The Manchester City premier league football club passed their first major test of the season by beating Arsenal 4-2 in a heated clash at Eastlands, with Emmanuel Adebayor the centre of attention against his former club.
Adebayor was among the scorers as big-spending City made a compelling case for their ability to break the stranglehold of the "big four" in England, securing their fourth win out of four.
But he later made apologies over two controversial incidents that marked the game.
Adebayor's decision to run the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the Arsenal fans earned him a booking.
And after the match had finished, Arsenal's Robin Van Persie issued a statement via the club's official website accusing Adebayor of maliciously stamping on him.
The City striker firmly denied that suggestion but expressed sorrow, saying he was trying to kick the ball, not his opponent's head.
Champions Manchester United recovered from conceding an early goal at Tottenham Hotspur to win 3-1 even though Paul Scholes was sent off after an hour.
Chelsea maintained their perfect record with their fifth win but needed a last-minute Florent Malouda goal for a 2-1 victory at Stoke City.
Yossi Benayoun scored a hat-trick as Liverpool ended their sticky run by thrashing Burnley 4-0 at Anfield.
The results take Chelsea to 15 points with Manchester United, Manchester City and Spurs all on 12.
