Nightmare weekend for Bournemouth as Haaland shows his class again
For Liverpool, the culprits of this crime, it was a much needed return to form after losing to rivals Manchester United in their previous fixture.
Roberto Firmino dished out most of the hurt. He scored twice and assisted three more goals in what could be considered a warning shot to boss Jurgen Klopp given the recent arrival of Darwin Nunez to Merseyside.
Liverpool were certainly at their rampant best, but there will be worries for Bournemouth. Conceding nine is something that will shake the club.
Given the results proximity to the start of the season, it can be considered as both good or bad timing.
It gives them time to right the defensive wrongs of that game and focus a squad that has not had too much investment over the summer. This is similar to Southampton’s position when it happened to them… twice.
They were able to play more pragmatic football that allowed them to rebuild. For manager Scott Parker, he could use Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, as a mirror.
The Austrian is still in the job at Southampton, lauded for his style of play and bringing in young players that saw them narrowly lose to Manchester United at the weekend.
But the wheels can easily fall off in this scenario and if the players are not playing for the manager come September, disillusioned by the same ideas that saw them get thrashed at Anfield, then the board at Bournemouth will have to be ready to make a quick decision.
If Liverpool made easy work of their opponents at the weekend, it was heavier going for Manchester City, who found themselves 2-0 down to Crystal Palace after 21 minutes.
The game felt reminiscent of last years finale against Aston Villa. They would go on to win that fixture 3-2 and lift the Premier League trophy.
This time, it was 4-2, but there was a different man to thank. Erling Haaland scored a perfect hat-trick to help his side out of a mess and his celebrations after netting the third showed just what a talisman he could become for City.
Elsewhere, Harry Kane scored his 186th and 187th Premier League goals in a 2-0 win for Tottenham Hotspur over Nottingham Forest. He could have also scored a hat-trick if it wasn't for Dean Henderson's superb save to deny Kane from the penalty spot.
Henderson has now saved two England teammates’ penalties in Kane and Declan Rice - a word of advice to Premier League managers, don't put England players on penalties if you're facing Forest and their goalkeeper.
With that brace, Kane went level with Andy Cole in the all-time Premier League goals tally. Ahead of him are Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney, going to show his quality in front of goal and a player must keep fit, but also motivated, if they are to pose any challenge this season.
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Allan Saint-Maximin is capable of skills only mere mortals can dream of, but his strike on Sunday to earn Newcastle a point against Wolves was an exhibition in technique.
The ball dropped to him just outside the box and he connected on the volley to fire it past Jose Sa. If he adds more goals to his game, Newcastle will not need to rely on Callum Wilson and new signing Alexander Isak this season.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: This could easily be won by either Firminio or Haaland, but let's pick out someone a little more obscure.
Romeo Lavia could have been teammates with Haaland this season, but the teenager swapped City for the south coast and Southampton.
Playing in defensive midfield, he has already jumped the dependable Oriol Romeu in the pecking order and is a player with a skill level as well as a mind for the game that is way beyond his years.
On Saturday, he kept Manchester United's midfield quiet, dropping back into defence where needed. His accuracy to find a teammate is also noticeable and it allows Southampton's creative players the opportunity to be freer in attack. He is certainly one to watch this season.
