Wayne Rooney

Harry Kane netted twice as Tottenham Hotspur powered to a 4-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, taking his goal tally for the season to eight and making him the Premier League's leading scorer in 2017-18.

Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli also scored to help Spurs claim their second Wembley win of the league campaign, with manager Mauricio Pochettino's men sitting joint-second and five points off leaders Manchester City.

Tottenham weren't the only north London powerhouse to thrive on Sunday, as Arsenal's triumvirate of Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil led the way to a 5-2 drubbing of 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

Wayne Rooney got the breakthrough on Merseyside before the visitors notched four in succession, and Oumar Niasse came off the bench to give the hosts a late second in injury time. Idrissa Gueye's second-half red card helped opened the floodgates for Arsenal.

Read on for an updated look at the Premier League's top scorers, provided courtesy of WhoScored.com, complete with the latest top-flight standings and highlights.

        

Sunday's Premier League Scores

Everton 2-5 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Liverpool

                   

2017-18 Premier League Top Scorers

1. Harry Kane (Tottenham), 8 goals

2. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), 7 goals

3. Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), 7 goals

4. Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), 6 goals

5. Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), 6 goals

6. Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), 6 goals

7. Leroy Sane (Manchester City), 5 goals

8. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), 5 goals

9. Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal), 5 goals

10. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), 5 goals

          

2017-18 Premier League Table (Goal Difference)

1. Manchester City: 25 (+28)

2. Manchester United: 20 (+18)

3. Tottenham Hotspur: 20 (+13)

4. Chelsea: 16 (+7)

5. Arsenal: 16 (+5)

6. Watford: 15 (-2)

7. Newcastle United: 14 (+2)

8. Burnley: 13 (-1)

9. Liverpool: 13 (-2)

10. Southampton: 12 (-1)

11. Huddersfield Town: 12 (-3)

12. Brighton & Hove Albion: 11 (-1)

13. West Bromwich Albion: 10 (-3)

14. Leicester City: 9 (-2)

15. Swansea City: 8 (-4)

16. West Ham United: 8 (-9)

17. Stoke City: 8 (-10)

18. Everton: 8 (-11)

19. Bournemouth: 7 (-7)

20. Crystal Palace: 3 (-17)

Visit the official Premier League website to view the table in full.

          

Harry Kane Sweeps Liverpool Aside

Kane may not have scored his first Premier League goal of the campaign until after yet another blank August, but that didn't prevent him moving to the head of the goalscorers' list with a brace against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Reds defence crumbled at Wembley as Kane bookended the outing with Tottenham's first and last goals of the afternoon, and Match of the Day noted his growing knack for scoring in higher numbers:

It's been another good day for Harry Kane.

He's now scored four Premier League braces already this season! pic.twitter.com/ohSlnJx4x0

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 22, 2017

The England international also assisted Son to score Spurs' second, while Alli reacted quickest right before the half-time whistle to make the most of Liverpool's slow reactions at the back. Salah reduced the deficit when the Reds trailed 2-0, but manager Jurgen Klopp's side failed to build on that contribution.

Kane unfortunately came off in the 88th minute, appearing to clutch at his hamstring, although Pochettino may have withdrawn him as a precaution. The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe summarised an outstanding display:

Kane has gone off. He will reappear in Liverpool defenders nightmares for the next few weeks. They’ve been hopeless. He is magnificent.

— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) October 22, 2017

While Tottenham were derserving of their credit, Liverpool's teetering defence was again a root cause of their own chaos.

Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry even went so far as to suggest Reds centre-back Dejan Lovren—who was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool trailed 2-1, was afraid of the imposing Kane, per Lewis Winter of the Daily Express: "Everybody is talking about world-class...not world class. For me it doesn't really matter. What he has is people fear him. Lovren, that was raw fear."

