Premier League, Week 9: Fernando Torres steals late win for Chelsea

City picked a very physical midfield to get a grip on the game, and as a result both sides struggled to create chances, mostly creating through opposition mistakes. None was more important than Torres’ winner after a horrendous defensive mistake from the visitors.

City’s very physical midfield had the predictable effect on the game -- the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to do much with it, while the hosts looked more dangerous on the counter-attack.

The weather in Wales certainly did little to help the normally solid Dutch keeper protect his side’s goal. Shortly after Rat’s impressive free kick, Vorm attempted to rescue a corner, and instead pushed the ball to Ravel Morrison. Fortunately for the hosts, the defense again came to the rescue to block Morrison’s shot.

As for the Swans, their best moment in the first half came early on, when Chico got on the end of a cross from Jonathan De Guzmán in the 17th minute. Jussi Jaaskelainen, however, managed to save his header from close range.

Goals: Soldado 80’ (p)

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Giving up the equaliser could easily have led to the hosts letting their tails drop, but they redoubled their efforts and were rewarded five minutes from full time thanks to a quite brilliant strike from substitute Fabio Borini, who raced onto an Altidore layoff, charged his way up the pitch and blasted a 25-yard finish into the top corner. Krul got fingertips to it, but he couldn’t prevent the goal.

Sunderland had to survive some late Newcastle pressure, but four minutes of injury time later they had their first win of the season. Pride restored at the Stadium of Light?

The hosts have enjoyed the better results in the fixture recently, most notably with Paolo di Canio inspiring his side to an emphatic win at the end of last season.

Chelsea injuries and suspensions

Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee). In doubt: Ashley Cole (rib).

Sunderland injuries and suspensions

Out: None. In doubt: Wes Brown (match fitness).

The scoreline shows a modest win, but the Saints completely dominated an awful Fulham outfit who struggled to get out of their own half for long periods, with the hosts’ energy and passing leaving Martin Jol’s men unable to compete.

The game got off to a fairly dull start, mostly bogged down in midfield, but the powerful duo of Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama soon turned the screw and began to win the battle, allowing Southampton to pass and probe around their opponents’ area.

That proved enough for Everton, as their opponents were unable to provide any more pressure after disappointingly fading as the game went on. Paul Lambert’s side have shown plenty of promise this season, but they haven’t quite had the points to show for it - today continued in much the same theme.

Stoke missed another fantastic opportunity in the 29th minute when Walters’ close range effort was blocked by De Gea. The United keeper made a great save but he was certainly helped by Walters kicking the ball right at him, rather than at the large amount of empty space on either side of the Spaniard.

As usually happens when you don’t put your opponent away, they come back.

Manchester United have rested several players after their midweek victory over Real Sociedad as they face Stoke City at home.

Robin van Persie returns to the lineup for the hosts, but Rafael, Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj are all given places on the bench only. Chris Smalling comes in at right-back, with Tom Cleverley in midfield and Shinji Kagawa and Nani starting on the flanks. Phil Jones continues to partner Jonny Evans at centre-back.

Manchester United injuries and suspensions

Out: Darren Fletcher (illness). In doubt: Robin van Persie (toe), Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, Danny Welbeck (knocks), Tom Cleverley (calf).

However, they play a West Brom team who have looked in good shape of late, bouncing back from a poor start to the campaign with a five game unbeaten streak. They’ve still only won twice this season, though do now seem to be clicking into a pretty good run of form.

Liverpool injuries and suspensions

That gap will probably be even bigger by the time the weekend’s out, with league leaders Arsenal enjoying a red-hot run of form -- even if they did lose to Borussia Dortmund in midweek. Arsène Wenger’s side have only lost in the Premier League all season, and are unbeaten on their travels so far.

Crystal Palace injuries and suspensions