Bolton Wanderers 0 - 5 Manchester United
With Javier Hernandez back in the United starting line up it looked an even more attack minded starting eleven that put 8 past Arsenal. It was to be a long day for the Bolton team and the home fans in the Reebok stadium. With this being a local derby some poor tackles were made early on, in particular by Kevin Davies. His sliding challenge form behind on Tom Kleverly resulted in a free kick for United, but should of warranted a yellow card. A few minutes later Kleverly limped from the field unable to play a further part in proceedings, - he was replaced by Michael Carrick. United continued to probe for the opener and when Nani picked the ball up wide on the right, he crossed near post and Hernandez got in front of his marker to score right footed in the bottom corner. Bolton had their chance to equalise, but Rooney of all people blocked a shot on his own goal line. Jones then sent in a cross from the right to find Rooney unmarked and he easily made it 2. Phil Jones then went on a great run beating a couple of defenders and although it was slightly fortunate to fall to Wayne Rooney, he made no mistake to turn and shoot right footed and United were 3 in front and it was game over. This with only 25 minutes on the clock. Nani was causing a lot of trouble down the right and when he crossed again for Hernandez, - he slotted the ball home, only for it to be ruled out for offside. This didn't change much as Nani did brilliiantly again to send the ball across for Hernandez again, who made no mistake this time and it was now Bolton 0 - 4 United. Bolton had a glimmer of hope as Nigel Reo - Coker struck a dipping right footed strike goalwards, only to see it rebound off the bar. Then United continued to ply the pressure as they currently seem to have the ability to score at will. Nani again down the right found Rooney in the box and he shot right footed across his body in to the far corner past a\ hapless Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal. Another dazzling display by Utd., with Rooney getting his second hat-trick in successive games. They face Chelsea next and you would have to fancy Utd. on current form.
Manchester City 3 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Roberto Mancini started with the slightly surprise pairing of Tevez and Aguero up front as City went in search of another victory. Kompany had a chance early on for the home side, only to see his goal bound header deflect over after coming off his own team mate Julian Lescott. In the middle of the park Da Silva was once more instrumental in everything City did. His neat pass to Aguero in the box resulted in the first goal. Aguero struck the ball low low and right footed in to the far corner to continue his good start to the season. Wigan did have a chance to equalise through De Santo. He managed to get on to a ball following some poor defending by Kompany, only to tamely poke the ball wide as Harte came rushing out of his goal. Wigan were to regret that missed effort as Johnson played Da Silva through he knocked the ball passed the on rushing Lopez, who bundled him over and the referee had to award the penalty. Up steppped Carlos Tevez to get on the scoresheet, but he scuffed his shot to Al Habsis right and he saved easily. Then Tevez tried to redeem himself as he played Micah Richards in on goal, only for the defender to get the ball stuck under his feet and hit the bar when it was easier to score. City continued to threaten the Wigan goal as Milner swung in a corner from the right Victor Kompany rose highest, only to see his header come back off the post. Victor Moses created space for Rodaalega to shoot, but although Harte couldn't hold it the shot was straight at him. Samir Nasri was then brought on and made an immediate impact when he linked up with David Da Silva to play Aguero in for his second. Da Silva continued to shine, showing great footwork to beat two players he then released aguero, who calmly slotted home for City and his third of the afternoon. Another good result for City and it will be interesting when they come up against the other big clubs to see how far they really have come on.
Stoke City 1 - 0 Liverpool
Peter Crouch made his home debut for Stoke in front of the adoring Brittania home fans. Liverpool had a big penalty shout turned down early on. Skrtel through the ball in from the right and when Dirk Kuyt flicked the ball on it came off the out stretched arm of Rory Delap and Liverpool will feel hard done by. Things were made worse as when John Walters got the wrong side of Carragher and went down in the box the referee awarded the penalty to the home side. Walters took the penalty himself and made no mistake as he blasted the ball down the middle to put Stoke in front. Liverpool had their chances, especially in the second half. Jose Enrique pass split the defence and put Jordan Henderson clean through on goal, but he shot tamely at Begovic. The ball rebounded and both Henderson and Charlie Adam saw their respective efforts either blocked bravely by Stoke defenders or saved brilliantly by Begovic in the Stoke goal. Luis Suarez then appealed for a penalty after the ball hit Matthew Upsons leg and then glanced his arm. It was never a penalty and Suarez' over zealous ranting at the referees aassistant saw him getting booked. Suarez had a chance to equalise right at the end for Liverpool after Begovic palmed a cross in to his path, but form only ten yards out and with half the goal at his mercy he pulled his shot wide. Liverpool may feel hard done by with the penalty incedents, but Stoke again show how difficult they are to beat, especially at the Brittania.
