City scored six as Gabriel Jesus nabbed a hat-trick, Harry Kane scored two after the 78th minute to seal Spurs’ comeback, and Toni Kroos had a goal and two assists as Real Madrid strolled to a 5-0 victory.
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The Egyptian King returned to form, Mane and Wilson got a brace, while Ross Barkley had a man of the match performance with a goal and two assists against Burnley.
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Mesut Ozil’s Monday night magic, Anthony Martial’s double at the Bridge, and Jordan Pickford’s Palace penalty kick denial were a few of the special performances that earned a spot in our team of the week.
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Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea chase title
United’s emphatic 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the break was their first in four attempts, but disguised another inconsistent performance. They open the EPL weekend against sneaky title-challengers Chelsea, who are even on points with City and Liverpool. Their fellow undefeated teams will have wins marked down, as Liverpool head to Huddersfield and City host Burnley – so Chelsea need three points to keep up with the title pace. Eden Hazard (who already has seven EPL goals) could quickly end United’s spark of optimism, although Mourinho has famously deployed Ander Herrera to bully him out of matches in the past.
Are Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves for real?
The trio of Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves are off to an unexpectedly bright start. Arsenal haven’t lost since their first two fixtures (against City and Chelsea), Bournemouth sit in sixth with more goals scored than Liverpool and Spurs, and Wolves are undefeated in all competitions since August 18.
Their positive start should continue this weekend as all three sides play at home this weekend as favourites. Arsenal host Leicester on Monday, who have had a mixed start to the season. Wolves have conceded just six goals so far and will welcome Watford to the Molineux. While Bournemouth face Saints who have scored just six goals in eight matches.
This weekend may not seem to be a litmus test of their credentials, but winning fixtures like these are what separates challengers for European places from the also-rans.
Sevilla head to Camp Nou as La Liga leaders
Sevilla have been the beneficiaries of Barca and Real Madrid’s early stumbles and find themselves sitting one point above Barcelona in first, despite two losses. Portuguese striker Andre Silva has been their primary catalyst, scoring seven goals in eight matches, including two in their 3-0 win over Real. Should they manage a historic victory at Camp Nou (where they haven’t won in 15 La Liga matches), they’ll have to be taken seriously as title contenders.
Real Madrid are on their worst scoring run in 33 years, going goalless in four consecutive matches. They take on Levante at home in a must-win match for manager Julen Lopetegui. Gareth Bale returned to full training on Thursday and should be available.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are even with Barcelona on points and could go top with a win away to Villareal on Saturday and a Barca-Sevilla draw.
Pressure mounts at Bayern
Bayern look like a squad in need of an overhaul as their aging stars have scored just one goal in their last three Bundesliga matches. They’re four points off the top in sixth and travel to face Wolfsburg on Saturday, who have had a mixed start.
Meanwhile, league leaders Dortmund travel to face bottom of the table Stuttgart.
Thierry Henry debuts as Monaco manager
Monaco haven’t won since August 11, giving Thierry Henry an opportunity to make an instant impact Saturday away to Strasbourg.
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England | Liverpool get an early chance for revenge
Chelsea vs. Liverpool – Liverpool were perhaps unlucky to be knocked out of the EFL Cup by Chelsea midweek, but have an early chance for revenge Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Reds still have a perfect record so far in the EPL, but Eden Hazard’s blistering early season form could have Chelsea knock them out of first with a win. Clearly the match to watch this weekend in the EPL, with the added bonus of an aesthetically pleasing red vs. blue matchup.
West Ham vs. Man United– United’s dramatic start to the season continued with their midweek loss to Derby County in the EFL Cup. And with just 10 points from 6 Premier League matches so far, they cannot afford to slip up away to West Ham on Saturday. History is on their side, as West Ham have only managed to beat United once in their last 19 tries, but this one certainly feels like a draw, doesn’t it?
Arsenal vs. Watford – This season’s early surprise Watford are occupying the Gunners’ once-familiar fourth place spot, a point above Arsenal. Not since 1984 have these two sides met with Watford sitting above Arsenal in the table. Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas have been standout performers for the Hornets this season with three goals and four assists, respectively. Meanwhile, Arsenal have won six straight matches in all competitions, granted with an easy fixture list.
Spain | Madrid Derby
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid – On Wednesday, Real Madrid went down 3-0 to Sevilla within 39 minutes as both Real and Barca lost in the same match day for the first time in 141 rounds. This provides an opening for Atletico Madrid, who could jump into second with a win (or first should Barca lose again). After an uneven start, Atleti won three matches in eight days and haven’t lost to Real in the last four meetings.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao – Barca lost to Leganes for the first time ever on Wednesday night, conceding twice in two minutes as they lost 2-1 at Leganes’ 12,450 seat Estadio Municipal de Butarque. They return to Camp Nou on Saturday to face Athletic Bilbao, who managed a draw against Real Madrid two weeks ago.s.
Italy | Napoli visit Turin
Juventus vs. Napoli – This weekend gives us an early look at whether Napoli can put in another serious title challenge this season as Serie A is off to a familiar start with Juve in first and Napoli following behind. They traded 1-0 wins last year as Napoli eventually fell four points short of Juve’s title pace and now Italy’s premier matchup in recent years gets the added star power of Ronaldo.