         

Arsenal's Attacking Trio Leave Everton Limping

The hopes of many an Arsenal fan were finally realised on Sunday, when contract rebels Ozil and Sanchez came together alongside summer signing Lacazette against a vulnerable Everton side, per James Olley of the Evening Standard:

Lacazette, Sanchez & Ozil must have been Wenger's ideal front three in August. They start together for the first time today.

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 22, 2017

It would be logical to think starting one's best players will lead to optimal results, but due to the contractual unrest of off-pitch matters in north London, per Sky Sports, it hasn't been that simple for the Gunners this season.

That was until Sunday, at least, and after suffering a 2-1 defeat at Watford in their previous league outing, Arsenal's most expensive trio came together in a big way to prolong the Toffees' recent misery, as illustrated by Squawka:

Arsenal's front three vs. Everton:

Alexandre Lacazette ⚽️
Alexis Sanchez ⚽️🅰️
Mesut Özil ⚽️🅰️

The first time they've started together. pic.twitter.com/lhW6n6DEfy

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2017

Left-back Nacho Monreal and midfielder Aaron Ramsey also got on the scoreline—Jack Wilshere assisted the latter not long after coming on—but it was Lacazette, Ozil and Sanchez whose performances grabbed most attention.

Manager Arsene Wenger will be particularly proud of his stars, considering it was Rooney who opened the scoring for the Evertonians after just 12 minutes in an eerie replica of his debut Premier League strike 15 years on:

Wayne Rooney scoring against Arsenal like it’s 2002 all over again 🔵 pic.twitter.com/QPMuwj5ibJ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 22, 2017

Lacazette ended a two-match barren run in the top flight and brought his goals for the campaign up to five, while Sanchez and Ozil each scored their first goals of the league term.

Arsenal return to the Emirates in Week 10 for the visit of Swansea City, when fans will hope to see their flourishing trio of attackers continue to bloom in what could be the beginning of their rebirth.

Arsenal piled more misery on 10-man Everton on Sunday, as they came from behind to win 5-2 at Goodison Park to leave the Toffees in the relegation zone.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort before Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil replied for the Gunners either side of the break.

Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey netted after Idrissa Gueye earned his marching orders in the 68th minute for his second bookable offence before Oumar Niasse and Alexis Sanchez got on the scoresheet in injury time.

Arsenal almost scored through Ramsey after just two minutes when he latched on to Ozil's neat flick, but Jordan Pickford made a fingertip save to tip the Welshman's curling effort around the post.

The visitors continued to test Pickford early on, and after firing at him from a narrow angle, Lacazette should have broken the deadlock when he met Ramsey's pull-back six yards out, only to fire straight at the stopper.

His miss would prove costly, as Rooney netted against the run of play shortly after. Gueye caught Granit Xhaka in possession before offloading to Rooney, who curled home a stunning effort from 25 yards.

ESPN FC's Mattias Karen was hardly surprised:

So Arsenal. Waste good chances, give ball away and concede a goal. Now is the time to show some cojones.

— Mattias Karén (@MattiasKaren) October 22, 2017

Buoyed by the goal, the hosts imposed themselves more on the contest, and it was almost 2-0 when Petr Cech allowed himself to be closed down by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a nervy moment.

However, the Gunners continued to create chances thanks to their slick passing in the final third, and Ramsey and Hector Bellerin forced yet more saves from Pickford. Arsenal deservedly pulled level late in the half when Monreal reacted quickest to turn home a rebound after Pickford had kept out Xhaka's long-range effort.

Bleacher Report's Matt Jones gave his take at half-time:

Fortunate to be level there really. Arsenal the superior side in every area. Pickford keeping Everton in it. Something needs to change #EFC

— Matt Jones (@MattJFootball) October 22, 2017

Squawka Football supplied the numbers behind the visitors' dominance:

Arsenal had more shots in the first half (17) vs. Everton than they have had in any league game in the past 6 seasons.

Peppering Pickford. pic.twitter.com/h9zUg5ppN7

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 22, 2017

Ozil put Arsenal ahead eight minutes into the second half. After Lacazette combined with Sanchez on the left, the Chilean floated a lovely cross into the near post for the German to glance home.

