Premiership Roundup

Another full round of fixtures took place in the Premier League last weekend. Here, we take a look at a few selected matches.

Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool

This is a result that has to go down as a lucky one for the league leaders. Sheffield United can argue that they were the better team, creating good chances, but failing to take them. Liverpool’s front three had an unusually quiet game, and it took until the 70^th minute for the visitors to muster their first shot on target. It wasn’t an overly threatening one at that, Wijnaldum’s effort was straight at the keeper, Henderson. However, it was fumbled and ended up in the back of the net. The home side still fought for the equaliser, but couldn’t manage it. Is this a win of champions, getting the points when far from their best? Or, is Liverpool’s luck going to run out?

Everton 1-3 Man City

Another tough away trip for the other title contender. Everton responded from a disappointing home defeat to Sheffield Utd the previous weekend with a spirited display. They matched City, attack for attack, and Calvert-Lewin’s goal cancelling out Jesus’ opener, left the game deservedly level at the break. It was much the same in the second half, but City had the luxury of bringing on Aguero and Bernardo Silva off the bench, and they got the goals needed through Mahrez and Sterling to grab the victory.

Leicester 5-0 Newcastle

Leicester produced another performance to bolster their belief that they can mount a sustained challenge to finish in the top four, with a thumping win. Newcastle weren’t helped by the sending off of Isaac Hayden just before half-time when already one down. Leicester ran riot in the second half, and goals from Pereira, Vardy (2), Ndidi and an own-goal sealed the 5-0 win.

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

Built up as a classic rivalry, looking back at the Vieira Vs Keane, and Wenger Vs Ferguson battles. Maybe it’s time to accept those days are gone, as the quality and level of intensity on show didn’t compare to what has come before so many times. After a quiet opening half-hour, there was a bit more life in the game before the break. De Gea made a double save to keep Arsenal out, and moments later, McTominay opened the scoring, with a deflected strike from outside the box. Arsenal responded well in the second half, and equalised through Aubameyang. He was flagged offside by the linesman, but VAR spotted he was 3 yards onside, and the goal stood. The next few minutes saw Arsenal press to complete the turnaround, but didn’t take their opportunity. They then retreated and sat back in the final 20 minutes, leaving Man Utd the likeliest team to grab a winner. It’s early days, but it looks like it could be a struggle for these two sides this season.

Written by Matthew Drew