Premier League Matchweek 13 Recap by Dylan Bhojani
Premier League Matchweek 13 Recap
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Jose Mourinho made his return to the Premier League, giving Spurs 3 much-needed points in their quest for a Champions League place. Spurs won their first Premier League away game in over a year, their front-line firing on all cylinders. 3 goals by Son Heung-Min, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane gave Spurs a comfortable lead after 50 minutes; the Hammers managed to pull two late goals back, but it was too little too late.
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
The Cherries suffered a second consecutive Premier League defeat as Wolves won 2 goals to one; João Moutinho got things going with a stunning free-kick, followed shortly by a second yellow card for Bournemouth’s Simon Francis leaving them with 10 men. Raúl Jiménez continued his fine start to the premier league season with a tap in from close range. Steve Cook netted in the 59th minute, but Wolves were able to comfortably close out the game.
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
A struggling Southampton team traveled to North London as they clashed with Unai Emery’s Arsenal. The Saints went 1-0 after Danny Ings slotted the ball in the bottom corner off the post. Alexander Lacazette quickly equalized 10 minutes later, putting the Gunners back in the game. As James Ward Prowse put the Saints ahead in the 71st minute, it looked as if Southampton would take all three points. 6 minutes into injury time Lacazette equalized from a low cross into the box, scraping a point.
Brighton 0-2 Leicester
Leicester continued their flying start to the season as they beat Brighton away by a comfortable 2-goal margin. Ayoze Pérez gave the Foxes the lead in the 64th minute with a right footed shot from the center of the box. Their lead was extended via a Jamie Vardy penalty which ensured all three points for the Foxes. Leicester remained 2nd in the Premier League and are beginning to make themselves real contenders for a Champions League place, possibly even mounting a title challenge.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
High-flying Liverpool traveled to Selhurst park hoping to continue their unbeaten Premier League run. VAR was once again at the center of attention, controversially ruling out a first-half goal by James Tomkins. Sadio Mané gave Liverpool the lead in the 49th minute, but it was canceled out by Wilfred Zaha in the 82nd. Liverpool once again showed their ability to fight back as Roberto Firmino scored late to seal the three points for Liverpool. The Reds remain top of the league, keeping their 8 point gap in their quest for a first top division title in 30 years.
Everton 0-2 Norwich
Norwich traveled to Merseyside in desperate need of 3 points. In their way was an also struggling Everton side led by Marco Silva. Two goals by Todd Cantwell and Dennis Srbeny were enough to give Norwich the win, putting Marco Silva’s job under further pressure.
Watford 0-3 Burnley
Bottom of the league Watford faced Burnley, hoping to secure their second win of the season. Everything didn’t go to plan, however, as 3 second-half goals from Sean Dyche’s team meant that the Hornets would remain bottom, further keeping them in a tight relegation battle.
Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea
Manchester City looked to bounce back from their match week 12 defeat at Anfield with a victory over Chelsea. After conceding early, City quickly fought back and scored 2 goals in 8 minutes to regain the lead. Though City won, Lampard’s Chelsea proved themselves worthy after putting in a great performance against the champions. City remains 9 points adrift league leaders Liverpool but showed that they’ll fight until the end.
Sheffield United 3-3 Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskajer and Manchester United traveled to Sheffield with hopes of securing 3 points. However, Sheffield had different plans, going 2-0 up and dominating the match. Man Utd began growing into the game, and in an extraordinary comeback scored 3 times in 7 minutes to take the lead. Just as the Red Devils thought the job was done, Oliver McBurnie calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net via a volley from inside the box. The draw keeps Sheffield above Man Utd in the table as many fans are beginning to question if Ole Gunnar Solskajer is the right man for the job.
Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
Newly promoted Aston Villa played Newcastle it home in the bottom of the table clash. Both hoped for 3 points to increase their gaps from the relegation zone. Villa dominated the game, scoring twice in the first half. They comfortably saw out the match, bringing them up to 15th in the table, one place below the Magpies.