By Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, while Manchester United were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Chelsea secured a comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham, while Aston Villa matched Liverpool on points after coming from behind to beat Wolves 3-1.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, suffered their first setback a week ago when Nottingham Forest stunned them at Anfield. However, they bounced back in style, taking control of the match against Bournemouth before half-time.
Luis Diaz, rested during Liverpool’s midweek 3-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan, returned to the starting line-up and struck twice within minutes. His first goal came after a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga, as he collected Ibrahima Konaté’s long ball, rounded the stranded goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into an empty net.
Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah challenges Bournemouth’s Ivory Coast midfielder #22 Hamed Traore during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England, on September 21, 2024.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then set up Diaz to net his fifth goal of the season. Darwin Núñez, making his first start of the season, ended his 14-game goal drought at club level in spectacular style by curling the ball into the far corner. Liverpool’s three-goal margin of victory places them ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, both also on 12 points, based on goal difference.
“My first instinct was, ‘Why does he shoot?’ He made the ball free, and the defender was on the ground, but a fraction of a second later, the ball goes in off the post. Maybe he is a better player than I was in the past!” Slot said, commenting on Núñez’s strike.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scores their second goal against Bournemouth during Saturday’s Premier League match at Anfield.
Manchester United returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since their 4-0 thrashing late last season. Though they avoided another humiliating loss, Erik ten Hag’s side struggled in a lackluster 0-0 draw against a winless Crystal Palace.
United, with only two wins from their first five league matches, were thankful for André Onana’s double save, denying Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr from close range.
Meanwhile, Tottenham eased pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou with a 3-1 win over Brentford in north London. Spurs, having won just one of their first four league games, were eager to turn around their poor form from the end of last season.
Brentford took an early lead through Bryan Mbeumo’s volley just 22 seconds in, but Spurs quickly responded to avoid unrest from their fans.
Dominic Solanke opened his Tottenham account with a tap-in after Mark Flekken parried James Maddison’s effort. Brennan Johnson’s accurate low finish put the hosts ahead before Maddison secured the points with his first goal since March, five minutes before the final whistle.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scores his side’s second goal of the game, during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Bournemouth, at Antfield, in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Aston Villa needed to turn things around for their fourth win in five games after Matheus Cunha put Wolves ahead midway through the first half. Ollie Watkins’ deflected effort equalised, and a rare goal from Ezri Konsa gave Villa the lead. Jhon Duran continued his scintillating form as a substitute, netting his fourth goal of the season off the bench.
Chelsea Cruise –
Chelsea maintained their positive start under Enzo Maresca, with Nicolas Jackson’s brace dismantling a lackluster West Ham at the London Stadium. The Senegalese striker now has four goals in five Premier League matches this season after two composed finishes past Alphonse Areola, as West Ham were opened up with ease.
Jackson then turned provider for Cole Palmer, who rounded off the scoring within the first two minutes of the second half.
West Ham have now lost their opening three home league games for the first time in their history, marking an inauspicious start for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, shale hands after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on September 21, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Fulham triumphed with a 3-1 victory against a lacklustre Newcastle at Craven Cottage. Ipswich snatched a 1-1 draw deep into stoppage time in the clash of the newly-promoted sides at Southampton. Everton and Leicester are also still seeking their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium.
The blockbuster clash of the weekend takes place on Sunday, with champions Manchester City hosting Arsenal, who have finished second to Pep Guardiola’s men for the past two seasons.
