Five Premier League talking points from the weekend

Chelsea’s title defence has not got off to the ideal start, with the Premier League champions picking up just four points from their opening three games of the season.

Last season, the third game week of Premier League football proved to be the joint second highest scoring round and this weekend’s fixtures didn’t lack in entertainment value either. Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta also scored as Chelsea beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at The Hawthorns.

How have City pieced together the run that has equalled their 1912 run of nine straight wins, following their derby defeat at Old Trafford?

However, last Sunday against Chelsea, although the game was tight for large periods, the gulf in the sides did indeed become apparent at the ease City were creating chances that Sergio Aguero squandered in the first half and, on a better day, he could of had four by half time. The scoreline suggests as much.

“There are a lot of games to be played”, the Spanish winger told reporters.

Same again? Can Chelsea recover to win the title?

And although we’re talking about an extremely small sample size, the early returns have been very telling: Key statistics are on the rise and, more importantly, City is thriving in a new setup that has seen the club earn a signature 3-0 win over defending Prem champion Chelsea and a recent 2-0 away win over an improved Everton team.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are setting a historic vein of form but no season is ever smooth sailing in the Premier League and it could take a titanic effort for the club to reclaim their title from Chelsea.

David Silva has provided a major spark in Manchester City’s attack so far this season.

Of course, it’s not too surprising that teams can turn it round.