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The rise and fall of Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres was given his marching orders by Mike Dean © PA Photos

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Premier League round-up: Torres sent off in Chelsea win as Van Persie claims ton

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Hero to zero in just ten minutes
For the second week in a row, Fernando Torres hit the self-destruct button. Having scored his first goal of the season against Manchester United last week, the Spaniard put in his claim for howler of the season, missing an open goal after beating David de Gea. This week, Torres showed every indication of a return to form with a fine goal to give Chelsea the lead against Swansea, chesting down Juan Mata's dinked pass before lashing home - making it two goals in two games for the striker. But just ten minutes after becoming the goal hero for Chelsea, Torres was given his marching orders for a two-footed lunge on Mark Gower. You couldn't make this stuff up.

Advantage Arsenal
With the scoreline goalless at half-time, it looked like Arsenal's woeful start to the season might deepen with failure to beat Bolton at Emirates Stadium. But the Gunners soon got going after the interval. Robin van Persie scored his 99th Arsenal goal, drilling low past Jussi Jaaskelainen from Aaron Ramsey's assist. But more important than Ramsey's pass was the role played by referee Mark Clattenburg, who waved for play to continue after Gervinho was clattered by Gretar Steinsson, and the Gunners raced through to take their chance just 40 seconds after the restart.

Toffees come unstuck against svelte Silva
With Everton looking to claim a fifth straight win at Manchester City, David Moyes handed Jack Rodwell the unenviable task of man-marking the twinkle-toed David Silva. As the Spaniard threatened to create chances for City, Rodwell's afternoon was made even trickier after he picked up a yellow card for his troubles after just 20 minutes. Phil Neville then stepped in to try to keep Silva quiet, only to find his name in the book five minutes later, sending Silva tumbling after clipping the Spaniard's heels.

The Mascot bites back
When Wolves pulled one back against Liverpool at Anfield, it looked like a comeback might be on the cards. It was only fitting that the goal was scored by Liverpool fan Steven Fletcher, who as a ten-year-old led out a Reds side featuring Paul Ince and Robbie Fowler as the team mascot.

Alarm bells for Jol
Martin Jol took his side to West Brom in search of their first league win of the season. Returning to the club he played for back in the 80s, Jol was clearly feeling the strain, knowing he hadn't overseen a Premier League win since August 2007. To make matters worse for the Fulham boss, he set off the fire alarm at the Hawthorns with a crafty cigarette before kick-off.

De Gea defends himself
Sir Alex Ferguson predicted an aerial barrage for his keeper David De Gea at Stoke. The Potters proved their quality with Peter Crouch earning them a draw, but no blame could be attributed to the keeper for the goal and the Spaniard went a long way to proving why Manchester United shelled out £18 million for his services. Shortly after Nani had fired United ahead, Stoke went in search of a leveller and Andy Wilkinson thought he had found it. He crashed a right-footed drive from the edge of the box and it flew towards the top corner. But, somehow, De Gea flung himself to his left and a strong arm took the book onto and over the bar. It really was a stunning save.

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