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Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City: Walcott & Giroud return to goalscoring form
Both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud answered their critics with well-taken goals as Arsenal picked up a first home win of the season in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stoke City at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners laid siege to the visitors' goal in the opening exchanges, twice hitting the woodwork, and finally took the lead through Walcott on the half-hour mark, racing onto Mesut Ozil's excellent pass and sliding the ball under Jack Butland.
Butland remained in excellent form throughout the contest, thwarting the hosts on numerous occasions, but could not prevent substitute Giroud from nodding in Santi Cazorla's pin-point cross as the Gunners moved up to second place in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger's men pushed forward from the off and Alexis Sanchez came close to gifting the hosts the lead after three minutes. Cazorla set up the former Barcelona forward with a fine cross, but the Chile international's header was kept out by Butland.
Sanchez threatened again shortly after when he tried his luck with an opportunistic long-range strike, but his attempt struck the post and bounced to safety.
Arsenal kept on pushing for an opener with Walcott angering his team-mates in the 11th minute when he unleashed a shot from a narrow angle rather than set up one of his fellow attackers.
Stoke caused the Arsenal defence problems for the first time when Xherdan Shaqiri fired in a dangerous free-kick but Petr Cech rushed off his line to push the ball clear.
Butland was called into action once more midway through the first half, but the 22-year-old showed his class with another fine save to deny Cazorla.
Walcott finally got the better of the Stoke goalkeeper after 31 minutes, though. Ozil set up the England international with a sublime, lofted through-ball in behind the Potters defence and Walcott coolly slotted home.
Stoke made a lively start to the second half with Shaqiri trying to set up Marko Arnautovic, but the Austria international just failed to pick up the pass in a dangerous position.
A sublime attack involving Sanchez, Ozil and Aaron Ramsey should have resulted in Arsenal's second goal but Wales international Ramsey aimed too high and the chance went begging.
Stoke again escaped when full-back Phil Bardsley nearly put a cross from Ozil into his own net but the ball flashed just wide of the goal and out for a corner.
Arsenal continued to create chance after chance, yet poor finishing from Walcott and substitute Giroud kept the away side in the game.
Stoke's fortune eventually ran out, however, when, with five minutes remaining, Giroud headed home Cazorla's free-kick to settle matters; the result means only Manchester City lie above Arsenal in the table, while Stoke drop into the relegation zone.
Both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud answered their critics with well-taken goals as Arsenal picked up a first home win of the season in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stoke City at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners laid siege to the visitors' goal in the opening exchanges, twice hitting the woodwork, and finally took the lead through Walcott on the half-hour mark, racing onto Mesut Ozil's excellent pass and sliding the ball under Jack Butland.
Butland remained in excellent form throughout the contest, thwarting the hosts on numerous occasions, but could not prevent substitute Giroud from nodding in Santi Cazorla's pin-point cross as the Gunners moved up to second place in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger's men pushed forward from the off and Alexis Sanchez came close to gifting the hosts the lead after three minutes. Cazorla set up the former Barcelona forward with a fine cross, but the Chile international's header was kept out by Butland.
Sanchez threatened again shortly after when he tried his luck with an opportunistic long-range strike, but his attempt struck the post and bounced to safety.
Arsenal kept on pushing for an opener with Walcott angering his team-mates in the 11th minute when he unleashed a shot from a narrow angle rather than set up one of his fellow attackers.
Stoke caused the Arsenal defence problems for the first time when Xherdan Shaqiri fired in a dangerous free-kick but Petr Cech rushed off his line to push the ball clear.
Butland was called into action once more midway through the first half, but the 22-year-old showed his class with another fine save to deny Cazorla.
Walcott finally got the better of the Stoke goalkeeper after 31 minutes, though. Ozil set up the England international with a sublime, lofted through-ball in behind the Potters defence and Walcott coolly slotted home.
Stoke made a lively start to the second half with Shaqiri trying to set up Marko Arnautovic, but the Austria international just failed to pick up the pass in a dangerous position.
A sublime attack involving Sanchez, Ozil and Aaron Ramsey should have resulted in Arsenal's second goal but Wales international Ramsey aimed too high and the chance went begging.
Stoke again escaped when full-back Phil Bardsley nearly put a cross from Ozil into his own net but the ball flashed just wide of the goal and out for a corner.
Arsenal continued to create chance after chance, yet poor finishing from Walcott and substitute Giroud kept the away side in the game.
Stoke's fortune eventually ran out, however, when, with five minutes remaining, Giroud headed home Cazorla's free-kick to settle matters; the result means only Manchester City lie above Arsenal in the table, while Stoke drop into the relegation zone.
Norwich 3-1 Bournemouth: Canaries pick up first home win
Norwich picked up their first home Premier League win of the season with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bournemouth thanks to goals from Cameron Jerome, Wes Hoolahan and Matt Jarvis.
Hoolahan was the star of the show for Alex Neil's men setting up the first goal with a great run and cross before smashing home the second from 20 yards before Jarvis sealed the victory with a goal on his Norwich debut.
Steve Cook pulled one back late on for Bournemouth but it was not enough for the visitors who suffered their third league defeat in five games.
A cagey start yielded few chances for either side, with Alexander Tettey's wayward half-volley on the edge of the Bournemouth box the only meaningful sight at goal in the opening 15 minutes.
But Norwich began to play themselves into the game as the first half wore on, enjoying the lion's share of possession, but a compact and well-drilled Bournemouth back four meant an opener continued to elude them.
Bournemouth's early defensive efforts were nearly rewarded just before half an hour as Junior Stanislas latched onto Joshua King's intricate flick into the box, only to be denied by Brady's last-ditch tackle.
That scare sparked Norwich into life, and they came close to taking the lead moments later when Jerome fired into the side netting after capitalising on Hoolahan's defence-splitting pass.
However, Jerome was not to be denied a first Premier League goal of the season for long, the striker linking up with the Irishman again 10 minutes before the break to stab home a close-range effort.
Wilson came close to restoring parity on the stroke of half-time, poking Cook's header onto the post from six yards.
Stanislas then scuffed a speculative effort well wide two minutes after the break, before Jerome fired just wide from the edge of the box.
Hoolahan continued to run the show and was given his reward on 52 minutes, bursting through the middle of some lacklustre defending to pick his spot on the edge of the box and net with a low drive.
Jerome poked wide four minutes later as Norwich continued to press, before Brady cut inside to strike the post with a stinging drive.
Yet Norwich's determination to seal the win in style continued and a third goal duly arrived on 67 minutes when a great run allowed Jarvis to jink into the box and calmly curl home.
Cook pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time, but it was never going to anything more than a consolation for Bournemouth, who have now taken just four points from their first five Premier League games.
Norwich picked up their first home Premier League win of the season with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bournemouth thanks to goals from Cameron Jerome, Wes Hoolahan and Matt Jarvis.
Hoolahan was the star of the show for Alex Neil's men setting up the first goal with a great run and cross before smashing home the second from 20 yards before Jarvis sealed the victory with a goal on his Norwich debut.
Steve Cook pulled one back late on for Bournemouth but it was not enough for the visitors who suffered their third league defeat in five games.
A cagey start yielded few chances for either side, with Alexander Tettey's wayward half-volley on the edge of the Bournemouth box the only meaningful sight at goal in the opening 15 minutes.
But Norwich began to play themselves into the game as the first half wore on, enjoying the lion's share of possession, but a compact and well-drilled Bournemouth back four meant an opener continued to elude them.
Bournemouth's early defensive efforts were nearly rewarded just before half an hour as Junior Stanislas latched onto Joshua King's intricate flick into the box, only to be denied by Brady's last-ditch tackle.
That scare sparked Norwich into life, and they came close to taking the lead moments later when Jerome fired into the side netting after capitalising on Hoolahan's defence-splitting pass.
