PA Media/dpa
London
Manchester City crashed to a fifth successive defeat as a James Maddison-inspired Tottenham thrashed the champions 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.
Maddison celebrated his 28th birthday with a double before Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson also got on the scoresheet as City’s recent woes followed them back to the Etihad Stadium.
After four consecutive away defeats, City had been looking to mark manager Pep Guardiola’s latest contract extension by returning to winning ways at home, where they had been unbeaten in 52 games stretching back two years.
Yet it was Maddison who stole the show after being recalled to the starting line-up by Ange Postecoglou, kickstarting his own party as City’s fell flat.
City had seemed in the mood to get back to business. As well as the boost generated by Guardiola’s new two-year deal, the atmosphere at the Etihad had been further lifted by the pre-game appearance of the injured Rodri to parade his Ballon d’Or trophy.
Yet City could really have done with the influential Spain midfielder, who is out for the season, in the team providing the spark rather than standing at the centre of a specially-arranged firework display.
His drive and direction was sorely missed as City, despite the return of John Stones and Manuel Akanji in defence, were frequently pulled apart by Spurs.
The defeat was City’s third in succession in the Premier League, and leaders Liverpool will now have the chance to move eight points clear on Sunday.
Arsenal return to
winning ways
Arsenal reignited their title bid in style as stunning strikes from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey and a first Premier League goal for Ethan Nwaneri wrapped up a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Saka crashed a 15th-minute opener past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels to set Mikel Arteta’s Gunners on their way to ending a run of four league games without a win.
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca made a winning return to his former club Leicester City as goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez earned Chelsea a comfortable 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.
Jordan Ayew’s stoppage-time penalty was the Foxes’ only shot on target and with just two wins in 12 games the pressure is continuing to build on boss Steve Cooper.
Matheus Cunha celebrated a goal in each half and added an assist as Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed their first away win of the Premier League season with a comprehensive 4-1 comeback victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Following their 2-0 victory over Southampton before the international break, Cunha’s strike after 31 minutes cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s opener before the Wolves forward set up Joao Gomes after the break.
Goals from Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley saw Aston Villa twice hit back from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with struggling Crystal Palace.
Ismaila Sarr stunned Villa Park with an early opener and after Watkins levelled, Villa missed the chance to go ahead when Dean Henderson stopped a Youri Tielemans penalty.
Moments later Justin Devenny grabbed his first professional goal to put Palace in front but the visitors were unable to hold out and Barkley’s 77th-minute strike confirmed a point for the hosts.
Everton failed to break through a resolute Brentford defence despite Thomas Frank’s men being forced to play with 10 men for almost an hour in a Goodison Park stalemate.
Christian Norgaard was sent off following a VAR intervention after catching goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on his knee as he slid in attempting to break the deadlock late in the first half.
Referee Chris Kavanagh did not issue a yellow card or award a foul but was advised to view the pitchside monitor and opted to dismiss the Denmark international.
Brighton & Hove Albion endured a nervy finale but Joao Pedro’s fourth goal of the season helped them to a fine 2-1 win at Bournemouth to continue Fabian Hürzeler’s flying start to life in the Premier League.
Premier League
Saturday ResultscColor:>
Leicester City 1 Chelsea 2
Bournemouth 1 Brighton2
Aston Villa 2 Crystal Palace 2
Arsenal 3 Nottingham 0
Everton 0 Brentford 0
Fulham 1 Wolverhampton 4
Manchester City 0 Tottenham 4.