Rooney's hat trick paved the way for Man U's beatdown of Arsenal. (Gordon Flood via Wikimedia Commons)

Ashley Young also scored twice as the United attack ran wild on a hapless Arsenal defense that looked lost for large portions of the game. Alex Ferguson's men dominated possession inside Arsenal's final third. Robin Van Persie scored his first goal of the season for Arsenal while also missing a penalty kick in the 27th minute that would have tied the game. Johann Djourou was a poor substitute for Thomas Vermaelen at center-back for the Gunners, and young corner-backs Carl Jenkinson and Armand Traore could not cope with the speed and trickery of United wingers Nani and Young.

Despite missing key starters Alex Song and Gervinho due to suspensions, and Jack Wilshere to injury, serious questions must be asked of Wenger and the Arsenal board about why they have not sufficiently enhanced the team bench this summer after the departures of former captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, along with Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy to Manchester City.

-- Mancini's Manchester City continued their great start to the season with a dominant 5-1 victory at Tottenham in which Edin Dzeko found the back of the net four times, and ex-Gunner Nasri doled out three assists. City and Man U are now tied atop the league table with a 3-0-0 record and nine points apiece.

-- On Saturday, Liverpool's new signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam helped them to a 3-1 win at home to Bolton, while Norwich were defeated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Aston Villa and Wolverhampton played to a scoreless draw at Villa Park in Birmingham, as did Swansea City and Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium in Wales. Everton defeated Blackburn Rovers 1-0 away from home, while Wigan beat Premier League new-boys Queens Park Rangers at home. Elsewhere on Sunday, West Bromwich Albion lost 1-0 at home to Stoke City, and Newcastle defeated Fulham 2-1 at St. James Park in the northeast.

-- The international break will see teams resume play in two weeks, with seven matches set for Saturday, September 10.

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Omar can be reached by email, or on Twitter at @OmarShamout.