Everton 2 - 2 Aston Villa
Villa lost Emile Heskey early on through injury and he was replaced by Barry Bannan. This was a game that both managers could of done with winning, but David Moyes and his chairman Bill Kenwright were facing some serious protests from some fans following the lack of investment in the transfer window. Villa lost Emile Heskey early on through injury and he was replaced by Barry Bannan. Then Everton sprung to life with Tim Cahill playing a neat reverse ball to Leon Osman who scored. Jack Rodwell also came close as his deflected shot spun wide having sent Shay Given the wrong way. Leighton Baines did well down the left and seemed to be tripped in the box in front of the referee, but he waved play on. Villa then took their chance as Warnock squared the ball to Petrov he curled the ball right footed from almost 30 yards out past a hapless Tim Howard in the Everton goal to equalise. Following an Everton corner Cahill headed goalwards, but Given made a good save only for the ball to go up in the air and Delph climbed all over Jagielka and the referee awarded the penalty. Leighton Baines stepped up and sent Shay Given the wrong way to put Everton back in front. This lead didn't last for long as Albrighton sent in a cross from the left and Agbonlahor rose unchallenged in the 6 yard box to head the equaliser. It finished 2 - 2 and both sides will be relatively happy. Villa remain unbeaten and Everton begin life without Arteta well enough, but could do with a win to lift some pressure.
Arsenal 1 - 0 Swansea
Arteta and Mertesacker started for Arsenal, but it was Arteta who nearly made an immediate impression. He played a nice ball through tho Ramsey who shot over when should of hit the target at the least. Danny Graham had a chance for Swansea and he too should of opened his account as he got his toe on to a cross 6 yards out, only to see Szczesny get down smart to make the save. In an open encounter with both sides trying to create and play neat football there was always going to be chances. Theo Walcott had a shot cleared off the line by Caulker who clashed with the post as a result. Walcott tried his look again only to see his shot deflected and collected comfortably by Worm in the Swansea goal. As the players were running out Worm threw the ball off his own defender and Andrey Arshavin reacted first and slotted the ball left footed in to the empty goal. A terrible mistake by the Swansea keeper which they would regret. Arsenal were poor after this and their fans went very quiet. Sinclair had a chance for Swansea after he was fouled just outside the box by Koscielny. Sinclair took the free kick himself only to see it rebound off the bar. Arsenals best chances fell to Robin Van Persie and Marouane Chamakh. Van Persie did well to create space on the edge of the box and his right footed strike almost went in, but it came off the far post and wide. Chamakh should have scored following a good cross by Gibbs his header from 6 yards out was saved comfortably by Worm. Graham had another chance to equalise for Swansea, but he couldn't keep the ball down. Arsenal will be happy with the 3 points, if not the performance, following their infamous drubbing by United. Swansea again played well and showed they can compete, but once more their lack of goals is a major concern.
Sunderland 1 - 2 Chelsea
On paper a tough away game for Chelsea. Torres is left on the bench as Anelka, Mata and Meireles all start for Chelsea. Anelka won a free early on for Chelsea on the edge of Sunderlands 18 yard box. Juan Mata took it and was unlucky for it to hit the post. Chelsea managed to get the ball back in to the box and fter his first attempt was blocked John Terry made no mistake with his second effort. He shot left footed and low in to the corner and Chelsea were in front. Chelsea were steady if not spectacular throughout. In the second half a telling ball from Meireles found Daniel Sturridge and he scored with an audacious back heel. Sunderland didn't offer much throughout and were well beaten, although they did score a consilation in the last minute through new signing Dong-Won Ji.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs started the game with a strong new look midfield of Modric, Parker and Kranjcar. Everything came from these three who were creative, yet assured and safe with Parker tidying up. Wolves had a chance early on as Jamie O'Hara struck a shot with his left foot only to see Brad Friedel stop it with his fists. Karl Henry also had a good chance following his run by two defenders. He struck left footed, but Friedel got down well to save. For Spurs Defoe had a chance, foolowing O'Haras dwelling on the ball. Defoe capitilised, but his shot was saved by Hennessy. In the second half Spurs got on top. Good work by Kranjcar found Parker who in turn played in Adebayor who went round the keeper to score on his debut. Jermain Defoe then played a ball to Kranjcar and as he went for the return Johnson slipped which allowed Defoe to get in the box to score the second and Spurs were comfortable winners in the end.
