Holders Chelsea handed a royal shock by Palace

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2-0 victory over promoted Watford as champions Chelsea suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace.

Raheem Sterling scored his first goal for the club and Fernandinho netted a superb second to lift City to their fourth successive win and open an eight-point advantage over Chelsea.

The Stamford Bridge side’s underwhelming start to the season continued at Stamford Bridge despite Radamel Falcao’s first goal for the club, Joel Ward grabbing the Palace winner nine minutes from time to put his side second in the table.

Liverpool, who had taken seven points from their opening three games, slumped to a surprise 3-0 home defeat by West Ham United and had midfielder Philippe Coutinho sent off.

Newcastle United’s Fabricio Coloccini scored an own-goal as Arsenal laboured to their second win of the season with a highly-charged 1-0 victory over their 10-man hosts at St James’ Park.

Sunderland remained bottom after an eventful 2-2 draw at Aston Villa and promoted Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Leicester City after Jamie Vardy cancelled out Callum Wilson’s fourth goal in two games.

Club-record signing Salomon Rondon scored to give West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 victory over Stoke City who had Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam sent off.

Results:

Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester City 
Aston Villa 2-2 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-2 Crystal Palace 
Liverpool 0-3 West Ham 
Manchester City 2-0 Watford
Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal 
Stoke City 0-1 West Brom