Everton's afternoon got worse when Gueye—booked in the first half—picked up his second yellow card.

Lacazette made sure of the result six minutes later when he converted an Ozil pull-back, the German's first Premier League assist of the campaign. Bleacher Report's James McNicholas was impressed:

https://twitter.com/gunnerblog/status/922100645603274753

Ramsey looked to have wrapped up the win when he finished substitute Jack Wilshere's through ball in the 90th minute, but there was still time for Oumar Niasse to capitalise on a defensive mix-up between Monreal and Cech to score at the other end.

Sanchez then struck from a tight angle in the 95th minute to round out the scoring.

The result left Everton 18th in the English top flight and manager Ronald Koeman in jeopardy after such a poor start to the season.

Arsenal move level with fourth-place Chelsea and nine points behind league leaders Manchester City, whom they face on November 5 after hosting Swansea City in their next Premier League outing.

Wayne Rooney was on point for Everton in Week 8 of the 2017-18 Premier League, but the Toffees slumped to a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Elsewhere, Manolo Gabbiadini bagged a brace in Southampton's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

For the full results from Week 8, the EPL standings and the current top scorers, visit WhoScored.com.

      

Recap

The 2017-18 campaign has not been a good one for Everton so far, and the Toffees struggled yet again on Sunday, needing a last-minute penalty to grab a point.

Anthony Knockaert has given the hosts a late lead before Rooney, who had been kept quiet until that point, converted from the penalty spot.

Per Squawka Football, it proved to be an efficient outing for the veteran forward:

Wayne Rooney's game by numbers vs. Brighton:

4 chances created
2 tackles won
1 shot
1 goal

Cool head when needed. pic.twitter.com/ByyQVC1QKP

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 15, 2017

Bruno Saltor had caused the penalty with a foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

While the Toffees did manage to grab a point against an Albion team that has been solid so far in their first season in the Premier League, the way they played caused more unrest among the fans.

Ronald Koeman's brand of football has been uninspiring, and the manager appears to have lost all credit among the fans. Sports writer Richard Buxton was blunt in his assessment:

https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/919566968793042944

Everton sit just three points ahead of the relegation zone and miles behind the league leaders―a dreadful position for a club expected to challenge for a spot in Europe. Koeman's fate seems sealed at this point, and it's only a matter of time before he's sacked or leaves his post.

In Sunday's other outing, Newcastle United took the lead through Isaac Hayden before Gabbiadini finally found the net again for Southampton.

As shared by Squawka Football, the Saints have struggled in front of goal:

Southampton have only scored two goals from open play at home in the Premier League this season.

Manolo Gabbiadini has scored them both. pic.twitter.com/B8c1sqR4T1

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 15, 2017

The Magpies have been impressive in their return to the Premier League and reclaimed the lead through Ayoze Perez early in the second half. Gabbiadini would add a second goal from the penalty spot, however, setting up a tense finale.

No more goals would be scored, however, as the two sides shared the spoils.

Wayne Rooney has been fined two weeks wages by Everton after his conviction for drink-driving.

Simon Stone of the BBC reported on Wednesday the money will be donated to the Toffees' community scheme.

According to BBC News, the former Manchester United captain was arrested in Cheshire after being stopped by police on Sept. 1.

Rooney was recorded as three times over the legal limit and later pleaded guilty to the charge in court on Monday. He received a two-year driving ban and £170 fine from Stockport Magistrates' Court along with 100 hours of community service.

After receiving the verdict, Rooney commented:

"I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong."

"I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career."

"Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service."

Everton forward Wayne Rooney pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving at Stockport Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The news came via Daniel Taylor of the Guardian:

Wayne Rooney has just pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving in a VW Beetle on September 1

— Daniel Taylor (@DTathletic) September 18, 2017

Rooney was stopped after police noted that the tail-light of the VW Beetle was not working. Rooney 'perfect gentleman' after his arrest

— Daniel Taylor (@DTathletic) September 18, 2017

The striker's punishments were as follows:

Wayne Rooney has been given a two-year driving ban, a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work

— Daniel Taylor (@DTathletic) September 18, 2017

Rooney's two-year driving ban will be reduced by 24 weeks if he undergoes a specialist driving course by 2 Feb 2019. Case now finished.

