This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
Chelsea's 3-1 win over Southampton has propelled the Blues to the top of the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester City hot on their heels after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
Manchester United's title challenge faltered once more at Old Trafford as an injury-hit Everton secured a 1-1 draw, leaving the Red Devils still in touch at the top but with a daunting run of fixtures ahead.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised the Premier League after the spectacle put on by both sides at Anfield, saying, 'That's why the Premier League is the best.'
City and Liverpool have been the dominant force of English football for the past four seasons, and for all the talk of Chelsea and Manchester United's summer signings cutting the gap, they showed why they will be in the mix again come May.
Both City and Liverpool had reason to be disappointed as they dominated the first-half without reward, but then had to twice come from behind after the break.
Guardiola can take comfort in his side coming through a hugely demanding week better off in the title race than they started thanks to last weekend's 1-0 win at Chelsea, while United and Liverpool have also dropped points.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have an embarrassment of riches in attack, but their side came within inches of losing a second consecutive Premier League match when VAR ruled that Yerry Mina's close-range finish was offside.
United started brightly at Old Trafford but as the game wore on they once again showed a lack of fluency and a worrying vulnerability against the counter-attack.
Leicester, who have been the closest challengers to breaking the hold of City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United for a top-four finish in each of the past two seasons, have won just two of their opening seven league games and are giving everything but not playing to their level, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