However, Jerome was not to be denied a first Premier League goal of the season for long, the striker linking up with the Irishman again 10 minutes before the break to stab home a close-range effort.
Wilson came close to restoring parity on the stroke of half-time, poking Cook's header onto the post from six yards.
Stanislas then scuffed a speculative effort well wide two minutes after the break, before Jerome fired just wide from the edge of the box.
Hoolahan continued to run the show and was given his reward on 52 minutes, bursting through the middle of some lacklustre defending to pick his spot on the edge of the box and net with a low drive.
Jerome poked wide four minutes later as Norwich continued to press, before Brady cut inside to strike the post with a stinging drive.
Yet Norwich's determination to seal the win in style continued and a third goal duly arrived on 67 minutes when a great run allowed Jarvis to jink into the box and calmly curl home.
Cook pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time, but it was never going to anything more than a consolation for Bournemouth, who have now taken just four points from their first five Premier League games.
West Brom 0-0 Southampton: Berahino returns as Baggies hold Saints
West Brom and Southampton played out a 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday, with Saido Berahino making his return for the Baggies.
Just 10 days after declaring he would never play for the club again, the striker received a mixed reception from the home support both before the game and when he came on as a second-half substitute to play for the final 35 minutes and did not have any major chances to score.
In a match of few clear openings, Jay Rodriguez headed wide for Southampton in their best opportunity, with the visitors now without a win in 10 away league matches - a run stretching back to last season.
Tony Pulis' men, who saw Salomon Rondon shoot over from a decent second-half chance, are left with just one victory from their opening five Premier League matches, as are their opponents.
After a slow opening to the game, West Brom were incensed when Callum McManaman had a penalty appeal turned down. The winger charged down the right having combined superbly with Rickie Lambert and was felled in the box by Matt Targett's challenge, but referee Stuart Atwell was unmoved, infuriating Tony Pulis on the touchline.
The hosts threatened again when Chris Brunt's pinpoint corner found Craig Dawson, whose close-range header failed to hit the target.
Southampton had enjoyed plenty of possession but it took until the 35th minute to register their first meaningful attempt when Rodriguez showed excellent strength to outmuscle Dawson before shooting straight at Boaz Myhill.
The visitors came closer still when Dusan Tadic sent in an accurate delivery from the right to find Rodriguez, who had lost Dawson again, but the forward headed wide when it seemed easier to hit the target.
West Brom were the first to come close after the break when Rondon controlled in acres of space inside the Southampton box and blazed his attempt over from a presentable opportunity, with Berahino coming on for Lambert to a mixed reception moments later.
The momentum was starting to go against Southampton, who had a lucky escape when Maarten Stekelenburg fumbled a deflected free-kick and only just managed to gather before conceding with an embarrassing blunder.
At the other end, James Ward-Prowse fired a shot well off-target after Tadic had set him up in what had looked like a promising counter attack.
Substitute Sadio Mane beat debutant Jonny Evans for pace late on but he struck his effort wide as an uninspiring encounter ended goalless.
West Brom and Southampton played out a 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday, with Saido Berahino making his return for the Baggies.
Just 10 days after declaring he would never play for the club again, the striker received a mixed reception from the home support both before the game and when he came on as a second-half substitute to play for the final 35 minutes and did not have any major chances to score.
In a match of few clear openings, Jay Rodriguez headed wide for Southampton in their best opportunity, with the visitors now without a win in 10 away league matches - a run stretching back to last season.
Tony Pulis' men, who saw Salomon Rondon shoot over from a decent second-half chance, are left with just one victory from their opening five Premier League matches, as are their opponents.
After a slow opening to the game, West Brom were incensed when Callum McManaman had a penalty appeal turned down. The winger charged down the right having combined superbly with Rickie Lambert and was felled in the box by Matt Targett's challenge, but referee Stuart Atwell was unmoved, infuriating Tony Pulis on the touchline.
The hosts threatened again when Chris Brunt's pinpoint corner found Craig Dawson, whose close-range header failed to hit the target.
Southampton had enjoyed plenty of possession but it took until the 35th minute to register their first meaningful attempt when Rodriguez showed excellent strength to outmuscle Dawson before shooting straight at Boaz Myhill.
The visitors came closer still when Dusan Tadic sent in an accurate delivery from the right to find Rodriguez, who had lost Dawson again, but the forward headed wide when it seemed easier to hit the target.
West Brom were the first to come close after the break when Rondon controlled in acres of space inside the Southampton box and blazed his attempt over from a presentable opportunity, with Berahino coming on for Lambert to a mixed reception moments later.
The momentum was starting to go against Southampton, who had a lucky escape when Maarten Stekelenburg fumbled a deflected free-kick and only just managed to gather before conceding with an embarrassing blunder.
At the other end, James Ward-Prowse fired a shot well off-target after Tadic had set him up in what had looked like a promising counter attack.
Substitute Sadio Mane beat debutant Jonny Evans for pace late on but he struck his effort wide as an uninspiring encounter ended goalless.
Watford 1-0 Swansea City: Ighalo gives 10-man Hornets first win of the season
Watford secured their first victory since their promotion to the Premier League as their 10 men held on to beat Swansea City 1-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Odion Igahlo scored the decisive goal just before the hour, Troy Deeney picking up on a long ball forward and feeding his team-mate, who fired past Lukasz Fabianski for the hosts' first home goal of the season.
Just five minutes later, Quique Flores's men were hit by a red card to Valon Behrami, who stepped awkwardly on Andre Ayew's leg, but the Hornets were able to quell the Swans' attempts at a fightback as they inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Garry Monk's side.
Swansea's best chances fell to top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis but he was ultimately unable to find the goal that would have seen him equal the record for scoring five times in the first five games of a Premier League season.
Loan recruit Victor Ibarbo was named on the bench for the hosts, having received his international clearance, but fellow newcomer Obbi Oulare was not deemed fit enough to feature and defender Miguel Britos missed out through suspension.
Swansea, meanwhile, fielded an unchanged side from those who started the win over Manchester United, with in-form winger Jefferson Montero recovering sufficiently from his thigh problem to take a place on the bench.
A low-key opening to the game produced little in terms of goalmouth action, although Watford did threaten on a couple of occasions as Sebastian Prodl fired over and Almen Abdi saw his goalbound effort deflected wide by Neil Taylor.
Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes then did well to keep out a low drive from Gomis after 21 minutes and Deeney saw his 20-yard strike fizz narrowly wide moments later.
Those missed chances failed to ignite the contest, which remained cagey right through to the break, though Watford did at least get an effort on target for the first time in over two hours of play when Ighalo forced a smart stop from Fabianski just before the break.
Fabianski then made a regulation save from the lively Abdi early in the second half but, just short of the hour, the home side's goalscoring woes finally came to an end and the goal itself could hardly have been simpler, a long ball into the box from Gomes nodded on by Deeney and Ighalo calmly finding the net from close range.
The game took another twist soon afterwards as Behrami's apparent stamp on Andre Ayew earned him a red card, forcing Watford to negotiate the final quarter with only 10 men.
But negotiate it they did and the men in yellow could in fact have won by a more emphatic margin, Fabianski doing well to keep out a well-struck effort from former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue.
The result brought Swansea's unbeaten start to the campaign to an end and they will look to bounce back at home to Everton next week, while Watford will make the long trip to Newcastle in buoyant mood.
Watford secured their first victory since their promotion to the Premier League as their 10 men held on to beat Swansea City 1-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Odion Igahlo scored the decisive goal just before the hour, Troy Deeney picking up on a long ball forward and feeding his team-mate, who fired past Lukasz Fabianski for the hosts' first home goal of the season.