— Daniel Taylor (@DTathletic) September 18, 2017

Rooney was captured arriving in court by 5News:

Some shout ‘put him in handcuffs’ while others wish Wayne Rooney good luck as he arrives in court to face drink-driving charges pic.twitter.com/yI9WFNCHTe

— Channel 5 News (@5_News) September 18, 2017

Taylor also reported the striker's alcohol reading was 104; the legal limit is 35. As noted by BBC's Dan Roan, Rooney expressed remorse for his actions via his lawyer:

Rooney has pleaded guilty to drink-driving; his lawyer says he "wishes to express his genuine remorse for...a terrible mistake"

— Dan Roan (@danroan) September 18, 2017

Rooney lawyer says his client has written letter to judge "expressing his regret & how he recognises he's let down himself, family & fans"

— Dan Roan (@danroan) September 18, 2017

Following the hearing, he released the following statement, per Simon Peach of the Press Association:

Wayne Rooney has apologised for his "unforgivable lack of judgement" in a statement to @PA after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge pic.twitter.com/IIwhtPA7ws

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) September 18, 2017

As noted by BBC, the 31-year-old was charged on the morning of September 1 after police stopped his car in Wilmslow, Cheshire. The former Manchester United and England striker was released on bail.

Matt Lawton of the Daily Mail reported that Rooney is also expected to be fined two weeks' wages by his club.

Rooney was present in Stockport Magistrates' Court a day after he returned to United as an Everton player; the Toffees lost the contest 4-0.

Manchester United moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after a 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The two clubs lead the way on 13 points with an identical goal difference of 14 (16 goals scored and two conceded), while the defeat leaves Everton in the bottom three.

In the early fixture, Chelsea and Arsenal shared the points at Stamford Bridge.

The draw sees the champions move into third place in the table, three points behind the Mancunians, while Arsenal remain down in 12th.

Here's a look at Sunday's results:

Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal

Manchester United 4-0 Everton

For a look at the updated standings, visit WhoScored.com by clicking here.

         

Recap

Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, the first time the Blues have failed to score at home under Antonio Conte, per Opta:

0 - Chelsea failed to score in a competitive home match under Antonio Conte for the first time (27 games). Stalemate. pic.twitter.com/fH8dDubjNK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 17, 2017

Both teams were without key players, with the hosts leaving Eden Hazard on the bench while Alexis Sanchez was only a substitute for the Gunners.

Sports reporter Ian Abrahams shared the two lineups before kick-off:

Today's teamsheet - Chelsea v Arsenal pic.twitter.com/GwXWO8WFbt

— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) September 17, 2017

A tightly contested first half saw few chances, although Arsenal did have the better chances on goal.

The Gunners might have opened the scoring after Aaron Ramsey burst into the box and hit the post. The rebound fell to Alexandre Lacazette, but he could only smash the ball high over the crossbar.

ESPN FC's Liam Twomey felt that Chelsea were fortunate to be on level terms at the interval:

HT Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal. Conte's men started sharp but lost their way badly midway through that half. Lucky to still be level #cfc #afc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) September 17, 2017

Conte opted to change things at half-time, sending on Tiemoue Bakayoko for Pedro—who failed to convert a one-on-one against Petr Cech early in the second half—and the Blues improved in an increasingly spiky second half.

Arsenal did manage to get the ball in the net through Shkodran Mustafi, but it was ruled out for offside, much to the German's frustration, as shown by B/R Football:

And they said Shkodran Mustafi celebrated too early pic.twitter.com/RjwW8ePbDH

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 17, 2017

With three minutes of normal time remaining, Chelsea were reduced to 10 men after David Luiz, who had already been booked, was shown a straight red for catching Sead Kolasinac with his studs.

