The top of the Premier League table is hotting up at the end of week nine as Chelsea and Liverpool were the week’s big winners. Both teams finished the week in the top four, while Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City dropped points but still remain in the top five.
Hull, Swansea, and Sunderland continued their disappointing start to the season as they find themselves in the relegation zone ahead of week 10.
#1 Arsenal and Spurs drop points but Liverpool manage to grind out victory
Arsenal and Tottenham both dropped points in their scoreless draws with Middlesbrough and Bournemouth, respectively. The Gunners were favourites to brush aside a Boro team who had been in disappointing form, but Arsene Wenger’s men failed to break through Boro’s stubborn backline.
Middlesbrough had a good amount of chances and will consider themselves unfortunate not to beat Petr Cech in goal. Despite the draw, Arsenal still went top of the table at the end of Saturday.
Had Liverpool not conceded a late goal against West Brom, it would have been them at the top of the league after Saturday’s affairs. The Reds started the game in typical fashion and raced away to a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Phillippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane scored the goals as Jurgen Klopp’s side looked set for another big win at home. The Baggies got a goal back in the second half but it proved to be no more than a consolation.
Following their 6-1 win over Hull last week, Bournemouth hosted Tottenham in Saturday’s opening fixture. The game ended in a goal less draw, though it was a thoroughly entertaining tie with both teams performing at full intensity. The Cherries climbed into the top half of the table and are now unbeaten in their last four.
#2 Guardiola’s troubles continue
Pep Guardiola was left frustrated once again after his side dropped points at home for the second week running when they took on Southampton. Another defensive error led to City’s demise as Nathan Redmond grabbed a goal for The Saints.
Despite Kelechi Iheanacho levelling matters in the second half, City were unable to find a winner and are now leading the table only on goal difference. The Saints will be more than happy to take a point at The Etihad as they continue their unbeaten run.
#3 No shortage of stunning strikes
There have been some spectacular goals scored in the Premier League this season and this week was no different. Xherdan Shaqiri scored both goals for Stoke as they beat Hull, and what an outstanding brace it was from the Swiss international.
The first was hammered in from outside the box while the second came from a well-struck free kick that beat David Marshall all ends up in the Hull City goal.
Christian Fuchs scored his first ever goal for Leicester City in their 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace. The Austrian made sure that his debut goal for the Foxes was one to remember, as he struck a sweet volley from outside the box.
Burnley’s dramatic win over Everton saw Scott Arfield score with a sublime finish in the final minute of the 90. The Canadian international struck a well-timed volley from the edge of the penalty area after Johann Gudmundsson’s effort cannoned off the cross bar.
#4 Stoke and West Ham mirroring form
Mark Hughes’ side have seen an upturn in form after consecutive 2-0 victories in their last two games. A double delight from Shaqiri meant that the Potters are now unbeaten in their last four league games, following a run of four straight defeats.
West Ham’s recent form is nearly identical to Stoke’s with both teams taking seven points from their last three games. The Hammers also secured two consecutive 1-0 victories to lift them three points clear of the drop zone.
Winston Reid struck with virtually the last kick of the game as his team edged past a distraught Sunderland side. David Moyes is yet to record a win as the Black Cats manager with his team sitting at the bottom of the league.
#5 Mauling at The Bridge
Chelsea stamped their authority on the league after a convincing 4-0 win against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. It was the first time Jose Mourinho returned to The Bridge since being fired as Chelsea manager and the Portuguese manager was understandably frustrated after the final whistle.
Manchester United are now in seventh position and five points off a top four spot.
Chelsea carried on their superb run since Antonio Conte altered the formation and have now won their last three games without conceding a goal. The Blues broke into a Champions League spot and are now only a point behind the leaders.
Bournemouth 0-0 TottenhamArsenal 0-0 MiddlesbroughBurnley 2-1 EvertonHull City 0-2 Stoke CityLeicester City 3-1 Crystal PalaceSwansea City 0-0 WatfordWest Ham United 1-0 SunderlandLiverpool 2-1 West BromManchester City 1-1 SouthamptonChelsea 4-0 Manchester United
