Premier League Season So Far

Sports - Football - Premier League - Season So Far

And we have already reached the halfway point of the season!

So, here is a little overview of what we have enjoyed so far:

180 matches played

479 goals scored

First goal

Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool against Stoke City (17 August 2013)

Fastest goal after 12 seconds

Asmir Begovic for Stoke City against Southampton (2 November 2013)

Top scorer with 19 goals, including 2 hat-tricks

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Top keepers with 8 clean sheets

Tim Howard (Everton),

Jussi Jääskeläinen (West Ham),

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) and

Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)

Biggest home win

Manchester City 7-0 Norwich (2 November 2013)

Biggest away win

Tottenham 0-5 Liverpool (15 December 2013)

Highest scoring

Manchester City 6-3 Arsenal (14 December 2013)

Longest winning run with 5 games

Arsenal

Longest unbeaten run with 10 games

Everton

Longest winless run with 8 games

Crystal Palace, Stoke City, Sunderland and West Brom

Longest losing run with 7 games

Crystal Palace

Most yellow cards with 43

Aston Villa

Most red cards with 5

Sunderland

Main offenders with 6 bookings

Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle)

Youssuf Mulumbu (West Brom)

Jonas Olsson (West Brom)

Angel Rangel (Swansea)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Main offender with 2 red cards

Wes Brown (Sunderland)

Highest attendance with 75,350

Manchester United 3-1 West Ham (21 December 2013)

Lowest attendance with 19,242

Swansea 3-3 Stoke City (10 November 2013)

Total attendance 6,581,006

Average attendance 36,561

10 managerial changes

Everton David Moyes replaced by Roberto Martinez (5 June 2013)

Stoke City Tony Pulis replaced by Mark Hughes (30 May 2013)

Chelsea Rafael Benitez replaced by José Mourinho (3 June 2013)

Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson replaced by David Moyes (1 July 2013)

Sunderland Paolo Di Canio replaced by Gus Poyet (8 October 2013)

Crystal Palace Ian Holloway replaced by Tony Pulis (23 November 2013)

Fulham Martin Jol replaced by René Meulensteen (1 December 2013)

West Brom Steve Clarke to be replaced

Tottenham André Villas-Boas replaced by Tim Sherwood (23 December 2013)

Cardiff City Malky Mackay to be replaced

Manager of the Month

August Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool)

September Arsène Wenger (Arsenal)

October Mauricio Pochettino (Southampton)

November Alan Pardew (Newcastle)

December to be announced

Player of the Month

August Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

September Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

October Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

November Tim Krul (Newcastle)

December to be announced

Table comparison after 19 games

Current position to last season

1 Arsenal +9 points, up 4 places

2 Manchester City +2 points, same place

3 Chelsea +2 points, same place

4 Everton +4 points, up 1 place

5 Liverpool +11 points, up 5 places

6 Manchester United -12 points, down 5 places

7 Tottenham +1 point, down 3 places

8 Newcastle +13 points, up 7 places

9 Southampton +10 points, up 9 places

10 Hull City promoted from the Championship

11 Swansea -4 points, 2 places down

12 Stoke City -7 points, 4 places down

13 Aston Villa +2 points, 3 places up

14 Norwich -6 points, 3 places down

15 West Brom -15 points, 9 places down

16 Cardiff City promoted from the Championship

17 Crystal Palace promoted from the Championship

18 Fulham -5 points, 4 places down

19 West Ham -8 points, 7 places down

20 Sunderland -8 points, 7 places down

Main gainers

Newcastle +13 points, 7 places up

Main losers

West Brom -15 points, 9 places down

Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 to extend league lead

Sports - Football - Premier League - Arsenal 2:0 Liverpool

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points after beating Liverpool comprehensively and impressively 2-0 at the Emirates.

The Gunners took the lead after 19 minutes thanks to Santiago Cazorla who recovered and reacted the quickest and superbly netting the rebound with a fine half-volley after his initial header had come off the post.

Aaron Ramsey doubled the score just before the hour mark with a stunning smacker of a strike from outside the box, his tenth goal of the season.

The Reds did have the ball in the back of the net halfway through the first half after Luis Suarez took a quick free kick, given against Bacary Sagna for his push on the Uruguayan, which found Daniel Sturridge who crossed for Jordan Henderson to tap it in - only for referee Martin Atkinson to pull play back and book the Arsenal defender.

