Premier Division – Matchday 5 Report
Chelsea 4 – 1 Plymouth
Another clinical display from Chelsea extended their winning streak to five games and ensured they sit atop the Premier League table. Calin Dimario’s side dominated the match at Drogba Arena, dismantling a spirited Plymouth side 4–1.
Netanel Sahar opened the scoring just before halftime with a sharp finish inside the box, taking his tally to two league goals this season. Charlie Edzes momentarily gave Plymouth hope with a scrappy equaliser in the 71st minute, capitalising on a chaotic rebound in the area. But the resilience and depth of Chelsea’s midfield quickly reasserted control.
Mario Cardozo’s fierce drive from the edge of the area restored Chelsea’s lead on 75 minutes. Then, McKauley Civzelis, who has been quietly rising through the ranks, made his mark. The centre-back turned poacher, heading in a smart set-piece routine in the 88th and then finishing again in stoppage time with another bullet header. The brace earned him Player of the Match honours and further proved Chelsea’s attacking threat comes from all areas of the pitch.
Premier Division – Other Results
Man UFC 3 – 1 Liverpool
Simeon Busumburu starred again for United, bagging a brace (35’, 64’) in a commanding performance at Old Trafford. N. Hill added a third just after the hour mark. Liverpool’s only response came from G. Càvara (40’), whose second goal of the campaign wasn’t enough to stop United climbing into the top four. Jurgen van Gaal has serious questions to answer as Liverpool linger in 14th.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Luton
O. Duru’s composed early finish (20’) sealed all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal held firm under pressure in the second half, recording their fourth win in five games to remain unbeaten and keep pace with Chelsea. Luton, to their credit, showed attacking intent but lacked composure in front of goal.
Fulham 2 – 0 Burnley
Serginho kept his cool from the penalty spot (51’) and was again involved as S. Marino doubled the lead (71’). Fulham continue to surprise critics, unbeaten after five and now third in the league, equal on points with Arsenal. Burnley meanwhile slump to 17th with four losses and the joint-worst goal difference in the division.
Man City 3 – 0 Reading
City wasted no time asserting dominance, with F. Asonganyi scoring inside two minutes. A. Wilton (39’) and K. Harding (81’) joined the party as Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a much-needed clean sheet. Reading’s misery continues as they remain in the bottom three with just one win to their name.
Wolves 1 – 3 Rotherham
A. Vrabié’s early strike (12’) gave Wolves the advantage, but Rotherham turned the tide dramatically. F. Ajayi’s header (57’) sparked the comeback before Rodrigues stole the show with two superb finishes in quick succession (75’, 81’). It was a vital away win for the Millers, who now sit 13th and look capable of more.
Aston Villa 0 – 1 Leicester
A. Santos’ 44th-minute winner gave Leicester three valuable points at Villa Park. Despite dominating spells of possession, Villa couldn’t break through. With just two wins from five, inconsistency continues to plague their campaign.
Newcastle 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
Newcastle finally grabbed their first win of the season in a dominant showing over a hapless Crystal Palace. P. Hughes (21’) opened the scoring, and L. Capocchiano’s tidy finish just before halftime (45+4’) secured the result. Palace sit rock bottom with zero points and a leaky defence that has conceded 13 goals.
Premier League Table After Matchday 5
1st: Chelsea – 15 pts
2nd: Arsenal – 13 pts
3rd: Fulham – 13 pts
4th: Man UFC – 11 pts
5th: Tottenham – 10 pts
6th: QPR – 8 pts
7th: Luton – 7 pts
8th: Leicester – 7 pts
9th: Man City – 6 pts
10th: Nottingham Forest – 6 pts
11th: Aston Villa – 6 pts
12th: Wolves – 6 pts
13th: Rotherham – 6 pts
14th: Liverpool – 5 pts
15th: Plymouth – 5 pts
16th: Newcastle – 4 pts
17th: Burnley – 3 pts
18th: Reading – 3 pts
19th: Southampton – 1 pt
20th: Crystal Palace – 1 pt
The league is beginning to take shape, and Chelsea’s early dominance under Dimario is becoming the story of the season. But with Arsenal and Fulham both unbeaten, and United close behind, the title race already looks to be one of the most tightly contested in recent memory.