Manchester City stormed ominously to the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win over Bournemouth, while Gabriel Jesus opened his Arsenal account in a 4-2 win over Leicester on Saturday.
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While soaring temperatures across England necessitated water breaks at all Premier League games this weekend, it was City who were on fire at the Etihad as promoted Bournemouth were thwarted.
Erling Haaland failed to score on his home debut but the Norwegian showed there is more to his game than goals as he used his strength before slotting past Ilkay Gundogan to open the scoring.
Kevin De Bruyne then took center stage with a brilliant strike with the outside of his right foot to find the far corner before the Belgian turned provider for Phil Foden to make it 3-0 before the break.
City eased up after the break but extended their lead in the 11th minute when Jefferson Lerma turned Joao Cancelo’s cross into his own goal.
– Jesus shines –
Haaland’s arrival at City was a factor in Jesus’ departure and the Brazilian already looks like a bargain for the Gunners as he marked his home debut with two goals and two assists to preserve Arsenal’s perfect start.
City boss Pep Guardiola has often steered Jesus to wider areas in recent seasons, but he has been brought in by Arsenal to become the number nine as they look to secure a place at the World Cup later this year with regular appearances as a central midfielder. forward.
The 25-year-old showed his eye for goal with a sumptuous chip over Danny Ward to break Leicester’s resistance and doubled his tally with a header from a corner at the back post.
William Saliba’s own goal gave Leicester a chance to gain a foothold in the game.
But the Foxes quickly dashed that hope as Ward flicked a simple cross into the box and Jesus pulled Granito Xhaka through on goal.
Another goalkeeping error at the other end earned Leicester another goal as James Maddison’s shot deflected in off Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal, however, responded instantly again to avoid a nervy finale as Gabriel Martinelli fired into the far corner before Jesus hit the post with a chance to complete his hat-trick.
– Gerrard beats Lampard –
Steven Gerrard won the first managerial clash between him and former England team-mate Frank Lampard as Aston Villa beat Everton 2-1 to get off the mark.
Goals from Danny Ings and Amy Buendia eased the pressure on the former Liverpool captain after a run of two wins in their previous 12 games dating back to last season.
However, Villa had to endure a nervy finish as Lucas Digne’s own goal gave Everton hope as Amy Martinez twice denied Anthony Gordon.
Leeds missed the chance to join City and Arsenal on six points after taking a 2-0 lead at Southampton.
Rodrigo’s brace put the visitors in front of St Mary’s but goals from Joe Arrib and Kyle Walker-Peters may have saved Ralf Hasenhütl’s job after it was reported this week that he could be the first sacked of the Premier League season.
Brighton and Newcastle failed to build on their impressive starts last weekend as both missed plenty of chances in a 0-0 draw at the Amex.
There were also no goals between Wolves and Fulham at Molineux after Aleksandar Mitrovic saw a late penalty saved by Jose Sa with a chance to win it for the visitors.
