Diaz fires Liverpool top of Premier League, Man United held at Palace

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League with a resounding 3-0 win over Bournemouth as Manchester United were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win at West Ham, while Aston Villa are level on points at the top after coming from behind to beat Wolves 3-1.

Liverpool suffered the first setback of Arne Slot’s early days in charge when Nottingham Forest shocked Anfield seven days ago.

ALSO READ: Jackson double fires Chelsea to victory at woeful West Ham

But the Reds responded in style to blow Bournemouth away before half-time.

Luis Diaz was rested for an impressive 3-1 win at AC Milan to start Liverpool’s Champions League campaign in midweek.

Restored to the starting line-up, the Colombian struck twice inside two minutes.

Diaz pounced on a misjudgement from Kepa Arrizabalaga to latch onto Ibrahima Konate’s long ball and round the stranded Spanish goalkeeper before sweeping into an empty net.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then teed up Diaz to fire in his fifth goal of the season.

Darwin Nunez was making his first start of the season and ended his 14-game goal drought at club level in spectacular fashion by curling into the far corner.

A three-goal margin of victory takes Liverpool ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who also have 12 points, on goal difference.

“My first instinct was ‘Why does he shoot?’ He made the ball free and the defender was on the ground but a fraction of a second later the ball goes in off the post. Maybe he is a better player than I was in the past!” Slot said of Nunez’s strike.

United were back at Selhurst Park for the first time since their 4-0 humiliation towards the end of last season.

While they avoid another embarrassing loss, it was hardly a performance to remember from Erik ten Hag’s spluttering side against winless Palace.

United, who have won only two of their first five league matches, were indebted to Andre Onana for a sublime double save to deny Eddie Nketiah and then Ismaila Sarr.

“When we don’t win, I’m not content. Onana’s save was really brilliant but we should have won. First half, we ate them alive,” Ten Hag said.

“The only thing was in the box. We should be more clinical there.”

– Solanke off the mark –

Tottenham eased the pressure on Ange Postecoglou by beating Brentford 3-1 in north London.

Spurs had won just one of their opening four league games to continue a downward trend in form spilling over from the end of last season.

Bryan Mbeumo’s thumping volley after just 22 seconds put Brentford in front.

Spurs got the quick response they needed to stave off any revolt from the home fans.

Dominic Solanke opened his Tottenham account with a tap in after Mark Flekken parried James Maddison’s effort.

Brennan Johnson’s accurate low finish put the hosts ahead before Maddison secured the points five minutes from time with his first goal since March.

Villa also needed a turnaround for their fourth win in five games after Matheus Cunha blasted Wolves in front midway through the first half.

Ollie Watkins’ deflected effort equalised before a rare goal from Ezri Konsa put Villa in front.

Jhon Duran then continued his scintillating form as an impact substitute with his fourth goal this season off the bench.

– Chelsea cruise –

Chelsea continued their positive start under Enzo Maresca as Jackson’s double put a woeful West Ham to the sword at the London Stadium.

The Senegal striker now has four goals in five Premier League games this season after two cool finishes beyond Alphonse Areola as West Ham were opened up at will.

Jackson turned provider for Cole Palmer to round off the scoring inside the first two minutes of the second half.

West Ham have now lost their opening three home league games for the first time in their history to mark an inauspicious start for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Fulham swept to a 3-1 win against lacklustre Newcastle at Craven Cottage.

ALSO READ: Man City face Arsenal in Premier League title showdown

Ipswich struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw in the battle of the newly-promoted sides at Southampton.

Everton and Leicester are both also still looking for their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw at the King Power.

The blockbuster clash of the weekend takes place on Sunday when champions Manchester City host Arsenal, who have finished second to Pep Guardiola’s men for each of the past two seasons.