Let’s put all the stories of matchweek 4 into one place. A lot of interesting stuff happened over the weekend following the international break.
Matchweek 4 Roundup
Cristiano Ronaldo dominates headlines, Romelu Lukaku steals some of his own
On Saturday, there was just one story, and its name is Cristiano Ronaldo. The whole nation was eagerly anticipating the Portuguese superstar’s return, and he showed why. His two goals helped Man United get past a stubborn Newcastle United team. Ronaldo had opened the scoring in stoppage time of first half, but Javi Manquillo equalized for the Magpies in the second half. Ronaldo very quickly reestablished the hosts’ advantage with his second. Further goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard meant United ended the week at the top.
In the late kick-off, there was another former player making his second home debut. Romelu Lukaku wasted little time in making himself at home with a 14th-minute trademark Lukaku goal. But despite Aston Villa’s strong fight-back, goals from Mateo Kovačić and a second from Lukaku sealed a 3-0 win for the Blues. That win took them joint top with United, behind only on goals scored.
Elsewhere, Man City continued their recovery with a 1-0 win at Leicester. Bernardo Silva’s 60th-minute goal sealed the win for Pep Guardiola’s men. His former assistant Mikel Arteta picked up his first win of the season at home to Norwich City. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s controversial goal was enough to take the Gunners off the bottom. Norwich are now the only team yet to pick up a point.
Patrick Vieira secured his first win as Crystal Palace manager, beating Tottenham 3-0. Spurs were the only 100% team left, but that run ended in rude fashion, with new signing Odsonne Édouard stealing the show with a brace. Bruno Lage also won for the first time with Wolves thanks to a 2-0 win at Watford.
Mo Salah scores landmark goal in emphatic win
There was a lot of anticipation when Liverpool visited Elland Road packed to its rafters. The match turned out to be a damp squib as Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring with his 100th goal in the Premier League. He became the 30th player to reach that milestone and the fifth fastest, doing so in just 162 appearances. Further goals from Fabinho and Sadio Mané heaped pressure on Leeds United, who had Pascal Struijk sent off for a reckless challenge. Marcelo Bielsa’s charges are yet to win this season. Meanwhile Liverpool joined Man United and Chelsea at the top. Chelsea and Liverpool still have identical records after four games.
There was Monday night action too, unbeaten Everton took on winless Burnley. No upsets, the match finished 3-1 in favor of the home side. Demarai Gray continuing his good form since signing for Everton as the Toffees climbed joint top. An impressive start once again by Everton, whose fans might just start warming to their former Liverpool manager.