Match Notes: WHU 0-2 LFC

Sports - Football - Premier League - WHU 0:2 LFC

Liverpool recorded their 15th consecutive Premier League victory, beating 17th-placed West Ham 0-2 in their game in hand at the London Stadium on Wednesday night, to take them to 70 points in the quickest time, 19 points clear at the top of the table, ahead of defending champions Manchester City.

The Reds' historical run continues to 41 league games unbeaten, the third longest run in English top-flight history after Nottingham Forest (42 in 1978) and Arsenal (49 in 2004), having beaten all 19 team they have faced in the league this season.

And I am happy to report, I was there. As an undercover Kop, in the Billy Bonds stand, I can say, the atmosphere was nowhere near Upton Park. Apart from the couple of takes of the bubbles song, the crowd went quiet, frustrated, the Red corner was the loudest.

The visitors had most of the ball, control and chances, but the Hammers were well organised at the back, less so at the front, wasting the few chances they created. David Moyes grew more and more frustrated with all the miscontrol and mess-ups, the fans also, sarcastically cheering the only change the Scotsman made. 

Mohamed Salah put the league leaders ahead from the spot after Issa Diop's foul on Divock Origi and the VAR took its time to confirm (pen 35'). And the great Egyptian turned from scorer to provider after the restart, setting up Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the counter. 

The former Gunner made no mistake finishing off the superb move started by skipper Jordan Henderson, striking the ball with his right boot into the bottom left corner (52'). Here's my video of that counterattacking goal.

Both sides had chances after that, Salah hit the woodwork for the Reds and should have had at least a brace, and Trent Alexander-Arnold with a bit of frantic defending at the other end, but the result never looked under threat and all the records with it. 

It's only the fourth time a run of 15 wins has been completed (Manchester City 18 in December 2017, Liverpool 17 in October 2019 and City 15 in August 2019), 

It was Jürgen Klopp's 150th victory as LFC boss in all competitions (W150 D58 L39). The German played all these records down as always in the post-match interview: "I'm only happy about the three points." he said. 

"Tonight was a normal performance. I have no idea [if anyone will catch us]. The first target is to get the maximum points - there are still a lot of games. Yes we have 70 points, an incredible number, but so many things can happen. I'm not too much concerned about records. 

"We had a record at [Borussia] Dortmund and Bayern [Munich] beat it the next season. We don't feel as though anything is done, I promise you. We take a deep breath and then Saturday it's Southampton."

But one thing is for sure, us Reds fans are making the most and enjoying every single moment of it, whilst and as long as it lasts. This side is making the unbelievable believable, undoable doable, and just move on and go on. Walk on. Win on. 

Many on social media are trying to argue and melt the records down, saying the league is not as competitive, weak teams, not much competition... Really? Have you seen how many English teams compete in Europe? And reach the last 16 at least?

And how much money and players have been exchanged over the last transfer windows?! The numbers cannot lie. This is still the top spending and playing league. And oh, I nearly forgot to mention, we are the European and World champions for a reason. Simply the best.

WE ARE TOP!!! BOOM!!! YEAH!!! YNWA!!!

XxXXxX

Liverpool Goals: Salah pen 35' and Ox 52'.

West Ham Team: 1 Fabianski; 26 Masuaku, 3 Cresswell, 21 Ogbonna, 23 Diop (booked 33'), 52 Ngakia; 10 Lanzini (18 Fornals 69'), 16 Noble (c) (booked 42'), 41 Rice, 11 Snodgrass; 22 Haller. 5-4-1
Subs not used: 20 Cardoso, 4 Balbuena, 27 Ajeti, 15 Sanchez, 5 Zabaleta, 35 Randolph.

Liverpool Team: 1 Alisson; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 12 Gomez, 66 TAA (8 Keïta 77'); 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c), 15 Ox (48 Jones 85'); 27 Origi, 9 Firmino (3 Fabinho 69'),11 Salah. 4-3-3 
Subs not used: 18 Minamino, 13 Adrián, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip.

