English Premier League Matchday 14 - Weekend Winners and Losers

English Premier League: Matchday 14 – Winners and Losers

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on December 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

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Following three wins on the bounce and a resurgence up the table, Newcastle fans could be forgiven for looking forward to a very merry holiday season ahead. But what a difference 90 minutes can make!

A comprehensive 3-0 home trouncing at the hands of West Ham has seen the familiarity of discontent and despair return to St James’ Park. Despite dominating in possession in the first half, Newcastle’s poor summer recruitment showed, as West Ham’s star-studded frontline exuded class in stark contrast to the home team.

Ayoze Perez was guilty of wasteful shooting from close range, and Salomon Rondon was equally ineffective – and at times guilty of diving and foul play. The loss returns Newcastle to 15th, ahead of a tough holiday fixture list.

Can @Arsenal challenge for the @PremierLeague title? 👑

"The difference at the moment between Liverpool is not very big, but it is an important difference also."

Unai Emery says @Arsenal are close behind @LFC in Premier League: https://t.co/8Dy1J79wNc pic.twitter.com/2ZFzBO23dT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 3, 2018

dark. Next. Bournemouth’s Miracle-Worker Eddie Howe

This leaves manager Rafa Benitez singing a familiarly sorrowful tune, rueing the lack of adequate investment that threatens to destabilise a team only recently returned from the second tier.

He’ll be hoping for a nice big cheque from Mike Ashley on Christmas Day, ahead of a make-or-break January transfer window.

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