Premier League: Three things we learned as Arsenal remain title favourites
Arsenal continue their title charge as they beat Leicester
LEICESTER CITY 0-1 ARSENAL
Arsenal managed to collect all three points against Leicester in a difficult game away from home. Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock just moments after the break to decide the game.
The Foxes played a very counter-attacking style of football as they usually do against the top six. Although they managed to hold on for the first half, they could not withhold the pressure from Arsenal. Once they went behind, there was almost no chance of them equalising, never mind winning the game.
The Gunners controlled the game from the first whistle, creating plenty of chances, even scoring two goals that were disallowed. New signing Leandro Trossard was excellent as his shot found the net from outside the box, but it was disallowed after VAR found that the goalkeeper was impeded. However, he didn’t let this affect him too much as he assisted Martinelli’s match-winning goal.
Brendan Rodgers’ side has lost two games on the bounce against top-four opposition and will be hoping they can recover as they travel to St Mary’s Stadium to face bottom-of-the-league Southampton next Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side has shown their resilience after their defeat to Manchester City by winning two tough games. They will be looking forward to heading home to the Emirates where they host Everton on Wednesday.
Manchester City relentless as Erling Haaland breaks City scoring record
BOURNEMOUTH 1-4 MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City showed no mercy as they put four past Bournemouth. This dominant performance showed that they will not back down and will continue to fight for the title.
The Cherries were played off the park and just couldn’t play to the level of City. However, they did manage to snatch a goal in the 83rd minute, scored by Jefferson Lerma giving them something to take from the game, even if it was just a constellation.
The Citizens produced a vintage performance by scoring three in the first half, meaning the game was all but decided before the half-time whistle. The game was made even more special as Phil Foden scored on his 200th appearance and Erling Haaland broke a Man City record, scoring the most goals in a Premier League season (27) previously held by club legend Sergio Agüero (26).
Gary O’Neil’s men find themselves back in the relegation zone after this defeat and will have to pull off a miracle to win their next game as they take a trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side is back to winning ways after their draw last week and is still two points from the top. They host Newcastle United on Saturday as they look to close the gap between them and the summit.
Tottenham win piles more pressure on Graham Potter
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-0 CHELSEA
Tottenham gained victory as they took advantage of a struggling Chelsea side. It was Oliver Skipp’s first goal for Tottenham and captain Harry Kane’s strike that secured the win.
Spurs have been finding it difficult to get into games in the first half and this game was no different as they could not create any clear-cut chances, even losing out on possession at their home ground. Despite their first-half performance, Spurs picked it up after the break and made up for their lack of threat in the first 45 minutes.
Chelsea had the better chances in the first half but they are missing a clinical goal scorer, as well as proper team chemistry with their new signings having not quite gelled yet. Chelsea fans are starting to become very impatient with manager Graham Potter as they have now gone five games without a win and have only won once in the Premier League since the start of the year.
Standing in for Antonio Conte, assistant manager Cristian Stellini will be delighted with the win as it keeps them in fourth place and on track to secure a Champions League spot. They head to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolves on Saturday.
Potter’s men suffer yet another disappointing result in a season fans will want to be over as soon as possible. They find themselves 14 points off the Champions League places and will have to start picking up points if they are to get anywhere close to competing in Europe next season. They host Leeds at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Other Fixtures
FULHAM 1-1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
LEEDS UNITED 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON
EVERTON 0-2 ASTON VILLA
WEST HAM UNITED 4-0 NOTTINGHAM FORREST
CrRUSTAL PALACE 0-0 LIVERPOOL