Premier League Weekend Review: Manchester flipped as Arsenal continue ressurection

Manchester City’s derby destruction of Manchester United means they’re the team to beat this season, Arsenal’s recovery remains on course after overcoming their bogey team and it's a case of the same old Liverpool despite their big-spending summer as we look back on the weekend's action accompanied by some fascinating Premier League statistics.

United suffer worst league defeat since 1955

Manchester City annihilation of Manchester United at Old Trafford not only gave Sir Alex Ferguson his "worst day in football" but it will prove to be a watershed moment as the Blue side of the English city are set for their time in the sun. Nobody could have envisaged the crushing nature of how Roberto Mancini’s men dismantled their more illustrious neighbours in such ruthless fashion before the game.

But it was the completeness of their team performance and not just the eye-catching scoreline which suggests that the tide is turning in Manchester. Despite United’s initial dominance, they simply couldn't pick the lock of City’s defence as they grew in stature after Mario Balotelli’s well-taken opener.

From Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany through to the magical David Silva, they were utterly magnificent in each facet of the game as they snuffed out almost every opportunity for the hosts while exposing the defensive frailties of the Old Trafford outfit simultaneously to maximise their own goal-scoring interests.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side may have dominated the Premier League since its inception but the Abu Dhabi-funded Citizens will prove to be his sternest test yet as they look to finally wrestle the mantle of best team in the city from the reigning champions in what will prove to be a fascinating duel over the course of the season.

Gunners have finally turned a corner

Arsenal continued the resurrection of their season with yet another win, this time against Stoke City. So often the awkward, physical opponent that the Gunners despise competing against, they dominated the game throughout to run out deserved winners in a promising performance from Arsene Weneger’s men.

Despite still missing influential pair, Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen, the North Londoners continue to grind out results, thanks largely to their talismanic club captain, Robin van Persie. The Dutchman came off the bench to emerge as the hero for the Emirates stadium outfit for the umpteenth time as his late brace saw off the resolute and hard-working opposition.

Aaron Ramsey was the architect for Gervinho’s opener as the Ivorian winger turned provider for his Netherlands team-mate towards the end as the three-time Premier League winners climbed up to 7^th in the Premier League table with the victory.

Liverpool drop two points at home

It seems for all the big bucks spent by Kenny Dalglish over the summer funded by John W. Henry, the same problems still persist within Anfield as they could only manage to draw 1-1 with Norwich. The Merseyside club were the much livelier side to start with and a combination of wasteful finishing along with sensational goalkeeping by John Ruddy, the Reds had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Craig Bellamy opened the scoring in first-half injury time but they were pegged back on the hour mark by Grant Holt’s stunning header when Liverpool’s rearguard was caught in disarray. Holt missed a gilt-edged opportunity to give the Canaries a shock lead when his goal-bound header was just about kept out by Pepe Reina as the frenetic game wore on.

However an inexplicable miss from record-signing Andy Carroll and a world-class save by Ruddy from Luis Suarez meant Liverpool were left to rue two dropped points. Their inefficiency in front of goal coupled with their fragility and lack of cohesion at the back means King Kenny still has issues to iron out as his newly assembled multi-million pound squad have failed to set the league alight thus far.

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