Norwich City 0 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Norwich again will feel hard done by not to get anything from this game. Poor defending early on by De Laet let in Peter Odemwingie to score a goal which proved to be decisive, after only 3 minutes. Graham Dorrans had a chance to make it 2 nil, but his left footed shot came back off the post. In the second half a clumbsy challenge by Morrisson on Reid saw Norwich conceed their 4th penalty in as many games. Odemwingie took the penalty only to see it saved well by young Norwich keeper Declan Rudd. Norwich had their own appeal for a penalty turned down. Vaughan seemed to be elbowed blatantly by Tamas. With blood streaming from his mouth and nose vaughan received treatment and a new jersey. So upset was he about the challenge that he tried to get to Tamas after the final whistle on the pitch and then in the tunnel, only for his own players to talk him down. Norwich again won't be happy with refereeing decisions seemingly going against them, but they need to improve in defence and in front of goal.
Fulham 1 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
The former FC twente top scorer Brian Ruiz started for Fulham, although he didn't show an awful lot in his first game. Blackburn should of scored early on only for Rochina weak effort to be comfortably saved by Schwarzer. Then a poor back pass by Blackburns new defender Scott Dann Gave Bobby Zamora a Chance. He picked up the loose ball and ran through on goal, only to be bundled to the ground by Salgado. Fulham wanted a penalty, but the referee said it was accidental. Rovers then took the lead through a great left footed strike by Ruben Rochina. Fulham didn't stay behind for long as Zamora latched on to another loose ball to side foot neatly in to level. For Fulham Riise played well and put in some great crosses in to the box keeping Blackburn uder pressure throughout the game. Blackburns David ( Jr ) Hoilett created most of their chances and looked good on the ball. Unfortunately he had a horrible clash of heads with Schwarzer as he chased on to a through ball. Both players stayed down and Hoilett came off worse as he had to be stretchered off. He was slightly concust and required stitches. Schwarzer continued, but received a yellow card for the collision. Fulham are still failing to shine at the moment under Martin Jol and Steve Kean will be happier to come away with the draw.
With Javier Hernandez back in the United starting line up it looked an even more attack minded starting eleven that put 8 past Arsenal. It was to be a long day for the Bolton team and the home fans in the Reebok stadium. With this being a local derby some poor tackles were made early on, in particular by Kevin Davies. His sliding challenge form behind on Tom Kleverly resulted in a free kick for United, but should of warranted a yellow card. A few minutes later Kleverly limped from the field unable to play a further part in proceedings, - he was replaced by Michael Carrick. United continued to probe for the opener and when Nani picked the ball up wide on the right, he crossed near post and Hernandez got in front of his marker to score right footed in the bottom corner. Bolton had their chance to equalise, but Rooney of all people blocked a shot on his own goal line. Jones then sent in a cross from the right to find Rooney unmarked and he easily made it 2. Phil Jones then went on a great run beating a couple of defenders and although it was slightly fortunate to fall to Wayne Rooney, he made no mistake to turn and shoot right footed and United were 3 in front and it was game over. This with only 25 minutes on the clock. Nani was causing a lot of trouble down the right and when he crossed again for Hernandez, - he slotted the ball home, only for it to be ruled out for offside. This didn't change much as Nani did brilliiantly again to send the ball across for Hernandez again, who made no mistake this time and it was now Bolton 0 - 4 United. Bolton had a glimmer of hope as Nigel Reo - Coker struck a dipping right footed strike goalwards, only to see it rebound off the bar. Then United continued to ply the pressure as they currently seem to have the ability to score at will. Nani again down the right found Rooney in the box and he shot right footed across his body in to the far corner past a\ hapless Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal. Another dazzling display by Utd., with Rooney getting his second hat-trick in successive games. They face Chelsea next and you would have to fancy Utd. on current form.
