The final round of fixtures before the international break did not disappoint. It was a goal filled matchday four with a number of hat-tricks to cap off some impressive showings. Here’s a look at some of the main talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
The Blades are blunted by the Toffees
Everton finally got their first goals of the season. Sean Dyche’s men also picked up their first point of the season. Sheffield United also got off the mark for the campaign with this 2-2 draw.
In truth, it probably should’ve been all three points for the away side though. They had more opportunities (16 shots to 13), more big chances (four to three) and had a superior Expected Goals total (2.59 to 1.19).
Having said that, the hosts almost won it right at the end though, with Jordan Pickford pulling off two ridiculous saves in added time to go from zero to hero for the Toffees following his first half own goal.
A statement showing from Spurs
Pre-match conversations centred around Ange Postecoglou’s decision to drop Richarlison for the visit to Burnley. The new Spurs manager opted to have captain Heung-Min Son lead the line with Manor Solomon coming into the team on the left side of the attack.
It is safe to say it paid off. Solomon created the most chances in the match (5) while Son scored his first goals of the season. The Spurs No.7 eventually finished the match with a hat-trick as he put on a finishing clinic.
Burnley had opportunities but simply couldn’t deal with the Tottenham forwards. It highlighted how ruthless things are in the Premier League.
Stamford Bridge stunned
The Mauricio Pochettino era at Chelsea continues to stutter. The Blues have won just one of their four matches this season and suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
If we’re being honest, it was a smash and grab result. The hosts, once again, dominated the ball with 76% possession but failed to make the most of their opportunities. Chelsea had 21 shots, three big chances and had an Expected Goal haul of 2.3.
However, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling weren’t able to convert their chances in the same manner Nottingham Forest’s summer signing Anthony Elanga did just minutes into the second half, when he calmly passed the ball into the corner of Robert Sánchez’s goal.
Manchester City keep their record alive
We witnessed yet another Erling Haaland hat-trick on Saturday. The Manchester City No.9 was at his best against Fulham in the 5-1 win for the 2022/23 treble winners, also assisting a goal. His numbers from this match are remarkable when you consider he had four shots and created two chances despite having just 17 touches at the Etihad.
The champions are the only team in the league with a 100% record. At one stage, though, Fulham had drawn level through Tim Ream just two minutes after City had taken the lead.
Nathan Ake’s controversial goal on the stroke of halftime turned the tide and the away side just never recovered. Julián Álvarez also got in on the act, scoring the opener before Haaland ran riot after the break.
The Seagulls soar over the Magpies
This was the Evan Ferguson show as Brighton ran out 3-1 winners over Newcastle United. The 18-year-old finished with a 100% shot accuracy on his way to scoring a hat-trick. He also completed 94% of his passes and was successful with 100% of his dribbles.
Brighton got back to winning ways after the shock defeat to West Ham last weekend and looked assured and composed throughout. Newcastle, on the other hand, have now lost three consecutive matches and looked exposed in defence without the injured Sven Botman. They’ve also looked a little blunt in attack ever since their 5-1 win over Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season. It is something for Eddie Howe to ponder over the international break.
Laying down a marker
The pressure was on Arsenal heading into their match against Manchester United. The Gunners had drawn their last outing, a 2-2 draw with Fulham, and they couldn’t afford to drop points at the Emirates again.
They responded well to going behind with Martin Odegaard levelling things up just 35 seconds after Marcus Rashford had fired the visitors ahead.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he’d won it for the Red Devils late on but his goal was ruled out for offside.
André Onana was then beaten in added time by Declan Rice before Gabriel Jesus added an exclamation point with a third. It was completely deserved. Mikel Arteta’s men finished with an Expected Goals total of 2.27 having had 55% of the ball.
Bukayo Saka didn’t score but he did claim an assist and he finished the game having created five chances for the Gunners.
(Images from IMAGO)
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