Rashford extends Man Uniteds perfect start
Chelsea take pole position
as Arsenal end winless run
AFP
AFP, LONDON: Chelsea swept to the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Burnley, while Arsenal won 3-1 at Watford to ease the pressure on Arsene Wenger on Saturday.
After a dismal title defence last season, Chelsea look revitalised under new manager Antonio Conte and the Italian was able to celebrate his third successive win after the most emphatic display of his brief reign.
Second-placed Manchester United are behind Chelsea only on goals scored after Marcus Rashford struck deep into second-half stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 win at Hull City.
So disappointing last term, Eden Hazard has made a vibrant start to the new campaign and the Belgium midfielder put Chelsea ahead with a superb run and clinical finish from the edge of the penalty area in the ninth minute at Stamford Bridge.
Willian was back for Chelsea after recovering from a calf injury and the Brazil winger doubled their lead in the 41st minute before Nigerias Victor Moses came off the bench to net the hosts third in the 89th minute.
It was a good performance. We have started very well this season but we must know we can improve, Conte said.
Eden Hazard must be this decisive in every game and Im pleased because I saw it today.
At Vicarage Road, Arsenals first victory of the season, after losing to Liverpool and drawing with Leicester City, should silence Wengers critics at least temporarily.
Failing to win their first two matches while struggling to make an impact in the transfer market had prompted some Arsenal fans to turn on Wenger again after many protested against him last season.
But there were no complaints as Arsenal took the lead in the ninth minute when Santi Cazorla stroked home a penalty after Nordin Amrabat elbowed Alexis Sanchez.
Chile forward Sanchez increased Arsenals advantage five minutes before half-time with a deft touch over Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Mesut Ozil was making his first start of the season after being rested following Euro 2016 and Arsenals German playmaker made up for lost time with a headed goal in first-half stoppage time.
Watfords Roberto Pereyra reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, but the Hornets remain winless.
I believe we shot ourselves in the foot in the first game and were under huge pressure. Today we had a good solid performance, Wenger said.
At the KCOM Stadium, United secured their third successive win under Mourinho as teenage striker Rashford finally turned their pressure into a tangible reward.
Frustrated by a resolute Hull defence, United won it in the second minute of stoppage time when substitute Rashford bagged his first goal of the season with a tap in from Wayne Rooneys low cross.
We deserved it and in a more comfortable way. It is a great feeling when you win the points in the last minute, Mourinho said.
The boys were very strong and the second half was like going to fight against a wall. We had an amazing mentality. We tried and tried and got it.
Leicester finally secured the first win of their title defence with a 2-1 success against Swansea City at the King Power Stadium.
