Manchester City passed the first big test of their "big four" credentials on Saturday when they beat Arsenal 4-2 to make it four wins out of four.

City went ahead with a soft own goal after 20 minutes when a looping Micah Richards header rebounded off a post against the head of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and into the net.

Arsenal barely threatened in a poor-qualify first half but improved markedly after the break.

They got their deserved equaliser after 62 minutes when Robin van Persie shot on the turn from the edge of the box - the first goal City have conceded this season.

City recovered brilliantly though to take command with three goals in 10 minutes.

They regained the lead after 74 minutes when Richards surged into the box and squared for Craig Bellamy to finish well.

Adebayor's decision to run the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the Arsenal fans did not go down well and earned him a booking but the Togo international, who has now scored in all four of City's league games, was quick to apologize.

"I shouldn't have done what I did but the emotion took over me and I'm sorry for what I've done," he told Sky Sports News.

"Scoring today made me feel freedom but I'm sorry, it was a big mistake and these things won't happen any more."

Chelsea also maintained their record with their fifth win but needed a last-minute Florent Malouda goal for a 2-1 victory at Stoke City.

Chelsea recieved an early setback when Abdoulaye Faye gave Stoke an early lead. But Didier Drogba compensated by equalising in first-half of injury time.

Chelsea dominated the second half but had to wait until the last minute for Malouda's winner.

Yossi Benayoun scored a hat-trick as Liverpool ended their sticky run by thrashing Burnley 4-0 at Anfield.

Burnley's hopes of adding the scalp of Liverpool to those of Manchester United and Everton were swept aside at Anfield as Liverpool found their form after a stuttering start to the season.

Benayoun got things moving and Dirk Kuyt made it 2-0 at halftime after Benayoun's shot was parried by goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

The Israeli got the third after an hour and completed his hat-trick eight minutes from time.