On the touchline, Conte looked furious at the decision, but it was the correct call, according to Goal's Chris Wheatley:

There can be absolutely no arguments about that red card. Shocking challenge from David Luiz.

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) September 17, 2017

The game ultimately ended 0-0, with the Gunners putting in an improved performance, according to Henry Winter of the Times:

Good point for #afc. Mature, disciplined performance. Work-rate, concentration, kept their shape. No goals but a very watchable game

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) September 17, 2017

Arsene Wenger may well be the happier manager, particularly with his side having played on Thursday night in the Europa League and had less time to prepare for the clash (Chelsea played on Tuesday in the Champions League).

Everton were also in Europa action on Thursday, going down 3-0 to Atalanta, not the ideal preparation for Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The match was notable for being Wayne Rooney's first return to his former club, while United striker Romelu Lukaku was also facing a former employer.

Rooney was given a warm welcome back to the Theatre of Dreams as noted by ESPN FC's Rob Dawson:

Wayne Rooney warming up at Old Trafford in Everton blue. Applause and cheers when his name was read out moments ago. pic.twitter.com/YSwCvH3kpQ

— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) September 17, 2017

However, Everton went behind early on, with Antonio Valencia opening the scoring after just four minutes in stunning style.

The full-back picked up a pass on the edge of the box and allowed the ball to bounce before smashing a shot across goal and into the top corner.

Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News felt it was the best goal Valencia has ever scored for the Red Devils:

Has to be Valencia's best goal for United. Another fast start from #mufc. Valencia's first at home since Swansea in Jan 2014.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 17, 2017

Everton came back into the game in the second half and had chances to level the match.

Rooney was denied by David De Gea within a minute of the restart, with the Spain international managing to block his shot after he had exchanged passes with Tom Davies.

De Gea then made a good save from Gylfi Sigurdsson, with United indebted to their goalkeeper for preserving their lead, according to Stuart Mathieson at the Manchester Evening News:

It's a good job that David de Gea is on top form. Three excellent stops so far #mufc

— Stuart Mathieson (@StuMathieson7) September 17, 2017

Everton were almost made to pay for that profligacy by Juan Mata. The midfielder was fouled on the edge of the box and earned a free kick, which he fired against the post.

However, United did manage to make the game safe in the final 10 minutes, as Lukaku pounced on a loose ball intercepted by former Toffee Marouane Fellaini and slid an inviting ball for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to slot calmly past Jordan Pickford.

Lukaku added further gloss to the scoreline, firing home at the far post, before substitute Anthony Martial made it 4-0 from the penalty spot after Morgan Schneiderlin had been penalised for handball.

The scoreline flattered Manchester United, but a 4-0 win in a match where they were without the injured Paul Pogba sends an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League.

Manchester United will look to continue their excellent start to the 2017-18 Premier League season on Sunday, as they face Everton in Week 5.

The Toffees appear to be slumping into the contest after a promising showing in Week 1, losing their past two league matches.

United are unbeaten through four matches and have the best goal differential going into the weekend's slate of fixtures. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the match.

           

Date: Sunday, September 17

Time: 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go, NBC Live

           

Preview

United dropped their first points of the season in Week 4―a 2-2 draw against Stoke City―but bounced back on Tuesday with a routine 3-0 win over FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League.

The Red Devils once again relied on the scoring touch of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, while compatriot Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford also found the net.

Lukaku will face former club Everton for the first time since making his move to Manchester, and it's clear the Toffees have missed the 24-year-old, per Sky Sports PL:

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku has outscored the entire Everton team in the Premier League: https://t.co/Gld8OsP8Y6 pic.twitter.com/DMPFwKlQB6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2017

There are some mitigating factors for Everton's poor start and lack of scoring form, however. The Toffees have played a particularly difficult schedule, with their losses coming against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. They also faced Manchester City and held the Sky Blues to a draw.

