Premier League Review: The Arsenal juggernaut rolls on

And after the international break, the Premier League resumed where it left off. Eight games were played on Saturday and the patterns set early in the season continued.

1. NEWCASTLE UNITED 2—- 2 LIVERPOOL

When Yanga Mbwia , the former QPR man, was sent off (for the fourth time in his brief Premier League career) and Steven Gerrard equalised from the resulting penalty just before half time, there seemed only one winner. Down to ten men after taking the lead through Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle left the pitch deflated at half time. But whatever Alan Pardew said in the dressing room fired them up and they took the lead after half time through Dummett only to be pegged back by a goal from Liverpool’s man in form Daniel Sturridge. The Toon held on for a point and this surely was a great result given the circumstances for Newcastle. They now climb into the top half of the table. Liverpool , after a bright start, now look tentative. Last season’s mistakes are starting to re-emerge. They will surely look at this as two points dropped than one gained.

Man Of The Match - Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool Captain equalised from the spot and was generally good, albeit, against ten men. Surely his best showing of this season.

2. ARSENAL 4—- 1 NORWICH CITY

The Arsenal machine just keeps churning out wins. After an amazing start to the season, suddenly it looks like Arsenal are a genuine threat to the title. Arsene Wenger is quietly confident. Against Norwich, his side showed pure class with amazing team work, cutting Norwich into pieces with intricate passing. Wilshere, under pressure this season, opened the scoring thanks to some amazing team work.  The new darling of North London, Mesut Ozil scored a brace while the Welsh wonder Aaron Ramsey added another goal to his incredible tally. Norwich , sadly , look like they are headed for a relegation dogfight. Can Arsenal keep up their momentum throughout the season?

Man Of The Match - Mesut Ozil. In an ever improving Arsenal side, Ozil was sublime and took both his goals well. These are happy days for the German and Arsenal.

3. CHELSEA 4—- 1 CARDIFF CITY

In a very controversial match, Chelsea overcame Cardiff City. David Luiz, the managers’ defensive nightmare, was involved in a mix up with Cech to gift Cardiff the lead at Stamford Bridge. Stunned silence echoed till Samuel Eto’o stole the ball from the Cardiff goalkeeper in an unsporting fashion and squared for Hazard to equalise. And further salt was rubbed on to Cardiff wounds when the Cameroonian scored to give Chelsea the lead. Oscar and Hazard added more goals while Mourinho was sent off to the stands . A convincing scoreline but a rather unconvincing victory for Mourinho’s men

Man Of The Match - Samuel Eto’o. The striker was very unsporting but ensured victory for his team. He scored the first Premier League goal from a Chelsea striker this season and looks to have edged Ba and Torres out from Jose Mourinho’s thoughts.

4. EVERTON 2—- 1 HULL CITY

Everton continued their brilliant start to the season. A controversial goal from Kevin Mirallas (a shot which appeared to brush Gareth Barry , in an offside position, in the way) gave Everton the lead. Hull didn’t lay down. The Tigers equalised through Yannick Sagbo . Romelu Lukaku was once again instrumental in the Toffees’ success this season. He out leaped a defender and flicked the ball on for super sub , Steven Pienaar to finish low. Everton have their sights on top four , though it is early days.

Man Of The Match - Steven Pienaar. The South African has been bit of a forgotten man these days. But he showed his class with a deft finish that would make Berbatov jealous!

5. MANCHESTER UNITED 1—- 1 SOUTHAMPTON

Dear, Oh dear. Just what is going on at Old Trafford this season? The Champions looked uninspired for majority of the match. The international break and Adnan Januzaj’s contract extension failed to break the pattern as United struggled to break down Southampton. Marouane Fellaini in particular was absolutely awful mislaying about twenty passes. Southampton dominated early only for Januzaj’s incisive through ball to cut them apart. Rooney’s shot rebounded to Van Persie who made no mistakes. And then United looked to settle for the 1-0 win. Moyes made some baffling substitutions bringing on Giggs and Smalling for Rooney and Nani. And they paid the price as Southampton deservedly equalised through Captain Adam Lallana from close range. United are eight points behind leaders Arsenal and are in eighth place. Time for the alarm bells?

Man Of The Match - Adam Lallana. The Southampton Captain and England winger was instrumental in his side playing a pressing game higher up the pitch. They got their reward with a late equaliser.

6. STOKE CITY 0—- 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION

I jinxed it. In my Preview, I had written on how entertaining a game this might turn out to be. However, Pulis or Hughes, the Potters facing of the Baggies was a dull affair, just like last season. Stephane Sessengon wasted gilt edged chances to put West Brom ahead. Charlie Adam chopped down Bera Hino in the area and somehow escaped without punishment (some awful refereeing from Webb and his assistants). Stoke then wasted a chance to steal the game at the very end.

Man Of The Match - Asmir Begovic. It is easy to criticise Sessengon for wasting those chances but Begovic made himself big and saved both the shots. The Bosnian who looked set for a move away from Stoke in the summer looks to be continuing from where he left off last season.

7. SWANSEA 4—- 0 SUNDERLAND

Much like at Manchester United, Sunderland seem to be having everything going against them this season. A brave first half display saw them go in level at half time. But a Phil Bardsley (returning to the side after banishment in the Di Canio reign) own goal resulted in a huge tumble as De Guzman added another immediately. Then, Sunderland saw their world collapse around them as Craig Gardner gave away a penalty which Wilfried Bony tuck away. Chico Flores added another for the Swans leaving Gus Poyet reeling on his first game in charge of Sunderland.

Man Of The Match - Chico Flores. The defender was the cause for the first goal with his duping run and scored the fourth. He also kept the Sunderland attackers quiet for the majority of the match.

8. WEST HAM 1—- 3 MANCHESTER CITY

In the late kick off, Manchester City got their first away win of the season. Sergio Aguero gave them the lead early in the first half and soon added another after the break. Portuguese striker Ricardo Vaz Te briefly gave West Ham hope with a header but Man City always looked in control and killed the game off with a sublime David Silva goal. West Ham didn’t have much to take from the game but there are teams doing much worse than them which will be of some consolation to Big Sam.

Man Of The Match - Sergio Aguero. With Champions League football around the corner, the Argentine looked in great touch and scored a sharp brace. He has been revitalised since his heroics in the Manchester Derby.