City pick up momentum with third victory

MANCHESTER CITY joined Manchester United on maximum points and climbed to first in the Premier League with a convincing 4-1 win at Stoke.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart again remained a substitute but City’s season and Pep Guardiola’s reign as manager gained a sense of momentum.

Last week’s 2-1 defeat of Sunderland was followed by Wednesday’s 5-0 Champions League win at Steaua Bucharest. At Stoke, two goals each from Sergio Aguero and Nolito brought City’s goals total to 11 in three games.

Chelsea proved capable of recovering from going behind to win 2-1 at Watford.

A late goal from Diego Costa from close range secured all three points.

The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place with six points from two games, behind only City, United and Hull, who won 2-0 at Swansea.

Substitute Shaun Maloney gave them the lead with a close-range finish in the 79th minute, and Abel Hernandez secured all three points in the second minute of stoppage time.

Tottenham climbed to sixth with a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace.

Summer signing Victor Wanyama headed his first goal for the club in the 83rd minute.

Fifth-placed Everton also have four points, having won 2-1 at West Brom.

Gareth McAuley had headed the hosts into the lead in the ninth minute. Kevin Mirallas then scored Everton’s equaliser at half-time.

Arsenal and Leicester drew 0-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Despite the North London club being the superior team they were unable to secure the goal needed to lift the pressure that has already built on manager Arsene Wenger.