Brendan Rodgers' changes in the second half did improve the visitors' play, possession and attack, but the league leaders stayed in control thanks to a solid and dominant midfield, rewarded and capped off by the outstanding strike from Ramsey.

Suarez hit the post late on and Sturridge saw Wojciech Szczesny's clearance bounce off him, but straight back into the goalkeeper's gloves. It was just not their day.

Arsene Wenger can be more than happy after seeing his side take the lead in nine of their last ten fixtures and record 25 of the last available 27 points, the best record in the Premier League.

Another interesting stat/note: The Gunners are the only team to score in each of their league matches this season, the only other in the top four divisions is League One leaders Leyton Orient!

Liverpool meanwhile, will be relieved by Chelsea's 2-0 slip-up at Newcastle and draws for Southampton, Tottenham and Everton, which keeps them in third place.

Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool

Arsenal Goals; 1.: 18:32min Santiago Cazorla (19), 2.: 58:36min Aaron Ramsey (16).

Arsenal Team: 1 Szczesny: 28 Gibbs (5 Vermaelen -78.), 6 Koscielny, 4 Mertesacker, 3 Sagna (booked 26.); 8 Arteta, 16 Ramsey ; 19 Cazorla (25 Jenkinson - 84., booked 90.), 11 Özil, 7 Rosicky (17 Monreal - 72.); 12 Giroud. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 21 Fabianski, 23 Bendtner, 37 Akpom, 45 Haydon.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 4 Toure; 21 Lucas; 20 Cissokho (booked 28.) (10 Coutinho - 45.), 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard, 38 Flanagan (12 Moses - 68.); 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge. 3-1-4-2
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 5 Agger, 24 Allen, 31 Sterling, 34 Kelly.

Opta Match Stats: Arsenal-Liverpool

(Attack)
Shots: 12-12
On target: 7-4
Blocked: 1-2
From outside the box: 3-4
From inside the box: 9-8
Shot accuracy: 63.6%-40%

(General Play)
Possession: 54.3%-45.7%
Duels won: 52.1%-47.9%
Aerial duels won: 45.5%-54.5%
Interceptions: 13-17
Offsides: 1-4
Corners: 3-5

(Distribution)
Total passes: 612-511
Long passes: 6%-7.4%
Passing accuracy: 85%-84.5%
Passing accuracy opp. half: 79.9%-76.6%
Total crosses: 14-21
Successful crosses: 7.1%-28.6%

(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 31-28
Tackles won: 83.9%-78.6%
Clearances: 17-26
Fouls conceded: 11-7
Yellow cards: 2-1
Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 60,042
Man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

10-man Newcastle hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw

Sports - Football - Premier League - Newcastle 2:2 Liverpool

Ten-man Newcastle fought out a point against Liverpool after the Reds came back twice form a goal down at St James' Park.

Yohan Cabaye opened the scoring for the hosts with a fine dipping shot from 30 yards past Simon Mignolet.

It was end-to-end stuff with both sides coming close before last man Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa saw red for bringing down Luis Suarez.

Red skipper Steven Gerrard netted the resulting penalty confidently, recording his 100th league goal.

Brendan Rodgers' men looked to take advantage of their extra man, right-back Glen Johnson pulling a scrambling save out of Tim Krul.

However, sub defender Paul Dummett - who was brought of after the sending off - restored the Magpies' lead with a far-post shot off Cabaye's free kick.

The visitors were shocked and shaken and piled on the pressure, Suarez seeing a shot parried by Krul before being cleared.

But the Reds finally broke Alan Pardew's men's stubborn defence when Suarez broke through and crossed for Daniel Sturridge to head in the leveller from close range.

Liverpool continued to press and dominate, Suarez clipping the bar before seeing his injury-time free-kick saved - but they failed to force a winner as Newcastle were relieved by the final whistle.

Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool

Newcastle Goals: 1.: 23.min Yohan Cabaye (4), 2.: 56.min Paul Dummett (36.).

Liverpool: 1.: 42.min Steven Gerrard (8) penalty, 2.: 72.min Daniel Sturridge (15).

