Saturday football as it happened

But that's all from me for the night.

Head back this way on Sunday, when Phil Dawkes is your man for extensive coverage of the games between Stoke and Arsenal, and Liverpool and Manchester City.*

*Biblical weather permitting

So then, a very eventful day of football. We've seen some monumental weather, a game called off before the end of August for a waterlogged pitch, an inch-long gash in Wayne Rooney's thigh, a first Manchester United goal for a former Arsenal captain and another good win for Everton.

If you need a catch up, head over to our football index where you can read the match reports and quotes and even watch the interviews with the great and good from the Premier League.

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole on Eden Hazard: "When I played for England against Belgium I had to mark him. I told the guys then that he's going to rip up the Premier League."

Chelsea like a strong start. They have won their opening three Premier League matches for the third time in the last four seasons. On each of the three occasions they won the Premier League title they also won at least their first three matches.

Are they serious title contenders this year?

Match of the Day is on BBC One at 22:30 BST, and the running order is just in.

Get yourselves parked on the sofa for: Man Utd v Fulham, Aston Villa v Everton, Swansea v West Ham, Chelsea v Newcastle, Tottenham v WBA, Southampton v Wigan, and Norwich v QPR.

Alan Pardew blows a kiss to the travelling Newcastle support but Chelsea were always in control of that one. They looked vulnerable against Reading but put in a composed performance, with Eden Hazard impressing again.

David Luiz is fine now, he's back on the pitch. The rain has returned in a big way.

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi had a trouble-free afternoon as he helped the Latics to a 2-0 win at Premier League newcomers Southampton. He has taken to Twitter to give his thoughts: "Great win today. Crucial three points away against a team that was eager to play the first home game in the Premier League since a long time.

"Very satisfied with the performance and the score. All the team concentrated throughout the 90 minutes. Happy with the first clean sheet away."

Oh big chance for Newcastle!

Sylvain Marveaux crosses from the left, Ryan Taylor heads it back into the middle and Demba Ba misses the ball altogether with a real air shot.

He still has time to have a second bite of the cherry, mind, and his low drive is well saved by the diving Petr Cech. They have had a couple of chances which really should have been taken today.

More scintillating stuff from Eden Hazard as he flies past Fabricio Coloccini with ease before putting in a low cross. Newcastle get the ball away but only as far as Ryan Bertrand, who shoots low and hard from range and Tim Krul has to make the save. As close as we've come to a goal all half.

Newcastle have made a change as well, with dead-ball expert Ryan Taylor coming on, and he delivers a beauty from deep on the left which Papiss Cisse heads over the top. He should do better there, the number nine. A decent opening.

A third goal is on the cards but I wouldn't like to say which way it is going to go. Both teams look a threat on the break, as Chelsea chuck Ramires on for Juan Mata.

Fernando Torres is starting to look more and more like his old self. He bursts forward on the break, with Vurnon Anita matching him stride for stride, and pulls out a 'rabona' to cross it in with his left foot. Newcastle get it clear but the confidence is coursing through Torres now.

Petr Cech has to make a strong save, Demba Ba drives into the area and shoots left-footed, but Cech stands up at his near post to beat the ball away. If Newcastle can get one here then you never know...

Chelsea have been a touch sloppy in this half but in a second thay are almost through. Believe it or not but the move begins with John Obi Mikel spinning away from a man in midfield and eating up the ground.

Fernando Torres makes a dangerous run off the back of a defender but Mikel slightly delays in playing the pass and Fabricio Coloccini is able to cut it out.

Nice from Newcastle. Nice. Davide Santon carries the ball down the left and shifts it in to Hatem Ben Arfa 30 yards from goal. The Frenchman shifts the ball on to his left foot smartly and drags his shot just wide.

There are no changes for either side at the break. Chelsea on course to be back on top of the table this evening.

Chelsea are out on the pitch ready for the second half. Let's see if Eden Hazard can impress LudaChris in this 45 minutes...

Chelsea have been very good so far.

It is two years since Newcastle came from behind to win a Premier League match - a 2-1 victory at West Ham in October 2010.

Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom earlier this afternoon and Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to make a further dent in his transfer coffers before the end of the window.

He said: "The market can be very frenetic in the last couple of days. We are looking to strengthen our squad a bit further so we will try to do the deals we can do."

That is another assist for Eden Hazard. He is making a massive impact on the Premier League.

Oh, ridiculous from David Luiz!

The centre-half - that's a defender, Dave - does well initially to win a header but then tries to dribble past Danny Simpson on the edge of his own box. Simpson gets the tackle in, the ball runs on to Papiss Cisse and he is able to fire in a shot which is saved by Petr Cech. Crazy from the Brazilian.

Newcastle go close now. Hatem Ben Arfa is the architect - his acceleration over a few yards is incredible - and he bursts clear of a man before finding Papiss Cisse on the right of the area. Cisse then stands up a cross to the back post but Demba Ba can't keep it down.

Chelsea turn it on again and almost make it 2-0.

Again, Eden Hazard is at the heart of it as he carries the ball menacingly forwards. He is over-lapped by Juan Mata and delays his pass to perfection and plays the Spaniard in. Mata puts the ball across the face of goal but Fabricio Coloccini is on hand to smash it away before Fernando Torres can get there.

Newcastle of course were playing in Greece this time on Thursday - the toughest 48 hours since Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy were on the run through California.

They are having a strong spell of possession here though.

Apologies if some of you have experienced problems with our live football scores and league tables. We're having a few technical issues with our data feeds but they'll hopefully be fixed soon.

Manchester United's Robin van Persie, who scored on his home debut as United beat Fulham 3-2: "It is always good on your debut to score a goal like that. I enjoyed it. Fulham are a good side, they like to play football and it is always hard against them. In the end we got the three points and that is the main thing. Old Trafford is a big stadium, with great fans and they have been very nice to me today, so I really appreciate it. This is a new challenge that I am looking forward to."

To be fair to Newcastle that goal has not shook them up. Papiss Cisse drops deep to receive possession and pings a fine ball over the top for his strike partner Demba Ba, but he can't quite gather it in.

It was a wild tackle by Vurnon Anita - he didn't need to make it to be honest. Chelsea could have to make a change here as Raul Meireles is struggling with an injury.

Brilliant move from Chelsea.

Raul Meireles plays a magnificent 60-yard pass over the top, Fernando Torres cushions it on his chest and is able to play the ball inside to Ryan Bertrand. Bertrand should score to be honest, but can only toe-poke a right-footed effort right at Tim Krul. Great football though.

QPR boss Mark Hughes has mixed thoughts on his team's penalty against Norwich, which Djibril Cisse won and Bobby Zamora scored on the rebound after encroaching in the area.

He told BBC Sport: "I think it was right. Norwich will think it's soft and I'd probably agree with that but there's definitely contact."

On Zamora's encroachment he added: "There were probably three of ours encroaching and four of Norwich's so I think it evens itself out. [Referee] Mark Clattenburg made the right decision there."

This fixture at the end of the last season saw Papiss Cisse score two sensational goals for Newcastle but he's been anonymous so far.

Chelsea remain on top, with Eden Hazard spinning away from a defender smartly, but his low shot is tame and easily held by Tim Krul.

Newcastle have been behind the ball so far, but they break well to fashion a semi-opening. Yohan Cabaye threads a delicate pass in behind, and Demba Ba almost wriggles free of Gary Cahill but the England man is able to get a toe to the ball.

All eyes are on Eden Hazard after his marvellous start to the season, and the Belgian is flitting about menacingly on the edge of the box. Newcastle could have done with Cheick Tiote in their midfield to hound him down, but Tiote has a calf problem.

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton was not happy with QPR's penalty, which Bobby Zamora scored on the rebound after a tussle between Sebastien Bassong and Djibril Cisse.

He told BBC Sport: "I'm quite sure their camp will say something different but it's a soft penalty. Cisse was stretching for the ball and his momentum would have taken him down anyway. I accept Seb didn't touch the ball. The double whammy is the pen itself. On the referee's side Bobby Zamora is at least three yards in the box which gives him an advantage."

