Last weekend saw the Premier League provide us with a total of 23 goals, creating a number talking points to ponder after the conclusion of the game week.
Man Utd saw their 100% record end in boring fashion as they were held by Newcastle at Old Trafford, prompting questions over their need to invest.
In what was a feisty game at the Hawthorns, Chelsea managed to hold on with 10 men to claim a 3-2 victory to help get their season back on track despite John Terry’s dismissal.
Over in Merseyside, Man City once again demonstrated their title credentials by making it three wins out of three in an easy 2-0 win over a strong Everton side.
Bournemouth managed to leave East London with maximum points in a seven-goal thriller to help their fight to avoid relegation in their maiden season in the Premier League.
The Emirates played host to another frustrated sell-out crowd, where Arsenal endured a disappointing 0-0 draw against Liverpool, leaving Gunners’ fans crying out for a new striker.
Elsewhere, there were draws for Swansea, Tottenham, Southampton and Stoke, whilst Crystal Palace managed a late winner to see them past Aston Villa.
Player of the weekend: Callum Wilson
There are no guesses as to who this goes to, with the Bournemouth striker finding himself in devastating form at Upton Park last Saturday. Wilson bagged a hat-trick in what was an astonishing performance from the Cherries frontman. With a welcoming rise from non-league endeavours to his name, he seems to have settled right into the country’s top flight and could prove crucial in his club’s bid to stay in the league.
Surprise of the weekend: Bournemouth’s assault on West Ham’s back four
Many wouldn’t have envisaged Bournemouth turning in an attacking away performance of such a kind against West Ham. Followers of the Championship will be all too familiar with their capabilities, having racked up big score lines in the league last year – but this was not expected. In a game which saw 15 goal attempts from the away side, the majority thought a comfortable Hammers win would bubble to the surface. But the Cherries showcased their sheer attacking prowess and have sent a strong warning to their rivals in the relegation battle.
Goal of the weekend: Riyad Mahrez vs Tottenham
This was a goal demonstrating exactly how to react when conceding a late goal. Tottenham’s Dele Alli had put the visitors into a slender lead – but the Foxes responded with an equaliser virtually straight from kick-off. Mahrez did very well to cut in and bang a curling left-footed shot into the corner. The midfielder was also my Fantasy Football tip last weekend – not that I’m bragging.
Fantasy Football tip: Mame Biram Diouf
Diouf has been in good form since the start of the season, having bagged two goals in three games. In what is a new and improved Stoke side, the Senegalese striker is likely to receive good service throughout the season – also proving good value at £6.5million. When you also take into account that he plays as a lone frontman, Diouf is likely to be involved in a lot.
Betting tip of the week: Man Utd to beat Swansea (5/4)
Following their easy passage into the Champions League on Wednesday night – which ended in a 7-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge – the Red Devils will be in confident mood when they make their trip to the Liberty Stadium. Despite their lacklustre performance in their last Premier League outing against Newcastle, I see the away side grabbing all three points. At a price of 5/4, that is too hard to turn down.