But while the opposition has been fierce, there was no excuse for their dreadful showing in Week 4 against Spurs. Per WhoScored.com, their lack of creativity was evident in the statistics:

Everton: Only had 1⃣ shot on target vs Tottenham, the fewest they have managed in a PL home game since December 2016 (vs Liverpool) #EVETOT pic.twitter.com/S9TCkPaHlm

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) September 9, 2017

The Toffees were overrun in midfield, and that will be the key area again on Sunday. United enter the contest without Paul Pogba, who limped off the pitch against Basel and won't be fit for a few weeks.

Manager Jose Mourinho has plenty of depth to call upon and could turn to another former Everton star. Fellaini has quietly started the season in good form coming off the bench for United and also impressed for Belgium against Greece earlier in September―he has earned his chance to start.

Football writer Liam Canning was impressed:

Marouane Fellaini has been fantastic since coming on for Paul Pogba. Ran the game with ease. Maestro.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 12, 2017

If the hosts can carry their momentum into Sunday's clash without suffering a drop from Pogba's absence, they should like their chances of grabbing another win.

Everton have enough talent and physicality in midfield to make life hard on the Red Devils, however, and former United great Wayne Rooney will do anything to score against his former club on his return to Old Trafford.

Prediction: United 2-1 Everton

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes former striker Wayne Rooney will receive a warm welcome when he returns to Old Trafford as a member of Everton on Sunday.  

Per Reuters, he described the former England international as a legend:

"I think he’ll get the welcome that he deserves.

"Sometimes the word legend comes too easily (but) he’s a real legend of the club. The number of appearances, goals, trophies – clearly he’s one of the most important players in the history of Manchester United.

"I think the stadium will show him the respect he deserves. I hope before the match and after but not during it."

The 31-year-old played for United from 2004 until last summer, when he returned to his boyhood club. In that span, he became the Red Devils' all-time leading scorer and won five Premier League titles, as well as one UEFA Champions League trophy.

His efficiency in front of goal dropped off in the last few seasons, and the two sides decided to part ways amicably during the summer. 

Most fans and pundits assume he'll receive a great welcome from the United faithful, including Arlo White, per SiriusXM FC:

"I don't think that Wayne Rooney will be greeted by the Manchester United faithful in any way but a warm reception." - @arlowhite pic.twitter.com/MWYhjNnFWM

— SiriusXM FC (@SiriusXMFC) September 15, 2017

The bigger question may be how Old Trafford would react if he scored against his former club, and whether Rooney would choose to celebrate. 

Every member of the top seven will be in action on Saturday as the fourth gameweek of the 2017 Premier League season gets underway.

Saturday's fixtures will begin with Manchester City hosting Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in a meeting of title contenders and perhaps the most dynamic attacking teams in the division.

Later, Everton face Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in a test for a pair of teams with aspirations to finish in the top four. This will be followed by leaders Manchester United travelling to the Potteries to take on Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

       

Saturday

• Manchester City vs. Liverpool: 12:30 p.m. BST/7:30 a.m. ET. Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (3-2)
• Arsenal vs. Bournemouth: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET. NBCSN (3-1)
• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Bromwich Albion : 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (1-1)
• Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET. CNBC (1-1)
• Leicester City vs. Chelsea: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (1-2)
• Southampton vs. Watford: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (1-0)
• Stoke City vs. Manchester United: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET. BT Sport 1/NBC (1-2)

         

Sunday

• Burnley vs. Crystal Palace: 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET. Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (2-1)
• Swansea City vs. Newcastle United: 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET. Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (0-0)

                 

Monday

• West Ham United vs. Huddersfield Town: 8 p.m. BST/3p.m. ET. Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (2-1)

Predictions presented in parentheses.

Live-streaming links: Sky Go. NBC Sports App. fuboTV.

        

Manchester City vs. Liverpool

City manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp are among the most ardent and faithful disciples of attacking football in England's top flight. Both have constructed their teams around forward-thinking playmakers, pace in wide areas and ruthless and intelligent strikers.