Just five minutes later, Quique Flores's men were hit by a red card to Valon Behrami, who stepped awkwardly on Andre Ayew's leg, but the Hornets were able to quell the Swans' attempts at a fightback as they inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Garry Monk's side.
Swansea's best chances fell to top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis but he was ultimately unable to find the goal that would have seen him equal the record for scoring five times in the first five games of a Premier League season.
Loan recruit Victor Ibarbo was named on the bench for the hosts, having received his international clearance, but fellow newcomer Obbi Oulare was not deemed fit enough to feature and defender Miguel Britos missed out through suspension.
Swansea, meanwhile, fielded an unchanged side from those who started the win over Manchester United, with in-form winger Jefferson Montero recovering sufficiently from his thigh problem to take a place on the bench.
A low-key opening to the game produced little in terms of goalmouth action, although Watford did threaten on a couple of occasions as Sebastian Prodl fired over and Almen Abdi saw his goalbound effort deflected wide by Neil Taylor.
Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes then did well to keep out a low drive from Gomis after 21 minutes and Deeney saw his 20-yard strike fizz narrowly wide moments later.
Those missed chances failed to ignite the contest, which remained cagey right through to the break, though Watford did at least get an effort on target for the first time in over two hours of play when Ighalo forced a smart stop from Fabianski just before the break.
Fabianski then made a regulation save from the lively Abdi early in the second half but, just short of the hour, the home side's goalscoring woes finally came to an end and the goal itself could hardly have been simpler, a long ball into the box from Gomes nodded on by Deeney and Ighalo calmly finding the net from close range.
The game took another twist soon afterwards as Behrami's apparent stamp on Andre Ayew earned him a red card, forcing Watford to negotiate the final quarter with only 10 men.
But negotiate it they did and the men in yellow could in fact have won by a more emphatic margin, Fabianski doing well to keep out a well-struck effort from former Tottenham midfielder Etienne Capoue.
The result brought Swansea's unbeaten start to the campaign to an end and they will look to bounce back at home to Everton next week, while Watford will make the long trip to Newcastle in buoyant mood.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City: Iheanacho the hero as De Bruyne makes debut
Highly-rated youngster Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to grab a 1-0 win for Manchester City at Crystal Palace in stoppage time and preserve the Premier League leaders' 100 per cent record.
City, who thrust record signing Kevin De Bruyne into a first-half debut from the bench following an injury to talisman Sergio Aguero, were set to be held for the first time this term in a match where emotions ran high on and off the field.
But it was another attacking talent, 18-year-old Nigerian Iheanacho, who stole the headlines with his first goal for City as he converted from close range shortly after coming on as an 89th-minute replacement for Wilfried Bony.
Jesus Navas earlier passed up a glorious chance to break the deadlock for Manuel Pellegrini's men but Palace could equally reflect on Jason Puncheon and Dwight Gayle going close before the late twist in the game.
City are now five points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit and 11 points better off than ailing champions Chelsea.
Samir Nasir and Bony came into the City XI due to respective ankle and hamstring problems for David Silva and Raheem Sterling.
Palace made two enforced changes in defence, with Martin Kelly and Brede Hangeland replacing Joel Ward (knee) and Damien Delaney (knock), while Yannick Bolasie returned to Alan Pardew's starting line-up and the winger fired an early shot over from the right-hand side of the penalty area.
City goalkeeper Joe Hart pushed a looping, deflected effort from Yohan Cabaye behind before Bony called opposite number Alex McCarthy into action with a powerful header from Navas's cross.
Bolasie was the next man to test Hart as a lively opening continued and the hosts had a 17th-minute penalty claim rejected when Fernandinho appeared to trip Cabaye.
As City sought to counter from that moment of danger, Scott Dann caught Aguero heavily on the right knee with a robust challenge.
The defender was booked and Aguero hobbled off in clear discomfort after 24 minutes to herald De Bruyne's introduction.
Not for the first time in matches against one another, tempers then became frayed between Pardew and Pellegrini in the dugout before McCarthy thwarted Bony at close quarters.
De Bruyne created that chance and stung McCarthy's palms with a drive as the first half wound down, while Palace's Bakary Sako blazed over at the back post in stoppage time.
Navas could find his starting position under threat from De Bruyne in the coming weeks and the winger did himself no favours in the 50th minute - latching onto the Belgium international's sumptuous through ball and rounding McCarthy, only to scuff wide of a gaping goal left-footed.
To compound City's frustration, Samir Nasri then went down in the area under pressure from his compatriot Cabaye but referee Mike Jones was unmoved.
Palace attacks had become somewhat sparing by midway through the second half but speculative strikes off target by Fernandinho and Nasri underlined their defensive resilience.
And Hart had to remain alert to keep out Puncheon's header from Pape Souare's raking cross - the hosts' clearest chance of the contest.
Palace looked the most likely winners in the closing stages - Dwight Gayle prodding wastefully wide from Zaha's centre - but Iheanacho pounced on his second senior appearance after McCarthy kept out Nasri's shot to claim the points for City.
Highly-rated youngster Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to grab a 1-0 win for Manchester City at Crystal Palace in stoppage time and preserve the Premier League leaders' 100 per cent record.
City, who thrust record signing Kevin De Bruyne into a first-half debut from the bench following an injury to talisman Sergio Aguero, were set to be held for the first time this term in a match where emotions ran high on and off the field.
But it was another attacking talent, 18-year-old Nigerian Iheanacho, who stole the headlines with his first goal for City as he converted from close range shortly after coming on as an 89th-minute replacement for Wilfried Bony.
Jesus Navas earlier passed up a glorious chance to break the deadlock for Manuel Pellegrini's men but Palace could equally reflect on Jason Puncheon and Dwight Gayle going close before the late twist in the game.
City are now five points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit and 11 points better off than ailing champions Chelsea.
Samir Nasir and Bony came into the City XI due to respective ankle and hamstring problems for David Silva and Raheem Sterling.
Palace made two enforced changes in defence, with Martin Kelly and Brede Hangeland replacing Joel Ward (knee) and Damien Delaney (knock), while Yannick Bolasie returned to Alan Pardew's starting line-up and the winger fired an early shot over from the right-hand side of the penalty area.
City goalkeeper Joe Hart pushed a looping, deflected effort from Yohan Cabaye behind before Bony called opposite number Alex McCarthy into action with a powerful header from Navas's cross.
Bolasie was the next man to test Hart as a lively opening continued and the hosts had a 17th-minute penalty claim rejected when Fernandinho appeared to trip Cabaye.
As City sought to counter from that moment of danger, Scott Dann caught Aguero heavily on the right knee with a robust challenge.
The defender was booked and Aguero hobbled off in clear discomfort after 24 minutes to herald De Bruyne's introduction.
Not for the first time in matches against one another, tempers then became frayed between Pardew and Pellegrini in the dugout before McCarthy thwarted Bony at close quarters.
De Bruyne created that chance and stung McCarthy's palms with a drive as the first half wound down, while Palace's Bakary Sako blazed over at the back post in stoppage time.
Navas could find his starting position under threat from De Bruyne in the coming weeks and the winger did himself no favours in the 50th minute - latching onto the Belgium international's sumptuous through ball and rounding McCarthy, only to scuff wide of a gaping goal left-footed.
To compound City's frustration, Samir Nasri then went down in the area under pressure from his compatriot Cabaye but referee Mike Jones was unmoved.
Palace attacks had become somewhat sparing by midway through the second half but speculative strikes off target by Fernandinho and Nasri underlined their defensive resilience.
And Hart had to remain alert to keep out Puncheon's header from Pape Souare's raking cross - the hosts' clearest chance of the contest.
Palace looked the most likely winners in the closing stages - Dwight Gayle prodding wastefully wide from Zaha's centre - but Iheanacho pounced on his second senior appearance after McCarthy kept out Nasri's shot to claim the points for City.
Martinez overjoyed with Naismith's Chelsea treble
Everton manager Roberto Martinez lavished praise on Steven Naismith after the striker scored a hat-trick in the club's 3-1 win over champions Chelsea on Saturday.
The Scotland international was an early substitute for the injured Muhamed Besic and subsequently scored a 'perfect' treble - scoring with his left foot, right foot and head - to condemn Jose Mourinho's side to a third defeat from five games.
And Martinez believes that such a performance sets a perfect example to young players at Goodison Park who are looking to break into the starting XI.
"Steven's performance typified the effort and the character that we have at Everton," said the Spaniard. "He hasn't been in the starting 11 and all he did was focus and be ready to take his moment.
"To score a perfect hat-trick against the current champions, I think that shows you a lot and I think he's the type of example that we want at Everton to the younger players, to show them that you need to be ready and you need to prepare yourself so that when you get your opportunity on the pitch you can take it. It was a real joy to see Steven enjoying that sort of performance."
Martinez described his side's performance as "dynamic" as they held off the Blues in the second half after Nemanja Matic had halved the deficit prior to the half-time break.
"We have a strong squad, but the attitude is everything," he added. "Sometimes you play against the champions and you can beat them through lucky breaks after weathering the storm, but that wasn't the case.
"For 90 minutes we restricted them to two shots on target – one a terrific strike from Nemanja Matic from long range for their goal and the other was a header from Radamel Falcao.
"We kept the ball well when we had too, we scored three goals from open play against probably the most defensive set-up that Chelsea had this season. We looked dynamic and strong going forward and the difference was the second-half performance."
Everton manager Roberto Martinez lavished praise on Steven Naismith after the striker scored a hat-trick in the club's 3-1 win over champions Chelsea on Saturday.
The Scotland international was an early substitute for the injured Muhamed Besic and subsequently scored a 'perfect' treble - scoring with his left foot, right foot and head - to condemn Jose Mourinho's side to a third defeat from five games.
And Martinez believes that such a performance sets a perfect example to young players at Goodison Park who are looking to break into the starting XI.
"Steven's performance typified the effort and the character that we have at Everton," said the Spaniard. "He hasn't been in the starting 11 and all he did was focus and be ready to take his moment.
"To score a perfect hat-trick against the current champions, I think that shows you a lot and I think he's the type of example that we want at Everton to the younger players, to show them that you need to be ready and you need to prepare yourself so that when you get your opportunity on the pitch you can take it. It was a real joy to see Steven enjoying that sort of performance."
Martinez described his side's performance as "dynamic" as they held off the Blues in the second half after Nemanja Matic had halved the deficit prior to the half-time break.
"We have a strong squad, but the attitude is everything," he added. "Sometimes you play against the champions and you can beat them through lucky breaks after weathering the storm, but that wasn't the case.
"For 90 minutes we restricted them to two shots on target – one a terrific strike from Nemanja Matic from long range for their goal and the other was a header from Radamel Falcao.
"We kept the ball well when we had too, we scored three goals from open play against probably the most defensive set-up that Chelsea had this season. We looked dynamic and strong going forward and the difference was the second-half performance."
Giroud back in the goals but Wenger must persist with Walcott against Chelsea
This was the Arsenal we were promised before the start of the season. Waves of attack at breakneck speed, fluid movement in the opposition half... and strikers scoring goals.
After a summer of talk about the need to sign a top quality forward, Arsene Wenger’s two main central strikers made a point to their manager as they both scored in the Gunners’ comfortable win over Stoke.
Theo Walcott raced through to score the opener in the 31st minute as Arsenal finally scored their first home goal of the season and substitute Olivier Giroud, booed by France fans during the international break, sealed the points with a close-range header five minutes from time.
In between, the hosts missed countless chances to extend the scoreline. They finished the game with 29 shots to their name and could easily have scored five or six had it not been for Jack Butland’s stunning form in the Stoke goal.
So it cannot be said that Arsenal have solved all of their problems in the final third. After all, they won’t be able to miss so many glorious chances every week.
Walcott shinned over the bar in the first-half and was denied by Butland when he tried a chip when one-on-one in after the break, while Giroud looked like his confidence was shot to pieces when he dragged an incredible chance wide of the post from eight yards.
But this was exactly the performance Arsenal needed as they prepare for a trip to Chelsea next weekend with the champions in turmoil after back-to-back defeats.
If they play the same way next Saturday at Stamford Bridge, they could pile even more pressure on Jose Mourinho and his players.
Wenger might be tempted to recall Giroud for the trip across London after his goal on Saturday. The Frenchman is likely to spend most of the season as Arsenal’s main striker and his fragile confidence needs to be massaged.
Walcott, however, showed against Stoke that he is the man to start at Chelsea as he constantly troubled the Potters defence with his pace and movement.
The opening goal summed it up. Arsenal won possession in their own half, Mesut Ozil spotted Walcott’s run and played a gorgeous 50-yard pass over the top of the visitors’ defence.
Walcott had the speed to get away, the strength to protect the ball and the composure to slot coolly through Butland’s legs.
Giroud has the quality to go on a scoring run but so does Walcott, who has now scored 11 times in his last 11 Premier League starts.
He is also the better striker to bring the best out of Ozil’s astonishing eye for a pass that can unlock a defence in even the tightest of games. Walcott will relish the opportunity to get one-on-one with John Terry or Gary Cahill in a straight leg race.
Arsenal now have 10 points from their five matches so far and a start to the season described as “very average” by Wenger now looks far better, particularly in light of Chelsea’s struggles.
A rare win at Stamford Bridge would do wonders for the mood of Arsenal supporters who are pessimistic about their side’s title hopes.
They need to repeat this display - and Walcott has to lead the line.
This was the Arsenal we were promised before the start of the season. Waves of attack at breakneck speed, fluid movement in the opposition half... and strikers scoring goals.
After a summer of talk about the need to sign a top quality forward, Arsene Wenger’s two main central strikers made a point to their manager as they both scored in the Gunners’ comfortable win over Stoke.
Theo Walcott raced through to score the opener in the 31st minute as Arsenal finally scored their first home goal of the season and substitute Olivier Giroud, booed by France fans during the international break, sealed the points with a close-range header five minutes from time.
In between, the hosts missed countless chances to extend the scoreline. They finished the game with 29 shots to their name and could easily have scored five or six had it not been for Jack Butland’s stunning form in the Stoke goal.
So it cannot be said that Arsenal have solved all of their problems in the final third. After all, they won’t be able to miss so many glorious chances every week.
Walcott shinned over the bar in the first-half and was denied by Butland when he tried a chip when one-on-one in after the break, while Giroud looked like his confidence was shot to pieces when he dragged an incredible chance wide of the post from eight yards.
But this was exactly the performance Arsenal needed as they prepare for a trip to Chelsea next weekend with the champions in turmoil after back-to-back defeats.
If they play the same way next Saturday at Stamford Bridge, they could pile even more pressure on Jose Mourinho and his players.
Wenger might be tempted to recall Giroud for the trip across London after his goal on Saturday. The Frenchman is likely to spend most of the season as Arsenal’s main striker and his fragile confidence needs to be massaged.
Walcott, however, showed against Stoke that he is the man to start at Chelsea as he constantly troubled the Potters defence with his pace and movement.
The opening goal summed it up. Arsenal won possession in their own half, Mesut Ozil spotted Walcott’s run and played a gorgeous 50-yard pass over the top of the visitors’ defence.
Walcott had the speed to get away, the strength to protect the ball and the composure to slot coolly through Butland’s legs.
Giroud has the quality to go on a scoring run but so does Walcott, who has now scored 11 times in his last 11 Premier League starts.
