LONDON: Raheem Sterling hit his first senior hat-trick as Premier League leaders Manchester City swept aside Bournemouth 5-1.

City were without injured duo Sergio Aguero and David Silva, but Sterling shouldered the attacking responsibilities against a Cherries side suffering even worse fitness problems. The England winger opened the scoring in the seventh minute and netted twice more before the interval.

Wilfried Bony was also on target in either half, while Glenn Murray briefly gave his side hope at 2-1.

Manchester United kept within two points of their neighbours, Wayne Rooney capping a 3-0 win at Everton with his 187th Premier League goal and his first away goal for almost a year. That put him level with former Red Devil Andy Cole in second on the league’s all-time list, behind only Alan Shearer.

Morgan Schneiderlin got things started with his first goal for the club after 18 minutes, followed by Ander Herrera’s effort soon after. Rooney benefited from a Phil Jagielka error to net his second league goal of the season against his former club.

Arsenal moved to second in the with an impressive 3-0 win at Watford. The Gunners, who had beaten Manchester United before the international break, were made to work hard for their victory following a spirited effort by the well-organised Hornets.

Ultimately, though, the technical superiority of Arsene Wenger’s men proved enough, as in-form Alexis Sanchez netted after a breakaway on 62 minutes, with goals from substitute Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey helping to keep Arsenal only two points behind City.

Jurgen Klopp’s eagerly-awaited bow as Liverpool boss ended with a 0-0 draw at Tottenham.

The result might have swung either way, with Divock Origi heading against the crossbar for the Reds, whose goalkeeper Simon Mignolet needed to be at his best to maintain a clean sheet at the other end.

Klopp said: “I’m satisfied. This is not the worst sign as I hadn’t got the biggest expectations for the game as we only had three days together and Tottenham are a strong and tuned team.

“It could have been difficult yet I’m really satisfied. The start was brilliant and we surprised them a little bit. Football is a result sport. We need all the results, we have to try and improve, work together and do the things together we want to see. The nil on the right side is OK, the nil on the other side doesn’t give you the same feeling.”

At Stamford Bridge, Diego Costa returned from suspension to ease the pressure on manager Jose Mourinho. Costa netted both goals in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over struggling Aston Villa, trebling his league tally for the season.

The Sam Allardyce effect yielded no immediate rewards for Sunderland, who remain winless this term following a 1-0 defeat at West Brom.

Saido Berahino’s reintegration at the Hawthorns continued as he snaffled the ball from Costel Pantilimon’s grasp to poke home the winner in the 54th minute.

West Ham scored twice in the closing moments to see off 10-man Crystal Palace and grab a fourth away win of the campaign.

The score was tied at 1-1 after Carl Jenkinson’s opener and Yohan Cabaye’s twice-taken penalty when Dwight Gayle collected a second yellow card just before half-time.

The Hammers’ laboured without result until the 88th minute when Andy Carroll’s knockdown was finished by Lanzini before Dimitri Payet made it 3-1.

Jamie Vardy’s stellar start to the season continued as he hit the target twice to salvage a 2-2 for Leicester at Southampton.

Saints looked safe after first-half goals from defenders Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk, but the division’s top-scorer made it nine for the season, pouncing in the 67th and 90th minutes.

############