All eyes were fixed on Liverpool's visit to Manchester United under the new manager Arne Slot and it ended with the Reds clinching a statement win, showing no signs of missing former coach Jurgen Klopp. While Liverpool underlined their Premier League title credentials, Erling Haaland is already in peak form with two hat-tricks in Manchester City's first three games.

Title-chasing Arsenal haven't had a great start and are hoping for an instant impact from Raheem Sterling.

Slot's statement win

Arne Slot may have huge shoes to fill at Anfield after succeeding Jurgen Klopp but the Liverpool boss has made a flawless start in his bid to earn the trust of the Reds' demanding support.

The Dutchman's name echoed around Old Trafford after a 3-0 demolition of Manchester United that left his compatriot Erik ten Hag already under scrutiny just three games into the new campaign.

Liverpool have won all of their three matches without conceding a goal to sit just behind leaders Manchester City on goals scored.

Even more impressively, Slot's stamp can already be seen.

All the action from #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/C9nedc5dUc

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2024 Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation in a deep-lying midfield role and the narrower position of full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold has left Liverpool less open to counter-attacks.

"It's a third clean-sheet in a row. It is not only that we are saving them at the back - the team is working so hard. This is the mentality that the manager wants us to have."

Even a 'gun' can't stop Haaland

Haaland had just single-handedly demolished West Ham with a sublime display of ruthless finishing when Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked how any team could hope to stop the red-hot striker.

Guardiola joked there was no answer to that question, not even if an opponent came onto the pitch with a weapon.

Haaland's 24th treble of his career made it three consecutive wins for table-topping City.

With his latest hat-trick, Erling Haaland has moved onto 70 Premier League goals in just 69 @ManCity appearances. pic.twitter.com/m4V24AxjvI

- Premier League (@premierleague) September 1, 2024 The 24-year-old's second hat-trick in a week, following his treble against Ipswich, took him to seven goals already this term as City extended their perfect start to their bid for a fifth successive title.

"He didn't lose one ball and he played unbelievable, not just with the ball but also defensively and offensively. He gave an extra pass. I'm really pleased for him," Guardiola said.

"He's playing much better in everything. The details, he stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions.

"Last season not even once was he there because he didn't feel good, tired, niggles."

Arteta eyes Sterling impact

Mikel Arteta will spend the international break trying to get Raheem Sterling up to speed to ensure he can make his Arsenal debut in the north London derby at Tottenham.

Sterling made a deadline-day season-long loan move to the Gunners after being frozen out by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Brighton on Saturday, Arsenal have a fortnight to prepare for the trip to Tottenham on September 15 and Arteta wants Sterling to have a chance of featuring.

"We have to see him, speak to him about what he's been doing and how he's feeling about it," Arteta said.

"Try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team.

"We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible."

With agency inputs

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