Djibril Cissee, unsurprisingly, disagrees: "I think it was a penalty. There's contact. I've not seen the video. The referee decided to agree with the goal. I don't know if Bobby was in or out because I was too busy trying to score my penalty."

Newcastle are two goals away from hitting the 1000 mark in the Premier League. But it's been all Chelsea so far in the opening stages.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert after his side's 3-1 home defeat to Everton: "I know it's a huge job here. We are trying everything to sort it out. For every negative there's a positive and at least we didn't capitulate.

"Will there be any new signings? We'll have to wait and see what happens over the next few days. It's a really young side and sometimes you need a bit of help."

David Moyes on Everton's 3-1 win at Aston Villa: "We created quite a few chances before we scored and I was beginning to worry. I'm a bit disappointed we didn't score one or two more.

"I'd like to add to the squad if I could because it is a bit light. But if your squad's light then it gives the youngsters a chance and we are a club that gives youngsters a chance. Six points from two games is a good start, particularly when your first two games are Manchester United and Aston Villa away."

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins after his side's defeat at home to Wigan: "The Premier League is a relentless division. We had opportunities and didn't take them. You have to be ruthless, or the harsh reality is you will be punished.

"Goals change games, and 1-0 down with 20 minutes to go, you change your formation to get back into it; that is my responsibility. But, the 4-4-2 saw them have far too much of the ball."

At the Bridge, Chelsea are parading new signings Victor Moses and Cesar Azpilicueta to the fans. Neither are available to play today, but show the depth in this squad now.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez after his side's 2-0 win at Southampton: "I am delighted, as we knew we were coming in the worst possible moment to play them due to their winning momentum from their achievement to get into the Premier League. They put us under massive pressure early on, and from then on we composed ourselves and slowly grew into the game.

"The strikers live on great finishes and scoring goals. They did huge jobs for the team, and they emptied themselves, and the goals were their reward."

We'll bring you the latest on that injury to Wayne Rooney as soon as we get it, it was only a cut but it was a very deep one. Could be nasty.

Wayne Rooney has had to go off on a stretcher with that gash. it looks a bad one.

Fulham then almost snatch a point when Bryan Ruiz has a header well saved by David De Gea. Great drama.

Tom Cleverley goes close for Manchester United but his low shot is just wide. We are into stoppage-time around the grounds.

Southampton have been disappointing on home ground today - they've only had one half chance through a Rickie Lambert header to shout about all day. Wigan are closing in on a rare away win.

Alistair Magowan reports from Old Trafford: "That Fulham reply had echoes of the 4-4 draw with Everton last season when Manchester United twice threw away a two-goal lead in the title run-in. Strange then, that rather than closing the game down, Sir Alex Ferguson has brought on Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck. Will United be able to hang on this time?"

Fulham threaten an equaliser again, as substitute Hugo Rodallega is played into space and his shot is on target until Michael Carrick throws himself in the way. Can they pull off a shock?

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland, the only player to be cautioned so far at Old Trafford today, is phenomenally lucky not to be shown the red card - his crunching tackle from the side on Robin van Persie results in the sternest of talking tos from the referee.

United then almost grab a fourth goal as that man Rafael sends in a dipping shot from range which is tipped over the bar by Mark Schwarzer.

David de Gea is keeping Manchester United in the lead.

First, he tips over Moussa Dembele's rising hit from 25 yards and the young Spaniard then makes an even better save to kep out Dembele again from the following corner. All of a sudden Fulham are threatening to sneak a point here.

Chance for West Brom to break the deadlock at White Hart Lane - Marc-Antoine Fortune wriggles clear inside the area and gets a shot away but Brad Friedel makes the sprawling stop.

Robert Snodgrass has missed a sitter for Norwich. The former Leeds man meets Javier Garrido's cross six yards out but manages to head it over. Not what was required.

Differing opinions in the Final Score studio as Ciaran Clark is sent off for Aston Villa after bringing down Nikica Jelavic. Villa are 3-0 down and the mountain they had to climb has got even bigger.

Garth Crooks is disappointed with the decision, saying: "Nobody in the stadium would have complained if he had stayed on. I am sad for the lad and for everybody concerned. The game is over as a contest now."

