Saturday Sept. 29

West Ham United 3, Manchester United 1
Good news for West Ham, terrible news for Man Utd. The Red Devils are now off to their worst start in 29 years, with now only 10 points from their first seven games. It only took five minutes for the Hammers to take the lead after Felipe Anderson directed Pablo Zabaleta’s cross in with a cool back-heel finish. The home side was able to double their lead right before the half as Andriy Yarmalenko’s shot deflected off of Man Utd’s defender Victor Lindelof and wrong-footed David de Gea. Marcus Rashford was able to bring one back in the second half, but it was all for not as West Ham’s Mark Noble’s through ball was able to set up Marko Arnautovic for a third goal only three minutes later, clinching the game. Noble was named “man of the match” for his importance during his side’s possessions, recording the most touches and passes, but most importantly regained possession more times than any of his teammates. West Ham climb up to 14th and Man Utd. sit in 10th as Jose Mourinho’s drama-filled season continues to bring concern.

Arsenal 2, Watford 0
They left it late, but that’s win number five for Arsenal in five games. The first goal only came in the 81st minute after Watford’s defender Craig Cathcart accidentally turned in a shot from Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi. Only two minutes later, Unai Emery’s men were able to double the mark after Alexandre Lacazette delivered a low cross to Mesut Ozil who put in the back of the net. Arsenal continues to threaten for a place in the top four as they move up to 5th. Watford, however, drop to 66th. Arsenal’s Rob Holding was named “man of the match” for his crucial defending, including six clearances and three interceptions.


Everton 3, Fulham 0
After going winless since mid-August, Everton fans will be happy about this result. After hitting the bar from the penalty spot early in the second half, Gylfi Sigurdsson was able to redeem himself with two goals for his side, including a nice left-footed goal from the edge of the box for the first one. Toffees’ substitute Cenk Tosun was also able to score ten minutes later and Sigurdsson sealed the win with his second goal coming in the 89th minute. Sigurdsson was named “man of the match” as Everton climb up to 11th place. Fulham are now winless in four games as they drop to 17th with only five points.

Tottenham Hotspur 2, Huddersfield Town 0
Harry Kane claims two more goals for himself as Tottenham battle it out with Huddersfield for the win. A cross from Spurs’ Kieran Trippier in the 25th minute enabled Kane to header the ball home and give the away side the lead. The second goal was more controversial as Danny Rose seemed to go down easily in the box after a shirt-tug by Florent Hadergjonaj. In usual fashion, Kane was able to guide the ball to the back of the net from the spot. Kane was named “man of the match” and has increased his tally to five goals, only sitting behind Eden Hazard now by a goal. Tottenham move into the top four, as Huddersfield’s abysmal and winless start continues.

Manchester City 2, Brighton & Hove Albion 0
Nothing seems to be stopping the Citizens of late, as they pick up their 4th consecutive win. Raheem Sterling was able to put the home side in front in the 29th minute off a counter attacked that resulted in Sterling being at the end of Leroy Sane’s cross. Sergio Agüero was able to double the mark in the 65th minute after setting up a play that had Sterling returning the ball to him and scoring. Agüero was named “man of the match” as Man City move into first on goal differential. Brighton drop to 15th as they still search for the first away win. Agüero now sits in second place for goal scoring with five goals, along with Tottenham’s Kane and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Leicester City 2, Newcastle United 0
Leicester clinch their consecutive win in their run to compete for a top position. Newcastle, however, still have not found their first win in what has so far been a miserable season. Leicester’s Jamie Vardy was able to convert a penalty in the 30th minute off of Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin handled a Harry Maguire shot. Maguire was eventually able to cushion the lead in the 73rd minute with a header. He was ultimately named “man of the match” for his composure but also by being a threat in the box despite being a center-back. Both teams remain in the same positions as the week before, but Newcastle would especially like this to change if they want to prove anything this season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Southampton 0
Last season’s Championship winners continue to impress as they pick up their third win. More importantly, the Wolves have only lost one game so far with that loss coming a month and a half ago. The home side was unable to force goal-scoring opportunities, but their persistence paid off as Ivan Cavaleiro was able to convert off of his first touch in the 79th minute. Jonathan Castro Otto was then able to guarantee the three points off of a Matt Doherty cut-back. Doherty was named “man of the match” as the wing-back offered a constant attacking threat from his side. The Wolves climb into 9th place. Southampton, however, continue to struggle as they drop to 16th.

Chelsea 1, Liverpool 1
A fight at the top results in both title-contenders picking up a draw from the encounter. Eden Hazard was able to put the home side ahead in the 25th minute with a low-strike past Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. Liverpool had several opportunities wasted but eventually found the mark in the 89th minute with Daniel Sturridge curling in a beautiful shot into the top corner from 25 yards. Eden Hazard was named “man of the match” and continues to lead the premier league goal-scoring board with now six goals. Both teams remain in the top 3, with Man City passing Liverpool on goal differential.

Sunday Sept. 30

Burnley 2, Cardiff City 1
A tight game between two lowly-ranked teams gives Burnley their second win, as Cardiff still look for their first. Johann Berg Gudmundsson was stellar in his “man of the match” performance, heading home a goal in the 51th minute and eventually setting up Sam Vokes for the win with a cross with 20 minutes left in the game. Cardiff’s Josh Murphy had a first-half effort disallowed but was the piece that tied the game in the 60th minute. Neil Warnock’s men are now under a lot of pressure as they sit in 19th with only two points from seven games. Burnley, however, show good signs as they get the three points for the second week in a row and move up 12th.

Monday Oct. 1

AFC Bournemouth 2, Crystal Palace 1
Monday night’s game proved to be heartbreaking for Palace fans with a late penalty being the difference. David Brooks gave Bournemouth the lead in the 5th minute with a nice curling shot off the crossbar and in. Palace were able to tie the game in the 55th minute after coming on in the second half as more of a threat. Palace’s Patrick Van Anholt was able to beat Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic at the near post, as the game became more interesting. Palace had a few opportunities to win the game themselves but an elbow to the face by Mamadou Sakho on Jefferson Lerma during a free-kick, allowed Junior Stanislas to slot home the penalty and give home side the win. Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake was named “man of the match” for his excellent defense. Crystal Palace now sit in 13th place with seven points, while Bournemouth enjoy their best start to a Premier League season with 13 points from seven games. Eddie Howe and his men now sit in 7th place.

Zac’s Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Matt Doherty, Harry Maguire, Nathan Ake, Danny Rose
Midfielders: Mark Noble, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Mesut Ozil
Attackers: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Eden Hazard