Stokes goalkeeper Asmir Begovic scored a stunning first minute goal against Southampton in a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
A free scoring Manchester City were too hot to handle for Norwich City, who lost 7-0, at the Etihad Stadium while Manchester United add salt to Fulham’s injury after securing a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
Manchester City 7 Norwich 0
City manager Manuel Pellegrini opted to rest goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has been under pressure after a string of high-profile mistakes.
Costel Pantilimon stood in goal for the Manchester club but was lucky to be spared of any serious pressure as City’s attack ran riot on the Canaries.
Bradley Johnson’s own goal put City ahead before David Silva, Matija Nastasic and Alvaro Negredo struck.
Yaya Toure scored a free-kick, Sergio Aguero fired in before substitute Edin Dzeko swept home the seventh.
Fulham 1 Manchester United 3
United couldn’t help but to intensify the pressure on Martin Jol at Craven Cottage after Saturday’s victory. The defending champions scored 3 goals in the space of 13 minutes on their way to victory.
Antonio Valencia easily slotted home a Wayne Rooney cut back early on before Robin van Persie became the leading Dutch goalscorer in the Premier League by rifling in at the near post. Rooney then tapped in United’s third in the 22nd minute to leave scores at 3-0 by the break.
Fulham returned after the interval looking to reduce the deficit and, despite an improved performance, the Cottagers could only pull one back through Alex Kacaniklic’s deflected shot.
Stoke City 1 Southampton 1
Stoke city keeper Begovic scored a bizarre goal but Jay Rodriguez earned Southampton a deserved point at a windswept Britannia Stadium.
Begovic’s long kick forward after just 13 seconds cleared the Southampton defence before bouncing over goalkeeper Artur Boruc for the odd opener.
But Rodriguez headed the visitors level before half-time when he met James Ward-Prowse’s well-placed cross.
Steven Nzonzi wasted a late chance for Stoke when he fluffed his shot.
Other Results
Hull City 1- 0 Sunderland
West Brom 2- 0 Crystal Palace
West ham 0- 0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 2- 0 Chelsea