Steve Claridge disagrees: "If he is through on goal and somebody clips him then he has to be sent off."

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan reports from Old Trafford: "Understandable that, after a breathless first half, Manchester United have taken their foot off the pedal a bit. Antonio Valencia is still looking a menace down the right, though, and it is very interesting watching Robin van Persie drop deep and wide to create. Fulham's best hope looks to be from a quick break."

Rafael is having a good day for Manchester United and the Brazilian goes close to a second goal of the day, steering his header over the top after good work from Robin van Persie. United well on top still.

Tottenham remain the team most likely to break the deadlock at White Hart Lane. Jake Livermore finds Jermain Defoe in the West Brom half and after carrying the ball he unleashes a shot from 20 yards that fizzes past the near post. The home crowd are starting to get a little restless.

More controversy at Carrow Road. After a mix-up with substitute Nedum Onuoha, QPR keeper Robert Green puts a glove on the ball outside of the area. The referee does not spot it and Norwich will feel aggrieved again.

Spurs go close again as Benoit Assou-Ekotto sees his free-kick well saved by Ben Foster. Emmanuel Adebayor is on the bench and could be with us soon I reckon.

At White Hart Lane, Gareth Bale continues to get himself into good positions for Tottenham. He also continues to fail to capitalise. A sweeping pass from Rafael van der Vaart finds the winger wide left, but he is unable to hit the target with his shot courtesy of a horrible slice.

There have been no signs of life from Aston Villa as they try and fight back from 3-0 down at home to Everton. If anything, Everton look the more likely to score. This is a really poor showing from Villa.

We can't have two games off in one day in August. Surely?

Anyway the two other after Japanese goalscorers where Junichi Inamoto and Hidetoshi Nakata. Two biscuits if you got them right.

Shinji Kagawa is the third Japanese player to score in the Premier League. Can you name the others?

If Michael Dawson is on his way out of White Hart Lane, he appears fairly relaxed about it all. He's having a laugh and a joke in the tunnel with Spurs legends Ledley King and Sir Les of Ferdinand.

No game for Sunderland today after their fixture with Reading was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Instead, Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has spoken to Final Score about new signing Adam Johnson: "We are naturally thrilled to bits to sign him. He is a quality player, an exciting player and I think the crowd will take to him. We are delighted we have got him here."

QPR keeper Robert Green, playing against his former club Norwich, is forced to touch Bradley Johnson's rasping drive over the bar in what is turning into a very tight game. Still 1-1 at Carrow Road.

The weather conditions are replicating the dreary play on the pitch at St Mary's in the match between Southampton and Wigan as heavy rain begins to bucket down at the end of the first half. Neither side are making an impact in the final third, and the closest we have come to a goal is a 25-yard drive from Adam Lallana that was pushed onto the crossbar.

Manchester United are piling forwards, as Antonio Valencia curls a shot a foot wide from the edge of the box. Fulham are hanging on a bit - but they pressure well at the other end as Mladen Petric closes down David de Gea.

The Spanish keeper is able to show some nifty footwork though to get out of trouble.

Two good chances for Norwich against QPR. Anthony Pilkington nods Robert Snodgrass's free-kick wide and the winger then forces Robert Green into a low save.

Villa Park has been subdued since Steven Pienaar's early goal for Everton, but a round of applause rings round the ground in the 19th minute for their number 19 Stiliyan Petrov, who is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

A great chance for Spurs - but it falls to the wrong man. Jan Vertonghen starts the move from the back, strolling out before spreading the ball out wide.

When the cross comes in, it falls to the feet of the Belgian centre-half who had made his way into the area, but he can't control the shot and lashes over the bar. Good football from Tottenham though.

That penalty to QPR looks generous on the replays - I think Bassong got some of the ball - and the second viewing shows that Bobby Zamora was inside the penalty area when the ball was struck as well. Harsh on Norwich.

It is all Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Kyle Walker plays a superb pass into the path of Aaron Lennon, who has cut in from the right, but his pull-back is put wide of the near post by Rafel van der Vaart. If the home side keep up this one-way traffic it is only a matter of time until they score.

