That was quite a day of Premier League action, and with all eight matches in the books we can finally exhale (for now).
[ MORE: Watch full PL match replays ]
With just Newcastle-Norwich and Swansea-Stoke remaining in this match week, the league saw nearly three goals per game on Saturday.
[ MORE: Standings | schedule | stats ]
And one of the more exciting matches was scoreless.
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Liverpool – RECAP
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Jurgen Klopp’s debut didn’t disappoint in terms of his exuberance, as the German manager watched over an entertaining but goal-free match at White Hart Lane. Without Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, Liverpool started Divock Origi up top and couldn’t produce a goal, but neither could Harry Kane and unfortunate Christian Eriksen. Spurs sit seventh, one point ahead of the eighth-place Reds.
Watford 0-3 Arsenal – RECAP
An uninspired first half, one Arsene Wenger credited to the international break, had Odion Ighalo and the Hornets dreaming of their first win over the Gunners in three decades. But Arsenal produced a second half ripe for soccer lovers most places outside of Hertfordshire, getting goals from Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and even Aaron Ramsey in a thrilling and fluid second half. Arsenal is tied for second with Man Utd, two points back of Man City.
Everton 0-3 Manchester United – RECAP
This was a litmus test for the Toffees, one which never got to the lab. Everton lost legendary manager Howard Kendall before the game at the age of 69, and didn’t find its footing against goals from Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin. United can leapfrog City for first in the league come next weekend’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United – RECAP
Dwight Gayle saw red for a Palace side that picked up a fortunate penalty kick but ultimately sunk to the magic of Dimitri Payet and his Hammers. The French midfielder seems to be devising ways to beat Premier League defenses on a minute-by-minute basis, and West Ham is benefitting to the tune of fourth place on the table.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa – RECAP
- VIDEO: Mourinho hails “crucial” win
Diego Costa scored an easy goal and had a part in Alan Hutton scoring an own goal, with Willian and an Aston Villa defender helping each be possible. Jose Mourinho’s club moves to 11th with 11 points, while Villa stays in the drop zone with a meager quartet of points.
West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sunderland – RECAP
Tony Pulis‘ Baggies started the match laying back. Yep, laying back against Sunderland. Three cheers for conservatism. But they opened up as the match moved forward, and Saido Berahino‘s controversial collision with Costel Pantilimon led to the young English striker’s goal, ruining Sam Allardyce‘s debut as Sunderland boss.
Southampton 2-2 Leicester City – RECAP
- WATCH: Vardy ties English record
Saints got goals from a pair of defenders, then watched as the Premier League’s most consistent scorer took the advantage away. Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte, baby, netted for the hosts before Jamie Vardy stunned St. Mary’s with his eighth and ninth goals of the season. The draw leaves Leicester fifth and Saints eighth.
Manchester City 5-1 Bournemouth – RECAP
So… City loses Sergio Aguero, who was coming off a five-goal bender against Newcastle, and finds a hat trick from Raheem Sterling and a brace from Wilfried Bony in a dominant run over defenseless Bounemouth. City’s atop the Premier League by two points ahead of a visit to Old Trafford for next weekend’s derby.