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Premier League Week 10: Saturday’s Games Reviewed

By Shanith de Mel

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: A ball is seen on the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: A ball is seen on the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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As Premier League action continued on Saturday, we take a look at the best of the games and goals of last night’s fixtures.

It may only still be October, and the Premier League’s 26th Iteration in its infancy, but the action continues to come thick and fast in the world’s richest football division. Traditionally the punters’ first signpost for a potential champion, the 10th Week of action sees a very clear leader at the forefront of the Top 6 in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

With the two Manchester teams already having been earmarked as the early frontrunners for the title by many a pundit, both were in action on Saturday night alongside London juggernauts Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham. Here is a conclusive review of the best of the games thus far.

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

It was not the fiery spectacle it was meant to be, with two powerhouses of English football putting on a game that few neutrals would have enjoyed. Both sides played tentatively and Spurs, in the absence of talismanic striker Harry Kane, decided somewhat confusingly to play without a recognised striker (which ultimately came back to haunt them) despite having a decent backup option in Fernando Llorente on the bench.

The game produced few chances, with 47.5% of possession being in the middle third indicative of a tight midfield struggle. Both sides were tense in the final third, with only 7 shots on target for both sides combined. Anthony Martial’s 80th-minute strike ended up separating the two teams, with his 4th goal as a substitute this season being a league-high thus far.

WEST BROM 2-3 MANCHESTER CITY

The Guardiola Train continues to steamroll its way around the Premier League, and must truly now be considered the early favourites for the title. On a day in which victory was much smoother than the scoreline suggested, City proved their quality by breaking the record for the most passes in a PL match with 844.

At times, City made The Hawthorns feel more like their home rather than that of their hosts, beginning with an extended period of dominance. The opener came through a sumptuous left-footed effort from Man of the Match Leroy Sane, kicking off a crazy 5 minutes in which goals from first Jay Rodriguez and then a brilliant long-range Fernandinho special brought the scoreline to 1-2 at 15 minutes.

The second half saw a beautiful Kyle Walker cross swept into the open net from 6 yards by Raheem Sterling before a late consolation goal for the hosts arrived through Matt Phillips following a scuffed Otamendi back pass.

LIVERPOOL 3-0 HUDDERSFIELD

The somewhat unimaginatively named Battle of the Germans saw two old friends David Wagner and Jurgen Klopp meet as both teams started the day looking to consolidate their positions. From the off, Liverpool seemed the likelier team to win, with Wagner’s “gegenpressing” style being neutralised by the manager who brought it into the game.

Liverpool played fluidly and was composed on the ball, with the opener arriving in the second half from Daniel Sturridge, followed by a close header from Roberto Firmino and a screamer from Wijnaldum to wrap things up. It could have been 4, but Mo Salah had a penalty brilliantly saved by Jonas Lössl earlier in the match.

Next: Liverpool’s Defence is Eye-Candy for Forwards

OTHER GAMES ON SATURDAY:

CRYSTAL PALACE 2-2 WEST HAM

BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 CHELSEA  

ARSENAL 2-1 SWANSEA

WATFORD 0-1 STOKE

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