Premier League round-up

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Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle all pulled off emphatic 6-0 victories whilst Gareth Bale's wonder-strike gave Tottenham a contentious win at Stoke in one of the most memorable weekends in Premier League history.

But perhaps the most entertaining game of all came at Craven Cottage, where Mark Hughes' Fulham twice came from behind to secure a deserved 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Cottagers fell behind to a superb Paul Scholes strike after eleven minutes, but Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora combined brilliantly before Simon Davies levelled. However a Brede Hangeland own-goal handed United a 2-1 lead, but they were ultimately denied when David Stockdale saved Nani's late penalty and Hangeland made amends with a bullet header from a Duff corner seconds before full-time.

Meanwhile Arsenal brought Ian Holloway's Blackpool crashing back to earth with a thumping 6-0 rout at the Emirates Stadium. Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick, whilst Abou Diaby, Andrei Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh completed the scoring as the Gunners build on their valuable away point at Anfield to leap to second in the table, ahead of United on goal difference.

But both sides were left trailing in the wake of free-scoring Chelsea as the Premier League champions romped to a second successive 6-0 triumph at Wigan Athletic. The Latics were thumped 8-0 at Stamford Bridge in May, and will have been wary of the Blues' goalscoring qualities after their defeat of West Bromwich Albion on opening day. But after a solid first half, the hosts capitulated as goals from Florent Malouda and Yossi Benayoun, as well as doubles by Salomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka ensured the champions maintain their 100% start to the new season.

Newcastle United responded to their Old Trafford short-comings on Monday evening with a fine 6-0 win over beleaguered Aston Villa, who could have gone ahead but for John Carew's penalty miss. A Joey Barton stunner complimented a Kevin Nolan double and a treble by English forward Andy Carroll as the Toon celebrated their return to the Premier League in stunning fashion.

Elsewhere, Bolton's brilliant record against West Ham United continued with a 3-1 victory at Upton Park thanks to a Johann Elmander brace and the superb Jussi Jaaskelainen, whilst Peter Odemwingie's début strike was enough for West Brom to beat Sunderland in a tight encounter at the Hawthorns.

Across the second city, Birmingham goalkeeper enjoyed a day to remember at St. Andrew's as he pulled off a brilliant penalty save from Morten Gamst Pedersen as the Blues triumphed 2-1 over Blackburn Rovers. Chris N'Zonzi had headed the away side ahead, but Craig Gardner's brace completed an excellent turn-around as Birmingham demonstrate their home form is as strong as ever - the Blues currently lie 5th in the table after a solid start.

Sylvain Ebanks-Blake scored a late leveller for Wolverhampton Wanderers at Everton, who had gone ahead thanks to Tim Cahill's finish late in the first half to give Mick McCarthy's side a valuable point as the Black Country side built on a solid victory over Stoke on the opening day.

Tottenham's excellent win at Stoke was contentious to say the least after the Potters were denied a clear equaliser deep into stoppage time. Gareth Bale scored two goals at opposite ends of the goalscoring spectrum - his first goal was close to ridicule as a Ryan Shawcross clearance smashed him in the face and went in, before his stunning volley secured Spurs the points. Sandwiched between both Bale goals was a Fuller leveller, but Stoke were left stunned when the ball appeared to cross the line by the time Peter Crouch had been able to scramble it away. Referee Chris Foy was perfectly-placed but missed the incident - goalline technology anyone?

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Player of the weekend - Gareth Bale. Though hat-trick heroes Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott helped their sides to 6-0 romps, and Ashley Cole, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ben Foster and Craig Gardner all starred for their teams in excellent victories, Bale's performance at Stoke was exquisite. Two goals - one of which an early contender for goal of the season - along with a solid defensive performance - capped off a superb display by the in-form Welshman.

Team of the weekend - Newcastle. Arsenal and Chelsea both excelled in their 6-0 romps, and Bolton deserve an honourable mention, but the Toon were simply magnificent against Aston Villa and looked ten times the team that put in a timid performance at Old Trafford. With Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan finding form in front of goal, St James' Park will be a very tough place to go this season.

Moan of the weekend - Goalline technology. Stoke's blatant equalising goal is yet another reminder that the Premier League needs to implement television replays and goalline equipment - it's just common sense, isn't it?

Goal of the weekend - Gareth Bale (second). There were some stunning strikes this weekend - Joey Barton and Paul Scholes included, but Bale's volley was sumptuous.

Game of the weekend - West Ham 1-3 Bolton. Though Fulham's comeback against United was part of an enthralling game, West Ham's clash with Bolton was massively entertaining. Had Carlton Cole scored his penalty, things might have been different, but the game made for 90 minutes of pure footballing fun - at least from Bolton's point of view!