CHELSEA preserved its five-point lead — and its unbeaten start to the campaign — by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 thanks to a free kick from Oscar and a great goal finished off by Cesc Fabregas.

    Sergio Aguero netted four times for Manchester City versus Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton put eight past Sunderland on Saturday.

    Chelsea overcame the sending off of Cesar Azpilicueta before halftime to stay five points clear of City, which won 4-1 in a game containing four penalties and a red card.

    Third-placed Southampton came within a goal of equaling the record Premier League win as the side crushed Sunderland 8-0 with Graziano Pelle scoring twice for the Saints, who were helped by two own goals, including a bizarre one from Santiago Vergini.

    Manchester United’s 9-0 thumping of Ipswich Town remains the biggest victory in the Premier League era.

    West Ham United moved into the top four thanks to a 3-1 win at struggling Burnley but Arsenal’s season is still awaiting liftoff as the side was held to a fifth draw from its opening eight league games in a 2-2 thriller with Hull City.

    Danny Welbeck’s stoppage time goal salvaged a point for Arsenal.

    Chelsea leads the standings with 22 points followed by City on 17, Southampton with 16 and West Ham on 13. Manchester United, who visit West Bromwich Albion today, are in fifth spot level on points with Arsenal, Swansea City and Spurs.

    Fabregas scored his first league goal for Chelsea since signing from Barcelona after Oscar’s free kick had given Jose Mourinho’s side an early lead. Red cards for Azpilicueta and Palace defender Damien Delaney before halftime disrupted the flow but Chelsea was comfortable despite a late rally from Palace, who halved the deficit through Fraizer Campbell.(SD-Agencies)