Match Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 29%-71%
Shots: 7-13
On target: 4-5
Corners: 3-7
Fouls: 6-6
Bookings: 2-0

This game was postponed from match week 18

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, own match and RMC Sport coverage.

Premier League Notes - Week 24

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 24

The 24th week of the 2019-2020 Premier League season saw:

31 goals - most by Leicester = 4

250 shots - most by Man United = 24

85 on target - most by Brighton, Saints, Everton, Chelsea and Leicester = 8 each

118 corners - most by Chelsea = 17

224 fouls - most by West Ham = 19

28 bookings - most by Sheffield United = 4

1 red card - David Luiz for Arsenal

5 penalties - 4 scored (Jorginho for Chelsea, Noble for West Ham, Pérez for Leicester, Pukki for Norwich)

It’s been a mad/crap week, so, just very quick notes on each match. Short(er) and sweet(er) (for some, sour(er) for others).

#AVIWAT

What a comeback in the crucial relegation battle: Troy Deeney headed the visitors ahead (38’), but Douglas Luiz smashed in the equaliser (68’) before Tyrone Mings deflected Ezri Konza’s shot in for a late dramatic winner (90+5’). The result pushes the resolute Villans out of the relegation zone up to 16th and the shaken Hornets the opposite way back down to 19th, after being served their first defeat in eight matches in all competitions. 

#BOUBHA

Another crucial clash at the bottom: Harry Wilson’s strike (36’), Pascal Groß' own-goal (41’) and Callum Wilson's first goal for 16 league games (74’) ended the fighting Cherries’ six-game winless streak, Aaron Mooy with the only reply late on for the dominant but frustrated Seagulls (81’). The goals-count-more-than-any-stats victory sees Eddie Howe’s men climb up to 18th, two points behind Brighton in 15th. 

#CRYSOU

Ralph Hasenhüttl was a very happy bunny after watching his side record a comfortable win at Crystal Palace. Nathan Redmond (22’) and Stuart Armstrong (48’) were both on the scoreboard with two fine goals as the Saints secured their fourth successive away victory in the Premier League, moving them up to 9th, past Roy Hodgson’s side, who slip down to 11th, the Eagles falling flat (0 shots on target, 0 corners) after their impressive draw at City at the weekend (week 23).

#EVENEW

More late drama: It looked like a comfy home win for the Toffees after Moise Kean scored his first goal for the club (30’) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the hosts’ lead with his 12th of the season (54’). But substitute Florian Lejeune had a better idea and smashed and bashed in two goals with just 102 seconds between them. One crash-boom-bang overhead kick (90+4’), the other fired through a defensive scramble (90+5’). The sensational late point-grab sees both Carlo Ancelotti’s and Steve Bruce’s men seven points clear from the drop zone in 12th and 13th respectively.

#SHUMCI

The Blades looked like they were on course to squeeze a point out of the Citizens at the Etihad, after Dean Henderson denied Gabriel Jesus from the spot and frustrating the hell out of Pep Guardiola and co with a bunch of top saves. But once again, Sergio Agüero tapped in the winner after coming off the bench (73’), scoring his sixth goal in the last three games. Chris Wilder's side remain seventh after their gutsy performance and test against second-placed City. 

#CHEARS

It was a nightmare start for the Gunners which saw David Luiz sent off (26’) for a daft last-man challenge, and Jorginho putting the Blues ahead from the resulting penalty (28’). But the visitors played better one man down and hit back, twice. First 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli scored a brilliant equaliser (63’). Then, after César Azpilicueta restored Chelsea's lead late on (84’), the ten men never gave up and Héctor Bellerin marked his return from injury with a dramatic leveller from the edge of the box (87’). Finally some fight from Mikel Arteta's men, but still just one win in the last eight PL games sees them remain 10 points off a CL spot, whilst Frank Lampard was left disappointed after watching his fourth-placed side’s dominance wasted. 

