Aston Villa 0-1 West Brom
SAIDO BERAHINO WENT some way to redeeming himself at West Brom as his first-half goal sealed 1-0 win over bitter Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The England Under-21 international publicly pushed for a move away from The Hawthorns during the transfer window and even stating on deadline day via social media that he would not play for the club again under chairman Jeremy Peace.
But after holding clear-the-air talks with boss Tony Pulis and his team-mates earlier in the week, Berahino looked focused on the task at hand at Villa Park, capping his return to the Albion side with a goal just before half-time.
The striker, one of three changes from the goalless draw against Southampton last week, when Berahino was used off the bench, popped up inside the area to deflect home James Morrison’s powerful drive, rewarding an impressive first half for the visitors, who were largely untroubled by a disappointing Villa performance.
Salomon Rondon had two chances well saved midway through the second period before Micah Richards saw a headed effort disallowed for an earlier foul on a frustrating day for Tim Sherwood’s side.
The result stretches Villa’s winless league run to five games, with Sherwood now left to pick up his players ahead of another derby fixture in the form of Birmingham City in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
Sunderland’s woeful start to the Premier League season continued as Matt Ritchie’s superb volley helped Bournemouth to a 2-0 win.
Callum Wilson took his top-flight tally to five for the season with a clever turn and finish inside the opening 10 minutes at the Vitality Stadium, before Ritchie’s stunning strike doubled the home side’s lead.
Jermain Defoe squandered two glorious chances towards the end of the first half and Jeremain Lens had a header incorrectly disallowed for offside, but Dick Advocaat’s side failed to provide a consistent goal threat and had Younes Kaboul dismissed 15 minutes from time.
The defeat means Sunderland slip back to the bottom of the table, while Eddie Howe’s men climb up to 11th.
Newcastle 1-2 Watford
A double from in-form Odion Ighalo gave Watford a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park as the hosts’ dismal start to the new season continued on Saturday. The forward scored his third and fourth Premier League goals with a pair of cool finishes inside the first half-hour.
Daryl Janmaat struck after the break with a well-taken goal as Newcastle threatened a comeback, but Watford held for an impressive win. The result means the visitors have two consecutive victories and only one defeat from their first six matches, while Steve McClaren’s men are stuck at the bottom alongside rivals Sunderland on just two points.
Swansea 0-0 Everton
Swansea captain Ashley Williams gave a towering defensive performance as his side held firm against in-form Everton in a 0-0 Premier League draw at the Liberty Stadium.
Williams made a string of crucial blocks that ensured Everton left south Wales frustrated after a contest in which they had the better chances but found Garry Monk’s side in resilient mood.
Everton picked up where they left off in their 3-1 win over Chelsea with a confident display of attacking football, with Ross Barkley and Steven Naismith providing chance after chance for Romelu Lukaku.
But Williams led from the back as Swansea maintained their unbeaten home record in 2015-16, although they were unable to secure a first league win over Everton , who had substitute Kevin Mirallas sent off late on for a cynical foul on Modou Barrow.
