3 things you need to know about Saturday's Premier League action

Unlike last weekend, the opening game on Saturday's slate was a yawner. Thankfully, Aston Villa and Newcastle's disappointing fixture was erased by a trio of riveting games. Diego Costa continued to impress, West Ham changed the script at Selhurst Park, and Arsenal showed much needed mettle. Here are three things you need to know from Saturday's games. 

Chelsea found their striker

Chelsea has needed a poacher up front since Didier Drogba's departure at the end of the 2012 season. That's why Jose Mourinho targeted Diego Costa one year ago, and waited patiently for the former Atletico Madrid striker to become available. 

As soon as he was, Chelsea snapped him up and it's clear why. The Spanish international's scrappy goal in the second half pushed the Blues ahead of a game Leicester City side at Stamford Bridge. Eden Hazard added a second to put the game out of reach. 

Fernando Torres did not feature on the bench, leading those in the know to speculate on his future with the club. Mourinho maintained Torres would not be leaving during the transfer window, but the manager chose to opine on Costa's easy transition to life as a member of Chelsea. Torres, unfortunately, is old news. 

“He’s a happy guy, not speaking good English but always communicating," Mourinho said, regarding Costa. "His integration in the team is good, his style of play also adapted to our needs.”

Drogba, now a veteran presence on Mourinho's bench, was given a standing ovation by the Bridge faithful when he entered the game late in the second half. What was once his mantle is now Costa's. 

Arsenal showed fight 

Trips to Merseyside didn't end well for Arsenal last season. An aggregate scoreline of 8-1 after visits to Anfield and Goodison told the larger story. The Gunners were woeful away from home against the Premier League's top teams.

Everton's 2-0 lead at halftime was met by sarcastic laughs from Arsenal supporters all too aware of their team's problems in the so called "big games."

Poor marking by Mesut Ozil led to Seamus Coleman's opener in the 19th minute. Per Mertesacker's bizarre decision to challenge Romelu Lukaku in a one-on-one encounter at midfield led to Steven Naismith's marker on the counter-attack just before halftime. 

But this wasn't last year's Arsenal. Olivier Giroud's insertion in the second half was Arsene Wegner's masterstroke. Ozil was allowed to drift from the left into the center of the park. Santi Cazorla found Aaron Ramsey with an excellent cross to cut the lead to one. Then, Nacho Monreal's superb delivery was leveled past Tim Howard by Giroud in the 90th minute. 

These type of draws feel like wins and going forward, the Gunners can build on this result.  

West Ham add to Crystal Palace's misery

Malky Mackay's text messages ended his candidacy, Tim Sherwood turned them down, and Tony Pulis won't come back. That's the kind of week it's been for Crystal Palace and it got even worse Saturday.

Keith Millen's beleaguered side was overpowered by West Ham. A superb volley by Mauro Zarate was followed by Stewart Downing's marker just three minutes later. Palace, down 2-0 at home, couldn't have played worse. 

Marouane Chamakh got one back for the Eagles three minutes after halftime, but Carlton Cole, of all people, ended dreams of a comeback. A 3-1 loss at Selhurst Park at the hands of West Ham leaves Palace close to rock bottom. 

“I’m in charge and I don’t like to hide behind excuses, but it’s been a tough week,” Millen said, via The Guardian. “When you come to match day you don’t know how they’re going to respond.”

Not well, Keith. They didn't respond well at all.