He is also the better striker to bring the best out of Ozil’s astonishing eye for a pass that can unlock a defence in even the tightest of games. Walcott will relish the opportunity to get one-on-one with John Terry or Gary Cahill in a straight leg race.
Arsenal now have 10 points from their five matches so far and a start to the season described as “very average” by Wenger now looks far better, particularly in light of Chelsea’s struggles.
A rare win at Stamford Bridge would do wonders for the mood of Arsenal supporters who are pessimistic about their side’s title hopes.
They need to repeat this display - and Walcott has to lead the line.
Tuchel delighted by Dortmund response
Thomas Tuchel was happy with the way Borussia Dortmund twice recovered to pick up a 4-2 win away to Hannover on Saturday, keeping their perfect start to the season intact.
The visitors needed a penalty and a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal to overturn Artur Sobiech's opener, who then drew Hannover level again before a Felipe own goal and another Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty gave Dortmund the three points.
While Tuchel feels there were flaws in his side's display, he is happy with the mental resolve they showed to secure the points and remain top of the table on goal difference.
"I am very satisfied with the first 45 minutes," he told reporters. "We were up against a very dominant opponent who defended with intenseity and we showed a good response to the opener and turned the game.
"But with the 15 minutes after the break I was not happy. We were missing something, the determination - and of course it cost us a goal.
"But with the retaliation to the equaliser, I am again very pleased. We made a lot of chances and we played well, we scored four goals, so this victory feels deserved.
"We know how much hard work and conviction the team put in. It feels like a great team performance."
Thomas Tuchel was happy with the way Borussia Dortmund twice recovered to pick up a 4-2 win away to Hannover on Saturday, keeping their perfect start to the season intact.
The visitors needed a penalty and a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal to overturn Artur Sobiech's opener, who then drew Hannover level again before a Felipe own goal and another Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty gave Dortmund the three points.
While Tuchel feels there were flaws in his side's display, he is happy with the mental resolve they showed to secure the points and remain top of the table on goal difference.
"I am very satisfied with the first 45 minutes," he told reporters. "We were up against a very dominant opponent who defended with intenseity and we showed a good response to the opener and turned the game.
"But with the 15 minutes after the break I was not happy. We were missing something, the determination - and of course it cost us a goal.
"But with the retaliation to the equaliser, I am again very pleased. We made a lot of chances and we played well, we scored four goals, so this victory feels deserved.
"We know how much hard work and conviction the team put in. It feels like a great team performance."
Wenger: Walcott can be prolific for Arsenal
Arsene Wenger hailed Theo Walcott after the Arsenal forward scored in the club’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.
The England international staked a significant claim to start at centre-forward in future at the Emirates, as he opened the scoring with a cool finish against Mark Hughes’ men.
And Wenger has backed the 26-year-old to become a clinical centre-forward throughout the 2015-16 season.
"Theo Walcott scored a great goal. It required technical ability to finish. He can become a prolific goalscorer,” he told reporters.
"We created chances from the first to the last minute. We have stabilised our defensive record. This is good for our future.”
Wenger also praised his defensive players for their performances against Stoke, and brushed aside questions of the upcoming trip to Chelsea, with Arsenal set to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League first.
"Koscielny and Coquelin were outstanding. Gabriel had a very good game as well,” he added.
"We are looking to play well in Zagreb. We will then see what to do against Chelsea."
Arsene Wenger hailed Theo Walcott after the Arsenal forward scored in the club’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.
The England international staked a significant claim to start at centre-forward in future at the Emirates, as he opened the scoring with a cool finish against Mark Hughes’ men.
And Wenger has backed the 26-year-old to become a clinical centre-forward throughout the 2015-16 season.
"Theo Walcott scored a great goal. It required technical ability to finish. He can become a prolific goalscorer,” he told reporters.
"We created chances from the first to the last minute. We have stabilised our defensive record. This is good for our future.”
Wenger also praised his defensive players for their performances against Stoke, and brushed aside questions of the upcoming trip to Chelsea, with Arsenal set to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League first.
"Koscielny and Coquelin were outstanding. Gabriel had a very good game as well,” he added.
"We are looking to play well in Zagreb. We will then see what to do against Chelsea."
Ronaldo has a place in history - Benitez
Rafael Benitez says Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his place in history after he became Real Madrid's all time top goalscorer in La Liga, with five goals in Saturday's 6-0 win over Espanyol.
The Portuguese attacker overtook Raul as the club's leading marksman in the league, ending the game with 230 goals in 203 games ahead of the Spaniard's 228 in 550.
And Benitez was full of praise for the club's talisman after the game, but insisted that his team were not perfect despite the massive away win.
"The numbers speak for themselves. He has a place in history," he told reporters. "I hope that he continues to add to his tally.
"I like to talk about the team when they achieve a result of this magnitude and you can't do anything but highlight the six goals and the five Ronaldo scored.
"There are always things to improve on and that's what we have to do. I say that without vanity but with objectivity."
Los Blancos have scored 11 and are yet to concede after three league games and the coach is pleased with the balance and fluidity they are playing with.
"This is going to be an attacking side that will go out to attack, always based on team balance and respecting the defensive side of the game," he added.
"The forwards have freedom in their movements, and they move around so intelligently, which was the key. And we were able to capitalise on that against Espanyol."
Rafael Benitez says Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his place in history after he became Real Madrid's all time top goalscorer in La Liga, with five goals in Saturday's 6-0 win over Espanyol.
The Portuguese attacker overtook Raul as the club's leading marksman in the league, ending the game with 230 goals in 203 games ahead of the Spaniard's 228 in 550.
And Benitez was full of praise for the club's talisman after the game, but insisted that his team were not perfect despite the massive away win.
"The numbers speak for themselves. He has a place in history," he told reporters. "I hope that he continues to add to his tally.
"I like to talk about the team when they achieve a result of this magnitude and you can't do anything but highlight the six goals and the five Ronaldo scored.
"There are always things to improve on and that's what we have to do. I say that without vanity but with objectivity."
Los Blancos have scored 11 and are yet to concede after three league games and the coach is pleased with the balance and fluidity they are playing with.
"This is going to be an attacking side that will go out to attack, always based on team balance and respecting the defensive side of the game," he added.
"The forwards have freedom in their movements, and they move around so intelligently, which was the key. And we were able to capitalise on that against Espanyol."
Guardiola: No excuse for bad Bayern display despite win
Pep Guardiola has criticised Bayern Munich for their display against Augsburg, despite winning 2-1 to keep their perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign intact.
The German champions went behind at the Allianz Arena through an Alexander Esswein strike before Robert Lewandowski tapped home from close range to square things up late on. Thomas Muller then converted a 90th minute penalty to secure the win for the hosts.
Speaking after the game Guardiola praised the visitors' defending, but criticised his team for not turning up in the first half.
"I know it’s hard after an international break, but that can be no excuse," he said after the game. "We have to play for 90 minutes, not just 45.
"Our body language wasn’t good in the first half, and our game was very, very slow.
"I hope we improve on that in the future. Augsburg defended very well, but we had a lot of chances in the second half."
Meanwhile, Muller admitted that his side were not at their best and says he felt he pressure as he stepped up to take the last minute spot-kick.
"We were a shade sloppy on the ball today. We still created plenty of chances but failed to take them," he said.
"The penalty was a pressure situation for me. Even an experienced player like me gets a few butterflies when it’s a 90th-minute penalty to win it 2-1."
Pep Guardiola has criticised Bayern Munich for their display against Augsburg, despite winning 2-1 to keep their perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign intact.
The German champions went behind at the Allianz Arena through an Alexander Esswein strike before Robert Lewandowski tapped home from close range to square things up late on. Thomas Muller then converted a 90th minute penalty to secure the win for the hosts.
Speaking after the game Guardiola praised the visitors' defending, but criticised his team for not turning up in the first half.
