After winning their opening seven games of the season in all competitions, Liverpool have suffered a nightmare week to leave Arne Slot plenty to ponder over the international break.
Injury-hit Chelsea were well worthy of a dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge to end their three-game winless run in the Premier League.
Moises Caicedo blasted the Blues into a half-time lead with a blistering strike into the top corner on 14 minutes.
Alexander Isak’s £125 million move to Liverpool last month broke Caicedo’s record as the most expensive Premier League player of all-time.
The Swedish striker is still yet to score a league goal, but his deft touch teed up Cody Gakpo to equalise just after the hour mark.
However, Chelsea were not to be denied as Estevao slid in at the far post to meet Marc Cucurella’s cross deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations from manager Enzo Maresca who was shown a red card for sprinting down the touchline.
Liverpool now trail Arsenal by one point, while Chelsea edge up to sixth.
In Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge, Arsenal proved far too strong for the struggling Hammers to further their ambitions of a first Premier League title for 22 years.
Victory came at a cost for Arsenal as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured before half-time for the third time this season.
However, the strength in depth now on offer to Arteta has made light of Arsenal’s injury troubles.
“We dominated and fully deserved to win this,” said Arteta. “To go top of the table after some big fixtures over the last week and some injuries… we were able to respond.”
Declan Rice blasted high into the net on the rebound after Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s drive.
Bukayo Saka made the points safe midway through the second half from the penalty spot on his 200th Arsenal appearance after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Meanwhile, Manchester United handed Ruben Amorim some relief with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
The Portuguese had taken just 34 points from his previous 33 Premier League games in charge, but enjoyed a rare convincing win to give him some breathing space over the international break.
“We were a competitive and adult team today,” said Amorim. “We need to do this kind of performance away as well — it’s our responsibility to play like this.” (AFP)
