Liverpool continued their fine start to the Premier League season as they dispatched Brighton 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, in a game that saw goalkeeper Alisson Baker sent off late in the second off. A first-half brace by center-back Virgil Van Dijk proved too much for the visitors who also saw defender Lewis Dunk strike 11 minutes from time. Liverpool now has 40 points from 14 games.
For the defending champions-Man City, they could only draw 2-2- at Newcastle United. Raheem Sterling gave City the lead before Jetro Willems equalized. With eight minutes to play, Kevin de Bruyne thought he had won it for Pep Guardiola’s side but Jonjo Shelvy struck to ensure both sides draw. City remains in third on the log with 29 points.
Second place is currently occupied by Leicester who defeated Everton 2-1 on Sunday, thanks to strikes by Jammie Vardy and Kelechi Ihenacho after Richarlison had opened the scoring for the visitors.
Tottenham continued their resurgence under new manager Jose Mourinho as they held on to beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday. Dele Ali’s brace and Mousa Sissoko’s goal gave Spurs a 3-0 lead with 29 minutes to play but Harry Wilson’s late double ensured the game would not end without nerves. The result sees Spurs climb into 5th spot with 20 points accumulated so far.
Chelsea on the other hand, succumbed to a 4th loss of the season as they were defeated 1-0 by West Ham United with Aaron Cresswell netting the winner three minutes into the second half. Chelsea remains 4th with 25 points.
On Sunday, both Arsenal and Man United drew 2-2 in their respective fixtures. Arsenal saw a Pierre Emerick Aubameyang double earn them a point at Norwich who twice took the lead through Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell. The draw leaves Arsenal in 8th with 19 points.
For Man United, they were held at home to Aston Villa. Jack Grealish put Villa 1-0 up but a Tom Heaton own-goal and Victor Lindelof’s first strike of the season saw United turn the game on its head before Tyron Mings leveled with 24 minutes to play. United are now 9th with 18 points from 14 games.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace beat Burnley 2-0, Southampton were 2-1 winners at home to Watford, while Wolves drew 1-1 with Sheffield United.
Here are the XI players who stood out according to Shaban Lubega.
GK: David Martin (West Ham United)
It is rare for a footballer to make his debut at 33 years but Martin did so this past Saturday as West Ham United defeated Chelsea 1-0. And to cap off his dream day, he kept a clean sheet.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Set up both of Van Dijk’s goals in the 2-1 win at home to Brighton on Saturday.
LB: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Scored the winner as West Ham defeated Chelsea 1-0 away from home.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Scored both goals as Liverpool scrapped to a 2-1 win at home to Brighton.
CB: Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Doherty has scored more goals than any other right-back since Wolves joined the top-tier last season and on Sunday, he was at it again as he netted the equalizer in their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
MF: James Ward Prowse (Southampton)
Struck the winner in the 2-1 come-back victory over Watford on Saturday to cap a fine display.
MF: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Arguably his best performance in the Premier League and scored the opener as Aston Villa held Man United to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
MF: Jetro Willems (Newcastle United)
Opened the scoring in Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with City.
FW: Michael Antonio (Wast Ham United).
He may not have scored but was key as West Ham defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Englishman also had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball.
FW: Delle Ali (Tottenham)
Scored a brace as Spurs defeated Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday.
FW: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Scored twice as Arsenal came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Norwich City on Sunday.
