Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday was the biggest story of Premier League this week. Chelsea also maintained their unbeaten start with a win over Cardiff. Meanwhile, Watford’s perfect start came to an end after Manchester United beat them at Vicarage Road. Arsenal and Manchester City also picked all three points.
Manuel Pellegrini registered his first win as the West Ham manager after they beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park. In the other games, Wolves, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace emerged as the winner in their respective games. Overall, it was another exciting week of Premier League football with plenty of goals and drama.
Key takeaways from game week 5 of this Premier League season:
1) Tottenham continue to struggle on the big stages
On Sunday, Tottenham welcomed Liverpool to their makeshift home Wembley Stadium. After their disastrous second half against Watford, the pressure was on Tottenham to deliver. And like they have done over several times in the past few years, they failed to make the occasion count.
Georginio Wijnaldum opened the scoring on the 39th minute before Roberto Firmino doubled the lead. Erik Lamela scored in the 93rd minute to make it 2-1. Over the last few seasons, Tottenham have garnered a reputation for not turning up when it really mattered. If Saturday’s game was any signal, it looks like the trend may continue this season as well.
2) Chelsea continue their winning streak
Chelsea continued their perfect start of the season after they came back from 1-0 down to beat Cardiff 4-1. Belgian Superstar Eden Hazard scored a hattrick while Brazilian Willian scored the fourth.
The game started with a shock after Souleymane Bamba the net from a free kick on the 16th minute. Chelsea took control of the game soon after. Oliver Giroud picked up Eden Hazard perfectly on the 37th minute to level the score. The pair worked together again to give Chelsea the lead on the 43rd minute. Hazard then scored a penalty in the 80th minute to complete his hattrick. Willian rounded off the scoring on the 83rd minute with a stunner.
3) Manchester City continues the chase
Manchester City beat Fulham 3-0 at Etihad stadium to keep up their pursuit in the title race. Leroy Sane opened the scoring on the second minute after Fernandinho poached a ball from careless Fulham defense. A few minutes later, Raheem Sterling was denied by a combination of the goalkeeper and the bar. David Silva made it 2-0 on the 21st minute from an excellent team play. Raheem Sterling finished the scoring on the 47th minute.
A win was necessary for Pep Guardiola’s side to keep the pressure on after Liverpool and Chelsea took all three points earlier that day. The reaction of the players was perfect as they try to keep pace with the current leaders.
4. Arsenal’s revival continues
Arsenal continue their revival of the season after they beat Newcastle 2-1 at St. James Park. Granit Xhaka scored directly from a free kick on the 49th after a goalless first half. On the 58th minute, Mesut Özil doubled the lead. Ciaran Clark scored the consolation goal for Newcastle late in the match after he was picked out by Federico Fernández with a cross.
After a difficult start to the season, Unai Emery continues to find his feet at Arsenal. The win has taken them seventh in the table only behind their North London rivals Tottenham on goal difference.
5) Watford’s perfect run ends
Every good thing comes to an end. This week it was time for Watford’s perfect start. They were beaten at home by Manchester United. Watford who stole the headline on Week 4 after a stunning comeback win against Tottenham failed to achieve the same feet against United. Watford started the game brightly.
Their captain Troy Deeney was denied by a brilliant save from David De Gea. But three goals in the space of three minutes, Romelu Lukaku on the 35th minute and Chris Smalling on the 38th minute put Manchester United 2-0 ahead. Andre Gray pulled one back for Watford in the 65th minute. Their hopes of finding an equalizer were boosted after Nemanja Matić was sent off, but De Gea was there to save a late goal threatening header from Kabasele.