Liverpool Fail 1-0 At Chelsea

Sports - Football - Premier League - CHE 1:0 LIV

Chelsea kept the pressure on Liverpool and Tottenham, still in fifth place but able to break into the top four with a game in hand and depending on the results in the last game of the season, after beating the Reds 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

Jürgen Klopp’s men dominated much of the game but were unable to capitalise, unlike Olivier Giroud who headed in Victor Moses’ cross to give the Blues the lead against the run of play with just over half an hour gone.

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané created more but just not enough, Thibaut Courtois doing well denying the latter a couple of times. 

Antonio Rüdiger on the opposite end saw his header ruled out for offside before Marcos Alonso put another chance inches wide, the home side doing well keeping control after going ahead.

Manager Antonio Conte was happy his side kept the fight up and going with this win, Cesc Fàbregas and Eden Hazard forming a danger factor on a regular basis, seeing the first time LFC have failed to score in consecutive Premier League games since their German boss took over. 

The Reds, after knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate to qualify for the final in Kiev, keep dropping points with draws against West Brom and Stoke and this defeat.

It would be very disappointing for the Champions League finalists to fall further down, so nothing else than a win is expected against Brighton in the final PL fixture.

After going unbeaten against the “big six” in the first eight league away games (W4 D4), Klopp has watched his side lose the last four out of five (D1).

Liverpool have only lost more Premier League games against Manchester United (28) than against Chelsea (20). 

Chelsea Goal: Giroud 32’.

FT Stats: CHE 1-0 LIV

Possession: 32%-68%

Shots: 12-10

On target: 4-5

Corners: 3-1

Fouls: 12-9

Yellow cards: 3-2

Chelsea Team: 13 Courtois (booked), 28 Azpilicueta, 24 Cahill, 2 Rüdiger, 15 Moses (booked) (21 Zappacosta 89’), 4 Fàbregas (11 Pedro 90’+3’), 7 Kanté, 14 Bakayoko, 3 Alonso (booked), 10 Hazard (22 Willian 86’), 18 Giroud.

Subs not used: 1 Caballero, 8 Barkley, 27 Christensen, 33 Emerson.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius, 2 Clyne (booked) (14 Henderson 59’), 6 Lovren, 4 van Dijk, 26 Robertson (29 Solanke 74’), 66 Alexander-Arnold, 5 Wijnaldum, 7 Milner (18 Moreno 89’), 11 Salah (booked), 9 Firmino, 19 Mané.

Subs not used: 17 Klavan, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings, 58 Woodburn.

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Ground: Stamford Bridge

Attendance: 41,314

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report.

Willian Nicks A Late Point For Chelsea At Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 1:1 CFC

Substitute Willian grabbed a point for Chelsea late on, Liverpool failing to hang on to a lead once again after Mohamed Salah put them ahead, the much anticipated Premier League clash ending 1-1 at Anfield.

Liverpool started strong, dominant in possession, in control but didn't produce much danger, not giving Thibaut Courtois much to do.

Halfway through the half saw a block by Simon Mignolet one-on-one against a dangerous Eden Hazard and then seconds later the Belgian keeper put Davide Zappacosta's attempt out for a corner, followed by ping pong in and around the box, tense, tense, tense, first real chances and pressure by the Blues, or either side actually.

Chelsea were all over the Reds in those crazy ten-ish minutes, Marcos Alonso's 25-yard free kick going over the wall but bending just about a yard wide. And breath.

A threatening Salah created most for the home side, putting a left-footed shot just wide a few minutes before the break, still no shots on target for the Reds though, Courtois looked beaten but remained unthreatened.

The referee Michael Oliver ignored a penalty shout against Hazard bringing down Philippe Coutinho in the box as an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain threat was cleared. It would have been harsh.

It stayed goalless at the break, Liverpool with more of the ball, but Chelsea with more chances and closer to breaking the deadlock.

Chelsea were on top after the interval, Hazard tumbling into the box a bit too over-dramatic, nothing given.

Seconds later Courtois spilled Daniel Sturridge's cross/shot, the ball squirming under the keeper and out for a corner, Liverpool's first of the match. The second followed shortly after, both were cleared.

A daft kick out by Tiemoué Bakayoko against Coutinho conceded a free kick, which the Brazilian took and saw blocked out for a corner. Joel Matip wasted that set piece out for a goal kick.

The first attempt on target for the Reds came in the 55th minute, skipper Jordan Henderson with a shot, easily collected by Courtois.

Another penalty shout came with just under an hour gone, this time against Gary Cahill, Sturridge's ball, arms by his side, nothing in it, game on.

Chelsea threatened a couple of more times with Zappacosta and Alvaro Morata before Liverpool mounted threats and chances of their own with Coutinho and Salah.