#LEIWHU

Leicester’s fine home win came at a cost with Jamie Vardy’s injury. Harvey Barnes scored the opener for the Foxes from close range (24’), before providing for Ricardo Pereira (45+5’). Hammers captain Mark Noble pulled one back from the spot (50’) before Leicester's Ayoze Pérez did the same to restore the home side’s lead (81’). And the Spanish midfielder made it two for him and four goals and three points for Brendan Rodgers’ men with a fine drill (88’). The win leaves Leicester 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, while David Moyes’ side remain level on points with second-from-bottom Watford and without a win in three successive league games.

#TOTNOR

Injury-hit Spurs recorded their first win since Boxing Day, edging past bottom-side Norwich. Dele Alli put the hosts ahead (38’), before Teemu Pukki hit back from the spot (70’). But Son Heung-min headed in the winner (79’). José Mourinho sees his side climb up to sixth, level on points with United in fifth and Wolves in seventh, but the Portuguese is left scratching his head what players he has left and who he can sign before the end of the transfer window. Daniel Farke’s side meanwhile are in deep trouble, six points from safety.

#MUNBUR

Old Trafford is stuck in a nightmare, witnessing Burnley’s first ever PL win there. Chris Wood smashed the first goal into the  top corner (39’), before Jay Rodriguez doubled the Clarets' lead after a nice one-two with Wood, firing into the top corner beating David de Gea at his near post (56’). It was the third season in a row Sean Dyche’s men had gone 2-0 up at Old Trafford, but for the first time they hung on for all three points, seeing them climb to 13th, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Deserved. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side remain six points behind Chelsea and away from the top four. Just not good enough.

#WOLLIV

Reds skipper Jordan Henderson headed in the opener off TAA’s corner (8’), but Wolves equalised soon after the restart, Raúl Jiménez putting in Adama Traoré's cross (51’). It was tense, sloppy and not easy for Jürgen Klopp and his men, but Roberto Firmino made sure the league leaders bagged another three points, drilling in yet another late winner (84’). It’s Liverpool’s 22nd win in 23 league games, taking them 16 points clear at the top, with a game in hand. After winning their past 14 league games, the Reds are the third team to go 40 games unbeaten in the PL. Records. Keep on rolling. 

My Predictions - Actual Results

(As mentioned above, it’s been a mad/crap week. I forgot to log my Tuesday night predictions, so, that’s why they’re all put down as 0:0.)

Aston Villa 0:0 Watford - 2:1

Bournemouth 0:0 Brighton - 3:1

Crystal Palace 0:0 Southampton - 0:2

Everton 0:0 Newcastle - 2:2

Sheffield United 0:0 Man City - 0:1

Chelsea 0:0 Arsenal - 2:2

Leicester 2:1 West Ham - 4:1

Tottenham 2:1 Norwich - 2:1

Man United 3:1 Burnley - 0:2

Wolves 0:3 Liverpool - 1:2

Click here for the previous Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports and RMC Sport coverage.

Premier League Notes - Week 23

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 23

The 23rd week of the 2019-2020 Premier League season saw:

22 goals - most by Wolves = 3 

244 shots - most by Man City = 25

83 on target - most by Leicester = 8

100 corners - most by Man City = 14

219 fouls - most by Chelsea and Burnley = 14 each

32 bookings - most by Spurs, Brighton, Villa and Man United = 3 each 

2 red cards - Cook for Bournemouth and Godfrey for Norwich
4 penalties - 2 scored (Pukki for Norwich, Jiménez for Wolves)

#WATTOT

The home side frustrated the hell out of their guests in the Saturday lunchtime London derby. The first half didn’t serve much chances for either side, the Hornets well organised and not giving Spurs much space or any way into the game. Étienne Capoue’s challenge on Japhet Tanganga was only cautioned (36’), a lot of social media reaction felt it should have been a red, another VAR fail for many, the crowd included, making their feelings clear with their chants after the incident. (I feel it’s not the video technology that's the problem, it’s the officials of the FA that are proving themselves incompetent to deal with it week in week out.) Troy Deeney missed the golden opportunity from the spot, Paulo Gazzaniga’s dive to his right gifted the keeper an easy push away (69’). Modern technology helped Watford again late on, goal-line technology showing Erik Lamela’s low shot had not crossed the line completely - it was 10.4mm on the line, a good clearance by debutant Ignacio Pussetto (90+2’)! It stayed goalless, José Mourinho must have watched a different game saying they deserved more, I saw his side were just not good enough, regardless of any refereeing mistakes, whilst Nigel Pearson will be more gutted his robust side didn’t take all points. The stalemate ended a run of 93 Premier League games without a goalless draw for Tottenham, the second longest run in the competition's history (Man Utd, 114 games ending May 2002).

