Seven things we learnt this weekend: Manchester United turnaround won't be quick, Arsenal need a centre-forward and Manchester City proved their title credentials

A look at the the lessons learnt after the latest round of Premier League fixtures

Sergio Aguero (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City rightly the title favourites

Before a ball had even been kicked, last season's champions were the favourites to be lifting the title again next May. Their 3-1 victory over Liverpool showed just why. Up against last season's runners up, City looked excellent in every department. And the most frightening thing is the players in reserve - Sergio Aguero started on the bench, as did Jesus Navas. Frank Lampard and Fernandinho are also available.

There won't be a quick turnaround at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal might have hoped the opening day defeat to Swansea was a freak result. However, United's laboured display against Sunderland suggests he has a real task on his hands trying to turn Manchester United around. Juan Mata gave the visitors to the Stadium of Light the lead, but it came against the run of play and the Black Cats deservedly pulled level through Jack Rodwell. That Adnan Januzaj was used in a holding midfield role highlighted the lack of options available to the new manager - the arrival of Angel Di Maria can't come soon enough - and more recruits beyond that are needed.

Manchester United's Belgian midfielder Adnan Januzaj in action against Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal have more resolve than last season - but still need a striker

When Arsenal went 2-0 down at Goodison Park last season, all that happened was they conceded another. But in the late kick-off on Saturday, the Gunners managed to salvage an unlikely point. Arsenal were far from their best, and in particular the below par performance from Mesut Ozil will have been a concern. Yet they managed to leave one of the toughest grounds to go to with something. That Olivier Giroud, who scored the equaliser, needed to come on at half-time for the ineffective Alexis Sanchez indicates a new centre-forward might be needed if the Gunners are to really challenge for the title.

(Getty Images)

Erik Lamela has turned a corner

After an impressive display in midweek in the Europa League, Tottenham's record signing Erik Lamela again showed he might not turn out to be a very expensive mistake. The Argentina international might not have scored, but he ran the show at White Hart Lane as Spurs thrashed QPR 4-0. That result put Tottenham top of the league and suggested new manager Mauricio Pochettino might turn out to be the best signing Tottenham made this summer.

Tottenham defender Eric Dier (C) celebrates scoring the second goal against QPR with Argentinian midfielder Erik Lamela (GETTY IMAGES)

Life is tough in the Premier League

The three promoted sides - Leicester, QPR and Burnley - have accrued just one point between them this season. The only reward from the potential 18 on offer came on the opening day when Leicester fought back to draw 2-2 with Everton. The trio failed to score a single goal between them this weekend and if they don't start picking up points soon, they'll quickly become the favourites for the drop.

West Ham showing attacking intent

West Ham might have lost their opening game of the season, but were perhaps a bit unfortunate in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham. Not only was it an injury time goal at Upton Park that saw them lose, the Hammers had more attempts at goal than any other side last weekend but still failed to score. Fans have been demanding better football from Sam Allardyce's side and over the summer Teddy Sheringham was appointed to help improve matters. Three goals against an admittedly troubled Crystal Palace looks like they might just get what they want.

Mauro Zarate celebrates his opening goal with his West Ham teammates after putting the Hammers ahead in the 34th minute (Getty Images)

Everton need to tighten up

After a fantastic first season under Roberto Martinez and the permanent signings of Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry over the summer, there is a mood of optimism at Goodison Park and even talk of a possible top-four finish. But if that's to happen, they need to learn how to defend a lead. After being pegged back twice against Leicester last weekend, a two-goal lead was given away against Arsenal, with both goals for the Gunners inside the last 10 minutes.