The Egyptian former Chelsea man then finally found the breakthrough, nicking the ball off Bakayoko in the box and putting it past Courtois and in, 1-0 with 65 minutes gone. Cheeky, too easy, his 15th of the season, BOOM!

Jürgen Klopp took off Sturridge straight after LFC took the lead, Georginio Wijnaldum replacing the under-fire striker with just under 25 minutes to go.

The game slowed down a lot after that. Chelsea needed changes, made changes, more attacking after falling behind.

Substitute Wijnaldum saw a shot deflected out for a corner by Cahill, before some poor decision making by Chelsea conceded another counter by the Reds which won them a corner.

So, both sides kept threatening, Alonso missing the biggest sitter right in front of goal, kicking the ball high in the sky with his left foot.

The Reds did look nervy at the back, it's surprising they had only conceded once at Anfield in the Premier League this season.

That was until Willian stunned and fooled everyone with a cross/shot from the right edge of the box, the curl and turn lifting over and beating Mignolet to make it 1-1 with five minutes to go.

Five very tense minutes, plus three added on which saw a late double-change for the Reds, Adam Lallana returning from injury and coming on with Sadio Mané, and a great save by Courtois denying Salah late on.

It ended a goal and point each, the Reds throwing away a lead once again, disappointing, but showing much more strength, fight and threat against the Blues, who will be much happier with the point, Antonio Conte's reaction said it all.

Much in contrast to that, Mané was not happy with Klopp after the match, no surprise there. Everyone was caught out by the German's changes and too late substitutions, he blamed it all on the referee in the post-match interview. Harsh.

With this draw Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Chelsea.
However, the Blues haven't lost any of their last six Premier League visits to Anfield.

One point gained, but two points dropped in the chase for the top four, especially annoying after Tottenham also dropped points against managerless strugglers West Brom earlier in the day.

No rest for the wicked as Liverpool will travel to Stoke on Wednesday.

Liverpool Goal: Salah 65'.

Chelsea Goal: Willian 85'.

HT Stats: LFC 0-0 CFC
Possession: 64%-36%
Shots: 6-7
On target: 0-2
Corners: 0-5
Fouls 5-4
Yellow cards: 0-0

FT Stats: LFC 1-1 CFC
Possession: 53%-47%
Shots: 16-11
On target: 4-3
Corners: 7-8
Fouls: 10-7
Yellow cards: 0-0

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 7 Milner, 14 Henderson (c), 21 Oxlade- Chamberlain (19 Mané 89'); 10 Coutinho (20 Lallana 89'), 15 Sturridge (5 Wijnaldum 66'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 1 Karius, 9 Firmino, 26 Robertson, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

Chelsea Team: 13 Courtois; 24 Cahill, 27 Christensen, 28 Azpilicueta; 7 Kanté; 3 Alonso, 14 Bakayoko (11 Pedro 77'), 6 Drinkwater (4 Fàbregas 74'), 21 Zappacosta (22 Willian 83'); 10 Hazard; 9 Morata. 3-1-4-1-1 or more like 8-1-1
Substitutes not used: 1 Caballero, 2 Rüdiger, 15 Moses, 30 David Luiz.

Referee: Michael Oliver
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,225

Click here to read my previous LFC match report.

All pictures, stats and facts were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and SFR match coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 37

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 37

The 37th Week of the Premier League action saw:
260 shots - most by Liverpool = 26
29 goals - most by Arsenal, Crystal Palace & Liverpool = 4 each
223 fouls - most by Middlesbrough = 19
36 bookings - most by Hull City = 5
0 red cards 
4 penalties - 2 scored (Jesus for City & Milivojevic for Palace)

What a game! It was a crucial win for Swansea at the Stadium Of Light, keeping them safe whilst Sunderland's stint in the top league has come to an end after a decade, in a very dire fashion, fans booing... Paul Clement has done what David Moyes has not been able to... Motivation! Change! Woo! Something Arsenal were less complaining about or shouting and begging for after thrashing Stoke 1-4! And with a couple of games in hand, they maybe, just maybe, fancy their hint of a chance to crack and break into the top four. With their last breath! Liverpool's 0-4 thrashing of West Ham didn't help their case though... And it was an emotional farewell at White Hart Lane after 118 years, Tottenham beating Manchester United 2-1 thanks to goals from Victor Wanyama and Harry Kane. A fitting sendoff I think after one of their best seasons against a side having one of their worst campaigns. Contrast.

