This past weekend in the Premier League could be the one where Leicester City became genuine contenders for a place in the top-four. The Foxes won handsomely at the King Power Stadium against Newcastle United and they show they might have a memorable season (obviously second-best to 2015/16).
Meanwhile, Manchester City was able to rest most of their starting players. Yet, they still got a win away at Goodison Park.
They would have scooped closer into the lead, if Liverpool hadn’t edged newly-promoted Sheffield United (0-1), to make it 7 wins in 7 games.
All this and much more in the Premier League round-up.
Manchester City second line enough to beat Everton
Manchester City went into their game at Goodison Park, against Everton, trailing Liverpool in the Premier League table by eight points. Pep Guardiola made several changes to the squad, with Aguero, David Silva, and Bernardo starting on the bench.
Gabriel Jesus, Gundogan and Mahrez started the game and they showed how much depth this City side has. The Citizens took the lead inside half an hour through Gabriel Jesus, with De Bruyne making his 8th assist of the season.
Still, Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalized nine minutes later for the Merseyside Blues.
Pep Guardiola would have become increasingly nervous as the game continued, and City looked unable to find the net for a second time. However, in typical champions fashion they didn’t give up, and Riyad Mahrez put City back ahead with 20 minutes remaining.
The Algerian was in inspired form at Goodison, and this was arguably his best performance in a City shirt. Raheem Sterling made sure of the win in the final ten minutes.
They keep track of Liverpool, being 5 points away from the Reds, before their midweek Champions League clash at home against Dinamo Zagreb.
Everton, meanwhile, keep in the lower positions of Premier League table, a disappointing form after their Summer spending spree.
Liverpool hold lead with a tight win over Sheffield United
As the pressure keeps growing, Liverpool was still able to hold steady and keep their winning streak. Jurgen Klopp men extended their run, with 7 victories in 7 matches.
All they needed this weekend was a narrow win over Sheffield United. The Blades played brilliantly and possibly deserved a point from the game.
They would have been kicking themselves with the manner of the goal they conceded as Dean Henderson made a terrible mistake following a tame effort from Georginio Wijnaldum.
The goalkeeper let the ball squirm under his body and into his net. He did, however, recover excellently to make a great save from Mohamed Salah. Liverpool continues to roll on.
Now, they will try to keep the same form in Champions League, after they were defeated in the first matchday. They will face RB Salzburg and they have the task of stopping wonderkid Erling Haaland, who has 17 goals in 10 games.
Leicester thump Newcastle to claim 3rd place
An amazing season start for Leicester that would probably only rival their 2015/16 title-winning campaign. The Foxes are now 3rd, 2 points away from Manchester City and their 5-0 win this weekend over Newcastle proves they are a threat to the big boys.
Their victory at the King Power Stadium against Newcastle United was further impressive, when you consider that James Maddison was missing for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The home team were brilliant throughout and took a deserved lead after 16 minutes through an expert finish from Ricardo Pereira. The fullback scored for the second game in a row, making a tremendous run into the box.
Isaac Hayden was sent off for the visitors before half time, after a gruesome tackle on Praet. In truth, they never looked in the game even with eleven men.
Leicester showcased their dominance in the second half and added a further three goals in ten minutes. Jamie Vardy scored a brace (85 goals in the EPL so far). After a while, a helpless Paul Dummett deflected a cross into his own goal.
Steve Bruce lamented his players at full-time, and Andy Carroll even tweeted his displeasure at the performance.
Newcastle’s exhibition was made worse with a fifth for the Foxes in the 90th minute. Wilfred Ndidi scored his second of the season. On this form, the Toon look to be in a relegation battle and Leicester look every inch of fighting for European places.
Chelsea edge Brighton 2-0
Frank Lampard’s wait for a first home win in the Premier League ended on Saturday as his Chelsea side capitalized on defensive mistakes to punish Brighton.
The Blues had to wait until the second half to get their noses in front. Mason Mount capitalised on a sluggish play from Lewis Dunk to earn a penalty.
Jorginho made no mistake from the spot. Willian wrapped up the win with 14 minutes remaining as he swiftly ended a sweeping counter-attack.
Chelsea can achieve great things this season as the team looks confident and young. They have a trip to Lille, to face Ligue 1 runners up in the Champions League, and they must take the 3 points to bring confidence into the renovated Blues side.
Tottenham recover from Cup disaster with a home win
In North London, Tottenham hosted Southampton. It was an entertaining first half as Mauricio Pochettino’s side recovered from their shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Colchester United. Tanguy Ndombele put the hosts ahead, scoring his second of the season.
However, a disastrous ten minute from Spurs saw Serge Aurier sent off. Then, Danny Ings equalized. An atrocious mistake by Hugo Lloris offered the goal to the former Liverpool striker.
Tottenham recomposed themselves quickly and scored a brilliant goal to go back ahead. Harry Kane put the ball in the net, after a quick and decisive passing between Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen.
Hopefully, this win gives them a boost of confidence. They have a tough task tomorrow, ahead of a clash against Bayern Munich in Champions League group stages.
Victories for Wolves and Palace
Wolverhampton Wanderers got their first win of the Premier League season to ease the pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo against Watford. The two sides were the only teams in the league yet to win a game this season.
Matt Doherty put Wolves ahead after 20 minutes with his second of the season. A Daryl Janmaat own goal sealed the win to pull the West Midlands side out of the relegation zone.
Now, they will hope to keep the streak running. They head to Istambul this Thursday to face Besiktas, for Europa League group stages.
Crystal Palace inflicted a second defeat in a row on Norwich City with a professional display at Selhurst Park (2-0).
Luka Milivojevic put the Eagles ahead from the spot. Andros Townsend scored the second in injury time. The win moves Palace into the top half of the table and confirms that Hodgson is doing a great job as manager of Palace.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth draw at home
Aston Villa would have been disappointed with their home draw against Burnley. They led twice through Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn but were pegged back on both occasions.
Jay Rodriguez scored the first equalizer before Chris Wood rescued a point in the final ten minutes. The Kiwi striker netted his third in two games.
West Ham would have been happy to come away from Bournemouth with a point, as Aaron Cresswell scored 15 minutes from time to secure a 2-2 draw.
The Hammers did take an early lead through Andriy Yarmolenko. Joshua King and Callum Wilson goals turned the game on its head.
A draw was probably the right result. More was expected from West Ham, after their win over Manchester United last weekend.
Bournemouth keeps positive form and are now 7th in the league.
Monday night football: Man United x Arsenal
The Premier League schedule is not finished, with the best coming this Monday evening. Manchester United hosts Arsenal in Old Trafford, to revive an old rivalry and see which of the two sides is eager for the victory.
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