Barclays Premier League Weekend Review

Chelsea were the best team over the weekend, thrashing Sunderland 7-2 at Stamford Bridge to stay at the top of the table. They were supposed to be weakened by the loss of their African players for a month, but have performed admirably so far. Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard scored twice each, Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole also scored. Bolo Zenden (former Chelsea player) and Darren Bent scored for Sunderland. This was easily Chelsea's best attacking display of the season.

Manchester United beat Burnley 3-0 thanks to goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and new boy Mame Biram Diouf. Burnley were very dangerous though and could have taken a point, or maybe even all 3 if their finishing had been better. They missed a few good chances to score throughout the match. United are looking weak in defense and need to start playing much better in order to retain the title.

Arsenal looked classy as they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium. Cesc Fabregas marked his return from injury with his 10th goal, and young Spaniard Fran Merida scored as well. The top 3 in the table maintained the standings that they started the day on.

Liverpool were undone at the end again as Robert Huth leveled the scores at the Britannia Stadium. Kyrgiakos had given them a second half lead, but the match ended 1-1, and Liverpool look like a team bereft of any ideas and confidence at the moment.

Manchester City were the biggest disappointment as Everton beat them comfortably at Goodison Park. The final score was 2-0 but it could have been a lot worse. Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini were unlucky not to add to the tally. This was Roberto Mancini's first loss of the season, and Manchester City played dismally. Next up for them are League Cup holders Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

In other results:

• Tottenham Hotspurs 0-0 Hull City
• Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Wigan Athletic
• Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham United
• Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Fulham

The match between Portsmouth and Birmingham City was postponed due to the weather conditions.