5 talking points from GW 13 of the Premier League 2021-22
Premier League gameweek 13 fixtures lived up to their billing, matching the hype and buzz. There was no shortage of excitement or entertainment as teams showcased quality football over the weekend.
After 13 rounds of fixtures, Chelsea stay atop the league table with 30 points. Only one point separates them from holders and second-placed Manchester City, with Liverpool a further point adrift.
West Ham United and Arsenal are fourth and fifth in the table respectively, with just goal difference separating the two teams. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are breathing down the necks of the top five. They are occupying sixth, seventh and eighth spots in the league table respectively.
In the recently concluded gameweek of the Premier League, Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle. Meanwhile, Liverpool registered a thumping 4-0 win over Southampton. Elsewhere, Norwich vs Wolves and Brighton vs Leeds ended in goalless draws.
Brentford and Manchester City registered narrow wins over Everton and West Ham respectively on Sunday. The clash between Burnley and Tottenham was postponed due to severe snowfall. Meanwhile, Manchester United held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
On that note, here's a look at the five major talking points from GW 13 of the Premier League:
#5 Jadon Sancho is rediscovering his mojo, opens his Premier League account
Jadon Sancho was one of the star signings for Manchester United in the summer. However, the youngster was criticised for his early struggles in the Premier League. Now, though, he seems to have rediscovered his mojo. Following manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure, Sancho has now scored twice in as many games across competitions.
In a game where Chelsea dominated, chances were few and far between for Manchester United. However, Jorginho's mistake gave the visitors an opportunity to take the lead, and Sancho was extremely clinical with his finish. The 21-year old was calm and composed to beat Edouard Mendy and open his Premier League account.
Sancho's first goal for Manchester United came earlier this week, in the 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League. He will be relieved to score his first Premier League goal in a crucial game against the Premier League leaders.
#4 Arsenal return to winning ways
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a flawless display against Newcastle United last weekend. Following their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Liverpool, Mikel Arteta's men bounced back with a strong performance.
The Gunners were hardly challenged as they dominated proceedings against Newcastle from start to finish. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the second half sealed their win as Arsenal returned to winning ways.
The win took Arsenal level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United in the Premier League table.
#3 Manchester City keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea
Manchester City kept the pressure on Chelsea atop the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against West Ham. In difficult snowy conditions at the Etihad, goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho helped Pep Guardiola's side return to within a point of Chelsea.
Gundogan was clearly the Man of the Match, delivering a majestic display. The midfielder opened the scoring with a tap-in in the 33rd minute of the game before providing a sublime assist to Fernandinho to seal City's victory.
The victory saw Manchester City momentarily occupy top spot in the Premier League table before Chelsea drew at home against Manchester United. With just one point separating the two teams now, The Blues don't have much margin for error in the next few games.
#2 Chelsea left disappointed with just a point against Manchester United at home
Following their thumping 4-0 win against Juventus, Chelsea were expected to secure all three points against a struggling Manchester United side. Instead, The Blues endured a frustrating night, failing to find a winner despite dominating proceedings.
Chelsea have been sensational so far in the Premier League, whereas The Red Devils have endured a poor start to their campaign. However, United showed endurance and organisation as their defensive display kept Chelsea from securing all three points at Stamford Bridge.
United found the opener with Jadon Sancho pouncing on Jorginho's error. Chelsea lacked penetration and efficiency in the final third. But a rash tackle from Aaron Wan-Bissaka resulted in a penalty, which Jorginho scored the equaliser from.
Chelsea are still atop the Premier League, and will look to get back to winning ways when they face Watford next.
#1 Unstoppable Liverpool were ruthless against Southampton
Liverpool are the team to beat in England and Europe at the moment, thanks to their sensational form. The Reds showcased their might with another breathtaking display, ruthlessly dispatching a hapless Southampton side 4-0 at Anfield.
Diogo Jota struck twice before Thiago Alcantara's strike gave Jurgen Klopp's men a three-goal cushion inside 45 minutes. Virgil van Dijk's goal piled on the misery for Southampton, who could not find an answer to Liverpool's majestic display on the night.
Liverpool have now scored ten goals in their last three games across all competitions. Following their 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal last week, the Reds registered a comfortable 2-0 win over Porto in the Champions League in midweek. A 4-0 rout of Southampton only proved the strength and quality of their roster.
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