"I know it’s hard after an international break, but that can be no excuse," he said after the game. "We have to play for 90 minutes, not just 45.
"Our body language wasn’t good in the first half, and our game was very, very slow.
"I hope we improve on that in the future. Augsburg defended very well, but we had a lot of chances in the second half."
Meanwhile, Muller admitted that his side were not at their best and says he felt he pressure as he stepped up to take the last minute spot-kick.
"We were a shade sloppy on the ball today. We still created plenty of chances but failed to take them," he said.
"The penalty was a pressure situation for me. Even an experienced player like me gets a few butterflies when it’s a 90th-minute penalty to win it 2-1."
Pardew plays down latest Pellegrini feud
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew was quick to play down a touchline altercation with opposite number Manuel Pellegrini after Manchester City claimed a hotly contested 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
The two clubs headed into the match first and second in the Premier League and City required an injury-time goal from rookie striker Kelechi Iheanacho to steal the points.
Matters came to a head on the touchline during the first half when, shortly after City forward Sergio Aguero hobbled out of the action due to a foul by Scott Dann, Yaya Toure made a similarly robust challenge on Palace midfielder James McArthur.
Reacting to the tackle, Pardew encroached into Pellegrini's technical area and the Chilean grabbed at his counterpart before gesturing for him to return to his own bench as the fourth official came between the pair.
Pardew and Pellegrini previously exchanged angry words when the former was in charge of Newcastle during a match at St James’ Park in January 2014, while Pardew was hit with a lengthy touchline ban two months later when he headbutted Hull City player David Meyler.
The Palace boss shook hands with Pellegrini shortly after Saturday's incident and jokingly played up his credentials as a changed character afterwards
"I was a little bit incensed by the tackle," he told a news conference. "I went past Manuel's box, he wasn't particularly pleased about that.
"But I didn't say anything and retreated back to my box as a good boy."
Pardew confirmed the handshake took place and added: "We were enjoying it actually, I enjoyed the game. If you were an ex-professional footballer today, coming to that game, you know that was a tough game.
"That was a really tough standard of football to play. No one really had too much time to pick out a pass. But once it went into the midfield and up front it was really high level stuff."
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew was quick to play down a touchline altercation with opposite number Manuel Pellegrini after Manchester City claimed a hotly contested 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
The two clubs headed into the match first and second in the Premier League and City required an injury-time goal from rookie striker Kelechi Iheanacho to steal the points.
Matters came to a head on the touchline during the first half when, shortly after City forward Sergio Aguero hobbled out of the action due to a foul by Scott Dann, Yaya Toure made a similarly robust challenge on Palace midfielder James McArthur.
Reacting to the tackle, Pardew encroached into Pellegrini's technical area and the Chilean grabbed at his counterpart before gesturing for him to return to his own bench as the fourth official came between the pair.
Pardew and Pellegrini previously exchanged angry words when the former was in charge of Newcastle during a match at St James’ Park in January 2014, while Pardew was hit with a lengthy touchline ban two months later when he headbutted Hull City player David Meyler.
The Palace boss shook hands with Pellegrini shortly after Saturday's incident and jokingly played up his credentials as a changed character afterwards
"I was a little bit incensed by the tackle," he told a news conference. "I went past Manuel's box, he wasn't particularly pleased about that.
"But I didn't say anything and retreated back to my box as a good boy."
Pardew confirmed the handshake took place and added: "We were enjoying it actually, I enjoyed the game. If you were an ex-professional footballer today, coming to that game, you know that was a tough game.
"That was a really tough standard of football to play. No one really had too much time to pick out a pass. But once it went into the midfield and up front it was really high level stuff."
Ineffective Southampton frustrate Koeman
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has demanded that his side improve their attacking play after a frustrating 0-0 draw with West Brom on Saturday.
In a match of few chances, only Jay Rodriguez went close for the Saints as they were forced to settle for a point at the Hawthorns.
And Koeman, whose side are now without a win in their last 10 away league matches, insists that his side must become more clinical if they are to climb the Premier League table.
"We played good football, but not many chances, apart from a big one in the first half from Jay," he said. "We had good organisation and defending, but with all the ball we had you'd expect a little more quality up front, so we have to improve.
"But if you can't score, make sure you don't lose, so I am happy with at least one point. [An away clean sheet] is always important, and I think little chances for West Brom only came from our mistakes.
"The key is to continue how we played, but improve in the final cross, pass or position in the box. We sometimes have too much difficulty to create and score."
Koeman, who was impressed by the returning Victor Wanyama, also expressed his pleasure at the performance of debutant Virgil van Dijk following his move from Celtic late in the transfer window.
"He looks comfortable, he was impressive. He was good in communication, in defending and his passing," he said.
"It's a fantastic sign for the club and for the player that he's shown he can step up straight away."
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has demanded that his side improve their attacking play after a frustrating 0-0 draw with West Brom on Saturday.
In a match of few chances, only Jay Rodriguez went close for the Saints as they were forced to settle for a point at the Hawthorns.
And Koeman, whose side are now without a win in their last 10 away league matches, insists that his side must become more clinical if they are to climb the Premier League table.
"We played good football, but not many chances, apart from a big one in the first half from Jay," he said. "We had good organisation and defending, but with all the ball we had you'd expect a little more quality up front, so we have to improve.
"But if you can't score, make sure you don't lose, so I am happy with at least one point. [An away clean sheet] is always important, and I think little chances for West Brom only came from our mistakes.
"The key is to continue how we played, but improve in the final cross, pass or position in the box. We sometimes have too much difficulty to create and score."
Koeman, who was impressed by the returning Victor Wanyama, also expressed his pleasure at the performance of debutant Virgil van Dijk following his move from Celtic late in the transfer window.
"He looks comfortable, he was impressive. He was good in communication, in defending and his passing," he said.
"It's a fantastic sign for the club and for the player that he's shown he can step up straight away."
Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool: Martial hits debut goal as Red Devils go second
Anthony Martial scored on his Manchester United debut as the Red Devils defeated fierce rivals Liverpool 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Daley Blind opened the scoring early in the second half and then saved his side at the other end with a tremendous goal-line clearance before Ander Herrera won and converted a penalty to put the hosts two up.
David de Gea, who signed a new contract this week, could do nothing to stop a stunning Christian Benteke overhead kick on his return to the starting line-up following the collapse of his move to Real Madrid before new signing Martial marked his debut by coming off the substitutes' bench to seal the points with an excellent solo goal.
The result meant United inflicted a second consecutive loss on Liverpool, while Louis van Gaal's side move up to second in the early-season table.
Simon Mignolet gave the travelling fans an early moment of panic by directing a throw straight at Juan Mata. The midfielder fed stand-in striker Marouane Fellaini, who was playing in place of the injured Wayne Rooney, but his long-range chip was well over the crossbar.
Poor control from Fellaini meant the rare opportunities United had in Liverpool's area came to nothing, while Liverpool struggled to provide their lone striker, Benteke, with any kind of meaningful service as neither side registered a shot on target in the first half.
Van Gaal made a half-time change with Ashley Young replacing Memphis Depay and the former Aston Villa winger made an immediate impact, winning a free-kick from Nathaniel Clyne on the edge of the box.
Mata took it, cleverly cutting a pass back to the 18-yard line where an onrushing Blind was unmarked. The centre-back took full advantage of the space, curling a sumptuous left-footed strike into the top corner.
A timely intervention from Chris Smalling gave United a let-off after De Gea's scuffed clearance had presented Liverpool with a rare opening at the other end before the Spain goalkeeper made amends with a sprawling stop to divert Danny Ings' bouncing effort away from goal after a free-kick had deflected into the forward's path.
