English Premier League Matchday 9 Review: Chelsea Continue Dominance, Arsenal Answer Questions And United Win Away

While Premier League supporters got through the week that was the Wayne Rooney saga, Saturday's first match featuring Everton's visit to White Hart Lane to take on Spurs was a welcome relief to a situation that can only be described as annoying. While Rooney penned a new deal for the Red Devils and subsequently pissed off to Dubai or a warm, tropical destination to equal, football approached and needed to be played.

The Toffees agreed to that sentiment with a well earned draw on Saturday against Tottenham. Left back supreme Leighton Baines opened up the scoring with a smooth as silk free kick just outside the box while it seems Everton are finally looking the part of Premier League participants with a purpose in recent weeks. The massive Merseyside Derby win from last weekend complimenting Saturday's draw away looks to have Everton on the right path.

While it should be noted that both sides should be pleased with a point a piece, I can't help but describing the match that played out as a combination of missed opportunities from Spurs striker Peter Crouch. While Crouch dealt with two defenders surrounding him at set pieces, it was his inability to finish the few chances that he did receive - balls and crosses in from midfield, but precise in their delivery resulting in chances not taken. At the end of the day, Spurs were competing at a high level after coming off an insane schedule from their midweek Champions League loss away to Inter Milan, a ridiculous 48 hour turn around between the two matches. Harry Redknapp, welcome to European competition.

Chelsea's exploits on the field as of late have come at the expense of their midfield leader Frank Lampard who is still out injured, yet it hasn't stopped the Champions from continuing to dish out their precise brand of efficient attack. Carlo Ancelotti's men set up in their preferred formation, an attacking 4-3-3, against Wolves at home on Saturday to an eventual 2-0 home victory. Wolves ability to play pesky underachievers was only slightly overshadowed by Chelsea's ability to patiently await their chance and break out on the counter attack. Up 1-0 through Florent Malouda until late on, Chelsea scored a second through Salomon Kalou on a quick break to stay top and open a five point gab between themselves and second. It should be noted that although the title hasn't been handed to Chelsea just yet, their incredible goals scored to goals conceded ratio remains astounding and places Chelsea as early season favorites to again win the title. Through 9 weeks, Chelsea have scored 25 goals and given up just 2.

Recent draw specialists Manchester United looked to be continuing their woeful ways when in the 81st minute of their away match against Stoke City, they allowed Turkish goal specialist Tuncay Sanli the time and space needed to blast home the equalizer late on. United, having opened the scoring through new boy Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, looked set to again be on the ropes late on having conceded yet another goal to level the score. Cue again their young Mexican striker who was at the right place at the right time when a Patrice Evra strike deflected off the aforementioned Tuncay and into the waiting path of Hernandez who tapped home for the winner.

Saturday's win was an important one for United as they've finally broken through away from Old Trafford. The brace from Hernandez was a nice little nod and hat tip to the now injured Wayne Rooney. Rooney, now famous for his comments criticizing United for a perceived lack of ambition earlier in the week, comments obviously directed toward a summer signing spree of the not so who's who of world football - Hernandez himself from Mexican side Guadalajara, Chris Smalling from Fulham and Portuguese enigma Bebe - is left with the ball in his court upon his return.

Arsenal continued their good early season form with a 0-3 away win at potential title chasers Manchester City. The 0-3 scoreline was a flattering reflection for Arsenal who had a man advantage for almost the entire 90 minutes when City defender Dedryck Boyata was sent off early on when he pulled down Marouane Chamakh who was in on goal against Joe Hart. While Arsenal played the hand they were dealt with expertise, the neutrals wouldn't be remiss in questioning City boss Roberto Mancini's squad selection. Boyata had in fact started only one match prior to Sunday's showdown this season, City's 1-0 defeat of Chelsea in September. But the inclusion of the 19 year old in such an important match, especially when Joleon Lescott was available on the bench, raises an eyebrow towards Mancini who also left winger-fantastic Adam Johnson out of his plans.

Liverpool refilled their Oyster Card as their journey once thought stalled out has gotten back on track, at least for a week. Roy Hodgson, whether or not he's grasping at straws on such a big stage, rallied the troops for a 2-1 home win against Sam Allardyce's Blackburn. Goals from Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Fernando Torres saw the home side through.

Joey Barton proved provider for Newcastle who won away to bottom of the table West Ham on Saturday. The midfield man now back in the Premier League has had a myriad of off the field issues in recent years but has proved so far this season when focused, he's an important piece to Newcastle's shape. Starting the match on the right side, Barton's crossing and balls into the box resulted in two goals for two different teammates, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll reaping the rewards of the service.

A Richard Dunne own goal was the difference maker in the match featuring Aston Villa and Sunderland while West Brom, through their suave manager Roberto Di Matteo, continue their brilliant start by beating Fulham 2-1 at The Hawthorns.

Premier League debutantes Blackpool were downed away to Birmingham City, 2-0. Recently acquired from Valencia striker Nikola Zigic scored his second in as many weeks and looks to be settling into English football slowly but surely. The Greater Manchester Derby saw a point each shared between Wigan and Bolton at the DW.