Manchester United's controversial move against Ronaldo pays dividends
Manchester United stunned arch rivals Liverpool with a pulsating performance at Old Trafford early on Tuesday morning (AEST), running out 2-1 winners to get their season back on track.
United manager Erik Ten Hag controversially dropped Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire to the bench after last week’s horror show at Brentford, and the results were instant.
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Showing an intensity and desire not seen in their opening two fixtures, United dominated from the off, with goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford either side of half time securing the points for the Red Devils.
Liverpool were strangely subdued and only came alive in the last 20 minutes, with Mo Salah scoring late on to fray the nerves inside Old Trafford, but United held on to claim their first victory of the season.
Defeat for Liverpool drops them below United on the table, and with just two points from their opening three games, Jurgen Klopp’s men will need to improve quickly in the coming weeks if they are to keep pace with the early front runners.
Leeds United maintain unbeaten start
There was another shock just 24 hours earlier, as Leeds United maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a spectacular 3-0 win over Chelsea at Elland Road.
First half goals from midfielders Brenden Aaronson and Rodrigo - the latter his fourth in three games - put Leeds in charge at the break.
The Yorkshiremen weathered the inevitable Chelsea storm in the second half, before Jack Harrison sealed the win with a close-range finish on 70 minutes.
Chelsea’s misery was complete when central defender Koulibaly was sent off in the closing stages.
Manchester City were another of the ‘big six’ to drop points on Sunday, playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle.
City opened the scoring early through Ilkay Gundogan, before Newcastle roared back to stun the Sky Blues with goals from Almiron and Wilson.
When England fullback Kieron Trippier curled a free kick into the top corner to make it 3-1 just after the break, St James’ Park was in dreamland.
The dream didn’t last long, as City hit back with two goals of their own within five minutes - Haaland and Silva the scorers - but Newcastle stood firm to claim a deserved point, maintaining their own unbeaten start.
Brighton continue strong start
Elsewhere on Sunday, Brighton continued their fine form, taking all three points away at West Ham, with goals from MacAlister and Trossard sealing a comfortable 2-0 win.
The loss condemns the Hammers to their third loss in three games, and with his side now rooted to the bottom of the table, the pressure will be mounting on manager David Moyes.
Harry Kane’s 250th goal for Tottenham was enough to secure the points for his side in a hard-fought 1-0 win over early strugglers Wolves on Saturday, keeping them well placed in the top four.
Wolves fielded a record seven Portuguese players in their starting 11 – the most from a single foreign nation in Premier League history – but they were unable to convert numerous chances and are still to finish on the winning side this season.
That’s no longer the case for Fulham, who overcome Brentford 3-2 in an entertaining game at Craven Cottage, and Crystal Palace joined them in the winners circle for the first time by beating Aston Villa 3-1.
No such luck for Leicester, who are still searching for that elusive first victory after going down 2-1 to Southampton at home. The visitors had substitute Che Adams to thank, with his two second half goals securing three points for the Saints.
Everton's early struggles
Everton’s struggles continued as they eked out a 1-1 draw with newcomers Nottingham Forest, Damarai Gray earning a point for the Toffees with a late strike to cancel out Forest striker Brennan Johnson’s first Premier League goal.
The late game on Saturday saw Arsenal remain top of the table, maintaining their 100% record with an impressive 3-0 win at Bournemouth.
Two early goals from captain Martin Odegaard put the Gunners in complete control, and when defender William Saliba curled in a delightful third shortly after half-time, there was no way back for the hapless Cherries.
It’s the first time Arsenal have won their opening three Premier League fixtures since the 2004-05 season, and they will start favourites at home to Fulham next weekend, as they seek to maintain their league leading position.
You can get regular updates on all the highs and lows during the Premier League season here at Yahoo Sport Australia, with our comprehensive round-up each week.
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