Newcastle Team: 1 Krul; 26 Debuchy (booked 86.), 13 Yanga-Mbiwa (sent off 40.), 6 Williamson, 3 Santon; 4 Cabaye (8 Anita - 78.), 24 Tiote; 11 Gouffran (booked 68.), 7 Sissoko (36 Dummett - 45.), 14 Remy; 10 Ben Arfa (28 Ameobi - 78.). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 9 Cisse, 21 Elliot, 23 Ameobi, 25 Obertan.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 4 Toure (booked 71.), 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho (6 Luis Alberto - 63.); 2 Johnson (31 Sterling - 83.), 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard (booked 47.), 20 Cissokho; 12 Moses; 15 Sturridge (booked 84.), 7 Suarez. 3-4-1-2
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 5 agger, 24 Allen, 34 Kelly, 38 Flanagan.

Opta Match Stats: Newcastle-Liverpool

(Attack)
Shots: 14-23 
On target: 4-7
Blocked: 3-2
From outside the box: 12-10
From inside the box: 2-13
Shot accuracy: 36.4%-33.3%

(General Play)
Possession: 37.7%-62.3%
Duels won: 45%-55%
Aerial duels won: 44.1%-55.9%
Interceptions: 16-11
Offsides: 0-2
Corners: 3-13

(Distribution)
Total passes: 328-556
Long passes: 12.8%-7.4%
Passing accuracy: 76.2%-87.4%
Passing accuracy opp. half: 61.5%-79.4%
Total crosses: 14-31
Successful crosses: 14.3%-32.3% 

(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 21-15
Tackles won: 85.7-80%
Clearances: 38-31
Fouls conceded: 8-10
Yellow cards: 2-3 
Red cards: 1-0

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Steven Gerrard
Attendance: 51,703

Week 7: Premier League Action Summary

Sports - Football - Premier League - Action Summary - Week 7

The seventh week of action saw 10 games, 26 goals, 1 own goal, 12 in the first half, 14 in the second half, 0 in injury time; 196 attempts, 89 on target and 105 corners; 195 fouls, 36 bookings, 0 red cards, 1 penalty scored, 1 penalty missed.

Most scored: At the Etihad (4), by Manchester City (3), and at Anfield (4), by Liverpool (3). Top creators: Newcastle at the Cardiff City Stadium (15 shots, 10 on target).

Main offenders: At the Etihad (25 fouls, 9 bookings, 1 penalty), Manchester City (15 fouls, 5 bookings).

Click here to read more: The action summary of all ten matches of the seventh week of the Premier League 2013-14 season: http://thefootballgene.com/2013/10/premier-league-action-summary-match-week-7/

Stats & Facts Sources: BBC website & MOTD

Week 6: Premier League Action Summary

Sports - Football - Premier League - Action Summary - Week 6 

The sixth week of action saw 10 games, 29 goals, 11 in the first half, 18 in the second half, 2 in injury time; 196 attempts, 89 on target and 117 corners; 228 fouls, 36 bookings, 1 red card, 1 penalty scored. 

Most scored: At Villa Park (5), Aston Villa (3). 

Top creators: At the Stadium of Light (27 shots, 11 on target, 18 corners); Cardiff City at Craven Cottage (17 shots, 5 on target). 

Main offenders: Tottenham (5 bookings, 14 fouls) and Chelsea (1 booking, 1 sending off, 15 fouls) at White Hart Lane. 

Click here to read more: The action summary of all ten matches of the sixth week of the Premier League 2013-14 season: 
http://thefootballgene.com/2013/10/premier-league-action-summary-match-week-6/

Stats & Facts Sources: BBC website & MOTD

Moyes' revenge as United kick LFC out of Cup

Sports - Football - League Cup - Man United 1-0 Liverpool 

Manchester United put Sunday's league thrashing by Manchester City behind them by beating rivals Liverpool 1-0 at Old Trafford to eliminate them from the League Cup. 

New boss David Moyes will be happy to have avenged the defeat Brendan Rodgers' men inflicted on his side when the two teams met at Anfield earlier this month. 

The visitors were unlucky not to find themselves on the scoresheet after dominating most of play and seeing the return of Luis Suarez after his 10-match bite ban. 

The controversial Uruguayan partnered well with Daniel Sturridge, both forwards working well together and creating plenty of opportunities, the latter hitting the bar in the second half. 

Moyes wanted a reaction from United after their derby defeat and made eight changes to the side thrashed at the Etihad. 

The former Everton boss certainly saw an improvement after the restart - skipper Wayne Rooney's corner fired home by an unmarked Javier Hernandez to give United the lead 40 seconds into the second half after they were pinned back and played around for most of the match up until then. 

But the rustiness showed in Suarez and Sturridge after they missed some sitters although United keeper David De Gea did have his say in that too with some splendid saves. 

What a difference a game makes, the victory for Moyes making it the best start for a new United boss since legend Matt Busby in 1945 and extended his side's run to six successive home wins against the Reds, whilst Rodgers' side are now without a win in three games. 

Manchester United Goals: 1.: 45:40min Javier Hernandez (14). 

Manchester United Team: 1 De Gea; 28 Buttner, 6 Evans, 12 Smalling, 2 Rafael; 11 Giggs (booked 41), 4 Jones (booked 71); 26 Kagawa (44 Januzaj - 73.), 10 Rooney, 17 Nani (19 Welbeck - 90.); 14 Hernandez (16 Carrick - 74.). 4-2-3-1 
Subs not used: 8 Anderson, 22 Fabio, 29 Zaha, 40 Amos. 

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 4 Toure (booked 51.); 3 Jose Enrique, 21 Lucas (booked 39.) (34 Kelly - 67.), 12 Moses (31 Sterling - 82.), 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson (booked 75.); 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge. 3-5-2 
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 6 Luis Alberto, 9 Aspas, 33 Ibe, 47 Wisdom. 

BBC Match Stats: Manchester United-Liverpool 
Possession: 47%-53% 
Shots: 18-17 
On target: 4-3 
Corners: 7-11 
Fouls: 12-9 

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Week 5: Premier League Action Summary

Sports - Football - Premier League - Action Summary - Week 5

The fifth week of action saw 10 games, 29 goals, 12 in the first half, 17 in the second half, 3 in injury time; 253 attempts, 83 on target and 119 corners; 202 fouls, 23 bookings, 1 red card, 1 penalty scored, 1 penalty saved.

Most scored: Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium with 4 goals.

Top creators: Tottenham at the Cardiff City Stadium with 21 attempts, 12 on target, 12 corners and 63.7% possession.

Main offenders: West Ham at Upton Park with 17 fouls, 2 yellow cards and 1 sending off.

Norwich 0-1 Aston Villa:

Aston Villa recorded their first clean sheet in 27 league games as they beat Norwich 0-1 at Carrow Road. An action-packed first half started off with the home side on top winning a penalty after just six minutes when Cieran Clark handled the ball. But Brad Guzan made a fine save diving to his left and denying Robert Snodgrass from the spot. The Canaries saw Andreas Weimann's shot for Villa come off he post before sub Libor Kozak who replaced injured Christian Benteke scored 90 seconds after coming on just before the half-hour mark. Having missed a one-on-one chance against Norwich keeper John Ruddy, the ball came back to Gabriel Agbonlahor who was unselfish enough to cut it back to Kozak who netted it gratefully. After an entertaining end-to-end encounter, Paul Lambert can thank Guzan for some fine saves and helping his side to victory against his former employers. Norwich have only lost two of their last 12 league games at Carrow Road - both against Aston Villa.

Liverpool 0-1 Southampton:

Liverpool were denied their best ever start to a Premier League season by a defiant Southampton after losing 0-1 at Anfield despite a heroic performance by Simon Mignolet. The Belgian goalkeeper made save after save including a breath-taking triple-save denying Steven Davis. Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren were also denied by the stopper before the latter held off Daniel Agger to head in the winner for Mauricio Pochettino's men. Saints keeper Artur Boruc denied Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge with some impressive saves of his own but all in all the home side struggled to create chances and break through a stubborn back line. This was the second home defeat of 2013 for Brendan Rodgers men, both against Southampton.

Newcastle 2-3 Hull City:

A Loic Remy double was not enough for Newcastle as they fell to a stunning Sone Aluko strike losing 2-3 against Hull City at St James Park. Remy had given the hosts the lead heading in Papiss Cisse's miscued shot. Robbie Brady equalised with a low volley before Remy netted his second off Yohan Cabaye's attempt. Ahmed Elmohamady glanced in Brady's free kick to make it 2-2 after the break before Aluko smacked in the winner from 18 yards. Alan Pardew's men came into the match on the back of two wins on the trot over Fulham and Aston Villa. After an entertaining encounter Steve Bruce was delighted with his side's display, the Tigers putting an end to the home side's run picking up seven points from their opening five games in their first season back in the Premier League after three years in the Championship.

West Brom 3-0 Sunderland:

West Brom condemned Sunderland to their fourth Premier League defeat of the season thrashing them 3-0 at the Hawthorns. Debutant Stephane Sessegnon scored against his former side netting an easy rebound after Keiren Westwood initially denied Scott Sinclair. Liam Ridgewell doubled the score with a one-touch bang of a shot before the Black Cats were forced to play the last 15 minutes reduced to 10 men after manager Paulo Di Canio had already made all three available substitutions and then lost Steven Fletcher to injury. Morgan Amalfitano completed the Italian's miserable afternoon and run by making it 3-0 with an angled shot in injury time and making it three defeats on the trot with just one point out of five games for the visitors. The traveling fans showed their frustration at the bottom club's manager when he went to applaud them which turned out to be a peculiar encounter in front of the cameras. The bigger the worry and despair got for Di Canio, the greater the relief and celebration was for Steve Clarke after his side finally recorded their first win to see them climb out of the relegation zone and up to 15th.

West Ham 2-3 Everton:

Everton produced a perfect turnaround as they twice came from behind to beat 10-man West Ham at Upton Park. Roberto Martinez's men thereby remain the last unbeaten side in the Premier League this season in sixth place on nine points out of five games. Ravel Morrison's deflected shot from the edge of the box got the scoreboard rolling and the hosts ahead before Leighton Baines levelled the score with a spectacular free kick bending and swerving the ball across and past a helpless Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Hammers restored their lead against the run of play thanks to Mark Noble's penalty conversion after skipper Kevin Nolan drew a foul from James McCarthy after a fine build-up in the box. But the game took a decisive twist when Noble was given a second booking for a tackle from behind on Toffee midfielder Ross Barkley. Baines struck again netting another stunning free-kick in the opposite corner. Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the perfect turnaround heading in the winner for the visitors and condemning Sam Allardyce's men to their second defeat of the season and down to 14th.

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham:

Chelsea put their worst start to a league season in 10 years behind them after beating Fulham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge going top of the table for 24 hours at least. Jose Mourinho laughed off all fears and critics in the post-match interview after watching Oscar and John Mikel Obi score two second-half goals to settle the bout and bag three points for the Blues. After a less entertaining, more hard-working first half where Darren Bent's shot at home keeper Petr Cech was the closest either team got, Oscar settled Chelsea's nerves with a fine finish from close range. Mikel doubled the score with his first league goal in 185 games to end a four-game winless run for Roman Abramovich's men. The result took Chelsea above Liverpool at the top of the table before Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City leapfrogged them with their wins on Sunday (see summaries below).

Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City:

Arsenal recorded their seventh win on the trot after beating Stoke convincingly 3-1 at the Emirates to send them top of the table ahead of bitter London rivals Tottenham on goal difference. Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring after just five minutes netting his seventh goal in eight games for the Gunners by tapping in the rebound after Asmir Begovic had pushed Mesut Ozil's free kick straight at him. The Potters were level 20 minutes later after Geoff Cameron netted Marko Arnautovic's shot that came off the post. But Per Mertesacker put the home side back ahead and in command before the break heading in Ozil's corner with keeper Begovic all over the place again. Bacary Sagna made it three goals and three points for Arsene Wenger's men later on in the second half, heading in Ozil's free kick with a nice leap into the left corner leaving the keeper stranded yet again. Ozil had a hand in all three Arsenal goals on his home debut for the club, showing how pivotal the German has already become for the club, especially with the long injury list they still have.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Swansea:

Swansea bossed the game from start to finish brushing aside a poor Crystal Palace side 2-0 at Selhurst Park. Striker Miguel Michu fired the ball under Palace keeper Julian Speroni to open the scoring after just 80 seconds, producing a banging start for the Swans. Nathan Dyer doubled the home side's lead soon after the break hammering a rebound high into the net after some great work by Michu in the build-up again setting up Alvaro Vazquez whose shot was saved by Speroni. Michu had the ball in the back of the net again before the final whistle, connecting to Jonathan de Guzman's long through-ball, but the goal was disallowed for offside. It was almost like a training match for Michael Laudrup's men, dominating in possession, territory and chances, Ian Holloway admitting post-match how awful his side were.

Cardiff 0-1 Tottenham:

Welsh hearts were broken in stoppage time as Paulinho scored a stoppage-time winner for Tottenham in a tense encounter at the Cardiff City stadium. Malky Mackay's men were out to frustrate and stun Spurs as they did in their 3-2 home win against Manchester City with keeper David Marshall starring, producing one brilliant save after another. The London side dominated possession and produced plenty of chances keeping Marshall more than busy. But Cardiff's defence was finally breached in the dying seconds when Brazilian Paulinho connected onto Erik Lamela's cross with a cheeky back-heeler netting three crucial points for Andre Villas-Boas men putting them level on points with rivals Arsenal at the top of the table before their big derby clash against Chelsea next weekend.

Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United:

Manchester City thrashed bitter rivals Manchester United 4-1 in a gob-smacking derby at the Etihad Stadium. It was the first derby for both David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini, the first time two new managers took over the derby since 1947. The energy levels were high from kick-off with end-to-end stuff before Sergio Aguero opened the scoring for the home side with a marvellous finish off a fine link between Samir Nasri and Aleksandar Kolerov. Yaya Toure doubled the lead just before the interval tapping in a deflected corner finding himself in plenty of space with the United defence totally zoned out. Whatever Moyes' team talk was at half time, it did not show much effect as seconds after the break, United were carved open again, Alvaro Negredo's clip-in finding Aguero free, completing the move with a simple left-footed finish to make it 3-0. And five minutes later City tore United apart again, Vincent Kompany running in on the right finding Nasri whose right-footed smacker made it 4-0. It was a wonderful carve-finish, from one end to the other and stunned United, leaving everyone wonder how much worse the thrash score line could get. In the end, it stayed four for City but Wayne Rooney did pull one back for United, curling a free kick into the top right corner past Joe Hart's glove, a superb jump beaten by a superb goal. It was merely a consolation goal though, as City recorded an emphatic win against the Red Devils, leaving Moyes wondering whether he can ever win a derby as he was unable to beat Liverpool in his 11 years as Everton boss.

Saints shock Liverpool to their first league defeat

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 0-1 Southampton 

Liverpool were denied their best ever start to a Premier League season by a defiant Southampton after losing 0-1 at Anfield despite a heroic performance by Simon Mignolet. 

The Belgian goalkeeper made save after save including a breathtaking triple-save denying Steven Davis. 

Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren were also denied by the stopper before the latter held off Daniel Agger to head in the winner for Mauricio Pochettino's men. 

Saints keeper Artur Boruc denied Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge with some impressive saves of his own but all in all the home side struggled to create chances and break through a stubborn back line. 

This was the second home defeat of 2013 for Brendan Rodgers' men, both against Southampton. 

Southampton Goals: 1.: 52:56min Dejan Lovren (5).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 5 Agger (3 Jose Enrique - 57.), 37 Skrtel (6 Luis Alberto - 72.), 4 Toure; 12 Moses, 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson; 9 Aspas (31 Sterling - 45.), 15 Sturridge. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 47 Wisdom, 34 Kelly, 1 Jones, 33 Ibe. 

Southampton Team: 31 Boruc; 23 Shaw, 5 Lovren, 6 Fonte, 2 Clyne (booked 81.); 4 Schneiderlin, 12 Wanyama, 20 Lallana (16 Ward-Prowse - 76.); 9 Rodriguez (18 Cork - 89.), 17 Osvaldo, 7 Lambert (8 Davies - 66.). 4-3-3 
Subs not used: 10 Ramirez, 26 Hooiveld, 22 Chambers, 1 Davis. 

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Southampton 

(Attack) 
Shots: 10-12 
On target: 5-7 
Blocked: 1-2 
From outside the box: 6-4 
From inside the box: 4-8 
Shot accuracy: 55.6%-70% 

(General Play) 
Possession: 55.2%-44.8% 
Duels won: 51.5-48.5% 
Aerial duels won: 54.8%-45.2% 
Interceptions: 17-11 Offsides: 3-5 
Corners: 6-6 

(Distribution) 
Total passes: 465-373 
Long passes: 13.5%-13.4% 
Passing accuracy: 77.4%-71.8% 
Passing accuracy opp. half: 63.7%-61.7% 
Total crosses: 18-19 
Successful crosses: 11.1%-15.8% 

(Defence & Discipline) 
Tackles: 20-38 
Tackles won: 70%-84.2% 
Clearances: 27-29 
Fouls conceded: 6-9 
Yellow cards: 0-1 
Red cards: 0-0 

Referee: Neil Swarbrick 
Attendance: 44,755 
Man of the match: Simon Mignolet

Week 4: Premier League Action Summary

Sports - Football - Premier League - Action Summary - Week 4

The fourth week of action saw 10 games, 20 goals, 10 in the first half, 10 in the second half, 3 in injury time; 256 attempts, 80 on target and 98 corners; 197 fouls, 34 bookings, 1 red card, 1 penalty scored.

Most scored: At the Stadium of Light (4 goals), by Arsenal (3 goals).

Top creators: Tottenham at White Hart Lane (23 attempts, 7 on target).

Main offenders: Chelsea at Goodison Park and Newcastle at Villa Park (4 bookings each); Crystal Palace with the only sending off of the weekend at Old Trafford (Kagisho Dikgacoi).

Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace:

David Moyes recorded his first win as Manchester United manager thanks to a controversial penalty and sending off against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Ian Holloway was left fuming after Kagisho Dikgacoi was adjudged by referee Jon Moss to have fouled Ashley Young in the box and was sent off. The Eagles were unhappy with the decision arguing the offence had taken place outside the area, but Robin van Persie made no mistake and slotted in the spot-kick to make it 1-0 just before the break. Wayne Rooney doubled the score from a free kick later on in the second half after his former Evertonian team mate Marouane Fellaini was brought on to make his debut for United. All in all though, despite the score line, the Red Devils were struggling to break down their stubborn visitors, even after they were reduced to ten men. Moyes will be relieved and should feel lucky to have recorded his first three pointer from his opening three games and seen Rooney making a scoring return, especially with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson amongst the crowd and Bayer Leverkusen next on the fixture list in the Champions League.

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle:

France midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa was scorer and provider for Newcastle to seal their second win of season by beating Aston Villa 1-2 at Villa Park. The win comes just days after manager Alan Pardew criticised the club about the lack of signings and failure to add to their squad in the summer transfer window. The only new signing Loic Remy, on a season-long loan from QPR, made an immediate impact on his debut for the visitors with some excellent work setting up Ben Arfa to open the scoring. The home side equalised after the break, Christian Benteke netting an Ashley Westwood corner. But the Magpies came back, Ben Arfa pulling a save out of Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan with a long-range effort before Yoan Gouffran was the quickest to react to net the rebound and defy Paul Lambert's men as well as their own boss.

Fulham 1-1 West Brom:

Gareth McAuley's injury time equaliser secured a point against the run of play for West Brom at Craven Cottage. Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell had given the home side the lead in the first half with a fine half-volley from a corner. The Cottagers were dominant and in control with the Baggies rarely threatening, their new £6m-striker Victor Anichebe making no real impact for the visitors. But Steve Clarke's men salvaged a point in the dying minutes when McAuley climbed highest and headed in Chris Brunt's corner, scoring his club's first Premier League goal of the season.

Hull City 1-1 Cardiff:

Premier League newcomers Hull City and Cardiff City left the KC Stadium sharing just a goal and point each in a game dominated by misses and what-ifs. Curtis Davies gave the Tigers the lead heading in Tom Huddlestone's cross after Danny Graham had missed a sitter for the home side. The Bluebirds rallied after the break and were level soon after thanks to Peter Whittingham's low-shot volley off Don Cowie's cross. Both teams went close but missed out on nicking a winner, Aron Gunnarsson heading wide for the visitors and Graham shooting wide. In the dying minutes, Graham sent a header straight into Cardiff goalkeeper Joe Lewis' gloves, epitomising his struggling form having not scored since January.

Stoke City 0-0 Manchester City:

Below-par Manchester City were lucky to escape the Britannia Stadium with a point after Stoke City missed several chances to break the deadlock and secure a third consecutive Premier League victory. Mark Hughes' men posed much more of a threat compared to a passive City side who did not make much of their possession apart from a couple of long-range shots. Jonathan Walters wasted two glorious chances for the Potters whilst Kenwyne Jones was denied by a fine Joe Hart block. The England goalkeeper was kept the busier of the two keepers and did well to deny the home side any glory, but Mauricio Pellegrini should be worried his side did not pose more of a threat. Stoke have never lost a Premier League game at home against Manchester City, recording one win and five draws in their six meetings.

Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal:

Bottom club Sunderland crumbled to yet another defeat falling 1-3 against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal debutant Mesut Ozil set up Olivier Giroud to give the Gunners an early lead before Craig Gardner levelled from the spot after the interval following Laurent Koscielny's fowl on Adam Johnson. Aaron Ramsey's double sealed the Gunners' comeback and win sending them to the top of the Premier League. Theo Walcott could have had a hat-trick in a game that could have ended so much worse for the hosts despite all controversy and protests. Black Cats manager Paulo Di Canio was in his typical temperamental rage after Jozy Altidore was denied an equaliser after referee Martin Atkinson did not play an advantage and was later sent off for his continuous protests. The American striker had wrestled himself past Bacary Sagna and squeezed a shot past Wojciech Szczesny and over the line before it was cleared, but Atkinson brought play back for a Sunderland free kick outside the box. But the controversial Italian boss cannot deny his side were dire, out-thought and out-played and are at the bottom of the Premier League for a reason.

Tottenham 2-0 Norwich:

Tottenham started life without Gareth Bale with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Norwich, Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring a goal in each half. New signing Christian Eriksen rewarded manager Andre Villas-Boas for handing him his debut creating the opening goal for Sigurdsson to turn the chance in. The Iceland international doubled the score off Paulinho and was denied a hat-trick by Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy. The 26-year old stopper also kept Andros Townsend off the scoreboard. AVB will be more than happy with the style and comfort of the win, showing and convincing that life and football can continue for Tottenham and the club have moved on, even without their starman Bale.

Everton 1-0 Chelsea:

Roberto Martinez recorded his first Premier League win as Everton manager beating Chelsea 1-0 at Goodison Park and inflicting Jose Mourinho's first domestic defeat since his return to Roman Abramovich's club. Steven Naismith header in first-half injury time was enough to seal the deal after both Samuel Eto'o and Andre Schurrle wasted good opportunities for the visitors. Chelsea's new striker Eto'o looked goal bound when Gareth Barry intervened with a brilliant goal-saving tackle. The loan signing from Manchester City who joined the Toffees on deadline day, starred with a man-of-the-match performance sparing goalkeeper Tim Howard from embarrassment. Defiant defending and stubborn blocking, concentration and strength to the final whistle frustrated and in the end beat Mourinho's men and had Goodison Park rocking at Howard Webb's final whistle.

Southampton 0-0 West Ham:

West Ham were lucky to escape from Southampton with a point after their goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen produced one brilliant save after another. The 38-year-old kept out Dani Osvaldo, Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Rickie Lambert with some splendid saves in a spectacular display in a match that was dominated by the Saints. Mauricio Pochettino's men would have been pleased with their overall performance but were left frustrated and disappointed with the result, two points dropped and failure to score. Sam Allerdyce's men meanwhile, who have now only produced six shots on target in the league and have yet to score this season, will be more than relieved and happy with the point won.

Swansea 2-2 Liverpool:

Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League table after an entertaining 2-2 draw against Swansea which saw former Red midfielder Jonjo Shelvey contributed to all four goals at the Liberty Stadium. The summer signing put the hosts in the lead after just 87 seconds with a nice curl into the bottom corner. But his clumsy backpass allowed Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to fire home his fourth goal in four for the visitors four minutes later. Shelvey then made another spill to hand Victor Moses his debut goal before heading the ball on to Miguel Michu who levelled the score again. The draw put an end to Brendan Rodgers' men's 100% record as they dropped their first points against his former side but the result was still enough for them to leapfrog Arsenal and Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League. Swansea meanwhile, are 13th after recording four points from their opening four matches.