#ARSSHU

18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli shot the Gunners ahead just before the break (45’) with a tap in after seeing Bukayo Saka’s cross deflect off a United defender and loop over Dean Henderson. John Fleck’s powerful drive deflected and whacked the visitors level late on (84’), a first for him on the road, after the hosts failed to deal with the ball in the box. Without their suspended skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mikel Arteta's side were missing any real fire power, the Spaniard having just overseen one win in his first five league games in charge, his team stuck in tenth, whilst the bouncing Blades drop one place to seventh. 

#BHAAVI

Leandro Tossard broke the deadlock for the home side, set up by Neal Maupay, converted into the bottom corner with his left foot, past new loanee keeper Pepe Reina (39’). Born and bred Villan Jack Grealish equalised with a left-footed whacker (76’). The Spanish stopper made a top save late on, play and tempers flared, but it stayed 1-1. The hosts ended more disappointed, dropping one place to 15th, whilst the visitors were more chuffed, avoiding defeat and remaining 18th, just one point separating them from West Ham and Watford in 16th and 17th respectively. 

#MCICRY

The Citizens dominated, but the Eagles coped well. Cenk Tosun headed the visitors ahead against the run of play, off a corner and Gary Cahill’s header, ping, pong, across, right, across, left and in, all over City there (39’). Pep Guardiola’s 49th birthday ruined?! It looked like they would get a penalty saviour, Jaïro Riedewald handball - but nope, the VAR seeing and saying no handball, no pen, as the player made no move toward the ball, the ball was ping-ponging so quick, he couldn’t have avoided it! Brave but right call, especially at the Etihad (71’). Non-other than Sergio Agüero slid home an equaliser eventually (82’), lighting up the sound and ground. And of course, it was the Argentine legend who headed and bounced the second in off the grass (87’). Another goal, another brace, when will the statue be built? 250th goal in 360 games, fourth highest in PL history. It would have been harsh on Roy Hodgson’s side. But even the old man couldn't deny all the Citizens' dominance, and it nearly paid off and would have served his Spanish counter part the perfect birthday cake, if it weren't for Wilfried Zaha (90’)! The last-minute equaliser was actually an own goal, deflected in off Fernandinho, to end the game a goal and point each, the crazy ending keeping Palace in ninth and City in second.

#NORBOU

It was a cagey affair at Carrow Road. Steve Cook was sent off for the visitors after blocking Ondrej Duda’s attempt with his hand - it was a great acrobatic save by the defender, not much for the VAR to check and confirm. Teemu Pukki netted the following penalty to give the home side the lead against the struggling Cherries (33’). Then Canaries defender Ben Godfrey was sent for an early shower for a serious foul on Callum Wilson, after referee Paul Tierney consulted the VAR and pitch-side screen (77’), much better and clearer decision-making that way. It was a dangerous tackle, the replay made it clear(er). The bottom side ended their nine-match winless run, their dominance finally paying off, recording their first clean sheet in 16 PL home games. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's worries and struggles continue, his side having failed to score in four consecutive top-flight games for the first time ever, and lost 10 out of their last 12 top-flight games (W1 D1) after just losing one of the seven before that (W3 D3). Slump. 

