It was a weekend of statement victories for a host of clubs. An unbeaten start came to an abrupt halt while a 70-game unbeaten record was shattered in spectacular fashion. Here, is a look at some of the standout stats and the most significant talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Kevin De Bruyne to the rescue
Erling Haaland missed Manchester City’s match against Leicester City this weekend. Pep Guardiola revealed that the prolific forward has ligament damage and could be missing for their next Premier League outing against Fulham.
In his absence, the reigning champions looked a little blunt. De Bruyne won the match with a spectacular free-kick early in the second half but City created chances with an Expected Goals value of just 0.26 after the break. The xG did slightly favour them (1.03 to 0.71) but it was hardly convincing from the league’s most rampant side heading into this game.
Guardiola will no doubt want his No.9 back in the starting XI as soon as possible and you can understand why.
Potter’s return
Brighton had not won a match since the departure of Graham Potter and Chelsea had not lost a match since the one-time Swansea City man swapped the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge.
Form very much went out of the window in this as the Seagulls romped to a comfortable 4-1 win. It was a deserved victory too with the hosts having more shots, more big chances and a significantly higher xG total (2.44 to 1.36).
Alexis Mac Allister, a man converted into a midfielder by Potter, ran the show against his former boss, creating five chances. It was a spellbinding performance by the Argentine maestro. This could really kickstart the Roberto De Zerbi era.
The streak comes to an end
Virgil van Dijk was unbeaten at Anfield in the Premier League following his move in January 2018. It was a run that stretched 70 matches. There had been a few scares but Liverpool always seemed to be able to find ways to extend it.
That was until Saturday night when Leeds United scored early in the first half and late in the second half to claim a 2-1 win.
It was a fairly even game when looking at the stats – the xG was almost identical while the Reds had three big chances to the away side’s two. It was by no means a smash-and-grab by Jesse Marsch’s men as their winless streak, stretching back to August, also came to an end.
Going under the radar
Newcastle United are just three points off Manchester City and five points off the league leaders. They have the best defensive record in the English top-flight and are currently the team in possession of the final Champions League spot.
What Eddie Howe is doing is nothing short of remarkable.
Their 4-0 win over Villa was as emphatic as they come and the scoreline was reflective of the match. The hosts created big chances at a sensational rate, finishing the game with an xG of 3.44.
Only three teams have more goals than the Magpies this season. In fact, it is now the third time in their last six outings that they have scored four or more in a match. It has clicked for Howe and his players, at the right time too.
A statement victory
Arsenal returned to winning ways following a draw against Southampton last weekend and a loss to PSV in the Europa League.
Ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest, Mikel Arteta said his team need to score more goals. They managed just one in the win over Leeds and then one against Southampton, and their underlying numbers in both outings painted a picture of a team struggling to create.
The Gunners put on a finishing clinic against Forest, running out 5-0 winners. They had an xG of 2.3 and created five big chances as the team responded to their manager. Arsenal needed this performance more than the result.
(Images from IMAGO)
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