Premier League : Reversal and record equalled

For the fourth day of the championship, these top teams hosted Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Leicester in their respective stadiums. They all won, and in very different ways.

City and Haaland in force

The Skyblues were 2-0 down going into the break and the Eagles looked set to repeat their 2-0 win at the Etihad last season. But at the break, Pep Guardiola’s words and adjustments proved effective as City came back into the game looking better and Bernardo Silva quickly reduced the deficit. Then it was Erling Haaland’s turn to finally show his worth : a perfect cross from Phil Foden, and the Norwegian catapulted the ball into the net for the equaliser. The problem for Palace is that when the cyborg is on the move, he is often unstoppable. And it’s not Joel Ward who will say otherwise. When served by Gundogan, Haaland protected his ball wonderfully and, in force, ate the British defender. Consequences of the wake-up call: a hat-trick from the Norwegian and a 4-2 victory for the Citizens.

Liverpool crushs Bournemouth 9-0 to finally get their season underway

In front of their fans, the Reds had to recover from their bad start of the season. They did it perfectly as after only 6 minutes of play, Luis Diaz and Harvey Eliott have scored. The enterprising Reds continued to run riot on their Anfield pitch with some outstanding goals, including one from Trent Alexander-Arnold. At the break, it was 5-0. Roberto Firmino, who has been quiet in recent weeks, came to life for the Reds, with several assists and a brace. Diaz also scored twice in the 85th minute to equal the record for the most wins in an English league match (Leicester in 2019 and Manchester United in 2021 had both managed to beat Southampton 9-0). It is worth noting that in the middle of these doubles, Portuguese recruit Fabio Carvalho scored a sublime volley. It was enough to put a smile on Jürgen Klopp’s face.

With pain, Chelsea bounce back

With Conor Gallagher sent off, things did not start well for the Blues. Despite conceding a few dangerous shots, Arno Michels’ men (Tuchel was suspended) went into the break with the score tied. It’s a good thing they did, too, because Raheem Sterling’s goal was his first in his new shirt and he was able to surprise Leicester at the start of the second half. The former City and Liverpool man was perfectly placed and served by a cross from Reece James, and he scored twice to give the home side a two goals lead. A lead that quickly melted away with a goal three minutes later from Harvey Barnes. Edouard Mendy failed to block his near post and was immediately punished. Fortunately for the Senegalese keeper and the Blues, there were no more goals at Stamford Bridge. Everything for the defense with a vicious Havertz to gain time in front, the 3 points are secured and Chelsea revives after the draw against Spurs and the heavy defeat against Leeds.