Once again, in what many consider the most exciting league in the world, we were blessed with a number of shocks and surprises over the weekend.
Jose Mourinho saw his Chelsea lose only for the second time at home in the Premier League, during his time as manager, when Crystal Palace secured a smash-and-grab 2-1 victory.
In another shock, Liverpool suffered a heavy 0-3 home defeat to West Ham, who had lost their previous two encounters at home to Leicester and Bournemouth.
Leaders Man City maintained their 100% record against newly-promoted Watford in a 2-0 victory – they are also yet to concede in the league this season.
In the face of their 1-0 win at St James’ Park, Arsenal struggled to see off 10-man Newcastle, who saw new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic sent off after 16 minutes.
Man Utd fell to defeat in Wales as they let a one-goal lead slip at the hands of Swansea, who provided yet another scalp in a 2-1 result.
Elsewhere, there were draws in games involving Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Tottenham, whilst West Brom and Southampton secured all three points.
Player of the weekend: Andre Ayew (Swansea)
The Ghanaian was a pivotal part of his side’s complete turnaround against Man Utd on Sunday, providing a goal and a assist for the cause. Ayew bagged an equaliser for the Swans and produced one of the most sublime through balls to Bafetimbi Gomis to secure the winner. Having moved on a free transfer in the summer from Marseille, and claiming three goals in four games, it’s fair to say he has settled in quickly. A special mention goes to Yannick Bolasie who returned after his step-dad’s death and came off the bench to put Chelsea to the sword.
Surprise of the weekend: Chelsea suffer defeat at Stamford Bridge
Despite Liverpool’s best efforts to make the grade, Chelsea’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace definitely takes precedence this week. The Blues were dominant in most parts, but found it difficult to break through the visitors’ back four, having registered 26 shots. However, the Eagles far from sat back, with wingers Zaha and substitute Bolasie giving Ivanovic a torrid afternoon. The majority expected a home victory, but the result has left Chelsea a huge eight points behind leaders Man City, and Crystal Palace in second place – who would have thought that?
Goal of the weekend: Bafetimbi Gomis vs Man Utd
This is solely down to the genius of Andre Ayew in his assisting of the goal. Everything about the goal was beautiful, from the build-up play to the finish. A great first time ball from Shelvey to Sigurdsson, who plays it out wide to Ayew, who then proceeds to produce one of the most audacious outside of the boot through balls I have ever seen, to Gomis, who cooly slots the ball home. Brilliant football that was well worthy of winning any game.
Fantasy Football tip of the weekend: Dusan Tadic (Southampton)
The Serb had started off a little poorly to the season, but after his two-goal haul against Norwich last Sunday, he looks to be back in form. Tadic started at a price of £7.0m, but has decreased to £6.9m, so it would be a good idea to jump on this price before he starts to gather consistent form.
Betting tip of the weekend: Sweden to beat Russia (3/1)
As with every new Premier League season, there is an international break almost immediately, and this is no different with crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers coming to the table. The Swedes travel to a Russia side who have struggled under the previous management of Fabio Capello – who was sacked over the summer. Possessing the likes of Ibrahimovic, this is the perfect opportunity for Sweden to capitalise on the Russian downfall, and at a price of 3/1, there is serious value on that.