BLAZING BLUES IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
CHELSEA opened up a twopoint lead at the top of the Premier League with a 7-0 demolition of Norwich, while Phil Foden starred as Manchester City moved to second place after a 4-1 victory at Brighton on Saturday.
Mason Mount scored a hat-trick for the Blues at Stamford Bridge as the European champions coped easily without first-choice strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
Mount started the rout after just eight minutes and finished it with two more in the closing stages after Ben Gibson had been sent off for the visitors.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Ben Chilwell
were also on target for Thomas Tuchel’s men, while Max Aarons’ own goal summed up a sorry day for the Canaries.
Mount had not scored since May. “No matter how satisfied the coach is, the offensive guys need goals to be fully happy,” Tuchel said.
“He waited too long, so it was good that he got some goals. I agree he looked fresh again today.”
Norwich already looks destined for a swift return to the Championship with only two points and minus-21 goal difference from its opening nine games.
At the Amex Stadium, Manchester City underlined its determination to hold onto
the title with a commanding performance.
City took the lead after 12 minutes when Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez spilled the ball under pressure and Ilkay Gundogan applied the finish.
Bernardo Silva launched the rapid raid that produced City’s second goal in the 28th minute as he fed Jack Grealish for a low cross that Foden converted in clinical fashion.
Three minutes later, Grealish’s shot was blocked into the path of Jesus, whose effort deflected off Foden and past Sanchez.
Alex MacAllister got one back for Brighton with an 81st minute penalty after Ederson fouled Enock Mwepu.
But Riyad Mahrez converted Foden’s pass to wrap up an emphatic win in stoppage time.
“Phil is a player who can play in different positions but especially up front because he has the quality and precision. He is young and will keep improving,” City boss Pep Guardiola said.
Liverpool would climb back above City into second place, within one point of Chelsea, if it wins at arch rivals Manchester United on Monday.
The wait for a Premier League win for second-bottom Newcastle continues after it drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
Newcastle’s new Saudi
owners were given another reminder of the investment it will take to make the Magpies a force to be reckoned.
Interim manager Graeme Jones took charge for the first time since Steve Bruce was sacked and needed a moment of brilliance from Callum Wilson just to salvage a point.
Christian Benteke headed the Patrick Vieira’s men in front at Selhurst Park.
Claudio Ranieri got his first win as Watford manager as the Hornets twice came from behind to stun Everton 5-2 at Goodison Park.
Josh King failed to score as an Everton player last season, but hit a hat-trick to help move Watford six points clear of the relegation zone.