It was a high scoring weekend in the Premier League as Manchester United suffered their third loss in a week while City continued their storming start to the season and Stoke fell to another defeat.
It was a historic win for Watford who until then had never beaten their opponents in 30 years. For United, the loss came on the heels of defeats to Feyenoord in the Europa League and the Manchester derby last weekend. Ahead of Sunday’s visit to Watford, the Red Devils were looking for a come-back victory but were shocked by a 34th minute Etienne Capoue strike. United pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Marcus Rashford who tapped in from close range. Mourinho’s men had dominated possession in the second half but were dealt a hammer blow when Juan Zuniga scored with his first touch. Troy Deeney put the nail in United’s coffin with thunderous penalty in the 95th minute, condemning United to a third straight loss.
City were in scintillating form as they brushed aside Bournemouth 4-0 at the Etihad on Saturday. Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead in the 15th minute before Kelechi Iheanacho and Raheem Sterling gave City further breathing room. Ilkay Gundogan then slotted in the fourth goal and even though City had Nolito sent off late in the match, the damage had already been done.
League champions Leicester City and Arsenal were the other big winners. The Foxes brushed aside Burnley 3-0 while the Gunners thumped Hull City 4-1. Leicester’s new signing Islam Slimani helped himself to a brace while Been Mee’s own goal gave Leicester their third. The win capped a good week for Leicester City who made their European debut with a 3-0 victory over Brugge in midweek.
Alexis Sanchez had a penalty saved but dusted him off to net a brace as Arsenal hammered Hull City. The Gunners were helped by the harsh sending off of Jake Livermore five minutes before halftime but were full value for their win. Either side of Sanchez’ goals was a strike from the returning Theo Walcott who silenced the Hull faithful. Hull pulled one back through a Robert Snodgrass penalty in the 79th minute before Granit Xhaka opened his account for Arsenal with a sublime strike. A sweetly struck thunderbolt that flew into the roof of the net leaving the keeper no chance.
What a goal fest this weekend was. This blogger can’t wait for more of the same this weekend. But for now, we have to make do with the the Football League Cup Third.