The Premier League is heating up. Heading into the international break, who looks strongest?
Related Story: FanSided Premier League Week 3 roundtable
20. Crystal Palace (No change)
First of all, Palace deserve some recognition for finally breaking through and scoring a single goal, after blowing a penalty chance in the first half. Captain Scott Dann drew his side level in extra time in as thrilling a display of resilience as possible in a game of such relative inconsequence.
19. Stoke (LW: 17)
There was so little Stoke could have done about the rebound Shay Given put in on behalf of Leighton Baines, or the foul Phil Bardsley committed leading to that penalty (which looked more incidental than purposeful). Even so, Stoke squandered a golden opportunity to top a stellar opponent.
18. Bournemouth (LW: 19)
Bournemouth came out of the gate firing, scoring in the first 11 minutes. Though the foul in the box to gift Palace a penalty was a bit reckless, Artur Boruc’s save was spectacular. Bournemouth otherwise created several solid chances.
17. Watford (LW: 16)
Beleaguered and bewildered, Watford stumbled out of the gate, but they did have a legitimate appeal with regard to the early Santi Cazorla penalty. It is hard to think the Hornets would have pulled one over on Arsene Wenger anyway, but Roberto Pereyra’s rebounded goal was enough to keep Watford falling further.
16. Sunderland (LW: 18)
Jermain Defoe executed a textbook stutter approaching his penalty, which he rattled into the top left corner of the net. Only minutes later, however, the Black Cats surrendered the lead and did not show particular interest in taking any chances to regain it.
15. Burnley
Winners of the week before with their shock result over Liverpool, Burnley returned to earth in the drubbing against Chelsea. With great success comes controversy, and Andre Gray was nowhere to be found following his week in the media spotlight. What had worked against Liverpool – namely, the counterattack – was nonexistent this time.
14. Swansea (LW: 12)
A late push gave Swansea hope after Leroy Fer finished a splendid header past reserve keeper Ron-Robert Zieler. The Swans were unable to take advantage of a tired, depleted Leicester side in the final ten minutes or the problematic weather conditions.
13. Southampton (LW: 15)
The amount of urgency with which Southampton played following Jermain Defoe’s penalty was impressive, though it probably should not have been required in the first place. The Saints dominated possession, and Jay Rodriguez’s stroke to equalize should only have been the cherry on top, not the entire sundae.
12. West Ham (LW: 9)
In doubling City’s number of fouls and attempting several boneheaded passes, the Hammers made too many errors. Michail Antonio’s headed finish off an Arthur Masuaku cross exposed a tactical breakdown in City’s backline, but those chances were few and far between.
11. West Brom (LW: 13)
In truth, West Brom were likely lucky to pick up any points at home this week. Ben Foster showed excellent control on corners, particularly in the closing minutes.
10. Middlesbrough (LW: 11)
Undefeated and picking up points wherever they can get them, Middlesbrough may have just usurped Hull as the popular early frontrunner for “this year’s Leicester.” Even without scoring, Alvaro Negredo continues to impress with forceful runs.
9. Hull (LW: 7)
Try as they did, Hull simply could not find a way to take a point against Manchester United. Sloppy conditions and mindless mistakes from the opposition seemed to point toward possible victory, or at least points, for Hull, but they were to have no such luck. Even so, the Tigers put on a well-rounded performance against one of the league’s best sides.
8. Leicester (No change)
When both Jamie Vardy and Wes Morgan score, it is a sure indication that the defending champions are in the mood. A delayed hernia surgery finally caught up to Kasper Schmeichel, who left the game but is expected to be ready for the next match on Sept. 10.
7. Liverpool (LW: 10)
For much of the day, Liverpool played as if the Burnley disaster was ancient history. James Milner finished a penalty for the lead, and the referees called back another goal for offside. The international break may be just what Jurgen Klopp needs to put the pieces at his disposal together.
6. Tottenham (LW: 5)
Neither Spurs nor their opponents looked particularly inspired on the day, but Tottenham had more chances. Harry Kane continues to struggle, leading to both speculation of a curse and Mauricio Pochettino hinting at a possible deadline day move to supplement his attacking options.
5. Arsenal (LW: 6)
As expected, the Gunners thoroughly dominated this game, scoring thrice in the first half before easing back on the throttle and riding home to three points. Santi Cazorla’s penalty to open the scoring set the tone, and Arsenal played with confidence from the start.
4. Everton (No change)
Though the difference came courtesy of a piece of luck after a missed Leighton Baines penalty, Everton were the consistently stronger squad. Crisp passing and calculated defensive maneuvers led to several chances and nine corners. Everton now have more points through their first three games than they have had in any season over the past 10 years.
3. Chelsea (No change)
Having gone slightly chilly last week following a strong opener, Eden Hazard played masterfully, curling in a low shot to open the scoring. Chelsea’s defense looked stout, leaving Thibaut Courtois with little work.
2. Manchester City (No change)
Raheem Sterling was the story of the day for City, particularly because of his brace. Very early and very late, Sterling finished what David Silva began, allowing City to keep pace with their crosstown rivals. Fernandinho knocked in a powerful header as well.
1. Manchester United (No change)
Chairman Mou continues to rein supreme, though just by the skin of his teeth. In a soaked affair at KCOM Stadium, the Red Devils overcame a strong Hull effort. In his first appearance of the season, Marcus Rashford turned in a stellar substitute performance, which he capped off by slotting home a Wayne Rooney cross to claim the three points.