Premier League, Week 4: Jonjo Shelvey dominates a game...for both sides

Shelvey gave and took away from Swansea in a matter of just four minutes, scoring the opener before making a horrible error to help Liverpool level the score.

The Liverpool center forward came close to a second goal in the 25th minute, but he was brilliantly denied by Michel Vorm. Victor Moses set up the chance by dribbling through two defenders, then crossing for Sturridge, but his downward header was stuffed by the Swansea keeper.

This weekend, the first after the annoying early international break and the first one that feels like an actual standard round of games in the Premier League, the results were laid bare for all to see. And what a sight they were.

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, as the chant from the home fans at the Britannia went. Same sh*t, different day, manager, players, owner, philosophy, kit, club name and official sponsor.

West Ham, interestingly, had the first chance of the game. Mohamed Diame had his way with Luke Shaw in the Southampton box, spinning the young left back to the ground before unleashing an angled drive which Artur Boruc parried over more out of self-preservation than anything else. But that proved something of a false dawn for the visitors, who found themselves increasingly under siege as the half wore on.

Southampton starting lineup (4-4-2): Artur Boruc; Luke Shaw (Callum Chambers, 77’), Dejan Lovren, Jose Fonte, Nathaniel Clyne; Adam Lallana (James Ward-Prouse, 72’), Victor Wanyama, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jay Rodriguez; Pablo Osvaldo, Rickie Lambert.

Torres had Chelsea’s last big chance, a half-volley from eight yards in the 90th minute. Unsurprisingly, however, he fluffed it.

Everton: Howard, Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Coleman, Osman, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Naismith, Jelavic (McCarthy 66’)

As Cardiff faded, Graham had a fine opportunity to win the game in the last minute after getting a free header just six yards out from a hopeful cross, but put his effort directly at Joe Lewis, summing up a game where both sides just lacked the quality necessary to get all three points.

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Pellegrini made six changes in his lineup and it really showed as City lacked any real attacking fluidity and appeared lost for ideas when they finally got the ball into the final third. Stoke deserve credit for doing their job and bottling up City’s rare chances, but it was hardly attractive football from either side.

Stoke improved in the second half and put City under heavy pressure, still the goal remained elusive.

Arsenal are at least temporarily top of the table after their third straight league win. There was a bit of controversy thanks to the official, but the Gunners took their chances and earned a 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Sunderland wouldn’t get a chance to score again and make up for that officiating error before Arsenal doubled their lead through a gorgeous piece of play in the 76th minute. Ramsey was the man behind the goal again, both starting the attack and finishing off the move. He played a pass to Özil before starting a run into the box and was found by Giroud with a through ball before he placed a gorgeous finish into the back of the net.

Everton Injuries and suspensions

Out: Romelu Lukaku (ineligible), Antolín Alcaraz, Darron Gibson (both unfit). In doubt: Séamus Coleman, James McCarthy (both knocks).

Manchester United Injuries and suspensions

Out: Darren Fletcher (illness), Wayne Rooney (head). In doubt: Rafael (hamstring), Phil Jones (ankle).

Old Trafford; Saturday, 12:45 GMT/7:45 AM ET

Villa Park; Saturday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET