The Premier League returned with a bang! Liverpool were held by arch-rivals Man United, City got back to winning ways, Tottenham’s struggles continued while VAR stole the headlines. Here are the Winners and Losers from the Premier League: Matchweek 9. Bet on the Premier League here.
Winners
Manchester United
The Red Devils were in dire straits heading into the game. Their arch-rivals, Liverpool were pre-match favourites and it wasn’t a matter of if Liverpool would win, it was by how many. However, they were shocked and were second-best for most of the encounter. Adam Lallana’s late equaliser eventually rescued a point for the visitors punishing United for their lapse in concentration. Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are still two points off the relegation zone, they demonstrated the urgency and confidence that has been lacking in recent weeks. Can they keep on improving?
Everton
Everton ended their four-game streak by beating West Ham in Saturday’s early kick-off. They dominated the Hammers in the first half and were rewarded by a well-taken goal by Bernard. The Toffees started the weekend in the relegation zone and although the pressure might have eased up a little bit on Marco Silva, they have to produce a run of positive results. The score line flattered the visitors who were dominated by Everton for most of the match. This was what under fire Silva needed, a crowd-pleasing inspiring performance but can they keep this up?
Gabriel Jesus and Manchester City
Two goals in two minutes late in the first half from Gabriel Jesus and David Silva was enough to give Manchester City a deserved victory over Palace. This was Jesus’ 50th City goal in his 110th appearance. The 22-year-old now has 21 goals in his last 20 starts which is impressive. He could have had more were it not for brilliant saves from Wayne Hennessey. This win allowed City to close the gap with Liverpool to six in a game where they started without a centre back.
Losers
VAR
The Video Assistant Referee has had plenty of controversial moments already this season, but Saturday saw new levels of madness. Tottenham Hotspur had two decisions go in their favour, and neither appeared correct. Burnley had an obviously legitimate goal disallowed, as did Aston Villa. On Sunday, VAR drama was the highlight of the game. United defender Victor Lindelof was thought to have fouled Divock Origi in the lead up to Marcus Rashford’s goal but VAR let the goal stand. The introduction of the VAR system in the Premier League has been controversial for the most part but this weekend was outrageous.
Graham Potter and Brighton
Brighton suffered their 15th Premier League defeat in 2019 as they fell to Aston Villa on Saturday. The Seagulls saw Aaron Mooy dismissed in the 35th minute but fell apart at the death as Matt Targett snatched the victory for the hosts. Graham Potter’s Brighton have been poor this season. After winning the first game convincingly, they failed to win the next six and are now staring at the relegation zone. With a tricky run of fixtures coming up, can they turn things around?
Over 2.5 bettors
Out of the nine matches played this weekend, seven saw Under 2.5 Goals. Only Leicester City v Burnley and Aston Villa v Brighton saw exactly three goals scored. It was a weekend to forget for goalscorers. Big hitters like Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Tammy Abraham, Teemu Pukki and Raheem Sterling failed to hit the back of the net this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs escaped with a 1-1 draw on Saturday in a drama-filled encounter against Watford. The pressure is still on for Spurs who have won just three of their past 12 Premier League games. Given they are facing Liverpool at Anfield next week, this was a poor result. Things are not going to get any easier for Spurs, who do not look like they haven’t recovered from losing last season’s Champions League final.