It wasn’t quite as goal filled as last weekend but there were some significant results in the Premier League.
With that in mind, here’s a deep dive into the biggest talking points from across the English top flight.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
The Cherries come out on top
Heading into this game, everything pointed towards a Liverpool win. Bournemouth were bottom of the table and had given up a 2-0 lead against Arsenal in their last outing, losing with the last kick of the game.
Yet the hosts claimed an unlikely 1-0 win to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. Philip Billing scored what turned out to be the winner in the first half with Mohamed Salah missing from the spot after the break.
The Reds spurned all four big chances and now find themselves further behind in the race for the top four.
A sting in the tail for the Bees
Following Bournemouth’s win over Liverpool, Everton needed something at home to Brentford.
The Toffees were in the relegation zone and hadn’t won in three but found themselves ahead after just 35 seconds, courtesy of a Dwight McNeil effort.
Luck was on their side too with Brentford creating chances with an Expected Goals value of 2.1 but the away team failed to convert. In fact, the second half was all Brentford, with 1.72 of their xG haul coming after the break.
The rise of Richarlison
Earlier in the week, Richarlison fairly publicly demanded more game time. Antonio Conte responded to this by starting him against Nottingham Forest and he had the ball in the back of the net after three minutes.
However, it was ruled out for offside. That shouldn’t detract from his performance though. Yes, Harry Kane netted a double and yes, Heung-Min Son got in on the act but the Brazilian was still quite impressive, even without a goal.
He won the penalty that the Spurs No. 10 tucked away and he finished with an assist.
In fact, only Kane (9.0) could better Richarlison’s FotMob rating (8.5).
City find a way to win
It wasn’t the prettiest Manchester City win but they picked up maximum points to keep the pressure on Arsenal.
Erling Haaland scored the winner from the penalty spot but the star of the show was undoubtedly Rodri. The midfielder was given an 8.7 FotMob rating for his performance having won eight of his 12 ground duels, three of his five aerial duels all while recovering the ball an astonishing 16 times.
It might not be highlight reel worthy but that showing was as integral to the win as Haaland’s penalty.
The Gunners march on
An away trip to Craven Cottage has the potential to be a banana skin trip for top teams. Especially when just a couple of days earlier you’d played out a 2-2 draw in Portugal against Sporting.
City would’ve no doubt been looking at this and thinking there’s a chance that Arsenal drop points here and yet the game was over by the break.
Arsenal blitzed Fulham in those opening 45 minutes and fully deserved the 3-0 halftime lead.
There was a bit of a scare early on when Antonee Robinson had a goal ruled out by VAR but aside from that, Arsenal never looked in any danger of falling to a defeat.
He may not have got onto the scoresheet but Leandro Trossard was the difference maker for the Gunners, chipping in with three assists. The January signing is really playing his part in this title charge.
The Saints halt the Red Devils
Manchester United had to win to maintain their lead over Spurs but could only manage a draw against Southampton at Old Trafford.
In truth, it was a bad day at the office for Erik Ten Hag’s side as they lost Casemiro to a red card in the first half. The hosts then took control and had more of the ball, more shots and a higher Expected Goals total.
The Saints are still bottom of the table but are now only five points off of Crystal Palace in 12th.
(Images from IMAGO)
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