At Villa Park it is all Everton, who should be 2-0 up. Nikica Jelavic has wasted a good header, and David Moyes's side look to be in cruise control. You are never safe at 1-0 up though.

Alistair Magowan reports from Old Trafford: "After a nightmare start to his full debut as Fulham went ahead, Robin van Persie scores a goal of real beauty from his first chance of the game. He likes debuts in Manchester; the Dutchman scored at City on his Arsenal bow too, and now his name is ringing around the stadium."

Tottenham have started well at White Hart Lane against West Brom. Gareth Bale looks particularly dangerous. His cross from the left just evades his team-mates before he fires over a shot from just inside the area. Andre Villas-Boas will be pleased with what he is seeing.

At Carrow Road, it's been a quiet start between Norwich and QPR. Clint Hill headed over for the visitors but there's been little else to report.

BBC Sport reporter Ivan Gaskell at Villa Park: "Very early stages here but Everton have the lead. Steven Pienaar's finish was sublime and Shay Given never had a chance. Villa are reeling at the moment."

At White Hart Lane, Gareth Bale puts in a dangerous cross as Tottenham make a bright start. Interestingly, the weather looks fine and dry for Spurs, but just a few miles away the rain is sheeting down at Wembley in the Challenge Cup final.

Manchester United have rallied after that early Fulham goal, with Antonio Valencia whipping in a fine cross from the right but there is no forward there to tap it in.

BBC Sport reporter Richard Askam at Old Trafford: "It is not the team we might have expected but Fulham have the lead. Poor defending from Manchester United as Damien Duff just steered the ball beyond De Gea."

Teams up and down the country are shaking hands out on the pitch. It's almost kick-off time.

The South Africa cricket team did not see any action in their called off one-day international against England on Friday, but they have turned up at St Mary's to catch Rickie Lambert and company against Wigan Athletic. I reckon giant fast bowler Morne Morkel would be a pretty handy centre-forward if you could whip a few crosses onto his head.

"Fergie, sign him up" is the chant reverberating around Old Trafford as Usain Bolt makes his way off the pitch.

At Old Trafford and a special guest star makes an appearance - the world's fastest man no less.

Nope, not Laurent Blanc - it's Usain Bolt, with gold medals and all. To a big cheer the Jamaican tells the crowd "You guys need to tell Sir Alex to sign me up."

Andre Villas-Boas leads out the introductions at White Hart Lane, as new staff and players alike get the chance to have a wave to the fans. Emmanuel Adebayor - who scored 17 goals for Spurs last season - looks bemused.

Swansea's goalscoring full-back Angel Rangel after his side's 3-0 victory against West Ham: "The gaffer has put his own work in, and ever player is very pleased with the way things are going. We are delighted with the momentum but it is just two games.

"Our aim is to maintain out status and our philosophy of keeping the ball. We will not put any targets up, but whatever comes it will be very good."

Referee Neil Swarbrick, speaking to Final Score about the decision to call off the game between Sunderland and Reading at the Stadium of Light: "It is because of a waterlogged pitch. There was standing water on the pitch when we arrived. We looked at the forecast for the rest of the day and the rain is only going to get worse. I spoke with both managers and they were in full agreement that it was not playable."

Reading manager Brian McDermott, speaking to Final Score about the postponement of the Royals' game at Sunderland due to a waterlogged pitch: "There is no way a game could be played today. It is highly unusual a game is called off in August, but it is what it is and we look forward now to Tuesday."

Another day, another thumping win for Swansea. What a start to the season.

Final Score is about to start at the top of your screens - Steve Claridge and Garth Crooks are your men to guide you through the afternoon.

Sam Allardyce is slumped in his chair - the West Ham manager is almost horizontal as he watches Swansea pass him off the park. Plenty of thinking for Big Sam to do.

Plenty of crazy goings on around the country this afternoon - the kick-off time for the Conference fixture between Hereford and Ebbsfleet has been put back to 16:30 BST as a result of Ebbsfleet's coach breaking down en route to Edgar Street.

If it's not heavy rain it's transport trouble.

