Chelsea returned to winning ways and climbed back into the top four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over a stubborn Everton side, thanks in large part to the long-awaited return of their star man Cole Palmer.

The England international, sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury, marked his comeback in style by opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Palmer latched onto a precise through ball from Enzo Fernández, shrugged off a challenge, and coolly slotted past Jordan Pickford with his trademark “Cold Palmer” composure.

The second goal arrived in the 62nd minute when right-back Malo Gusto powered home a header from a Nicolas Jackson cross, sealing the points and sending the home crowd into raptures.

Everton, under David Moyes, defended resolutely but offered little threat going forward, remaining mired in mid-table. For Chelsea, the result provides a timely boost amid a congested fixture list, with Palmer’s ice-cold finish reminding everyone why he’s been sorely missed.

Enzo Maresca’s side now sit fourth, just three points off leaders Arsenal. A statement performance – and a welcome sight seeing Palmer back pulling the strings

Sunderland have defied all pre-season expectations with a remarkable return to the Premier League, sitting 7th in the table with 26 points after 16 games – comfortably 10 points clear of the relegation zone and on course for their best top-flight campaign in decades.

Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have bucked the recent trend of promoted teams struggling, becoming the best-performing newly promoted side since Hull City in 2008/09. Their pragmatic, physical style – built on defensive solidity, set-piece prowess, and high energy – has frustrated bigger sides while capitalizing on transitions.

Key to their success has been summer spending (a record for a promoted club) on experienced players like Granit Xhaka, who has been the heartbeat in midfield, leading in distance covered and providing leadership.

Sunderland’s points tally after early games matched or exceeded iconic promoted runs, such as Wigan Athletic’s in 2005/06 (the last side with a similar haul after 13 games) and even their own strong start in 1999/00.

Unlike the immediate relegations suffered by recent trios (Ipswich, Leicester, Southampton last season; others before), the Black Cats are a throwback to eras when promoted teams thrived – think Nottingham Forest or Blackburn in the 1990s.

The latest highlight: a tense 1-0 Tyne-Wear derby victory over rivals Newcastle at the Stadium of Light, sealed by a late own goal, sparking wild celebrations and underscoring their unbeaten home record.

Despite underlying metrics suggesting regression (low open-play xG), Le Bris’ side continue to overperform, blending youth with savvy signings. With fellow promoted teams Leeds and Burnley also competing strongly, this could mark the end of the “promoted curse.” A European push isn’t out of the question – Sunderland are proving they belong.

Real Madrid secured a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Alavés, easing intense pressure on manager Xabi Alonso and closing the gap on league leaders Barcelona to four (4) points.

Kylian Mbappé, returning from a minor injury, opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a stunning individual effort. Latching onto a pass from Jude Bellingham, the French superstar used his pace to surge forward, cut inside, and curl a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner past Antonio Sivera–a true golazo that sparked Madrid into life.

Alavés fought back valiantly and equalized in the 68th minute through substitute Carlos Vicente, who controlled a precise through ball from Antonio Blanco and slotted past Thibaut Courtois after a VAR check confirmed it was onside. The winner came in the 76th minute: Vinícius Júnior powered forward on a surging run from midfield and squared perfectly for Rodrygo, who tapped home his first LaLiga goal since January to seal the three points.

Real Madrid Players rejoice after Rodrygo restored their lead

Despite the result, Madrid’s performance was far from convincing – lacking fluency and intensity for large periods, relying on individual brilliance from their attacking stars. Alavés impressed with their organization and nearly earned a point, remaining just above the relegation zone.

A crucial win for Los Blancos in a must-win fixture, providing temporary relief for Alonso amid recent poor form. Mbappé’s superhuman form continues, with this his 17th league goal of the season.