Manchester City 3 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Roberto Mancini started with the slightly surprise pairing of Tevez and Aguero up front as City went in search of another victory. Kompany had a chance early on for the home side, only to see his goal bound header deflect over after coming off his own team mate Julian Lescott. In the middle of the park Da Silva was once more instrumental in everything City did. His neat pass to Aguero in the box resulted in the first goal. Aguero struck the ball low low and right footed in to the far corner to continue his good start to the season. Wigan did have a chance to equalise through De Santo. He managed to get on to a ball following some poor defending by Kompany, only to tamely poke the ball wide as Harte came rushing out of his goal. Wigan were to regret that missed effort as Johnson played Da Silva through he knocked the ball passed the on rushing Lopez, who bundled him over and the referee had to award the penalty. Up steppped Carlos Tevez to get on the scoresheet, but he scuffed his shot to Al Habsis right and he saved easily. Then Tevez tried to redeem himself as he played Micah Richards in on goal, only for the defender to get the ball stuck under his feet and hit the bar when it was easier to score. City continued to threaten the Wigan goal as Milner swung in a corner from the right Victor Kompany rose highest, only to see his header come back off the post. Victor Moses created space for Rodaalega to shoot, but although Harte couldn't hold it the shot was straight at him. Samir Nasri was then brought on and made an immediate impact when he linked up with David Da Silva to play Aguero in for his second. Da Silva continued to shine, showing great footwork to beat two players he then released aguero, who calmly slotted home for City and his third of the afternoon. Another good result for City and it will be interesting when they come up against the other big clubs to see how far they really have come on.
Stoke City 1 - 0 Liverpool
Peter Crouch made his home debut for Stoke in front of the adoring Brittania home fans. Liverpool had a big penalty shout turned down early on. Skrtel through the ball in from the right and when Dirk Kuyt flicked the ball on it came off the out stretched arm of Rory Delap and Liverpool will feel hard done by. Things were made worse as when John Walters got the wrong side of Carragher and went down in the box the referee awarded the penalty to the home side. Walters took the penalty himself and made no mistake as he blasted the ball down the middle to put Stoke in front. Liverpool had their chances, especially in the second half. Jose Enrique pass split the defence and put Jordan Henderson clean through on goal, but he shot tamely at Begovic. The ball rebounded and both Henderson and Charlie Adam saw their respective efforts either blocked bravely by Stoke defenders or saved brilliantly by Begovic in the Stoke goal. Luis Suarez then appealed for a penalty after the ball hit Matthew Upsons leg and then glanced his arm. It was never a penalty and Suarez' over zealous ranting at the referees aassistant saw him getting booked. Suarez had a chance to equalise right at the end for Liverpool after Begovic palmed a cross in to his path, but form only ten yards out and with half the goal at his mercy he pulled his shot wide. Liverpool may feel hard done by with the penalty incedents, but Stoke again show how difficult they are to beat, especially at the Brittania.
Everton 2 - 2 Aston Villa
Villa lost Emile Heskey early on through injury and he was replaced by Barry Bannan. This was a game that both managers could of done with winning, but David Moyes and his chairman Bill Kenwright were facing some serious protests from some fans following the lack of investment in the transfer window. Villa lost Emile Heskey early on through injury and he was replaced by Barry Bannan. Then Everton sprung to life with Tim Cahill playing a neat reverse ball to Leon Osman who scored. Jack Rodwell also came close as his deflected shot spun wide having sent Shay Given the wrong way. Leighton Baines did well down the left and seemed to be tripped in the box in front of the referee, but he waved play on. Villa then took their chance as Warnock squared the ball to Petrov he curled the ball right footed from almost 30 yards out past a hapless Tim Howard in the Everton goal to equalise. Following an Everton corner Cahill headed goalwards, but Given made a good save only for the ball to go up in the air and Delph climbed all over Jagielka and the referee awarded the penalty. Leighton Baines stepped up and sent Shay Given the wrong way to put Everton back in front. This lead didn't last for long as Albrighton sent in a cross from the left and Agbonlahor rose unchallenged in the 6 yard box to head the equaliser. It finished 2 - 2 and both sides will be relatively happy. Villa remain unbeaten and Everton begin life without Arteta well enough, but could do with a win to lift some pressure.
