It seemed like club football was absent for years as international friendlies and the UEFA Nations League took the centre stage for two weeks.
But the Premier League returned with a bang as Liverpool and Chelsea continued their 100% winning starts with convincing victories over Tottenham and Cardiff respectively.
Manchester City and Bournemouth also kept up their brilliant starts to the season with home wins, whilst Manchester United and Arsenal grabbed crucial away victories.
Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham stunned Everton to pick up their first points of the season at Goodison Park, whilst Wolves proved their top half credentials with a win over struggling Burnley.
A handful of players had a weekend to remember, whilst several stars endured a tough return to club football. Here are our winners and losers from game week five.
Eden Hazard has now scored more Premier League hat-tricks (2) than Cristiano Ronaldo (1).
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 15, 2018
Don’t shoot the messenger. 😬 pic.twitter.com/6NdGaedX07
Winners:
Leicester simply could not handle the pace and trickery of Fraser, who managed to find the back of the net twice during the 4-2 win. The diminutive winger also assisted Adam Smith’s assured finish.
Fraser received some criticism for not having the best of end products last season, but he has begun this campaign in scintillating fashion with three goals already in the league.
If Bournemouth are to sustain their great start to the season, then they’ll need Fraser to keep playing with such confidence, drive and determination.
The Chelsea playmaker was virtually unplayable at Stamford Bridge as he single-handedly took Cardiff apart.
The Belgian took his goals very well and has five goals in five league matches so far this season. Hazard’s future at the club seemed uncertain during the summer transfer window but by judging how he has started life under Maurizio Sarri, he seems happy and ready to lead their title charge.
Sarri believes he can win the Golden Boot and when he’s playing with such confidence and swagger, it’s hard to disagree.
Yarmolenko bagged a brace on his first start for the Hammers and proved just why the club signed him during the summer transfer window.
He was composed, clinical and hard-working at Goodison Park. His first was an assured finish, but the second was a sensational curling effort which had Pickford clutching at thin air.
His goals ensured a first win of the season for the Hammers and the former Borussia Dortmund winger looks like he can fire the club up the table.
Wes Morgan deserves the upmost respect until the day he leaves for what he achieved 2 years ago. It’s clear to see he can no longer play at the top level at 34 but it’s Puel that needs to realise that and just use him effectively like Terry at Chelsea in his last season #LCFC
— LCFCFoxes_com (@LCFCFoxes_com) September 15, 2018
Losers:
Leicester’s title-winning captain endured an afternoon to forget against Bournemouth as he was sent off with 20 minutes remaining in the match.
Morgan received two yellow cards but was simply outclassed in the first half by the Cherries’ attack.
The centre-back will have to miss one game, meaning that Jonny Evans could be given a chance to partner with Harry Maguire in defence.
Seri has been showered with praise for his impressive performances this season, but he made the worst start possible at the Etihad Stadium and cost his side an early goal.
The summer signing was too casual, and his stray pass was punished by City after just one minute and 36 seconds.
Seri found it difficult to cope with the quality of the City midfield and will be hoping to forget this match as quickly as he can.
The Saints were in a commanding position by leading Brighton 2-0 but let their concentration go to allow their rivals to salvage a draw at the St Mary’s Stadium.
Both sides are expected to be fighting to survive relegation this season and Mark Hughes’ side simply can’t switch off with a two-goal lead at home.
These two points dropped could prove to be decisive by the end of the campaign. A real bitter pill to swallow for the Saints in what feels like a loss.
