The Premier League never fails to deliver drama and this weekend threw up a number of big talking points. Every team in the league has now one at least one game, as the table is beginning to take shape.
Here are five things we learned from the games.
Game of the Premier League era contender in north London
Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea, 6th November 2023 may go down as one of the most remarkable games in Premier League history. 111 minutes of utter carnage was played out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the game that had everything! VAR drama, a penalty, two red cards, five goals and many many more talking points in a game that will be talked about for years to come.
When the dust settles it will be looked back on as a really important three points for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, on his return to north London. For Spurs, it is their defeat of the Premier League season, but they played with courage and heart even when they were down to nine men. A truly bonkers game of football.
VARteta gate
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Newcastle, thanks to a controversial goal from Anthony Gordon. He winger tapped the ball in from close range but had to wait for four separate VAR checks. Joelinton appeared to set up Gordon after the ball had gone out of play, but VAR cleared it saying that Joe Willock had kept the ball in play. There was also a check for a handball and a check for a foul from Joelinton, and VAR cleared both. Finally, after a painstaking wait, VAR checked for a possible offside. VAR cleared that too and gave the goal, which turned out to be the winning goal and Arsenal slumped to a second defeat in four days.
Mikel Arteta voiced his anger after the game saying he felt sick and ashamed of the decision which cost his team. Arsenal have now lost pace on title rivals Manchester City who are three points clear of Mikel Arteta’s men. It was another hugely controversial VAR decision which will no doubt spark debate for weeks to come.
Diaz saves Liverpool in Luton’s lion’s den
Embed from Getty ImagesLuton almost pulled off the most remarkable result at Kenilworth Road against Liverpool, but substitute Luis Diaz made an impact off the bench to save Liverpool and rescue a point. It was an emotional moment for Diaz who made his first appearance since the kidnapping of his parents, to which his father is still yet to come home. Klopp explained that Diaz wanted to play to distract himself from off the field matters.
Luton played well, and executed a game plan that almost rewarded them with a famous three points. Tahith Chong finished off an excellent counter attacking move but Luton were unable to hold on. It will give Rob Edwards’ team confidence going forward, as they travel to Old Trafford next week.
United win by one, again!
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes stole the points at Craven Cottage as Erik ten Hag’s side secured a last gasp win against Fulham. This is Manchester United’s sixth win of the season and all of them have been won by a single goal. Scott McTominay’s early goal was ruled out by VAR, but United had to rely on Andre Onana to keep out Fulham who matched ten Hag’s team throughout the game.
Fernandes did well to squirm his shot past Bernd Leno, but Fulham had multiple chances to clear the danger. Joao Palhinha’s eventual clearance was undercooked, and United pounced. It was another gritty win, as they head into a crucial clash with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Blades finally get their win
Embed from Getty ImagesSheffield United secured their first three points of the season at the 11th time of asking against Wolves at Bramall Lane. Ollie Norwood’s stoppage time penalty has given Paul Heckingbottom’s a huge lift after a torrid run of results to start their season. Fabio Silva’s foul which seemed to make minimal contact was enough for the referee to point to the spot.
Gary O’Neil’s side have been on the wrong end of penalty decisions lately, and this was another bitter blow for Wolves. It is a huge three points for Sheffield United who travel to Brighton next in hope to build up some form going into the international break.
