(Football news) The matchweek 4 of the Premier League saw Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool go joint top of the Premier League. The week had some great matches but every other game was completely overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo's second Manchester United debut.
Tottenham Hotspur started the matchweek on top of the table and were unbeaten but it all came crashing down. Former Arsenal legend Patrick Veirra destroyed Spurs this time as manager of Crystal Palace. Tottenham were already without key players Son Heung-min, Davinson Sanchez and Christian Romero. Nuno Espírito Santo's problems worsened when Eric Dier limped off the pitch in the first half which meant Joe Rodon had to replace him. The 2nd half became a nightmare for Spurs as Japhet Tanganga was sent off, forcing Nuno to accommodate Ben Davies at center half with 10 men on the field. Soon after Davies handled the ball to give away a penalty which Wilfried Zaha converted. Debutant Odsonne Edouard scored twice to rub the Tottenham wound. Spurs have 2 London derbies against Chelsea and Arsenal coming up where Nuno will hopefully have a few players back.
19th placed Norwich City took on 20th placed Arsenal. Arsenal got their first League win of the season and scored their first goal in the Process. The Gunners dominated the first half possession but failed to test Tim Krul. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke the deadlock in the 66th minute as Mikel Arteta's side managed to protect the lead and secure 3 points. Arsenal travel to Burnley next week before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.
Also read: What does Eduardo Camavinga need to do to become a success at Real Madrid?
Manchester United hosted Newcastle but that all seemed secondary on the day as Mancunian welcomed back their prodigal son. Cristiano Ronaldo made an appearance for Manchester United after 12 years and in typical Ronaldo fashion broke the deadlock seconds before half time. Old Trafford was bouncing but Newcastle spoiled the party for a while as Javier Manquillo scored the equaliser after a few dominant minutes. Ronaldo's homecoming got even better when he gave Manchester United the lead again. Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard scored two wonder-goals to make it 4-1 in favour of the Red Devils. Manchester United will kick start their UCL campaign on Tuesday against Young Boys before playing a Michail Antonio-less West Ham away from home next up in the league.
Manchester City and Leicester City locked horns in a very tight game at the King Power stadium. Both teams had a few clear cut chances in the first half but failed to score. It was Bernardo Silva who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute as City secured the three points. Manchester City host RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday and later play Southampton on the weekend.
Chelsea stamped their authority against a depleted Aston Villa squad. Romelu Lukaku scored first for Chelsea after a magnificent through ball by Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian then scored one of his own after a mistake by Tyron Mings before Lukaku scored another to make it 3-0. The scoreline didn't reflect the game as Aston Villa played well despite multiple absentees. Eduardo Mendy had to make a few crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
Liverpool put three past Leeds United away from home with Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Fabinho all getting on the scoresheet while Trent Alexander Arnold got another assist to his name. Leeds United were outplayed by Liverpool as Judgen Klopp countered Marcelo Bielsa's man marking tactics by pushing his two center halfs forward from time to time which ultimately led to the opening goal. Liverpool fans were not able to enjoy the victory as young midfield starlet Harvey Elliott was stretched off after breaking his leg into half. After a successful loan spell at Blackburn, Elliott gained his manager's trust and started Liverpool's last three games. The injury might keep him out for the rest of the season which will force Klopp to chop and change his midfield plans.
