Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 3-1 to maintain their 100% start to the season, thanks to a Joel Matip header and Mohammed Salah magic.
The win was Liverpool’s 12th successive EPL triumph and it also meant Arsenal leave Anfield again well beaten in four consecutive visits, conceding three or more goals in the process.
Liverpool hugged possession from the start but it was Arsenal who would create the better chances to surprise the Super Cup winners, Pierre-Emmerick Aubameyang unable to punish an Adrian error, while Ivorien signing, Nicholas Pepe could only shoot straight at Adrian when through on goal on the counter.
Liverpool finally made their domination count on 38 minutes, defender Joel Matip rising highest to convert Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner kick delivery for a 1-0 lead, his second goal of the season.
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Moment of madness for David Luiz saw him tug Mo Salah’s shirt to concede a penalty early in the second half, and the famed Egyptian King emphatically dispatched for a 2-0 lead.
Mo’ Salah would add a magical second goal ten minutes later in his usual, breathtaking fashion. The current African footballer of the year dummied David Luiz with an incoming pass at full speed and raced over 30 metres with the ball before slotting into the bottom corner to give Jurgen Klopp’s side a three-goal lead.
Arsenal got their consolation goal in the 84th minute through substitute, Lucas Torreria who slotted in from eight yards after being afforded too much space in the area, ensuring no clean sheet for Liverpool yet this season.
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In the first game of the day, Chelsea won their first game of the season 3-2 at Norwich City to hand new manager, Frank Lampard, his first win in charge of the Blues.
Youngsters did the trick for Lampard, with his striker of Nigerian heritage, Tammy Abraham, 21, scoring twice- including the winner- while 20-year-old Mason Mount scored the other goal.
It was, however, a chastening afternoon for Manchester United who lost 1-2 at their Old Trafford home to Crystal Palace, their first loss to the Eagles since 1989.
Crystal Palace, scored via their two shots of the game, Ghanaian forward, Jordan Ayew, scored the first while van Arnholt scored the winner with a feeble strike which David De Gea should have saved.
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Daniel James had earlier equalized for United who saw Marcus Rashford hit the bar with his penalty- a second penalty miss in consecutive weeks.
Ndidi absent for Leicester City
Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, was conspicuously absent in Leicester’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United.
The tenacious midfielder who scored against Chelsea last weekend injured his hamstring in training and could be out for two or more weeks.
Alex Iwobi made his first appearance for Everton as a second-half substitute but could not stop his side losing 0-2 at Aston Villa.
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However, the trio of Leon Balogun, Kelechi Iheanacho and Isaac Success were not listed by their respective clubs
Results
Norwich City 2-3 Chelsea
Watford 1-3 West Ham
Man United 1-2 Crystal Palace
Brighton 0-2 Southampton
Sheffield United 1-2 Leicester City
Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
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