 at home. Chris Wood opened the scoring on 26 minutes but Jamie Vardy levelled matters at the stroke of half-time. Yoeri Tielemans scored what proved to be the winner in the end with 16 minutes to play, ensuring Leicester now moves to 17 points for the season.
Elsewhere, Everton beat West Ham United 2-0, Bournemouth drew 0-0 with Norwich City, Aston Villa were 2-1 winners at home to Brighton while Wolves were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
The fixture between Sheffield United and Arsenal will be played on Monday night at Bramall Lane.
Here are the XI players who stood out according to Shaban Lubega.
GK: Ederson (Man City)
Two world-class saves to deny Christian Benteke and Wilfred Zaha was as good as the Brazilian shot-stopper got on Saturday as his Man City side defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.
RB: Matt Target (Aston Villa)
Although primarily a left-back, I will use Target at right-back due to his versatility. He was on song as Villa beat Brighton 2-1, scoring the winner in that game.
LB: Marcos Alonso (West Ham)
A difficult start to the season for the Spaniard but he is slowly picking up form. Alonso scored with 17 minutes on the clock as Chelsea scrapped to a 1-0 victory at home to Newcastle United.
CB: Craig Dawson (Wolves)
Dawson made three blocks as Watford held Spurs to a 1-1 draw. Aside from the blocks, he was a rock at the back all day, frustrating the likes of Harry Kane all day.
CB: Marcos Rojo (Man United)
A late inclusion to the team but one that proved vital in the end. Rojo justified his selection with a host of brilliant displays at the heart of United’s defence.
MF: Andreas Pereira (Man United)
My man of the match as United drew 1-1 with Liverpool. Pereira was full of energy and ran all day.
MF: David Silva (Man City)
Scored the second as City beat Palace 2-0 on Saturday and he was a joy to watch with his lazy-slick passing and dribbling.
MF: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa).
Scored the first and assisted the winner as Aston Villa defeated Brighton 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday.
FW: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea).
What a talent Odoi is! On Saturday, he became the first teenager to create five or more goals scoring chances for Chelsea since 2012 and also set up Alonso for the winner.
FW: Harvey Barnes (Leicester City)
Assisted both goals as Leicester City beat Burnley 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
FW: Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Proved his critics wrong as he opened the scoring in United’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool on Sunday evening.
