An event-filled Premier League weekend saw late drama between two title challengers while Jose Mourinho was in the spotlight again at Old Trafford.
Here Press Association Sport looks at five talking points from an intriguing round of fixtures.
Never substitute Sergio Aguero
Manchester City paid the price for taking off Sergio Aguero in the 66th-minute of their goalless draw against title rivals Liverpool. City had a golden chance to record their first win at Anfield since 2003 when Leroy Sane earned a penalty five minutes from time. But with usual penalty-taker Aguero off the pitch, Riyad Mahrez – having seemingly won a battle with Gabriel Jesus to take the kick – stepped up to deliver a decisive blow in the title race. But Mahrez, who had missed five of his last eight penalties at previous club Leicester, blazed wildly over and Liverpool were spared.
United, at least for the time being
Nothing appears straightforward at Old Trafford these days, but reports of Jose Mourinho’s demise did prove greatly exaggerated. Yet who knows what might have happened had United not fought back from a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle, a side yet to win this season, to win 3-2 in the most dramatic fashion. Mourinho later complained about being the subject of a “manhunt” and the pressure may not ease with Chelsea and Juventus to come after the international break. But, in the second half against Newcastle, at least it was a case of Manchester United – and not Manchester dis-United.
Ramsey proves point to Gunners
Aaron Ramsey seems to be nearing the exit door at Arsenal after his representatives revealed that contract talks had collapsed. So the Wales midfielder chose the perfect time to remind Arsenal, as well as potential new employers, of his ability to influence matches. Ramsey had only been on the pitch a few seconds when he effectively secured three points at Fulham. He later set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the final goal of a 5-1 win. One thing’s for sure, Ramsey will not be short of offers if he does leave Arsenal after a decade at the club.
Cherries best of the rest
Discard the so-called top-six and it is Bournemouth who are looking down on everyone. The Cherries suffered a blow in midweek when plans to expand the smallest stadium in the league were put on hold. But small is beautiful as Eddie Howe’s enterprising squad continue to punch way above their weight. A 4-0 win at Watford took them to the heady heights of sixth, and 16 goals in eight games underlines the potent offensive threat of Callum Wilson, Joshua King, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks.
The Iceman cometh
Gylfi Sigurdsson came to be the symbol of Everton’s wasteful spending in the summer of 2017 when he was purchased from Swansea for £45million. Sigurdsson struggled to adapt to life at Goodison Park under Ronald Koeman and then Sam Allardyce, but the Iceland playmaker is a different proposition in the Marco Silva era. His stunning winner at Leicester was his fifth goal of the season and 50th in the Premier League. Since his debut in the competition no player has scored more from outside the box, with his 19th such strike moving him level with former Liverpool favourite Philippe Coutinho.