Premier League review

Yesterday’s Premier League kicked off early at the Emirates Stadium as Chelsea defeated Arsenal 2-1.

The Blues opened the scoring on 20 minutes, Fernando Torres firing home from Juan Mata’s free-kick.

Arsenal equalised just before half-time. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain crossed into the penalty area and Ivory Coast striker Gervinho turned and fired home.

The visitors retook the lead in the 53^rd minute. Juan Mata’s free-kick was deflected pasted Vito Mannone by Laurent Koscielny.

In arguably the game of the day Tottenham defeated Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford. Spurs took an early lead as left-back Jan Vertonghen struck an effort which deflected off Jonny Evans and beat Anders Lindegaard in the United goal.

Gareth Bale steered a second effort past Lindegaard in the 32 minute, after taking on Rio Ferdinand. United were back in the game on 51 minutes, Portuguese winger Nani guiding home Wayne Rooney’s cross.

Within a minute though Spurs had restored their two goal lead, Clint Dempsey scoring from close-range after Lindegaard had parried a Bale effort. Incredibly United were back in the game within a minute.

Robin Van Persie’s pass found Japanese international Shinji Kagawa and the midfielder turned his marker before firing past Brad Friedel. United pushed for an equaliser, but Spurs held on for their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989.

Manchester City came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers took the lead from the penalty spot in the 10^th minute through Mladen Petric, after Pablo Zabaleta brought down John Arne Riise in the penalty box.

City equalised just before half-time, Sergio Aguero scoring after Carlos Tevez’s effort was saved by Mark Schwarzer. With just three minutes left City claimed the winner. Gael Clichy’s cross was fired home by substitute Edin Dzeko.

Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a 5-2 victory at Norwich City. Luis Suarez opened the scoring very early on, the Uruguayan drilling home past John Ruddy from the edge of the area.

Suarez doubled Liverpool and his tally in the 38^th minute, flicking a superb effort past Ruddy in the Canaries goal. The visitors were three up early in the second half, Nuri Sahin scoring with an easy finish.

Suarez completed his hat-trick on 56 minutes, curling home an effort from 25 yards. Norwich got a goal back through striker Steve Morison. Liverpool made it five though, as a Steven Gerrard’s effort deflected past John Ruddy.

Norwich scored a late consolation goal through substitute striker Grant Holt. The result sees Liverpool move out of the relegation zone.

Everton continued their good start to the Premier League campaign, as the Toffee’s defeated Southampton 3-1 at Goodison Park. The visitors took the lead early-on, record signing Gaston Ramirez opened the scoring with a simple headed finish, after Tim Howard had struggled to deal with a corner.

The home side were back on level terms in the 25^th minute. Kevin Mirallas’ cross was fired home by midfielder Leon Osman, after a touch by Nikica Jelavic. Seven minutes later Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic drove the home side into the lead with an angled effort.

The striker doubled his tally in the 38^th minute, heading home from a Seamus Coleman cross. The second half was goalless, but the victory moved Everton into second place in the Premier League table.

Newcastle secured a late-point at Reading with a 2-2 draw. The first half was goalless, but the second half was exhilarating. Reading took the lead in the 58^th minute through midfielder Jimmy Kebe, whose miss-hit shot beat Steve Harper in the Newcastle goal.

A minute later the Magpies were on level terms. Demba Ba volleyed home from a Cheick Tiote pass. Parity didn’t last long though as Reading were back in front on 62 minutes. Noel Hunt headed home from Job McAnuff to put the Royals ahead.

Newcastle was level in the 83^rd minute. Shane Ferguson’s cross hit Demba Ba on the arm before hitting Kasper Gorkss and finding the net. Reading will feel hard done by the draw.

Stoke City picked up their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2-0 defeat of Swansea at the Britannia Stadium. The Potters took the lead on 12 minutes, striker Peter Crouch headed home from six yards from a corner kick.

Stoke were two up in the 36^th minute, Crouch doubled his tally from close-range, after his initial shot was saved by Michel Vorm. The two goals were enough to clinch the Potters first league victory of the season.

Elsewhere, Sunderland defeated Wigan 1-0 at the Stadium of Light to secure their first Premier League victory of the season. The visitors were reduced to ten men on 48 minutes, as Spaniard Jordi Gomez was dismissed for a lunge on Black Cats full-back Danny Rose.

Soon after that the home side were in the lead. Record signing Steven Fletcher fired home from a cross-shot by James McClean. It was the Scot’s fifth goal in just four appearances since his arrival at the club.

Can Chelsea sustain their early good form and win the Premier League title?