Premier League round-up: Gunners go top as defeat for Chelsea puzzles Jose
With the International break over, the Premier League was back in action. Arsenal eased to victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, whilst Everton overcame Chelsea at Goodison Park in a narrow 1-0 win.
Saturday’s matches were a showcase for a handful of new deadline day signings. The most notable transfer was Mesut Özil, who wasted little time to pay justice to his £42.5m price tag.
The German star took just 11 minutes to set-up in form striker Olivier Giroud as the Gunners scored a vintage Arsenal goal on the break. With a superbly weighted pass, Giroud was able to slot the ball home sublimely to give a rampant Arsenal the lead.
The Gunners dominated the first-half with free-flowing football and a host of chances that would momentarily come back to haunt them. Just after the break, the frailties that Wenger’s side still possess were again promoted for all to see.
A clumsy challenge in the box from Laurent Koscielny gifted Sunderland a penalty. Substitute Craig Gardner stepped up to slam the ball in to the far corner. The celebrations lasted just 19 minutes, as a tremendous half-volley from Aaron Ramsey restored the lead for the North London club.
Controversy followed when Joze Altidore managed to break free from Bacary Sagna to score – after goal line technology proved the ball had crossed the line. Sunderland fans were left furious when Martin Atkinson brought back play for an initial from the Gunners centre-back.
Aaron Ramsey wrapped up the three points with a neat finish to send Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
Roberto Martinez claimed his first victory as Everton boss in a narrow victory of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Samuel Eto’o was guilty of missing clear-cut chances as Steven Naismith’s header on the stroke of half-time was enough to give the Toffees a huge three points.
Chelsea were dominant in first-half proceedings and missed a gluttony of easy chances. Samuel Eto’o was presented with several easy opportunities, with Gareth Barry making a heroic last ditched block to stop the former Barcelona striker from opening his Premier League account.
With Mourinho’s side wasting chance after chance, Everton managed to punish their sloppy precision as Steven Naismith headed striker Jelavic’s brilliant header across goal.
Chelsea brought on Lampard and Oscar in search of a way back in to the game but little joy prevailed as Roberto Martinez was able to celebrate his first victory as manager of the Merseyside club.
Thomas Bradley, Football Correspondent
All results
Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 2
Everton 1 Chelsea 0
Fulham 1 WBA 1
Hull 1 Cardiff 1
Man Utd 2 Crystal Palace 0
Stoke 0 Man City 0
Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3
Tottenham 2 Norwich 0
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