Liverpool showed the rest of the Premier League that they are a force to be reckoned with after they put in an unbelievable performance to beat Spurs 5-0 away from home at White Hart Lane. Captain for the day, Luis Suarez scored yet another two goals to take his tally up to 17 league goals for the season – even starting 5 games after everyone else! Jon Flanagan, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheet, in what was a nightmare day for Spurs, but an eyeopener for the rest of the title contenders. Man of the match Jordan Henderson was the most involved, having the most touches of the ball for the Liverpool, and dominated the midfield, winning back possession 5 times in the middle 3rd of the pitch. The former Sunderland man won the MOTM award, but there were many candidates for the away side, who now lie just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
It was a goal-fest as Manchester City beat Arsenal at the Etihad, making their way up to 4th in the table, just 3 points behind the leaders. After a stuttering start to the season, City sent out a message to their rivals as they stepped up and scored 6 past the Gunners, who could only manage 3 in response. With already the biggest goal difference in the league, Aguero, Negredo, Fernandinho, Silva and Yaya Toure were on the scoresheet. Samir Nasri was the most creative for Manchester City, making 7 chances overall, and attempting 7 dribbles throughout the 90 minutes. Manchester City will be disappointed that they’ve lost their talisman Sergio Aguero, for what seems like a month, through injury.
Manchester United managed a significant away win at Aston Villa after their turbulent last few weeks. The pressure was temporarily lifted from David Moyes’ shoulders as Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley provided the goals for the Champions to win 3-0. Welbeck was the most impressive in front of goal statistically – he had a total of 7 shots, of which 3 were on target, leading to his double. As for Villa, they only marginally missed out on the overall possession with 44%, but gave away a total of 15 fouls compared to United’s 8. Villa now stay 11th in the table, with Manchester United climbing up to 8th.
Roberto Martinez’s Everton continue their impressive run as they beat Fulham 4-1 at Goodison Park. The Blues left it late after Fulham found an equaliser to bring it back to 1-1 but three late goals from Coleman, Barry and Mirallas sealed the three points for the home side. They had 16 chances compared to Fulham’s 8, of which 4 were from set plays. And the star man was Steven Pienaar, as he created 6 chances overall, 1 leading to an all important assist. Everton now lie 5th in the Premier League table, only 4 points off leaders Arsenal. It’s all very tight at the top!
All 3 goals came in the first half at Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 2-1. Petr Cech had to make a string of second half saves, but the Blues managed to hold on to claim the all important three points. Goals from Fernando Torres and Ramires got them on the scoresheet, while Marouane Chamakh got that one goal for struggling Palace, who lie dangerously in the relegation places. Chelsea had the better of the possession, dominating with almost 70%, but could only win by that one goal margin. Once again, Eden Hazard was at the heart of all things good for Chelsea, creating 6 of their 10 chances, with one leading to an assist.
Southampton managed to secure a point as they held Newcastle to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park. The Magpies took the lead in the first half through Gouffran, before Jay Rodriguez was the finishing touch to an impressive move by Southampton to draw level in the second half. They had the better of the possession with 60%, as well as having an overall 78% pass accuracy which is impressive considering they were away from home.
It’s a big clash next week as Chelsea take a trip to The Emirates next Monday night. Can Wenger’s side carry on their impressive start to the season, or will Mourinho’s men step up and start their charge for the title?
