Liverpool bounced back to form with a comprehensive win over a struggling Fulham side at Anfield, while Southampton impressed in disposing o...
Liverpool bounced back to form with a comprehensive win over a struggling Fulham side at Anfield, while Southampton impressed in disposing of Hull City.
Chelsea needed a late penalty from Eden Hazard to earn a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom.
Aston Villa left in late, but were able to see off Cardiff City at Villa Park while Manchester United grabbed a potentially crucial Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday evening at Old Trafford, as Robin van Persie once again punished his former employers.
Here are 6 lessons we picked from all the top games
Tim Krul Is One Of The Best Keepers In The Premier League
In a week that saw Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper all over the national news, Tim Krul wrote some headlines of his own in the capital with an outstanding display.
His agility and composure between the posts kept Newcastle United’s lead intact on numerous occasions, and his man of the match award at the end was fully justified.
The Dutchman made an incredible 14 saves—more than any top-flight stopper this season—and the 25-year-old also kept his second clean sheet in a row.
The pick of Krul’s saves came after the break as the home side searched for an equalizer, but he frustrated Spurs from beginning to end and enhanced his reputation as one of the best keepers around.
Champions League Qualification Looms For Liverpool
As last weekend showed, title talk surrounding Liverpool might still be hugely optimistic, but why can't they expect to make a proper tilt at the top four now?
Seven wins from 11 league games is a pretty good ratio, and so long as the Reds keep swatting aside teams in this manner then those hopes are only likely to increase.
Chelsea needed a slice of luck to earn a draw against West Brom on Saturday, whilst Tottenham and Manchester United haven't convinced this season and Arsenal dropping points yesterday
Brendan Rodgers indicated that a top-three finish could be possible for his side in his programme notes ahead of this game, and whilst a match against an opponent such as this shouldn't be leading to anyone getting carried away, a little positivity never hurt anyone, did it?
Away Form Continues To Hold City Back
City’s away form now a major concern. Four defeats, one draw and a solitary victory is all they have to show from their first six away matches in the league. Cardiff, Villa, Chelsea and now Sunderland have all beaten City, and with more than a quarter of the season gone they can ill-afford anymore.
The problem remains a mystery. The disparity between City's home and away form is startling. They've won all five of their home league games, yet have taken just four points from six games on the road.
If it isn't sorted out immediately, City will struggle to win the Premier League.
Chelsea Need To Use The Middle Of The Park More Efficiently
Chelsea use the middle of the pitch to recycle possession, preferring it about at the back or in the final third. However, that midfield corridor caused them all sorts of problems against West Brom. Frank Lampard was doing a decent job of shielding the defence until he was substituted for Demba Ba.
The tactical change made sense as Chelsea went in search of a winner, but it left Ramires as the holding midfielder.
Nobody can fault the Brazilian's industry and effort; however, he lacked purpose and lost possession too often. His introduction of Mikel did little to change this as he seemed unsure of whether to close his opponents down or make the tackle.
United Can't Be Written Off
Write off Manchester United at your peril.
Despite a shaky start, United are now just five points off top spot and have climbed above neighbours City in the table. With this big victory under their belt, the champions are starting to build an ominous amount of momentum.
However, Arsenal should not be too disheartened. They lost this game by the narrowest of margins, and still top the table.
The true measure of Arsenal's title challenge will come from how they respond to this setback
Mesut Ozil Is Not Perfect
This was probably Mesut Ozil's poorest display in an Arsenal shirt.
Although he has been heralded as one of the major reasons for the Gunners' recent revival, his performance at Old Trafford fell well below the standards expected of Arsenal's record signing.
His passing radar was unusually inaccurate and he seemed to duck out of a presentable opportunity to head Arsenal's equaliser.
Arsenal supporters' joy at Ozil's arrival should not render him exempt from criticism. Today, he was not good enough.
What did you make of the game? Are United back in the title race? Let us know below.
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