Premier League roundup - matchweek 12
Leeds United vs West Ham United
Result
1-2
Match summary
Leeds had an early opportunity when Bamford was in on goal and was fouled by Fabianski in the penalty area. The resulting penalty by Klich was saved by Fabianski, who was later found to not have a foot on the goal line, and penalty was retaken. Klich converted the penalty in the second chance. Thomas Soucek headed in a corner kick to equalize for West Ham. West Ham continued to repel all attacks from Leeds and got close to taking a lead a couple of times, before Angelo Ogbonna headed in from a free kick to give the Hammers the lead. West Ham continued to attack and had multiple opportunities to extend the lead, before Leeds squandered an opportunity to equalize in extra time, when Rodrigo headed in a cross straight to Fabianski.
Thoughts
A surprising result as I expected Leeds to win it as they are a super attacking team who overrun the opposition with fast paced football and counterattacks. Leeds bossed the game with 64% possession and almost 1.5 times the touches and passes when compared to West Ham, but lacked the finishing touch.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Result
0-1
Match summary
Goalkeepers of both sides were the stars of the match as they pulled out multiple saves from opposition attacks. Douglas Luiz was sent off after two fouls resulting in yellow cards. A foul by Nelson Semedo on John McGinn in stoppage time in the penalty box resulted in a penalty which was converted by El Ghazi. Joao Moutinho was later sent off in the final minutes of the match.
Thoughts
Expected Wolves to win this match and was surprised to see Villa win it. Aston Villa are turning out to be a surprise package this year with some positive results going their way due to some astute signings they have made this year. Wolves seem to lack the finishing of Raul Jiminez and must be hoping that he gets back soon.
Newcastle United vs West Bromowich Albion
Result
2-1
Match Summary
Joelinton played in Miguel Almiron the first minute of the match and Newcastle led from the first minute itself. Furlong equalized for West Brom at the start of the second half. Dwight Gayle scored the winner for Newcastle later.
Thoughts
Expected Newcastle to win this match as West Brom do not look like a side that will stay up in the Premier League this year.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Result
0-0
Match Summary
Easily the marquee fixture of the week, both teams had multiple opportunities to score, but it became a battle of midfields and neither team could penetrate the defense of the other.
Thoughts
Raheem Sterling has now gone 9 matches without scoring against Manchester United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had him in his pocket throughout the match. Was surprised to see Pogba start after the comments made by his agent midweek. Pogba looked solid in the match and it would be interesting to see how Ole plays him in the coming weeks.
Everton vs Chelsea
Result
1-0
Match Summary
Eduard Mendy fouled Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the penalty box after a misjudged attempt to clear the ball, and the resulting penalty was converted by Gilfy Sigurdsson.
Thoughts
First match for Eduard Mendy where he could not keep a clean sheet. Chelsea had a lot of chances of goal and the form of the new German arrivals, Werner and Havertz is slowly being called into question. Havertz seemed to be played out of position as a winger instead of his regular place as an attacking midfielder. The Chelsea fullbacks, Reece James and Ben had Chilwell decent games, with the former having two shots on goal, one from an excellently curved freekick that was saved by Pickford, and other that hit the goalpost after a clearance from the box from a corner kick. Pickford continues to seem to be a liability for Everton, where he had a terrible clearance that fell to the feet of Kante who passed the ball to Mason Mount, who tried to chip it into the goal from about 20 yards away and skimmed the top of the goalpost.
Southampton vs Sheffield United
Result
3-0
Match Summary
Southampton bossed the game with ~68% possession and 6 shots on target to the opposition's 0.
Thoughts
Sheffield United have 1 point from 12 games this season and it would take a miracle to get them to stay up. Southampton are fourth in the league and it remains to be seen how long they can can maintain their momentum.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Result
1-1
Match Summary
Harry Kane scored off a swerving long range shot that deceived Guaita, the only shot that got past the goalkeeper in the match. Crystal Palace equalized after multiple attempts on goal via a freekick from Eberechi Eze that was knocked in after a scuffle by Schlupp. Tottenham came close to taking a lead multiple times after that, but Guaita was in stupendous form to deny them.
Thoughts
A masterclass in goalkeeping from Guaita that prevented Tottenham from winning the match. His cat like reflexes and anticipation saved the day for Palace. Eberechi Eze seems to find his feet and looking at his performance today where he pulled the strings from the midfield, he seems to be one to watch.
Fulham vs Liverpool
Result
1-1
Match Summary
One of the surprising results of the gameweek where Fulham were expected to be butchered by Liverpool. Liverpool were terrible in the first half of the game where they were bossed by Fulham and eventually conceded. They had a much better second half performance where they had a wave after wave of attack. Fulham put up a dogged defense, nullifying al attacks from Liverpool, before they conceded a penalty after a hand ball in the box. Salah converted the resulting penalty.
Thoughts
Alphonse Areola showed his class in the match with his calm goalkeeping. Concerns for Liverpool who don't seem to boss games nowadays and have an injury list with which another strong starting line-up can be made.
Arsenal vs Burnley
Result
1-0
Match Summary
Arsenal looked terrible in the first half of the match with barely any attacking intent and poor defending. Lacazette seems to have lost his finishing capabilities. Burnley had one great chance in the first half with Chris Wood having a free header that he put past the goal. Arsenal came out attacking in the second half of the match and a few decent chances on goal, before Granit Xhaka lost his mind and attacked one of the Burnley players right under the referee's nose. A red card was produced after VAR intervened. Arsenal lost their attacking touch after the red card and conceded off an own goal from a corner, Aubameyang being the unfortunate player to concede.
Thoughts
Serious concerns for Arsenal and Arteta's time as manager seems to be coming to a shameful end. Their next few matches are critical for his job and with the team placed 15th in the league, it is only a matter of time before some serious questions are asked about his capabilities.
Leicester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Result
3-0
Match Summary
Three first half goals put the result of the match beyond doubt. Leicester bossed the game.
Thoughts
Leicester continue to be title contenders and Brighton continue to be in the relegation battle.
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