Barclays Premier League 2013/14: Results, Sunday 22 September

Four Barclays Premier League 2013/14 matches took place on Sunday 22 September, concluding the fixtures for match-week 5 of the competition: a weekend of some footballing intrigue.

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Man City 4 – 1 Man Utd

The Manchester derby promised much and delivered plenty, with the Sky Blue City side, despite having looked a little ring-rusty to date this season, putting down an impressive marker for this season against their illustrious neighbours – and current Barclays Premier League champions – Manchester United.

City roared away to a 2-0 half time lead with goals coming from Aguero (16 mins), and the in-form Yaya Toure (45 mins), before doubling their lead in the second period a second Aguero sstrike (47 mins) was added to by Samir Nasri (50 mins) three minutes later.

Wayne Rooney (87 mins) grabbed a late consolation for the visiting Red Devils, but it was to prove too little too late for United. While the scoreline will rightly point to a ruthless City front-line, the stats tell of a United who failed to make the most of more possession, and a similar shot-count when it mattered in front of goal; and failed to defend at key moments. City were brilliant in the final third; United were ordinary. Come the end of the season, these three points may make all the difference for either side.

Cardiff 0 – 1 Tottenham

Spurs, despite a dominant performance, needed three minutes of additional time to see off a resolute Cardiff City in the Welsh capital. Tottenham produced 12 shots on target from a total of 29 strikes. Cardiff did not trouble Hugo Lloris in Totteham’s goal once in the 90 minutes, but still David Marshall in the Cardiff goal looked to have produced a point for his team from an inspirational performance before Paulinho (90+3) struck a late late goal to grab all three points for the visiting Spurs.

Tottenham were very impressive throughout, as they have been all season, and with a gritty win in this match, move to the top of the table but one, level on 10 points with rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal 3 – 1 Stoke

Arsenal continued to shake off the memory of their opening-day defeat with another solid performance, this time in picking up three points at home to Stoke City.

The in-form Aaron Ramsey (5 mins) settled home nerves early, before Cameron (26 mins) struck back for the visitors. Mertesacker (36 mins) headed Arsenal into a 2-1 lead before half-time. Sagna (72 mins) added a third to settle home nerves before Arsene Wengers men professionally played out the remaining minutes. Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League as a result of the victory.

Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Swansea

Swansea added to their recent run of impressive performances with a professional win away at Selhurst Park. The Swans collected three points which moved them to 9th in the table courtesy of a 2-0 away win, with goals coming early in either half from Michu (3 mins) and Dyer (48 mins).