"If we sign someone I promise that we will be very quick to announce it."
Liverpool emphatically defeated Manchester United in a pulsating game at Anfield. The new league leaders deservedly won the highly contested encounter.
Arsenal continued their winning ways by beating arch rivals Spurs in the North London derby, courtesy of a goal by Olivier Giroud.
Manchester City clinched a 2-0 victory against Hull City at home with goals from Álvaro Negredo and Yaya Touré. Cardiff City and Everton had to settle for a draw in a game, which finished goalless.
Newcastle 1 Fulham 0 – 3pm KO, Saturday
Newcastle left it late to wrap up the points against a Fulham side that gave new signing Darren Bent his first start. Shahid Khan’s Fulham haven’t won in the league since the first day of the season.
The first half was relatively dull as both sides struggled to find their rhythm. The game came to life however, once Yohan Cabaye and Loïc Remy came off the bench. This gave the Magpies impetus to attack more.
Their just rewards arrived four minutes from the end as Hatem Ben Arfa struck a perfect shot that found the corner of the net. This gave Newcastle a much needed home win after a run of four games at St James Park without scoring.
Manchester City 2 Hull 0 – 3pm KO, Saturday
Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City returned to winning ways with a win over Hull at home.
Manchester City slightly improved from last week’s performance, which resulted in a shock defeat to Cardiff. Hull, to their credit, fought hard and did well to go into the break at 0-0.
Álvaro Negredo a second half substitute gave Manchester City the lead in the 65th minute, with a goal on his home debut. Yaya Touré added a second goal with an excellent free kick before full time to seal three points for the 2012 Premier League champions.
You could feel the relief rippling through the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City secured victory.
Liverpool v Manchester United – 1.30pm KO, Sunday
Birthday boy Daniel Sturridge scored the goal that gave Liverpool victory over defending champions Manchester United. It was an emotional weekend that marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.
Liverpool started with purpose and were a goal up as early as the fourth minute. Daniel Agger’s header from Steven Gerrard’s corner was guided into the United net with the slightliest of nudges from Daniel Sturridge [close range header].
The coliseum that is Anfield erupted as the home side took the lead.
United came back strongly with a wave of attacks, but the Liverpool defence was strong. They had a great chance to equalise in the 88th minute, but Robin van Persie for once was off target. Liverpool thus upset the red devils to go top of the English Premier league table, with three wins in three matches – their best start of the season in 19 years.
This was Manchester United’s first defeat under new manager David Moyes.
The victory reverberated around the world. An overjoyed member of the LFC Hyderabad (India) supporters club said: “YNWA………what a win by Liverpool…it’s birthday boy Sturridge who has done it again….GO Liverpool GO.”
A delighted Brendan Rodgers said about his Liverpool team:
“Sturridge was excellent, Steven Gerrard has shown at 33 he’s still got the composure, tenacity and quality to play in these games, and the two centre-halves were excellent. The goalkeeper was assured, safe and very motivated.”
Liverpool lead the league table with nine points from three games, being the only Premier League side to maintain a hundred per cent record.
Arsenal 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 4pm KO, Sunday
Arsenal tore up the script and clinched a great home win against arch rivals Spurs.
Joining the big spenders club, Spurs forked out over £100 million pounds on buying new players this summer.
On the topic of transfers, the Arsenal boss said: “If we sign someone I promise that we will be very quick to announce it, but maybe we have a good surprise for you.”
But this didn’t matter as the home side proved that you don’t need to spend big to win big games. The crucial link missing from Spurs today was Gareth Bale as he completed his record £86 million move to the Spanish La Liga with Real Madrid.
Olivier Giroud scored the only goal of the game in the first half. A neat finish from Theo Walcott’s cross put the Gunners 1-0 up.
Spurs went on the attack in the second half, but to no avail as Arsenal continued to create chances. The sale of Gareth Bale may be great money, but may also end up hurting Spurs on the pitch.
The victory has further boosted Arsenal and takes them to fourth place in the points table with two wins in three matches. Spurs have only won once at Arsenal since 1993.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Norwich grabbed a 1-0 win at home to Southampton. Swansea found their first win of the Premier League season with a good away win at West Bromwich Albion.
A 1-0 away win saw Stoke City beat West Ham and hosts Crystal Palace beat Sunderland 3-1. Everton played out a goalless draw away to Cardiff. Chelsea did not play on the weekend as they faced German giants Bayern Munich on Friday night, losing on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup.
There are no Premier League games until September 14, 2013 as International Week sees countries playing World Cup 2014 qualifiers.
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