#SOUWOL

What a cross by James Ward-Prowse and what a goal by Jan Bednarek to open the scoring for the hosts at St Mary’s, leaving Wolves keeper Rui Patrício completely help- and hopeless (15’). Shane Long doubled the Saints’ lead heading the ball into the far corner for his first PL goal of the season (35’). Pedro Neto pulled one back for the visitors after the break, with a nice spin and fire in (53’), just after the Saints had hit the woodwork as well. Raúl Jiménez levelled the score from the spot (65’) after Jack Stephens and Cédric Soares both brought down Jonny. And then Nuno Espírito Santo’s side completed an unbelievable comeback, Jiménez again, the Mexican striker slotting home the winner unmarked from the centre of the box (76’). RJ has been directly involved in 27 goals for Wolves in all competitions this season (18 goals, 9 assists), more than any other PL club in 2019-2020. What a fightback, seeing Wolves up to sixth, level on points with Man United in fifth, whilst Southampton slump to 13th, six points away from the drop zone.

#WHUEVE

Both teams were at it at the London Stadium, Robert Snodgrass coming close a couple of times, got one in, but flagged just offside about halfway through the first half. Issa Diop gave the Hammers the lead eventually, off Snodgrass’ lovely free kick (40’). But Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised soon after for the Toffees, with an easy header from close range (44’). Fans protested about the ownership on the 10-year anniversary of the takeover by David Sullivan and Gold, overseeing their side share a goal and point each with manager David Moyes' former team, the result keeping both sides in 16th and 11th respectively.

#NEWCHE

The Magpies hit the woodwork 20 minutes in. That was it really. Until the 94th minute, the first Newcastle corner, cleared by Willian, but not far, Allan Saint-Maximin picking it up and putting a fine cross into the box, for a clear header down and in by Isaac Hayden, unbelievable! Steve Bruce chuffed, Frank Lampard less so. I’m still thinking I blinked and thought this up, but no, it actually happened! St James’ Park absolute bonkers! This is Newcastle's first 90th-minute winner in a Premier League match since December 2015 against Tottenham, when Ayoze Pérez struck. The three points lift them up to 12th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Massive victory.

#BURLEI

It was an even competition in the Super Sunday early kickoff at Turf Moor, until Harvey Barnes broke the deadlock for the visitors, running through the back four and hitting the ball through under keeper Nick Pope, who should have kept that one out (33’). Former Fox Chris Wood headed the hosts back into the game (56’). Jamie Vardy was denied from the spot after Benjamin Mee was booked for taking down Barnes in the box, harsh but Pope made up for his earlier muck-up (69’). Ashley Westwood smacked in the winner, his first ever goal at the ground, a boomer from the centre of the box (79’). Brilliant comeback win for Sean Dyche and his men taking them up to 14th, whilst Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes keep stumbling but stay in third, six points clear of Chelsea in fourth, three points behind City in second.

#LIVMUN

The Reds bossed and rocked Anfield in the Super Sunday clash against their arch rivals. Virgil van Dijk headed the league leaders in front (14’). Roberto Firmino thought he had doubled their lead with a beauty of a curler from the edge of the box into the far corner of the net, for the VAR to spoil the party, disallowing the goal for a foul by VvD on David de Gea in the six-yard box (25'). Harsh. Soft. Contact, yes. Foul, no. The keeper got the ball, before he just collapsed. Pathetic. Georginio Wijnaldum had the ball in the net (35'), but the flag was up and the VAR confirmed offside, by half an inch of an armpit. Pf. Mo Salah missed a sitter from close range (48') and the Red Devils stopper and the woodwork denied Jordan Henderson (49'). The hosts could and should have been four or five goals clear. But the Kop had to wait till injury time, the final seconds, Alisson setting up Salah with a long clearance, the great Egyptian making no mistake this time, a fine run and catching out de Gea, to double their lead and spark wild celebrations (I couldn’t get enough of the celebration videos on Twitter). Jürgen Klopp was still quite humble in the post-match interview, but can’t deny how unbelievable this run is, 21 wins out of 22 games this season, 91 of a possible 93 points (P31 W30 D1), still unbeaten, 16 points clear at the top, with a game in hand, more records tumbling all over the place. Simply the best. Top. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s face said it all, blank stare, his side slipping and sliding nowhere, nowhere near their arch rivals, 30 points between the two clubs. Flop. 

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Watford 2:2 Tottenham - 0:0

Arsenal 2:1 Sheffield United - 1:1

Brighton 2:0 Aston Villa - 1:1

Man City 2:1 Crystal Palace - 2:2

Norwich 2:1 Bournemouth - 1:0

Southampton 2:2 Wolves - 2:3

West Ham 2:2 Everton - 1:1

Newcastle 2:1 Chelsea - 1:0

Burnley 0:2 Leicester - 2:1

Liverpool 2:0 Man United - 2:0

Click here for the previous Premier League Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMinPL and ByTheMinLFC Twitter and RMC Sport coverage.

Premier League Notes - Week 22

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 22 

The 22nd week of the Premier League Football season saw:

27 goals - most by Man City = 6

221 shots - most by Man City = 22

90 on target - most by Man City = 12

77 corners - most by Chelsea = 10

198 fouls - most by Arsenal = 21

25 bookings - most by Arsenal, Burnley, Saints and Newcastle = 3 each

1 red card - Aubameyang for Arsenal

3 penalties - 3 scored (Jorginho for Chelsea, Rashford for Man United, El Ghazi for Villa)

#SHUWHU

The Blades dominated the Friday Night Football match, an early injury and substitution of keeper Łukasz Fabiański didn’t help the visitors after barely 15 minutes. The hosts took a clumsy but deserved lead after the restart, John Fleck capitalising on sub stopper David Martin’s error and setting up Oli McBurnie for an easy finish from close range (53’). Sub Robert Snodgrass celebrated a last-minute equaliser after plenty of missed chances by both sides, to be disallowed by the VAR (90+3’). It looked like a foul-shove by Declan Rice on John Egan in the build-up, but the screen said handball against Rice. The number 41 was gutted to say the least, lambasting the VAR in the post-match interview saying the ball was headed onto his arm at such a speed, how can you stop it?! Harsh decision indeed, but correct, that’s the rule. So, it stayed 1-0, Chris Wilder and his men recording their eighth consecutive league win against London sides at Bramall Lane, taking them up to fifth before all the other weekend’s games, cutting short David Moyes’ 100% record as Hammers boss, which was shred to pieces by the VAR. The Scotsman’s side remain 16th before the other matches, just two points separating them from the drop zone. 

#CRYARS

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang slotted home Alexandre Lacazette’s lovely through ball (12’). Jordan Ayew saw his shot deflected in to level the score after the break (54’). The French Gunner went from hero to zero, seeing red for a late and nasty ankle-turning tackle on Max Meyer, the ref’s yellow reviewed and changed to red by the VAR (67’), correct call in my eyes. It was a heated derby, end-to-end stuff, misses, clearances and woodwork whacking, physical clashes, the crowd on the ref’s and VAR’s case - the anti-banners vanished very quickly after decisions went the home side's way though. It stayed one goal and one point each. No wins in four league and FA Cup games for the oldest boss Roy Hodgson and his men. One win in four Premier League games for the youngest manager Mikel Arteta and his team. The result keeps both sides in 9th and 10th respectively, one point between them. Arsenal have failed to win five league games after leading at the break (D4 L1), their joint-highest total in a single Premier League campaign (also five in 2010-11). Dire.

#CHEBUR

The Blues bossed it, but got lucky with a couple of calls. The VAR camera angles and lines were ridiculous once again, denying the visitors any chance of getting back into the game. Pf. Jorginho gave the hosts the lead from the spot (27'), sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after Willian made the most of Matt Lowton's "challenge". To be fair, the Burnley number 2 did his best to take his legs away and avoid contact, but the VAR confirmed foul and pen, 1-0. Another harsh one. Tammy Abraham doubled the lead rising the highest and heading home Reece James' fine cross, too easy (38'). Nick Pope won't like to see these replays as the ball went through the keeper's gloves. Flop. And Callum Hudson-Odoi made it three (49'), the VAR checking whether his team mate the number 9 didn't touch the ball on its way in, and deeming he didn't, so H-O's fine run and take was not offside and the goal stood, 3-0. Three goals and three points for Frank Lampard and his men keeps them in fourth, five points clear of Man United. Sean Dyche is watching his side crumbling, fourth defeat on the trot, falling down to 15th, four points from the drop zone before Sunday’a crucial relegation clash between Bournemouth and Watford. 