Brendan Rodgers' side were starting to become more threatening and Blind had to make two frantic clearances from the goal-line after Martin Skrtel had headed on a James Milner corner to cause a mad scramble.
Any hopes of a Liverpool comeback were seemingly ended, though, when United won a penalty. Michael Carrick fed Herrera, who was felled by a Joe Gomez challenge in the box. The midfielder stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick himself and smashed his effort into the roof of the net.
Milner shot narrowly over with a free-kick and Benteke headed over the crossbar from a decent chance as the away team attempted to respond before De Gea was called into action again with a diving stop to deny substitute Jordon Ibe.
Liverpool continued to press and had hope of a late recovery when Benteke produced a stunning overhead kick after an Ibe cross deflected into his path.
But those hopes were dashed when Martial went on an excellent solo run, beating Skrtel and converting a cool finish into the far corner to mark his debut in style.
Van Gaal pleads for patience after Martial steals the show against Liverpool
Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United fans not to expect too much from Anthony Martial in the wake of the French teenager’s goal-scoring debut against Liverpool.
The 19-year-old came off the bench to net a glorious late goal which sealed United’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
But his manager was quick to temper expectations of the £36 million striker, insisting that players of his age cannot be relied upon to deliver the goods in every game.
“It was a fantastic goal, I can't deny that. But he's still 19-years-old,” Van Gaal told a post-match press conference.
"He has to adapt to a new culture and has to adapt to the Premier League. It was the right moment for a manager to introduce him as Liverpool needed a goal so he had space to work in. His finish was fantastic."
“It will give him a boost of course, but you still cannot expect a player of that age to have consistency. You cannot ask that. You can ask that from Schweinsteiger and Carrick, but not players at 19, 20, 21. He will have ups and downs.”
After a slow start, United struck early in the second half through Daley Blind and an Ander Herrera penalty. Christian Benteke’s wonderful overhead kick brought Liverpool back into the game, only for Martial to wrap up the three points.
The Dutchman added that he was happy with the performance, despite his side not having a shot on target during an uninspiring opening 45 minutes.
“Our performance was good, we were in very high control of the match. The first goal was a well-studied goal so all the meetings and training sessions have worked, and Daley took it well. And that decided the game, but we have to kill the game and we didn't do that,” he said.
“The throw-in off David De Gea started something and we have to avoid that. But the goal from Herrera was good, the pass from Michael Carrick was high quality. And then the young man, at 19, you have to be happy with that."
The 3-1 win puts United in second place in the Premier League, but Van Gaal maintains his sights are set higher.
“I think, in a difficult period like we had in the transfer period with players coming and going, we always were considered worse than other clubs and we have noticed that. We have done very well, we have 10 points from five matches and only one club has better.
“Our aim is to be the best, but we are five points behind Manchester City and we still look to be in that position.”
The former Netherlands boss added that skipper Wayne Rooney, who missed the game with a suspected hamstring strain, will not be rushed back to fitness and will likely miss the Champions League visit to PSV on Tuesday.
“I don’t want to take any risks with our captain, he is too important to our team. So I don't think he will play against PSV. I think he will be back for Southampton.”
Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United fans not to expect too much from Anthony Martial in the wake of the French teenager’s goal-scoring debut against Liverpool.
The 19-year-old came off the bench to net a glorious late goal which sealed United’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
But his manager was quick to temper expectations of the £36 million striker, insisting that players of his age cannot be relied upon to deliver the goods in every game.
“It was a fantastic goal, I can't deny that. But he's still 19-years-old,” Van Gaal told a post-match press conference.
"He has to adapt to a new culture and has to adapt to the Premier League. It was the right moment for a manager to introduce him as Liverpool needed a goal so he had space to work in. His finish was fantastic."
“It will give him a boost of course, but you still cannot expect a player of that age to have consistency. You cannot ask that. You can ask that from Schweinsteiger and Carrick, but not players at 19, 20, 21. He will have ups and downs.”
After a slow start, United struck early in the second half through Daley Blind and an Ander Herrera penalty. Christian Benteke’s wonderful overhead kick brought Liverpool back into the game, only for Martial to wrap up the three points.
The Dutchman added that he was happy with the performance, despite his side not having a shot on target during an uninspiring opening 45 minutes.
“Our performance was good, we were in very high control of the match. The first goal was a well-studied goal so all the meetings and training sessions have worked, and Daley took it well. And that decided the game, but we have to kill the game and we didn't do that,” he said.
“The throw-in off David De Gea started something and we have to avoid that. But the goal from Herrera was good, the pass from Michael Carrick was high quality. And then the young man, at 19, you have to be happy with that."
The 3-1 win puts United in second place in the Premier League, but Van Gaal maintains his sights are set higher.
“I think, in a difficult period like we had in the transfer period with players coming and going, we always were considered worse than other clubs and we have noticed that. We have done very well, we have 10 points from five matches and only one club has better.
“Our aim is to be the best, but we are five points behind Manchester City and we still look to be in that position.”
The former Netherlands boss added that skipper Wayne Rooney, who missed the game with a suspected hamstring strain, will not be rushed back to fitness and will likely miss the Champions League visit to PSV on Tuesday.
“I don’t want to take any risks with our captain, he is too important to our team. So I don't think he will play against PSV. I think he will be back for Southampton.”
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: Messi and Neymar on hand to nullify Torres opener
A goal from substitute Lionel Messi saw Barcelona record a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Saturday's La Liga encounter at the Vicente Calderon.
Both sides had won their opening two fixtures, but only Barca were able to keep up their perfect record in the Spanish capital, coming from behind to collect the three points.Atletico started without new signings Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Luciano Vietto and Jackson Martinez, while Luis Enrique opted to bench star attacker Messi.
Fernando Torres broke the deadlock after the interval, only for Neymar to restore parity four minutes later and Messi then scored the winner after coming off the bench.The result sees Barcelona move top of the table with nine points from three matches, while Atletico sit fifth.
The home side got an early chance to open the scoring after Juanfran set up Torres, but the former Liverpool star sliced his volley over the crossbar.
The Catalan side began to grow into the contest and Ivan Rakitic threatened with 15 minutes gone. Andres Iniesta reached the Croatia international after evading several challenges, but Jan Oblak made a good save to deny the midfielder. Torres then blasted off target following some excellent work from Antoine Griezmann.
Luis Enrique's men nearly broke the deadlock in the 25th minute via Luis Suarez, only for Oblak to deflect the Uruguay international's shot from close range onto the crossbar with a miraculous reflex.
Barca once more came close to the opener 10 minutes before half-time, as Jeremy Mathieu reached Suarez with a long ball and he in turn found Neymar, only for the Brazilian attacker's attempt to be blocked.
Atletico made a superb start to the second half and felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty after Javier Mascherano seemingly handled Torres' cross. They had reason to celebrate shortly after, though, as Tiago opened up the Barcelona defence with a sublime pass and Torres coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.Barcelona immediately levelled the scoring, however, as Neymar showed his class with a beautifully taken free-kick.
Substitute Ferreira Carrasco tried his luck with a right-footed shot after cutting inside, but his attempt lacked the power to worry Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Messi then came off the bench for the Catalans and the Argentina international did not need long to make an impact. Suarez set up his partner in crime up front and the 28-year-old opened his account this term with a sublime finish.
Martinez was introduced from the bench and had a decent chance to make it 2-2 just five minutes before the final whistle, but the Colombian striker's volley ended in Ter Stegen's hands as the visitors emerged victorious.
A goal from substitute Lionel Messi saw Barcelona record a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Saturday's La Liga encounter at the Vicente Calderon.
Both sides had won their opening two fixtures, but only Barca were able to keep up their perfect record in the Spanish capital, coming from behind to collect the three points.Atletico started without new signings Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Luciano Vietto and Jackson Martinez, while Luis Enrique opted to bench star attacker Messi.