Swansea are still cruising to victory against West Ham, who have been well off the pace today. I think a few sides will get this treatment in south Wales this season though.

There are about 25 minutes left in Swansea, where Michael Laudrup's side are coasting to victory. Laudrup's men have scored eight goals already this season - it's easy this Premier League lark isn't it?

For those of you getting in touch about the decision to call the game off in Sunderland - we've had an official statement from the club.

They say: "Torrential rain across Wearside overnight and throughout Saturday in the build up to the game led to an inspection from Match Officials.

Despite attempts from club staff and the officials to get the game to go ahead, the postponement was announced by referee Neil Swarbrick after thorough checks on the Stadium of Light pitch."

I suppose the only saving grace for Reading's players is that they were facing their third game of a testing week in the top-flight today. At least their legs will get a rest. No consolation for the fans though.

Danny Graham - you have to score these.

Again the West Ham defending is horrendous, Graham is played through on goal, onside, and curls it around the keeper but wide of the post. Massive chance to kill this one off.

Swansea have started the second half brightly, and Danny Graham calls Jussi Jaaskelainen into action with a curling effort from the edge of the box but this time the veteran is on the money, turning the ball away.

West Ham then have a glimpse at the other end, but Carlton Cole can't turn in a cross with an acrobatic effort.

You'll be pleased to know it's not raining in Middlesbrough - we've had a check for you.

Vladimir Pazdinov on Twitter: "Laudrup's Swansea don't maintain possession for possession's sake. They have penetration."

BBC Radio 5 live reporter Steven Wyeth at Sunderland: "I have just spoken to the referee and he was told on arrival that there would be a problem, he was just waiting to speak with both managers, who were in full agreement with the decision to call the game off."

Wow - the classic August Bank Holiday weather has seen off the game at Sunderland. I can't remember many games biting the dust in August to a waterlogged pitch.

All good for the Swans so far then - and here's what we have coming up for you between now and five...

As poor as they may have been, West Ham are a threat from corners. Carlton Cole is the latest to win a header which is on its way into the corner until a Swansea knee clears the ball. Almost a way back.

West Ham fans may be hoping that weather can make its way down in time to get this one called off - the Hammers have been poor in this half. George McCartney is the latest to aim a ball in the vague direction of Carlton Cole to no avail.

Chance at the other end as Jussi Jaaskelainen turns away a rising drive from Neil Taylor - great game.

That goal from Michu means that he is the fastest Spaniard to ever reach three goals in the Premier League era. The previous fastest was Fernando Torres who needed four Prem matches for Liverpool to reach three goals.

Matt Jarvis is close to a goal on his debut - again it's from a long free-kick pumped forwards, Jarvis swivels on the loose ball and catches a half-volley beautifully but Michel Vorm parries it away brilliantly.

Fine save.

Kamikaze stuff from West Ham. For all of Swansea's good play both goals have been avoidable. Three goals in two games now for Michu though - top signing by the looks of it.

West Ham fans - are you happy with the signing of Jussi Jaaskelainen? He was a great servant at Bolton but lost his place there last year.

West Ham's main threat is definitely from set-pieces. They win another free-kick out on the left which is well delivered, James Collins wins the header at the far post but Swansea stand firm and are able to get it away.

West Ham just have not got to grips with Angel Rangel down that right-hand side and it has cost them. The Hammers do force a moment of panic from a long-range free-kick but the hosts clear it away.

A few of you have text in to comment on this Swansea kit - it's super sharp isn't it? A bit Real Madrid - but very nice indeed.

They are fully into their rhythm now.

Again Angel Rangel is causing havoc. He drives down the right, and when the ball comes back to Wayne Routledge he crosses in for Danny Graham - who can't quite get his head on the ball. West Ham are hanging on a bit here.

Another nice move from Swansea, they again get Angel Rangel involved on the overlap but his low cross is well cleared by Winston Reid. The home side are starting to build the pressure.

Don't get Big Sam started on direct football Tyron...

I think West Ham have started well actually. They are looking to get new boy Matt Jarvis on the ball as much as they can. Get him paying off that hefty fee.