This match will be a who's who of the league's best attacking talent, with the Reds able to unleash Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah on a suspect City defence.

However, Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho. Klopp decided to omit the classy No. 10, per BBC Sport, following a summer of transfer speculation linking the Brazilian with a move to Barcelona.

A committed Coutinho could make the difference in any match. Yet as Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo pointed out, a recent fan poll suggests supporters would like to see the South American schemer on the bench for the trip to Manchester.

Guardiola has his own choice to make between strikers Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero. The latter was dropped for City's most recent game, a 2-1 away win over Bournemouth.

Leaving Aguero out is a decision endorsed by former City striker Craig Bellamy, per Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News: "We all tend to concentrate on the one or two games that Aguero gets left out—we believe there must be a problem in the camp—but his fitness record isn't great, and City have lost a couple of titles because he was injured at the wrong time."

Whichever player Guardiola starts up top, the Citizens will have enough firepower to outscore a Liverpool side as vulnerable at the back as they are free-flowing going forward.

              

Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur will likely be glad to be away from Wembley Stadium after dropping four points in their last two home fixtures. Yet Everton could sour the mood by winning the midfield battle at Goodison Park.

Toffees manager Ronald Koeman can rely on the physical presence of holding players Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye. This destructive duo can stymie the movement and creative tendencies of playmakers Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli.

Keeping Eriksen and Alli quiet can limit the supply to prolific Tottenham centre-forward Harry Kane.

However, for Everton to take full advantage, the hosts must show their own quality in attack. It won't be easy given the controversy surrounding forward Wayne Rooney.

The 31-year-old was recently charged with drink-driving, per Ben Rumsby of the Daily Telegraph. Koeman has since expressed his disappointment with the player's actions, per BBC Sport.

Both teams are wounded for different reasons, making a low-score draw a likely outcome.

          

Stoke City vs. Manchester United

United have been irrepressible through their first three league matches of the season. The Red Devils have scored 10 times and have yet to concede.

Both marks will be tested at Stoke by a side breached just twice in their three Premier League games. The Potters know how to defend deep and in numbers. They also have a secure midfield base in Joe Allen and ex-United anchorman Darren Fletcher, although the latter is a doubt for the game, per the league's official website.

Yet the home side will also pose problems for United's defence. Stoke can all on the pace of on-loan forward Jese Rodriguez, as well as the mercurial ingenuity of winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

The question is, does this Stoke squad have enough in attack to keep pace with United? It seems unlikely since the league leaders have the pace and power of centre-forward Romelu Lukaku and the guile of stylish attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to call upon.

Manager Jose Mourinho could also unleash the speed of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial from wide areas.

United will have enough options to edge their first true test of the season.

Elsewhere, Arsenal will be keen to use a home game against winless Bournemouth to rebound from their own miserable start to the season. The Gunners have lost two games in a row but managed to keep star forward Alexis Sanchez beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

With so many games involving the main contenders, expect an early shakeup of the title picture in the season's fourth gameweek.

Everton striker Wayne Rooney was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence.

As relayed by BBC's Richard Conway, Cheshire Police confirmed the former England and Manchester United man was taken into custody: 

Rooney released on bail, due to appear at Stockport Magistrates' Court on 18th September.

— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) September 1, 2017

"A picture was posted on Instagram the same evening, showing Rooney and a fellow customer, tagged at the Bubble Room bar in Alderley Edge," reported Sky News. "It was uploaded just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, but deleted as reports of Rooney's arrest surfaced after 11 a.m. on Friday."

Previously in his career, Rooney would have been away with the England team on international duty at this point in the season. But England's former skipper and all-time top scorer confirmed his retirement from the Three Lions setup last week.

Rooney moved from Manchester United back to Everton in the summer and has started the season in encouraging form.

The striker netted the winning goal on the opening day of the Premier League season against Stoke City and grabbed his 200th in the competition in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.