Premier League Results: Gameweek 9 - Torres powers Chelsea to victory; Spurs scrape through

Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Hull City:

Roberto Soldado of Spurs celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City at White Hart Lane on October 27, 2013 in London, England.

Tottenham Hotspur needed a penalty to break through a stoic defensive performance from Hull City, who were left distraught to see Roberto Soldado convert a penalty in the 80th minute to deprive them off any points after putting in a commendable performance all through the game.

Neither teams were able to break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, as Hull City, playing a 9-0-1 formation, shut the doors on the home team’s chances upfront. Steve Bruce’s side also managed to offer something on attack when it came to set-pieces. Paul McShane fluffed a good chance to have a shot at the goal, when Hugo Lloris punched a free-kick that fell right at the feet of the Republic of Ireland player. Spurs meanwhile were piling up the pressure, with Paulinho threatening to break into the penalty area twice and Andros Townsend testing Steve Harper with a powerful 25-yard shot.

In a desperate attempt to make something happen, Andre-Villas Boas ringed the changes in the form of Christian Eriksen and Jermain Defoe, who replaced Lewis Holtby and Aaron Lennon respectively. Jan Vertonghen’s cross hit the arms of Ahmed Elmohamady to give Spurs a great chance to go in-front, which was taken with glee by Roberto Soldado in the 80th minute. The win has taken them to fourth spot in the points table.

Chelsea 2-1 Man City:

Chelsea’s German striker Andre Schurrle (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in west London on October 27, 2013.

Chelsea emerged victorious courtesy of a 90th minute goal by Fernando Torres, who cashed in on a defensive error from Matija Nastasic as the defender headed the ball past an onrushing Joe Hart only for the Spanish striker to find the goal and bring a dramatic end to an intensely fought affair.

It was an absolutely riveting game at Stamford Bridge as both the sides matched each other move for move. Andre Schurrle opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 33rd minute. The goal was created by Fernando Torres, who picked up pace to beat Gael Clichy and deliver a cross for the German international to slot the ball in. The Spaniard then came very close to doubling the lead, from the left flank, with a brilliant effort from an almost improbable angle. All these came after missing a sitter, when Ramires’ dink played him on goal with only Joe Hart to beat but Torres hit his shot wide off the post.

The visitors had their moment soon after the game resumed when Sergio Aguero netted the equaliser in the 49th minute after being played through by Samir Nasri. The Argentinian forward’s shot flew past Petr Cech to find the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper stunned. City were clearly the better team in the second half and Cech had to pull off a superb save to deny David Silva. Manuel Pellegrini’s ploy of instructing his players to go physical on Torres worked well as it cut-off the source.

For all their pressing, they were left stunned to see a single moment of lapse in concentration give all the 3 points to the Blues that helped them stay at second spot.