Roma vs. Lazio – The Rome Derby has been incredibly even in recent years with Lazio winning five, Roma winning seven, plus four draws in their last 16 meetings. Lazio enter the match on a five game winning streak across all competitions, while Roma have won just two of their opening six Serie A matches.
Germany | Bayern take on early surprise Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin vs. Bayern Munich – Bayern’s trip to Berlin on Friday is a fascinating start to the weekend as these two sides have drawn their last three meetings. Hertha have made a surprise strong start to the Bundesliga season, just three points off first place Bayern, who drew 1-1 at home to Augsburg on Tuesday. The home side also boasts the league’s top scorer in 23-year-old Andrej Duda.
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England | Liverpool and Chelsea look to remain perfect
Liverpool vs. Southampton – A Liverpool win would make it six conservative victories to begin the season, a feat they’ve only managed twice before. Southampton will be without Liverpool loanee Danny Ings, who is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Manchester United vs. Wolves – Mourinho used Marouane Fellaini from the start last weekend to keep Watford’s midfield surprisingly quiet. Expect a similar approach against a creative Wolves midfield that’s looking to propel them to a third straight win in all comps.
West Ham vs. Chelsea – West Ham are no longer pointless and Chelsea are now top. Unfortunately, someone’s newfound good vibes will have to be put on hold. Chelsea played in Greece in Thursday so they could enter the match with a bit of a Europa League hangover.
Arsenal vs. Everton – Richarlison returns from his red card ban, as Everton drew with Huddersfield and lost to West Ham without him. Arsenal have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but are on a three match winning streak.
Spain | Barcelona and Real Madrid remain even on points
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol – Espanyol won the last meeting between these sides with a 93rd minute winner, albeit against a Real Madrid side missing Ronaldo and Marcelo. An early win over Valencia has Espanyol sitting in fourth, while Real Madrid’s draw with Athletic Bilbao last weekend bumped them into second.
Barcelona vs. Girona – This Catalonian derby has been lopsided recently, with Barcelona winning by a combined score of 9-1 in their two meetings last season. Girona have won two consectuve La Liga matches, with former Middlesbrough striker Cristhian Stuani scoring three goals in four matches.
Germany | Dortmund and Bayern face emerging challengers
Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund – After finishing third last season, Hoffenheim have three points from three matches this season and are new to juggling Champions League responsibilities (with a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday). Young manager Julian Nagelsmann has already agreed to take over at RB Leipzig next season and could use a statement victory against Dortmund to gain some momentum in his final season at Hoffenheim.
Schalke vs. Bayern Munich – Like Hoffenheim, Schalke are also in unfamiliar territory with midweek Champions League matches (a 1-1 draw with FC Porto on Tuesday) and also face a big weekend test. Bayern have started in standard fashion with three wins from three.
Netherlands | Ajax take on the current champions
PSV vs. Ajax – Current Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven are off to a perfect start with five wins from five, while Ajax sit in second and could leapfrog PSV with a win. This is one of the biggest matches in the Netherlands and a perfect excuse to have a look at Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong who is wanted by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Spurs…you get the idea.
Eden Hazard’s hat-trick, Ryan Fraser’s two goals and an assist, and Chris Smalling burying a half-volley were just a few of the standout performances that earned a spot in our team of the week.
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England | A huge matchup to welcome back the EPL
Spurs vs. Liverpool – Liverpool’s trip to London gets the early kickoff on Saturday as The Reds look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Spurs’ own perfect start ended in a 2-1 loss to Watford last time out. Both Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris will miss out due to injury.
Manchester City vs. Fulham – The Etihad welcomes Fulham on Saturday, who are undefeated in their last three matches. Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in the Nations League for Serbia over the break, but it’s Fulham’s new-look backline that will need to step up.
Watford vs. Manchester United – A trip to Watford wouldn’t ordinarily be seen as a potential banana peel for Manchester United, but with the The Hornets getting four wins from four matches so far, United won’t be entirely certain of getting a fourth consecutive win over Watford.
Spain | Barcelona and Real Madrid remain even on points
Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona – Barcelona enter the weekend sitting in first place in La Liga, with an 8-2 win over SD Huesca before the international break. They visit Real Sociedad, who they’ve beaten in five straight matchups. Leo Messi will be well-rested as he continues his indefinite break from Argentina duties.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid – These sides drew both their meetings last season and a slip-up against Bilbao on Saturday would put Real Madrid off of Barcelona’s pace. They’ve adjusted well so far to Ronaldo’s departure, with Karim Benzema scoring four goals in his last two matches and Gareth Bale scoring in each of Real’s three fixtures.
Italy | A surprise test for Juve?
Juventus vs. Sassuolo – Summer arrival Kevin Prince-Boateng has Sassuolo off to an undefeated start, scoring in their last two matches. It’s still early, but they sit in second behind Juve and started the season with a 1-0 win over Inter. And yes, we’re waiting for Ronaldo’s first goal for Juve.
Germany | Dortmund look to keep up
Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt – Dortmund started the season with a statement 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, but then slumped to a 0-0 draw with Hannover. They take on Frankfurt on Friday night, but will do so without Christian Pulisic who is trying to shake off a muscle injury. We should however, see the competitive debut of Barcelona loanee Paco Alcacer up top for Dortmund.