In the big Division 1 game of week 5, Manchester United took on rivals Chelsea. It had been the London team that snatched the league title away from Manchester last season, after a last minute goal against them. United went into this home game seeking to get revenge, especially as Chelsea have not had the best of starts to this years campaign.

It was honours even in the first half. with both teams kicking chunks out of each other but not really troubling the goalkeepers. It was Chelsea who made the first mistake in the second half, as they gave away a needless free kick on the edge of the area. United made full use of it as they scored. Although Chelsea fought back, United pressed for more and found a striker on the edge of the six-yard box. Despite no-one thinking he could score, the forward hammered the ball into the far top corner to make it 2-0.

In injury time, Chelsea let their frustrations get the better of them and have away another free kick. United stepped up and hammered it home to leave the result at a resounding 3-0.

The weeks other big game was between Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool had a solid defence but up front they were all over the place, with long balls going too far or missed shots. It was quite a drab game, with Arsenal looking to get back on the counter attack. It was not far from the end when Liverpool’s defence ended up out of position and clipped an Arsenal player on their way back. Arsenal were awarded a penalty which they duly converted. Although Liverpool searched for an equaliser, they ran out of time, leaving Arsenal as 1-0 winners. Liverpool have now lost 3 of their opening 5 games, whilst Arsenal have won 4 from 5 and are pushing for the top spot.

In the relegation 6-point game, Norwich City finally found their scoring boots. West Ham looked a tired side after their midweek League Cup match and Norwich made full use of their rest period. They put two goals past the Hammers, as they finally get their points tally underway. West Ham are now in big trouble, as they only have the same points as Norwich City.

There was nothing to separate rivals Southampton and Newcastle as they played out a 1-1 draw. Surprisingly, Southampton had the better of the play and went 1-0 up. Southampton looked good to go 2-0 ahead but Newcastle found a way to equalise against the run of play. Neither side could score after that, but a point does little favour for either side.

League leaders Everton took on a struggling Nottingham Forest at the City ground. The home team were first to score and they thought they may be able to take all 3 points. Everton were aiming to set a new record of 5 wins in a row from the start of the season but this looked a long way off as they fought back. With minutes remaining Everton found a way through to break Forest hearts. Everton could not find a winning goal so it was one point to each side, as Everton drop to second place in the league.

The final match of the week was between this years surprise team Watford, against London rivals Spurs. In an even contest, both teams wanted the win. Tottenham took the lead and nearly had a second but it flew over the crossbar. The match went into injury time and Spurs were nearly home but Watford had a late attack into the Spurs area. It looked like Watford had a perfect shooting position and a rash Spurs defensive manoeuvre caught the attacker. Watford were awarded a penalty and scored with the last kick of the match. Watford remain in 4th place with Spurs now in trouble with only 4 points from 5 games.

Week 5 is offering some mouth-watering fixtures for the top Division 1 sides at SubbuteoCLUB.

In a repeat of the match from Year 5, Manchester United host Champions Chelsea. Last season the home team were minutes away from a first ever Division 1 title, until Chelsea scored to snatch the points. It was enough for Chelsea to take the title and leaving Manchester United wishing what could have been. Man Utd have started Year 6 in much better form than Chelsea, although they are still 4 points behind leaders Everton. Chelsea have drawn a lot of games this year and are already 6 points off the top, so they cannot afford a defeat or their title defence will look to be over. Man Utd did not play in the League Cup this week so their squad will be more rested, and will be seeking revenge from last year.

The second clash of week 5 involves Liverpool playing Arsenal. It is a tie of two of English footballs great teams and could shape the league for the rest of the season. Arsenal are chasing their first title and are doing well, whilst Liverpool have some catching up to do.

Top of the table Everton will be looking to set a new record of 5 wins in a row, as they take on struggling Nottingham Forest. No top team has ever won the first 5 games, but Everton have a good chance as Forest are yet to record a win this year.

There is a 6 point relegation match with Norwich City taking on West Ham. Norwich have taken some big defeats this year and need to begin taking points or they will be doomed to relegation. West Ham have struggled this year, after performing so well in Year 5. West Ham always do well in the League Cup, but will the additional Cup fixture work against the Hammers?

Southampton take on rivals Newcastle as they look to continue their winning run after their surprising victory against Liverpool last week. These two teams were both promoted last year and are looking to kick start their season, after finding the going tough so far.

Struggling Tottenham play in a London derby as they face Watford. Spurs should be much higher in the table but have found it hard to score. They also lost to Man City in the League Cup. Watford are the surprise team this year, standing in an excellent 4th place after promotion from Division 2. Can Watford clinch another win to push them even higher up the table?

Everton have taken top position at the top of Division 1, after a stunning 2-0 win against West Ham in Match Week 4. Everton already had a perfect set of results so far, and many believed that they would not be able to keep the run going, They put on a masterful display to complete four straight wins, which equals Liverpool’s record for a perfect start to a campaign, from year 4. Everton now sit on top of Division 1 for the first time in their SubbuteoCLUB six year history.

In the televised match, Manchester United hosted Arsenal, as Manchester looked to seek revenge after the Gunners knocked them out of the League Cup last week. United got off to a great start with an early goal, before scoring a second from a free-kick. After the break, Arsenal got their own bit of luck with a goal from a careless free-kick, given after a poor tackle from a United defender. United still thought the three points were in the bag, until an unbelievable shot from Arsenal at a tight angle hit the far corner of the net. The final score was 2-2, although it will be United who will feel like they dropped 2 crucial points in their chase for a first league title.

In other matches, Newcastle looked strong as they defeated a disjointed Spurs. The result moves Newcastle up to midway in the table, but leaves Spurs hovering above the relegation places.

Watford put up another strong performance, as they put 3 past a weak Norwich side. In what was billed a a close game, Norwich scored first, but then Watford overpowered their opponents to win 3-1. Watford are now up to 4th place in the table, which is their highest ever position in the league. Norwich have finally scored in a league match this season, but they remain bottom with a -10 goal difference.

Liverpool were stunned at Anfield, as visitors Southampton stole the points with a 2-1 victory. Both sides have been struggling to put together a decent run of results. The three points help new promoted Southampton climb the table to 8th.

In the other Division 1 match this week, current League Champions Chelsea played out a dull 0-0 with Nottingham Forest. It is now Chelsea’s third draw in four games, as they remain undefeated, but they cannot find a way to win matches this season. Forest will be pleased with a point, although it still leaves them in a relegation position.

Week 4 is shaping up to be a very important week of fixtures. The big match of the week is Manchester United versus Arsenal.

Manchester are looking for their first league title and could make up for dropping points in Week 3.

Arsenal meanwhile, are on a 3-win streak and would like to continue that form.

Ironically the same two teams meet up before this game in a League Cup fixture. This will add a bit more spice to the league fixture, as one of the teams will be knocked out of the cup by then.

Elsewhere, Newcastle take on Spurs as both sides look to get their season started after disappointing results.

The other surprise leaders Everton take on West Ham. The result of this game will show if Everton really are genuine title contenders. Liverpool host Norwich, who are desperate to get some points, after three defeats in a row.