Third Week Conclusions in the Premiership

Burnley’s bubble has burst. Following impressive wins against Manchester United and Everton, Owen Coyle’s men were brought down to earth 3-0 by a well-oiled Chelsea outfit who, but for the heroics of Clarets keeper Brian Jensen, could had had double figures. Welcome to the Premiership.

Liverpool not out of it yet. On the back of a demoralizing home defeat to a then point-less Aston Villa, the Reds entered Saturday’s must-win encounter against Bolton determined to get their title challenge back on track. A second half, come from behind victory, courtesy of scorers Torres and Gerrard, silenced the Reebok Stadium and kept alive Liverpool’s hopes of a first title in 18 years.

Modric injury hits Spurs’ title hopes. While Jermain Defoe’s goals have grabbed the headlines, it’s the impressive form of pocket-sized midfielder Luka Modric that has played a crucial role in Tottenham’s 100% record. Spraying passes from a roving central position behind the strikers, the little Croatian’s cutting edge will be sorely missed during his six weeks out nursing a fractured fibula.

Al Fahim to the rescue? Rock bottom of the league, Pompey’s win-less start to the season has seen them score one goal (by defender Younes Kaboul) and concede seven. With the side low on quality and the transfer window all but closed, has Sulaiman Al Fahim’s £60 million takeover of Portsmouth come a little too late? We look forward to January.

Europe endeavors take toll on Fulham. Last season Roy Hodgson‘s men qualified for Europe on the back of a stingy defense and never-say-die attitude. This season, their draining adventures abroad have been followed by two league losses characterized by careless defensive errors and general lethargy. Lying two point from the drop, Fulham‘s previous success might just prove their own downfall.

From bad to worse - Fulham's John Pantsil slots one in... his own net.

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