The last round of league fixtures before (another) international break was a tasty one on paper and it produced some brilliant entertainment as usual.
Manchester City and Liverpool kept up the pace at the top of the Premier League table with victories over Manchester United and Fulham respectively.
Chelsea lost ground after being held to a draw by Everton at Stamford Bridge whilst Spurs sealed the three points away to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal drop to three points behind their north London rivals after drawing at the Emirates Stadium with Wolves, whilst Bournemouth, Watford and Man United are all level on points.
Newcastle’s second win in succession sees them leap into 14th place, while Cardiff’s home win over Brighton keeps them in the relegation zone on only goal difference.
So, who’s leaving for the international break brimming with confidence and who had a nightmare weekend?
Here are our winners and losers.
Winners:
1) Salomon Rondon – Newcastle United
The striker had a game to remember as he inspired the Magpies to their second victory of the season. Rondon was on hand to find the net twice in a perfect first half.
Salomon Rondon
Rondon’s confidence was clear to see as he powered a header beyond Asmir Begovic for the second goal and Rafa Benitez knows that the striker could be key to helping his side avoid relegation this season.
If the on-loan West Brom forward keeps up this goal scoring form, then Benitez may be tempted to sign him on a permanent deal.
2) Sol Bamba – Cardiff City
Bamba made the worst possible start against Brighton as he left Lewis Dunk unmarked to head home. However, he picked himself up and produced a brilliant performance, hitting the winner in stoppage time to send the home fans wild.
The centre-back finished like a prolific striker beyond several Brighton defenders who were camped on the goal-line.
Plus, he avoided a yellow card for taking his shirt off while celebrating. Happy days!
3) Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side put on a display of champions at the Etihad Stadium to beat arch-rivals Manchester United 3-1.
Bernardo and David Silva controlled the match, with the Spaniard netting the opener. Sergio Aguero blasted in a second early in the second half and Ilkay Gundogan finished the game off.
City’s performance highlights the current gap between the two sides and continues their unbeaten start to the league season.
Losers:
1) Dale Stephens – Brighton
The Brighton midfielder had an afternoon to forget in Wales as he received a straight red card just after the half hour mark.
A high lunge from the Seagulls midfielder saw him take an early bath and the red meant his team-mates endured a challenging 60 minutes.
2) Crystal Palace
The Eagles are in a terrible run of form and it’s not helpful that they’re seriously struggling to find the back of the net.
Roy Hodgson’s side gave Spurs a very good game but did not have enough quality to get on the scoresheet.
Under pressure?
Alexander Sorloth’s late miss summed up Palace’s season as he fired straight at Hugo Lloris from inside the box. Worrying times for Palace.
3) Match Officials
The Premier League officials were firmly in the spotlight this weekend, with numerous decisions being heavily criticised.
Clear penalties were waved away, legitimate goals were ruled out and onside players were waved as offside.
It’s fair to say this round of fixtures provides a big case for the introduction of VAR in the Premier League.
