Arsenal

The Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt on MOTD2 Extra: "I'm a big fan of Theo Walcott down the middle and I'm glad he's been given a chance. They have flirted with the idea before but now he seems to be given a real chance.

"His pace gives people problems and his goal yesterday was terrific. He finished it superbly. As he says, the more he plays there the better he will get."

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on MOTD2 Extra

“I think mentally more than anything, because I think he’s a fit lad. Winning the Copa America means so much and it will have taken a lot out of him. If Arsenal win the league last year he wins player of the year, that’s how highly I rate him.”

Few foreign imports have made as big an impression in the Premier League as Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez did in 2014-15.

After a subdued start to the season, the Chile international forward returned to form in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick in Saturday's 5-2 win at Leicester.

Image source, Getty Images

"It took Alexis a while to find his form," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "He didn't come back straight away from the Copa America and after a competition like that it takes some time.

"I think he's back at his best now."

The Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt on MOTD2 Extra: "Wayne Rooney is often damned with faint praise. He breaks records wherever he goes. He is quality, I am surprised he gets written off as often as he does.

"It won't be long before he's back scoring often and Anthony Martial will help him."

Guy Mowbray
BBC commentator on MOTD2 Extra

"They were never not title contenders. They were always going to be up there.

"They are stronger than last year. If the reported £80m bid for Thomas Muller had come off then I would have made them favourites, I rate Muller that highly. They will be up there.

"It will be the same top four as last season - but in any order."

Manchester United took advantage of Manchester City's lunchtime defeat at Tottenham to go top of the Premier League table.

Image source, Getty Images

Goals from Memphis, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata gave United a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland, a result that took Louis van Gaal's side a point clear at the top.

"It's a nice feeling to be top of the table," said Van Gaal. "It's the first time in my period so I'm happy."  

Rooney's goal was his first in the Premier League this season, while Sunderland remain bottom of the table and without a league win this term.

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on MOTD2 Extra

“He’s very similar to Wayne Rooney in the way he can link up play. If you want him to just get in the box and score goals, you are wasting a lot of his all-round play.

"As you get older you learn to be a little bit more patient, but it’s compliments to him, he wants goals and has maybe been a bit over zealous to try and get them.”

Guy Mowbray
BBC commentator on MOTD2 Extra

"In time, Harry Kane will play at number 10. I want to see him score loads of goals, that's what he should be doing right now. He's been looking for that first goal, rather than playing on instinct."

England striker Kane netted his first Premier League goal of the season in Tottenham's 4-1 win over Manchester City.

Text commentary of Middlesbrough v Leeds to come later on.

Guy Mowbray
BBC commentator on MOTD2 Extra

"City looked slack at Tottenham but they will be stronger defensively this season. Nicolas Otamendi will adapt to the Premier League well, Mangala looks good, Sagna is getting more games, Kompany is back to his best and Demichelis won't play too many games.

"I just wonder if the decision not to play Joe Hart at Tottenham was a mistake. We have to take Pellegrini's word for it that he was injured."

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on MOTD 2 Extra

“It’s been a good start for Kevin de Bruyne, he looks like the real deal - sharp, mentally bright, looks like he belongs. The biggest thing is Manchester City have key players down the spine of the team, and once they’re out they struggle.”

Guy Mowbray
BBC commentator on MOTD2 Extra

"Manchester City will still be in the top two, no doubt about it. David Silva is the key - when he is missing they lose games. Manuel Pellegrini won't worry about this unduly. They have two good games for them this week and they will be back on track."

A couple of weeks ago, many pundits were already crowning Manchester City as Premier League champions, so good was their start to the season.

But two straight defeats, the second of them a 4-1 loss at Tottenham on Saturday, have left manager Manuel Pellegrini with a little to ponder.

Image source, Reuters

Pellegrini's cause wasn't helped by the absences of goalkeeper Joe Hart, captain Vincent Kompany and playmaker David Silva, as well as some questionable decisions from the officials at White Hart Lane.

"Two of their goals were offside," claimed Pellegrini. "I think we didn't play well in second half. The Premier League is always very difficult."

Image source, .

Manchester United are the new leaders after their 3-0 win over Sunderland. Manchester City drop to second following their 4-1 defeat by Spurs, who climb to fifth.

The day's other big movers were Arsenal, who are up to fourth after their 5-2 win at Leicester.

Fancy a bit of Premier League analysis? Well fear not, because MOTD2 Extra has just got under way on BBC Two.

Will Perry is joined by former England midfielder Trevor Sinclair, Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray and journalist Oliver Holt.

Watch the programme by clicking on the play button at the top of the page.

Got any thoughts about the weekend's Premier League action? Why not get in touch using the methods mentioned above?

We'll use some of them in our television broadcast and also here in this live text commentary.