It was business as usual really for the top end of the table this weekend, with a definite pattern presenting itself again.
Manchester United were terrible in the first half away to Bournemouth and could quite easily have been two or three down going into the break.
Following the game, Jose Mourinho said: “I’m the luckiest coach in the Premier League”, reflecting on his side’s all-too-regular Sunday-League start to another game.
But once again, they came out in the second half looking solid and in the end sneaked the result.
While some kind of serenity seems to have found its way back behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with Paul Pogba holding it down and Jose less volatile when addressing the press, the truth is, despite a hugely talented squad, they just don’t look anything like good enough to challenge at the top.
Mourinho says his side will make a top-four finish, I wouldn’t put money on that, despite only a quarter of the season done and time for much improvement.
It’s a massive five days ahead for the Red Devils, tomorrow night away to Juventus in the Champions League followed by the Manchester derby (at Eastlands) on Sunday!
Going on City’s performance against Southampton, it’s gonna be a tough day out.
BACK ON TOP: Man City scored six against Southampton. Photo: PETER POWELL/EPA
Pep Guardiola’s side will destroy United if they perform anything like they did at the Cherries.
It was a familiar picture at the Bridge as Chelsea struggled to get into gear in the first half, but the injection of Eden Hazard and Mateo Kovacic in the second put the Blues into turbo-drive, leaving a plucky Crystal Palace heads down, chasing shadows for the last half an hour.
Tottenham kept the chase up with a hard-fought win against Wolves, but for me, it’s almost as if fatigue has set in at this early stage of the season.
With no signings ahead of the new campaign, they’re gonna have to buy in January or else the proverbial Spursy fade might rear its limp head before April.
The best game of the weekend had to be the big one at the Emirates.
We were all, of course, expecting Liverpool to bag the points, but (to the delight of Gooners) Arsenal were great value for the unexpected point.
Yes, a stinker of a decision let them off, but on the balance of play, I’d say Arsenal were just the better side.
Blues Alvaro Morata an Eden Hazard celebrate. Photo: NEIL HALL/EPA
Liverpool fans must be questioning their championship credentials.
Are they really good enough to make it their year?
Downstairs, great to see the Geordies grabbing their first win of the season, I’ve always admired the loyalty and passion of their fans.
They deserve better and hopefully, the three points will give them a bit of confidence ahead of Bournemouth at St James’ on Saturday.
Last but by no means least, what an emotional fixture for Leicester at Cardiff.
They weren’t at their best but fought through the pain to get the 1-0 result to take with them to Thailand for their chairman’s funeral.
Can anyone stop City? Let’s hope Jose can take a point.