The top trio of the Premier League underpinned their dominance with clear victories at the weekend.
After the 7-0 (3-0) gala of Chelsea by coach Thomas Tuchel against Norwich City, Jürgen Klopp followed up with Liverpool.
The Reds dealt with big rivals Manchester United away at Old Trafford on Sunday 5-0 (4-0) and after nine games are only one point behind Chelsea.
Defending champion Manchester City with coach Pep Guardiola is still third after the 4-1 (3-0) at Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to the data service provider Opta, the record champions Manchester United's biggest home defeat against Liverpool was mainly due to the outstanding Mohamed Salah with three goals (38th / 45th +3 / 50th minute).
The former Leipzig Naby Keita (5th) and Diogo Jota (13th) had scored for a quick 2-0 lead.
After a red card for Paul Pogba (60th) United had to play undernumbered for half an hour.
For United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the pressure should continue to grow after the bankruptcy.
"It's great to win 5-0 here," said Salah.
“We know what it takes to win the Premier League, we did it two years ago.
A great victory, but still only three points. "
Pogba fouls Keita - red!
Man United with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and the former Dortmund Jadon Sancho, who did not play, however, conceded their third league defeat from the past four games. At halftime, the Red Devils were 4-0 down, the alleged 5-1 by the Portuguese Ronaldo (53rd) was not recognized due to video evidence due to offside. Pogba, who was only substituted in the 46th minute, then saw red after a violent foul on Keita after video evidence.
After the German coach duel, Tuchel took sides for the criticized Daniel Farke. "That feels terrible for Daniel today," said Tuchel on Saturday. “I hope he'll keep his head up and get back on track with his team. He's a good guy and he deserves it. ”With just two points from nine games, Premier League returnees Norwich are still bottom of the table. "It's a tough day," said Farke.
Thanks to their third league win in a row, however, Chelsea confidently defended their top position. Tuchel then praised his three-goal man Mason Mount. “He's a boy from the academy who is very competitive and wants to achieve his goals. He's a top player and a top guy, ”said the 48-year-old coach of the Champions League winner about the England international. “A hat trick is something very special for him,” emphasized Tuchel.
By English standards, Mount had scored a hat trick. In the eighth minute he opened the peat festival against the pitiful and hopeless newcomer. Callum Hudson-Odoi (18th), Reece James (42nd), Ben Chilwell (57th) and Max Aarons (62nd / own goal) increased. After a yellow-red for Ben Gibson (65th), the 22-year-old Mount (85th, hand penalty / 90th + 1) made the final score 7-0.
“We like him and his way of playing football,” said Tuchel, whose team, with crowd favorites Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz in the starting eleven, but without Timo Werner (thigh injury), underpinned the top position after nine match days with 22 points.
Within striking distance of Chelsea, Manchester City are two points behind Chelsea.
Captain Ilkay Gündogan (13th), Phil Foden (28th / 31st) and Riyad Mahrez (90th + 5) scored the goals for the defending champion.
Alexis Mac Allister (81./Foul penalty) scored the goal for Brighton & Hove Albion.