Defending champions Manchester City took the lead in the Premier League for the first time this season.
If the pupils of strategist Pep Guardiola continue to play as they have been, it will be difficult to get them off the pedestal – even in a close title fight that saw three different teams lead the rankings on Saturday.
On a day when former leaders Chelsea faltered, City completely dominated in a 3-1 win over Watford and displayed the kind of fluid play that has led Guardiola’s side to win three of the last four. English league titles.
Bernardo Silva scored a double after Raheem Sterling opened the scoring. City proved they work perfectly well without a big-name striker in the lineup. It was the fifth consecutive win for City, who are one point ahead of Liverpool and two more than Chelsea after 15 games.
“It’s always better to be at the top of the league and not second, third or fourth, but it’s still early,” Silva said.
West Ham shook up the title fight by beating Chelsea 3-2 at home and Liverpool needed an added-time touchdown from Divock Origi to clinch the 1-0 win over Wolverhampton that gave the Jürgen Klopp’s team the lead for a few hours.
CHELSEA WALKS
West Ham are proving to be a problem for the best teams in England.
David Moyes’ club had caused Liverpool’s only defeat this season and beat Tottenham and eliminated both Manchester teams in the Cup.
Arthur Masuaku surprised in the 87th minute and sent a speculative cross from the left wing that surprised goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who failed to prevent the ball from entering the goal.
“It was a bit of a lucky goal,” warned Moyes. “But you need to get the ball into the goal, you have to try.”
Chelsea were up twice in the game, thanks to a header from Thiago Silva and an excellent shot from Mason Mount, but West Ham equalized both times, with a penalty from Manuel Lanzini and a low shot from Jarrod Bowen from the edge of the area.
LIVERPOOL TO THE END
Liverpool’s high-level attack looked like it would finally be controlled by a fierce Wolves. But Origi had another crucial late goal.
Mo Salah sent the ball to the substitute with four minutes to stop time and Origi spun before sending the ball past goalkeeper José Sa.
Liverpool have scored in every league match since March and have scored four in their last three matches. But the Reds struggled to keep up the pressure against determined Wolves. Salah, Sadio Mané and Thiago Alcántara missed opportunities when trying to win.
NEWCASTLE FINALLY WINS
Newcastle took their first league win this season, in 15 games,
Callum Wilson scored late in the first half and Newcastle held on to beat Burnley 1-0 in a duel between relegation contenders.
At Southampton, Neal Maupay scored for Brighton in the eighth minute for a 1-1 draw.
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