#EVEBHA

Early on in the game, Theo Walcott didn’t get a penalty just because he didn't go down against Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk's pull, sad but true. Is that not what the VAR is there for??? Richarlison broke the deadlock for the Toffees with a lovely turn and curl in (38'). Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had doubled their lead from close range, but the VAR disallowed it because of handball (79'). Goodison Park was in total dismay about the officiating, but ended up cheering on the winning side, taking Carlo Ancelotti's side to 11th, level on points with Arsenal in 10th, whilst Graham Potter's men remain winless at Goodison, four points above the relegation zone in 14th. 

#LEISOU

TEN shots on target for the visitors, over half of them by Danny Ings including a couple of woodwork smackers, it could have been 1-9! Unbelievable! (See week 10 if you don't get what I'm referring to.) Dennis Praet had opened the scoring for the home side, netting Jamie Vardy's ball across at the back post (14'). Simples. But the visitors replied soon after, Stuart Armstrong equalising for the Saints with the help of a huge deflection off James Maddison to fool and beat Kasper Schmeichel (19'). Ralph Hasenhüttl's men remained on top, and with just over an hour played, the VAR denying them a penalty after a foul on Shane Long by Çağlar Söyüncü, but replays showed an offside in the build-up. But the former Red finally did it, 81st minute, Ings raced ahead and poked the ball through Schmeichel's legs to give Southampton a deserved lead, getting booked for his celebrations, stripping his shirt off and all. I don't think anyone cared at that point. And in the last minute of normal time. Jonny Evans thought he had headed his side level, but the VAR disallowed it offside, late drama for the one side, relief for the other, Brendan Rodgers gutted, his Austrian counterpart chuffed to bits.

#MUNNOR

Who else but Marcus Rashford gave the home side the lead, goal number 13 for him, poked home from close range off Juan Mata's whipped in ball (27'). The 22-year-old England striker outplayed and -performed everything and everyone in his 200th PL game. David de Gea kept out Todd Cantwell's attempt just before the break, the visitors trying their best to stay in the tie. Rashford doubled the Red Devils' lead from the spot soon after the restart (52'), after Tim Krul slid into Brandon Williams' leg to concede the penalty. And Anthony Martial made it 3-0 seconds later (54'), set up by Mata's curler, to head it into the bottom corner, keeper no chance. Not a good day for the stopper! And it went from bad to worse, sub Mason Greenwood scoring from the edge of the box (76'), low and hard into the bottom corner to make it 4-0 and Ole Gunnar Solskjær smiling, his side moving up to fifth. 

#WOLNEW

Miguel Almirón put the visitors ahead with a great finish, top right corner from inside the box, provided by Dwight Gayle (7'), his second PL goal of the season, three in three in all competitions. Leander Dendoncker levelled the score soon after with a volley in from close range (14'). A point-blank save by Martin Dúbravka against Pedro Neto late on spared his side from a defeat, despite more injury woes and forced changes for Steve Bruce and his men. Do the Magpies have enough fit players left?! They remain 13th with the point gained, whilst Nuno Espírito Santo's side climb up to 7th. 

