England

Sunday wasn’t Raheem Sterling’s greatest individual display as an attacker, but the 23-year-old again demonstrated why he’s such a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s side — and completely unmatched in his skill set within the England national team — by retaining possession in difficult areas and constantly pulling Manchester United’s well-organized, pressing defensive unit this way and that with his array of clever flicks, dribbles and one-touch passing. 

Manchester City achieved what Juventus could not on Sunday, burying Manchester United when another Jose Mourinho smash and grab threatened. Sumptuous goals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero had given City a 2-0 lead, but a needless foul by Ederson on Romelu Lukaku allowed Anthony Martial to halve the deficit in the 58th minute.

Newcastle United has finally figured out how to win a match.

After going 10 matches without a win to start the Premier League campaign, the Magpies have done it twice in the last week to jump out of the relegation zone. And DeAndre Yedlin’s offense was vital to Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday at St. James’ Park. 

While Salomón Rondón will receive most of the plaudits for scoring both goals for the Magpies against Bournemouth, Yedlin was the spark to get the offense going. 

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic 6-1 win over Southampton on Sunday, including a three-goal barrage in the match’s opening 18 minutes. Raheem Sterling scored a brace, Sergio Aguero reached the landmark of 150 EPL goals, David Silva laced a fine volley and Leroy Sane forced a Wesley Hoedt own goal before getting on the scoresheet himself to complete the rout.  

Given the tightness at the top, it’s also worth noting that City took its goal differential to +28 with the scoreline — by far the best in the division.