Sunday's busy programme of Premier League matches proved to be full of shocks and surprises.
The headline act between the two expected big hitters this season ended in a draw, but not before a few twists and turns for both Manchester City and Chelsea. It looked like the classic strategy being employed by Jose Mourinho as his team went ahead with a goal by German Andre Schurrle, after a neat interchange of passes between several Chelsea players. The goal arrived after the hosts had been reduced to ten men when Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for his second yellow card after being slightly unfortunate for the first.
The sending off brought the game to life and City's decision to introduce their loanee and all time Chelsea top goalscorer Frank Lampard for the last 15 minutes reaped rich rewards for them. He scored his first goal for his temporary club (he moves to American team New York City FC shortly) to bring the ten men level and they held on for the point. Chelsea will be the happier given that they maintain a healthy five point gap over City, but it will no doubt rankle a little with his previous employers. The away fans didn't show any bitterness, applauding Lampard at the final whistle, maybe in part for his non celebration on scoring the goal as much as for his years of excellence on the pitch for their side.
Perhaps the shock of the day was the way Manchester United surrendered a two goal cushion at Leicester City, not once but twice. They seemed to be easing to a much needed away win when leading 2-0, after goals from Robin Van Persie and a sublime finish from Angel Di Maria. Leonardo Ulloa continued his fine start to the season to pull one back for the hosts , but when Ander Herrera restored the two goal advantage with a cheeky back heeled third it seemed likely that more goals would follow.
They did, but rather surprisingly it was City who scored them. David Nugent netted from the spot after a needless foul by Rafael on Jamie Vardy, before Esteban Cambiasso brought them level on his full debut. Vardy then amazingly put the Foxes ahead with just 11 minutes left and United's day got even worse as Tyler Blackett was red carded after giving a further penalty away just minutes later.
Ulloa converted it to take the score to 5-3 and lift his team up to sixth in the table. The dramatic way that the Foxes turned it around will worry Louis Van Gaal, but it was just reward for the attacking intent of manager Nigel Pearson.
Police have reportedly launched a probe into racist abuse sent to Mario Balotelli on Twitter after the Liverpool striker's tweet seemed to mock United's defeat.
Despite a late rally from the Toffees as Leighton Baines pulled one back from the penalty spot, it wasn't enough.
West Brom secured all three points against a disappointing Spurs side, with a solitary goal from a James Morrison header in the 74th minute proving enough on the day as Tottenham failed to pick him up from a corner. Their first win of the season was welcome reward for a solid team performance.