#TOTLIV

The Reds continue their reckless run at the top, more records tumbling left, right and centre. The visitors bossed the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the front trio creating chance after chance. It was surprising the league leaders only led by one goal at the break, thanks to Roberto Firmino, his left foot doing the magic, across goal and into the right side of the net, after Mohamed Salah set him up, surrounded by white shirts but still able to turn and pass the ball (37'). The VAR checked for a handball by Jordan Henderson in the buildup, deemed fine, the goal stood. Of course Sky Sports pointed out and José Mourinho complained about the Red throw-in that started the whole move, replays showing it looked like the final touch came off Sadio Mané. Anyway, anyhow, the Reds got a deserved lead and Spurs tried to hit back on the counter, creating more chances after the break, but Alisson kept another clean sheet, LFC's sixth one on the trot. Jürgen Klopp still looked very frustrated in the post-match interview, no wonder, it was a tense match-up, which his side could and should have put to bed much earlier by netting their chances. Spurs stopper Paulo Gazzaniga made some fine saves as well, including a point-blank one against Mané. Sub and Real Betis loanee Giovani Lo Celso put a golden chance across goal and wide late on, Klopp and Mourinho fuming and stunned on the sideline, the German because of his defence, the Portuguese for the missed opportunity to grab a point. The one goal was enough in the end. It's the first time EVER in any of Europe's five main leagues that a team has ever taken 61 points of the first 63 = 21 games. They're at the top, SIXTEEN POINTS CLEAR - before City's Super Sunday clash, AND A GAME IN HAND not to forget! 38 games unbeaten, their longest league run EVER. Mind. Blown. Completely nuts as Gary Lineker put it on Twitter. Simply the best. 

#BOUWAT

The visitors dominated and Abdoulaye Doucouré had all the time and space in the world to control the ball and take the shot from just over six yards out to give Watford the lead (42'). Ismaïla Sarr set the midfielder up after keeper Mark Travers messed up his clearance. The Cherries were nowhere, very sloppy and unable to cope and organise themselves, leaving a very worried atmosphere around Dean Court. Hornets skipper Troy Deeney doubled the advantage from close range, Sarr the provider again (65'). And substitute Roberto Pereyra put the icing on the cake, making it three goals and three points with a bang after Andre Gray's attempt had been cleared off the line by Ryan Fraser (90+2'). What a win! Nigel Pearson has taken 13 points from a possible 18 in charge at Watford. The only game the English manager has lost was his first game at league leaders Liverpool (week 17). The run has taken his side out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, whilst Eddie Howe's men drop down to 19th, two points from safety. Dire times at the Vitality Stadium. 

#AVLMCI

Riyad Mahrez broke the deadlock running through the Villa defence and bashing the ball into the bottom right corner, too quick for keeper Ørjan Nyland on his near post (18'). And the Algerian doubled the lead soon later, the Villans unable to clear the ball, and the number 26 capitalising and smashing in the ball from nearly the same spot as the first, just a few yards out, no one near him or the ball (23'). Sergio Agüero made it three a few minutes later, with a bang across from the edge of the box and in off the keeper's gloves, beaten to his right this time (28'). Kevin De Bruyne's run and exemplary cross from the right found Gabriel Jesus perfectly, who whacked in the fourth just before the break (45+1'). Villa were in bits, unable to cope, all over place. No competition. And one great Argentinian overtook a great Frenchman*, making it 176 for him and 0-5 to Pep Guardiola and his men, running all over the Villans and tapping it in (57'). And that was not all, it had to be a hat-trick, his 12th in the PL, another record, overtaking Alan Shearer (11) AND *Thierry Henry's Premier League total (176), moving level with former Chelsea midfielder and now manager Lampard on 177 PL goals. Legend. The hosts did pull one back from the spot late on, but Anwar El Ghazi didn't celebrate, understandably so (90+1'). It ended 1-6, taking the Citizens up to second, two points ahead of Leicester in third, 14 points behind Liverpool at the top. Record-breaker(s). I loved how the City fans delayed their goal celebrations until after the VAR confirmed the goals, every single goal, making a point of their discontent with the system. Not that they had much to moan or boo about in this match.

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Sheffield United 2:1 West Ham - 1:0

Crystal Palace 1:2 Arsenal - 1:1

Chelsea 2:0 Burnley - 3:0

Everton 2:1 Brighton - 1:0

Leicester 2:1 Southampton - 1:2

Man United 2:1 Norwich - 4:0

Wolves 1:0 Newcastle - 1:1

Tottenham 0:2 Liverpool - 0:1

Bournemouth 1:1 Watford - 0:3

Aston Villa 1:3 Man City - 1:6

Click here for my previous Premier League Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMinPL, ByTheMinLFC and RMC Sport coverage.