Manchester City fire a blank as rivals march on – Premier League talking points

There was plenty of drama and talking points once again as the Premier League action continued this weekend.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five things we learned from the latest round of fixtures.

Tired City draw unexpected blank

After netting 16 goals in their previous three home games, having dispatched Norwich and Arsenal 5-0 before sweeping past RB Leipzig 6-3 in their midweek Champions League opener, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was expecting another onslaught. However, the champions were unusually blunt in attack, only managing one effort on target – and that in the 90th minute – as Saints battled to a goalless draw. City boss Pep Guardiola thought the lack of preparation time after their European exploits played its part and also felt guilty for not rewarding the City fans with a win following his midweek rallying call. However, with three tough away games coming up at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and then Liverpool, there is not much opportunity ahead to fully recharge.

Refreshed Reds look up for the challenge

United show steel to blunt Hammers

Having come up short in their own Champions League opener away to Young Boys in Switzerland, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side produced the perfect response to fight back and take all three points at West Ham. Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth goal in three games since re-signing quickly had them back on level terms after falling behind to a deflected strike from Said Benrahma, before Jesse Lingard’s stunning late goal completed the turnaround. Yes, there was still late drama when Irons skipper Mark Noble came off the bench to see his stoppage-time penalty saved, but dropping two points would have been rough justice on a squad which very much looks ready to mount a long-overdue sustained title challenge.

Silva lining as Blues sink Spurs

There was little sentiment shown by Chelsea on the pitch as they continued their own impressive start with a 3-0 win at Tottenham. Everyone in the stadium was united before kick off to hold a minute’s applause in tribute to former England, Tottenham and Chelsea striker Jimmy Greaves, Spurs’ record goalscorer, who died at the age of 81 on Sunday morning. Thomas Tuchel’s side, though, have displayed a ruthless streak to adapt to whatever is needed to grind out a result this season. The latest came after working through the first half before making the needed tactical changes during the interval. Defender Thiago Silva crashed in a header from a corner to break the deadlock before substitute N’Golo Kante’s deflected effort and a late strike by Antonio Rudiger wrapped up another hard-earned victory – which also inflicted a second straight league defeat for Spurs under Nuno Espirito Santo.

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