Friday 17 September
Newcastle vs Leeds:
There were chances on both sides, but it was Leeds who threatened early, scoring the first goal from a cross by Raphinha. It was a piece of individual brilliance from Allan Saint-Maximin that led to the second goal, and he was Newcastle’s biggest threat all game long. The final result was a 1-1 draw as both teams are still in search of their first wins of the season.
Saturday 18 September
Wolverhampton vs Brentford:
Brentford continued to surprise in their first season in the Premier League. The Bees were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a clear foul on Ivan Toney by Marcal. Toney took the spot kick and converted. Toney then assisted the second goal to Bryan Mbeumo. Wolves could have made a comeback after Shandon Baptiste was sent off following a clumsy tackle that resulted in a second yellow card. They were unable to do so, producing zero shots on target. Brentford wins 2-0.
Norwich vs Watford:
Two newly promoted teams battled it out at Carrow Road with the home team, Norwich, in search of their first win and points of the season. They would not get it as Watford struck first with a header from Dennis Bonaventure. The hosts levelled through Teemu Pukki, scoring his second goal of the season. However, Norwich were troubled all game long by Ismaila Sarr who scored twice from a total of five shots on goal. Watford wins 3-1, while Norwich remain winless and bottom of the league.
Burnley vs Arsenal:
Burnley sat second bottom in the table entering this game and that would not change against an Arsenal side who have now won back-to-back Premier League matches. Odegaard scored the only goal of the game with a fantastic free kick. Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appeared to put the lead in jeopardy after a tackle on Matej Vydra, but VAR revealed that Ramsdale made contact with the ball. Both teams certainly could have scored more but the end product was lacking from two teams who have scored a combination of only five goals in the Premier League so far. Arsenal wins 1-0.
Manchester City vs Southampton:
A surprising result as a misfiring Manchester City drew with a scrappy Southampton side. The home side had plenty of chances. In the 63rd minute, Southampton appeared to be awarded a penalty. However, VAR reversed the decision, which would have also seen Manchester City’s Kyle Walker sent off for the foul. VAR once again got involved after Raheem Sterling scored for City, but he was ruled offside. No breakthrough in the end as the teams drew 0-0.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace:
Liverpool continued their fantastic start to the season, although it was not all easy for them. Wilfried Zaha almost opened the scoring for the away side but was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Diogo Jota missed the easiest opportunity Liverpool had to score all game. The striker basically had an open goal but blazed the shot over the crossbar. Liverpool continued to turn up the pressure and eventually opened the scoring through Mane who made it 100 goals for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah made it two for Liverpool and Naby Keita made it three with a spectacular volley. Liverpool wins 3-0.
Aston Villa vs Everton:
Everton were without several key players for the evening clash against Villa and it eventually showed. The Toffees had to make do without Jordan Pickford, Seamus Coleman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. There were chances for both sides in the first half, but no goals came. Everton came out flying in the second half but were unable to finish any of their chances. Villa on the other hand, took advantage and opened the scoring through a fantastic strike by Matthew Cash. An own goal by Lucas Digne piled further pressure onto Rafa Benitez’s side, while Leon Bailey finished them off. Villa wins 3-0.
Sunday 19 September
Brighton vs Leicester:
Brighton continued their improbable top-four run, while Leicester continued their disappointing start. Brighton had the better of the opening chances, but nothing came until they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Jannik Vestergaard. Neal Maupay converted the spot kick to make it 1-0. Brighton made it two from a powerful header by Danny Welbeck. Leicester were able to pull one back after a gloriously put together goal that ended in a finish from the ever-reliable Jamie Vardy. The Foxes thought they had a second from Ademola Lookman, but Harvey Barnes was ruled offside. Leicester had yet another goal ruled out for offside. This time it was Wilfred Ndidi but again Barnes was the culprit who was offside. Leicester showed plenty of heart to try and get the equalizer, but it was not enough. Brighton wins 2-1.
West Ham vs Manchester United:
In a battle of two top teams in the Premier League, it was Manchester United who were the victors. Not without a fight though, as West Ham got off to a great start, scoring a goal thanks to a heavy deflection off a shot from Said Benrahma. However, it was short lived thanks to a man many consider to be the best in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. It was back and forth between both sides until the player on loan at West Ham last season, Jesse Lingard scored and did not celebrate in front of the fans who adored him last season. West Ham had one last chance when they were given a penalty. Mark Noble missed it in perhaps a questionable decision to let the sub who had just come on take it. Manchester United came away with a 2-1 victory.
Tottenham vs Chelsea:
The last game of the weekend was between two of London’s best, although it was not as close as some may have thought it would be. Spurs looked strong early, but Chelsea’s defense was equal to the pressure. Chelsea came out in the mood for the second half, opening the scoring through defender Thiago Silva’s header. Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure and had a stroke of luck with N’Golo Kante’s heavily deflected shot trickling in off the post for their second goal. The misery was complete for Spurs as Antonio Rudiger scored Chelsea’s third goal of the game. Chelsea finished with a 3-0 victory and sit at the top of the standings.
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