The top three positions in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday remained unchanged as Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all recorded big wins on Match Day 10.
The early kickoff saw Arsenal increase the pressure on Sunderland Manager David Moyes with a comfortable victory over a Black Cats side, who remain bottom of the table without a premier league win this season.
Alexis Sanchez put the Gunners ahead when he got in front of defender Lamine Kone to head in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross.
The dominant visitors had a strong penalty appeal turned down after Sanchez looked to have been brought down before Jermain Defoe equalised from the spot after keeper Petr Cech had fouled Duncan Watmore.
However, Arsenal reasserted their authority and led with three goals in six minutes and 20 seconds.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, who had a fairly decent performance, was replaced by Oliver Giroud in a tactical substitution in the 69th minute.
Giroud came off the bench to guide in a shot and then headed in a Mesut Ozil corner, while Sanchez’s close range effort was the signal for the home fans to start streaming out of the Stadium of Light.
The 4-1 win moved Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with 23 points – but Manchester City’s victory over West Brom later in the day knocked them off the summit with a superior +2 goal difference.
City and boss Guardiola were without a win in six matches in all competitions, but Sergio Aguero flashed in Ilkay Gundogan’s through ball to give them the lead.
The Baggies were flat and Aguero struck again, punishing hesitant defending with a powerful, top-corner finish.
West Brom improved hugely after the break but failed to take their chances before Gundogan twice slotted home – first from Aguero’s chip and then after being found by Kevin de Bruyne.
Tony Pulis’ side struck the post through Gareth McAuley late on and should have got one back at 2-0 through Salomon Rondon, but they slip to 15th and are now without a win in their past five games.
The last match of the day was a cracker as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 4-2 at the end of a pulsating encounter.
Goals from Emre Can, Davor Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino ensured that Liverpool Liverpool remain third, behind Manchester City and Arsenal on goal difference, after an entertaining away victory at Selhurst Park.
James McArthur pulled two goals back for the hosts but it was not enough as Palace slipped to 12th on the EPL 20-team table.
In other matches played on Saturday, Manchester United continued their poor run of form in the league as Burnley held the Red devils to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Also, Middlesborough beat AFC Bournemouth 2-0, Tottenham were held to a goalless draw by champions Leicester City, while Watford defeated Hull City 1-0. (NAN)