Viewers were treated to a handful of surprise results.
We’re now nearly a ⅓ of the way through the Premier League season, meaning many of those near the top of the table will be looking to establish themselves as title contenders going into January.
There were a number of captivating matches played today which sprung some surprise results.
Here’s how today’s Premier League games played out:
SOUTHAMPTON vs. SHEFFIELD UNITED
The 12 o’clock kick off featured a jubilant Southampton against a lowly Sheffield United side.
Southampton have started the season very well. Prior to kick off, they collected 20 points from just 11 matches. Sheffield United, on the other hand, could hardly have started the season any worse. They only picked up 1 point in 11 games which is in complete contrast to the start they had last season.
Thing didn’t get much better for The Blades today as they were easily beaten 3-0.
Che Adams opened the scoring in the 34th minute after latching on to a deflection of his teammate Jan Bednarek.
Stuart Armstrong was fortunate to get the 2nd goal of the game as his shot from outside the box trickled into the net from a deflection.
Nathan Redmond completed the rout in the 83rd minute with a placed shot into the bottom corner.
Southampton now sit 4th in the Premier League table after tonight’s result. Sheffield United remain bottom. Although the season is only early yet, Sheffield United will need a miracle to stay up based on their form thus far. They were never prolific goalscorers last season but their defensive structure ensured the team a comfortable survival. This season, they have neither of the above.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tottenham faced a difficult trip to Selhurst Park today as they looked to solidify their place as the top of the table.
Both teams have started the season well – particularly Tottenham – and would have been confident going into the match. Crystal Palace had the added boost of fans being on their side for the first time this season.
It was Tottenham who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, though. Harry Kane struck from range and his shot was completely misjudged by Crystal Palace keeper Vicente Guaita before hitting the back of the net. Guaita had produced a number of good saves prior to the goal so for him to concede in that fashion was unfortunate.
Crystal Palace weren’t going to lie down and accept defeat, though. They had a couple of chances to equalize until they got their goal in the 81st minute, and through an unlikely source. Jeffrey Schlupp equalised after confusion in the box from a free kick to score his first goal of the season.
As mentioned before, Vicente Guaita made a succession of good saves before his mistake led to the opening goal. He more than made up for his mistake with a handful of outstanding saves in the dying embers of the game. He made one particular save from a Harry Kane free kick which could be a contender for save of the season. The Spaniard looked beaten as Kane’s free kick was heading to the corner but he showed supreme agility and reflexes to tip the ball over the bar.
The match finished 1-1 to Spurs. They were still top of the table, but Liverpool were to play later and if they collected all 3 points that position would change hands.
FULHAM vs. LIVERPOOL
Fulham have looked good at times this season, but have struggled to pick up points despite their impressive performances.
Both teams needed a win today but for different reasons, Liverpool had the chance of going top of the league while Fulham could have moved comfortably out of the relegation zone.
The match wasn’t as straightforward as Liverpool would have liked, with Fulham creating most of the good, early chances. Fulham had a number of shots but failed to find the back of the net. That is until the 25th minute. Bobby Decordova-Reid was played through on goal and he smashed his shot into the corner, leaving the returning Alisson with no chance.
Fulham could have easily gone 2-0 up not too long afterwards after uncharacteristically poor defending from Andy Robertson afforded Ivan Cavaleiro a chance from close range. His shot, though, was too close to the keeper and Alisson dealt with the chance routinely.
Liverpool had a handful of chances to equalize, but their goal didn’t come until the 79th minute. They had their share of the luck as they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. Mohamed Salah then stepped up to take and *just* slotted past the Fulham keeper.
Liverpool now sit on level points with Tottenham having failed to take their opportunity to go top. Fulham currently sit 18th, just inside the relegation zone.
ARSENAL vs. BURNLEY
Both teams have had unremarkable seasons thus far this season. Arsenal, in particular, have been poor and are performing well below expectations.
The first half was predictably uneventful, with chances hard to come by for both teams. The second half, though, produced a series of talking points.
The first of which came in the 58th minute as Granit Xhaka was sent off for a second yellow after unnecessarily handling his opponent by the throat. His dismissal made it even more difficult for Arsenal to get a result, having played with little conviction even beforehand.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended his goal drought in the 73rd minute. He would have, however, preferred it to go into the other net. The Gabon international scored an own goal as he headed past Bernd Leno from a Burnley corner.
Robbie Brady cleared off the line in the dying embers of injury time to ensure a Burnley victory.
Burnley’s win moves them out of the relegation zone while Arsenal loom dangerously over it. Making matters worse, Arsenal have an unenviable schedule going into the Christmas period including a succession of games against Southampton, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool.
LEICESTER vs. BRIGHTON
Leicester have started this season on a high and, although it’s a long shot, could be potential title contenders with consistency in their performances. Contrastingly, Brighton haven’t made the best start to the season, despite playing good football at times.
Leicester hit the front in the 27th minute through a James Maddison deflected strike. The midfielder was left out of the latest England squad, so he’ll be hoping his performance can impress enough to warrant his inclusion in the next one.
Jamie Vardy scored his 12th goal of the season in the 41st minute to double Leicester’s advantage.
James Maddison completed his brace and the scoring on the night in the 44th minute. What a goal it was as well. He made some space for himself just inside the box using his trickery before curling his shot into the top corner leaving no chance for the keeper.
Leicester’s win tonight leaves them 3rd in the Premier League table, just 1 point behind Spurs and Liverpool. Brighton remain just above the relegation zone with 10 points from 12 games.