Fernando Torres broke the deadlock after the interval, only for Neymar to restore parity four minutes later and Messi then scored the winner after coming off the bench.The result sees Barcelona move top of the table with nine points from three matches, while Atletico sit fifth.
The home side got an early chance to open the scoring after Juanfran set up Torres, but the former Liverpool star sliced his volley over the crossbar.
The Catalan side began to grow into the contest and Ivan Rakitic threatened with 15 minutes gone. Andres Iniesta reached the Croatia international after evading several challenges, but Jan Oblak made a good save to deny the midfielder. Torres then blasted off target following some excellent work from Antoine Griezmann.
Luis Enrique's men nearly broke the deadlock in the 25th minute via Luis Suarez, only for Oblak to deflect the Uruguay international's shot from close range onto the crossbar with a miraculous reflex.
Barca once more came close to the opener 10 minutes before half-time, as Jeremy Mathieu reached Suarez with a long ball and he in turn found Neymar, only for the Brazilian attacker's attempt to be blocked.
Atletico made a superb start to the second half and felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty after Javier Mascherano seemingly handled Torres' cross. They had reason to celebrate shortly after, though, as Tiago opened up the Barcelona defence with a sublime pass and Torres coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.Barcelona immediately levelled the scoring, however, as Neymar showed his class with a beautifully taken free-kick.
Substitute Ferreira Carrasco tried his luck with a right-footed shot after cutting inside, but his attempt lacked the power to worry Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Messi then came off the bench for the Catalans and the Argentina international did not need long to make an impact. Suarez set up his partner in crime up front and the 28-year-old opened his account this term with a sublime finish.
Martinez was introduced from the bench and had a decent chance to make it 2-2 just five minutes before the final whistle, but the Colombian striker's volley ended in Ter Stegen's hands as the visitors emerged victorious.
Juventus 1-1 Chievo: Late Dybala penalty earns Allegri's men a point
Champions Juventus finally got on the board in Serie A this season on Saturday but once again failed to convince in a 1-1 draw against surprise high-flyers Chievo.
Paulo Dybala netted an 84th-minute penalty to cancel out Perparim Hetemaj's early opener but Massimiliano Allegri's team could have been further behind at that stage.
Gianluigi Buffon kept out Bostjan Cesar early in the second half with a remarkable reaction save and the Chievo defender had another effort ruled out when he was adjudged to have fouled Leonardo Bonucci.
Allegri, who oversaw defeats to Udinese and Roma in the opening two games of the season, left star midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench with an eye on Tuesday's Champions League trip to Manchester City.
The France international produced an energetic second-half performance but it looked to be in vain before the unfortunate Cesar brought down fellow sub Juan Cuadrado.
Chievo return to the top of Serie A, while Juve remain in unfamiliarly lowly company.
Flushed with confidence from their emphatic 4-0 win over Lazio last time out, Chievo began with plenty of ambition and were quickly rewarded.
Valter Birsa's cross from the left struck Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli and fell invitingly for Hetemaj, who rifled an unerring shot across Buffon and into the bottom right corner from 22 yards – his first goal for the club he joined from Brescia in 2011.
It provided an early jolt for Juventus debutants Alex Sandro and Hernanes, who combined for the latter to draw a fine save from Albano Bizzarri with a long-range effort.
Roberto Pereyra sent a low curling effort past the far post that Bonucci narrowly failed to make contact with and the Argentina winger snatched badly at a 13th-minute chance when Hetemaj botched a clearance.
Juventus forward Dybala blazed an acrobatic attempt over in the 20th minute before a horrible touch from Bonucci almost let Riccardo Meggiorini in to double Chievo's advantage.
Pereyra crossed for Stefano Sturaro to head over in the 31st minute and Juventus were unable to redeem a ragged first-half display.
Allegri had seen enough to send Pogba on in place of the Claudio Marchisio for the second period but the hosts were soon indebted to a truly astonishing piece of goalkeeping from Buffon.
Cesar swivelled to volley goalwards from eight yards after Juventus failed to deal with a 52nd-minute set-piece, catching the shot sweetly, only to see the veteran Italy star thrust out his right hand and push the ball to safety.
Five minutes later Chievo enjoyed a miraculous escape of their own, with Pereyra striking the base of the post before Nicolas Frey magnificently blocked Pogba's follow up.
Pogba had penalty claims rejected when substitute Dario Dainelli grasped a handful of his shirt before Cesar was questionably penalised for a similar infringement
The Chievo man converted a 62nd-minute corner but fell foul of the officials despite himself and Bonucci grasping one another's jerseys.
Frey made another timely intervention as Juventus sub Cuadrado burst towards goal before Hernanes met his match in Bizzarri twice more.
The visitors' brave resistance was finally broken when Cesar brought down Cuadrado with minimal contact and Dybala smashed home emphatically to barely spare the blushes of the champions.
Champions Juventus finally got on the board in Serie A this season on Saturday but once again failed to convince in a 1-1 draw against surprise high-flyers Chievo.
Paulo Dybala netted an 84th-minute penalty to cancel out Perparim Hetemaj's early opener but Massimiliano Allegri's team could have been further behind at that stage.
Gianluigi Buffon kept out Bostjan Cesar early in the second half with a remarkable reaction save and the Chievo defender had another effort ruled out when he was adjudged to have fouled Leonardo Bonucci.
Allegri, who oversaw defeats to Udinese and Roma in the opening two games of the season, left star midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench with an eye on Tuesday's Champions League trip to Manchester City.
The France international produced an energetic second-half performance but it looked to be in vain before the unfortunate Cesar brought down fellow sub Juan Cuadrado.
Chievo return to the top of Serie A, while Juve remain in unfamiliarly lowly company.
Flushed with confidence from their emphatic 4-0 win over Lazio last time out, Chievo began with plenty of ambition and were quickly rewarded.
Valter Birsa's cross from the left struck Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli and fell invitingly for Hetemaj, who rifled an unerring shot across Buffon and into the bottom right corner from 22 yards – his first goal for the club he joined from Brescia in 2011.
It provided an early jolt for Juventus debutants Alex Sandro and Hernanes, who combined for the latter to draw a fine save from Albano Bizzarri with a long-range effort.
Roberto Pereyra sent a low curling effort past the far post that Bonucci narrowly failed to make contact with and the Argentina winger snatched badly at a 13th-minute chance when Hetemaj botched a clearance.
Juventus forward Dybala blazed an acrobatic attempt over in the 20th minute before a horrible touch from Bonucci almost let Riccardo Meggiorini in to double Chievo's advantage.
Pereyra crossed for Stefano Sturaro to head over in the 31st minute and Juventus were unable to redeem a ragged first-half display.
Allegri had seen enough to send Pogba on in place of the Claudio Marchisio for the second period but the hosts were soon indebted to a truly astonishing piece of goalkeeping from Buffon.
Cesar swivelled to volley goalwards from eight yards after Juventus failed to deal with a 52nd-minute set-piece, catching the shot sweetly, only to see the veteran Italy star thrust out his right hand and push the ball to safety.
Five minutes later Chievo enjoyed a miraculous escape of their own, with Pereyra striking the base of the post before Nicolas Frey magnificently blocked Pogba's follow up.
Pogba had penalty claims rejected when substitute Dario Dainelli grasped a handful of his shirt before Cesar was questionably penalised for a similar infringement
The Chievo man converted a 62nd-minute corner but fell foul of the officials despite himself and Bonucci grasping one another's jerseys.
Frey made another timely intervention as Juventus sub Cuadrado burst towards goal before Hernanes met his match in Bizzarri twice more.
The visitors' brave resistance was finally broken when Cesar brought down Cuadrado with minimal contact and Dybala smashed home emphatically to barely spare the blushes of the champions.
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