Weekend review

Burnley: Deserve their moment in the spotlight

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A familiar theme returned on the second weekend of the new Premier League season as the so-called big boys made light work of their opposition while Owen Coyle's Burnley surprised once more.

Having done just enough on the opening day and then slumped at Turf Moor, champions Manchester United showed there is life without Cristiano Ronaldo as Arsenal and Chelsea also picked up rather routine victories.

Impressive Burnley recorded a second win in three top-flight games while Tottenham Hotspur are top of the league having maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign at rivals West Ham United.

Spurs and Manchester City appear the most likely to threaten a disruption of the top four after the latter were also successful, with Emmanuel Adebayor scoring a second goal in as many games.

With no lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, six traditional three o'clock matches took place. The Red Devils were under pressure to perform, and that they did despite a goalless first half at Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium.

Reprieve

Wayne Rooney, seemingly relishing his new striking role, was the hero for United as he bagged his 100th and 101st goals for the club. Nani also scored while Dimitar Berbatov silenced his critics, for the time being at least, and Michael Owen netted his first goal for his new side to seal a 5-0 scoreline. Owen will be hopeful this is the first of many strikes that could lead to an England recall.

Arsenal were in rampant mood as they made it 10 goals, only one of which has been scored by a striker, in their first two league outings. Troubled Portsmouth were on the receiving end of a 4-1 hiding in North London, and the completion of a hugely protracted takeover saga cannot come soon enough for the South Coast outfit.

The much-maligned Abou Diaby notched a brace before former Spurs defender Younes Kaboul made Manuel Almunia pay for a hugely questionable piece of goalkeeping. William Gallas made it 3-1, but not before almost receiving his marching orders as John Utaka went down when clean through - although replays suggest the Nigerian may have in fact tripped himself up. Aaron Ramsey, replacing the injured Cesc Fabregas, then made the points safe for Arsene Wenger's side.

Adebayor scored early for City in their first home fixture of the term against newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. An onslaught was then probably expected, but Mick McCarthy's charges gave a decent account of themselves as the match concluded at 1-0. Relief for City manager Mark Hughes, who would no doubt have been under severe pressure if his team had faltered early doors. With such financial outlay comes equally high expectations.

Strain

Sunderland recovered from what must have been a draining midweek game chasing shadows against Chelsea to see off Blackburn Rovers2-1. Kenwyne Jones was at the double for the Black Cats, while Gael Givet scored for the visitors. Steve Bruce has gone about building a squad that is surely capable of challenging for European qualification, and this would prove some turnaround; the club having fought against the drop last season.

Hull City recorded a much-needed three-point haul against Bolton Wanderers. Summer signing Kamel Ghilas, who looks like a sharp player, bagged the decisive goal to hand the Tigers their first league win at the KC Stadium since December. The 1-0 outcome turns up the pressure cooker on Trotters boss Gary Megson, who has come in for criticism from some supporters over his additions and a playing style that seems to be lacking effectiveness.

Saturday's final match came at Birmingham City, who were held to a 0-0 draw against Stoke City. Little to report from this affair as an excellent save from Potters shot-stopper Thomas Sorensen ensured the match ended goalless and all square. Both sides have managed a healthy return of four points from their opening three encounters.

Top Drog

Sunday's lunchtime kick-off saw West Ham United host London rivals Tottenham, who have been in fine fettle so far this term. Carlton Cole broke the deadlock with a wonder strike but five minutes later he went from hero to zero with a horror show of a pass straight to Spurs attacker Jermain Defoe, who accepted the gift by restoring parity.

Aaron Lennon then delivered the sucker punch to see Harry Redknapp's team climb back to the summit via their 2-1 triumph. For the Hammers, coach Gianfranco Zola has intimated he wants attacking reinforcements after joking he and Cole are the only senior options at his disposal. Spurs, meanwhile, can be delighted with their beginning. Quite the stark contrast from this time last year under Juande Ramos.

Chelsea headed to Fulham for their South West London derby at Craven Cottage. Last season this fixture yielded a shock result as Roy Hodgson's men fought for a draw, but it was not to be the same story as the Blues, now of course under Carlo Ancelotti's stewardship, made very light work of Fulham indeed, managing a 2-0 win. The reinvigorated Didier Drogba was on target before assisting strike partner Nicolas Anelka.

Lastly, Burnley, buoyed by a brilliant result against United, overcame an Everton side yet to pick up a point this term. Wade Elliott got the goal before Louis Saha fluffed his lines with a wretched penalty miss as the match finished 1-0. A silver lining for Toffees boss Moyes, though, as the Joleon Lescott saga reaches its conclusion. A staggering £24million received from City will hand Moyes much consolation, although with just a week before the transfer window closes, the Scot must act swiftly and wisely.