Arsenal 1 - 0 Swansea
Arteta and Mertesacker started for Arsenal, but it was Arteta who nearly made an immediate impression. He played a nice ball through tho Ramsey who shot over when should of hit the target at the least. Danny Graham had a chance for Swansea and he too should of opened his account as he got his toe on to a cross 6 yards out, only to see Szczesny get down smart to make the save. In an open encounter with both sides trying to create and play neat football there was always going to be chances. Theo Walcott had a shot cleared off the line by Caulker who clashed with the post as a result. Walcott tried his look again only to see his shot deflected and collected comfortably by Worm in the Swansea goal. As the players were running out Worm threw the ball off his own defender and Andrey Arshavin reacted first and slotted the ball left footed in to the empty goal. A terrible mistake by the Swansea keeper which they would regret. Arsenal were poor after this and their fans went very quiet. Sinclair had a chance for Swansea after he was fouled just outside the box by Koscielny. Sinclair took the free kick himself only to see it rebound off the bar. Arsenals best chances fell to Robin Van Persie and Marouane Chamakh. Van Persie did well to create space on the edge of the box and his right footed strike almost went in, but it came off the far post and wide. Chamakh should have scored following a good cross by Gibbs his header from 6 yards out was saved comfortably by Worm. Graham had another chance to equalise for Swansea, but he couldn't keep the ball down. Arsenal will be happy with the 3 points, if not the performance, following their infamous drubbing by United. Swansea again played well and showed they can compete, but once more their lack of goals is a major concern.
Sunderland 1 - 2 Chelsea
On paper a tough away game for Chelsea. Torres is left on the bench as Anelka, Mata and Meireles all start for Chelsea. Anelka won a free early on for Chelsea on the edge of Sunderlands 18 yard box. Juan Mata took it and was unlucky for it to hit the post. Chelsea managed to get the ball back in to the box and fter his first attempt was blocked John Terry made no mistake with his second effort. He shot left footed and low in to the corner and Chelsea were in front. Chelsea were steady if not spectacular throughout. In the second half a telling ball from Meireles found Daniel Sturridge and he scored with an audacious back heel. Sunderland didn't offer much throughout and were well beaten, although they did score a consilation in the last minute through new signing Dong-Won Ji.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs started the game with a strong new look midfield of Modric, Parker and Kranjcar. Everything came from these three who were creative, yet assured and safe with Parker tidying up. Wolves had a chance early on as Jamie O'Hara struck a shot with his left foot only to see Brad Friedel stop it with his fists. Karl Henry also had a good chance following his run by two defenders. He struck left footed, but Friedel got down well to save. For Spurs Defoe had a chance, foolowing O'Haras dwelling on the ball. Defoe capitilised, but his shot was saved by Hennessy. In the second half Spurs got on top. Good work by Kranjcar found Parker who in turn played in Adebayor who went round the keeper to score on his debut. Jermain Defoe then played a ball to Kranjcar and as he went for the return Johnson slipped which allowed Defoe to get in the box to score the second and Spurs were comfortable winners in the end.
Norwich City 0 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Norwich again will feel hard done by not to get anything from this game. Poor defending early on by De Laet let in Peter Odemwingie to score a goal which proved to be decisive, after only 3 minutes. Graham Dorrans had a chance to make it 2 nil, but his left footed shot came back off the post. In the second half a clumbsy challenge by Morrisson on Reid saw Norwich conceed their 4th penalty in as many games. Odemwingie took the penalty only to see it saved well by young Norwich keeper Declan Rudd. Norwich had their own appeal for a penalty turned down. Vaughan seemed to be elbowed blatantly by Tamas. With blood streaming from his mouth and nose vaughan received treatment and a new jersey. So upset was he about the challenge that he tried to get to Tamas after the final whistle on the pitch and then in the tunnel, only for his own players to talk him down. Norwich again won't be happy with refereeing decisions seemingly going against them, but they need to improve in defence and in front of goal.
Fulham 1 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
The former FC twente top scorer Brian Ruiz started for Fulham, although he didn't show an awful lot in his first game. Blackburn should of scored early on only for Rochina weak effort to be comfortably saved by Schwarzer. Then a poor back pass by Blackburns new defender Scott Dann Gave Bobby Zamora a Chance. He picked up the loose ball and ran through on goal, only to be bundled to the ground by Salgado. Fulham wanted a penalty, but the referee said it was accidental. Rovers then took the lead through a great left footed strike by Ruben Rochina. Fulham didn't stay behind for long as Zamora latched on to another loose ball to side foot neatly in to level. For Fulham Riise played well and put in some great crosses in to the box keeping Blackburn uder pressure throughout the game. Blackburns David ( Jr ) Hoilett created most of their chances and looked good on the ball. Unfortunately he had a horrible clash of heads with Schwarzer as he chased on to a through ball. Both players stayed down and Hoilett came off worse as he had to be stretchered off. He was slightly concust and required stitches. Schwarzer continued, but received a yellow card for the collision. Fulham are still failing to shine at the moment under Martin Jol and Steve Kean will be happier to come away with the draw.