What a team! Bournemouth are looking to finish in the top ten after beating Burnley convincingly 2-1, their highest league finish in their 118-year history! Sam Vokes had cancelled out Junior Stanislas' goal, but Joshua King restored the lead two minutes later. The Norwegian's goals have been worth 12 points for the Cherries this season, only Diego Costa (15) and Sergio Agüero (13) have been more value to their clubs, Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. Wow! Meanwhile Hull City were relegated after being thrashed 4-0 at Crystal Palace, joining Sunderland and Boro in the drop. Very happy Big Sam. Very sad Marco Silva. But not really a surprise for either side.

What a man! Antonio Conte is not easy to please. His side were crowned champions on Friday night after beating West Brom 0-1, but the feisty Italian is eyeing the double like Carlo Ancelotti did last for the Blues in 2010. Chelsea face Arsenal at Wembley in the FA Cup Final on 27th May. They are also on track to end the season on a record-high number of wins and points total! Molto bene!

What a goal! Ross Barkley's fifth Premier League goal, a lovely curling shot, won the game for Everton against Watford, showing defiance and making a point or two as well to manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutch boss gave his English midfielder a public ultimatum last week, giving him till next weekend to agree a new contract or be sold. To be or not to be... Champions, that's what substitute Michy Batshuayi's late goal made the Blues after beating West Brom 0-1 at the Hawthorns. One to remember. Leicester City's goal at Manchester City was a super acrobatic finish by Shinji Okazaki meeting Marc Albrighton's cross. It was not enough though for the Foxes as they saw Riyad Mahrez's penalty disallowed correctly after a slip and double-touch, meaning it stayed 2-1 and a home win. Cruel but true and correct.

What the hell?! There were quite a few head-shaking moments this weekend! West Brom defender Jonny Evans' blatant handball, casually pushing the ball away mid-fall as if he was goalkeeping. Stoke big man Peter Crouch's goal was more hand than header, Maradona special! And just a yellow card for Boro keeper Brad Guzan's foul on Shane Long, really?! Lucky for him Long sent the penalty sky-high, but Saints still ended 1-2 winners at the Riverside. Ridiculous stuff, best examples for long overdue and much needed video refereeing, pretty please, once again! Pfff!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Everton 1:0 Watford - 1:0
West Brom 1:0 Chelsea - 0:1
Man City 2:1 Leicester City - 2:1
Bournemouth 1:1 Burnley - 2:1
Middlesbrough 0:0 Southampton - 1:2
Sunderland 0:1 Swansea City - 0:2
Stoke City 1:1 Arsenal - 1:4
Crystal Palace 1:0 Hull City - 4:0
West Ham 2:2 Liverpool - 0:4
Tottenham 3:1 Man United - 2:1

Games in hand played before the weekend:
Southampton 3:1 Arsenal - 0:2 

(The game saw 25 shots, 13 fouls, 3 bookings and the Gunners overtaking United and staying in the top four race with a hint of a shout.)

Click here for my previous Premier League Picks Of The Week.

All pictures and stats taken from the BBC match reports and MOTD. 

Premier League Picks Of The Week 36

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 36

The 36th week of the Premier League action saw:
217 shots - most by Man City = 26
25 goals - most by Man City = 5
175 fouls - most by Stoke = 15
25 bookings - most by West Ham = 4
0 red cards
1 penalty - 0 scored

What a game! Sunderland's win over Hull came just as surprising as Arsenal beating Manchester United, and comfortably so! From the relegated side doing their one and only double of the season, dragging their opponents down with them, to the old senior manager beating his special rival for the first time, keeping both sides' hopes of breaking into the top four super-slim. Looking at the table, these results were welcomed by winners Swansea and strugglers Liverpool respectively.

What a team! Chelsea sealed Middlesbrough's faith with a comfortable 3-0 win, putting one hand on the trophy themselves. Respect to Antonio Conte for lauding and applauding the Boro fans for staying at Stamford Bridge despite facing the dire result and drop. No one can deny the passionate Italian guy has done something right, learning from mistakes and finding formation with form and consistency, something all the other sides and bosses have been missing. Champions Leicester meanwhile recorded another win which takes them to the top half of the table, back where they belong their fans will feel, surely Craig Shakespeare too, underlining his right for a longterm deal.

What a man! West Ham keeper Adrián made save, after save, after save, denying Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier, amongst others. Manuel Lanzini won it for the Hammers, unmarked inside the six-yard box, netting his ninth goal in 14 London derbies, ending Spurs' nine-game winning run and their real threat and shout in the title race as the gap to Chelsea re-opens to seven points with three games left to play for both sides.

What a goal! It took City under two minutes to take the lead against Crystal Palace and the game was over as the hosts bossed the match from then on to the final whistle, thrashing their opponents 5-0 at the Etihad. Why couldn't Liverpool do that at Anfield?! It just shows the gulf between the two sides, from top to bottom, from top three/four to the rest... Your guess is as good as mine where the Reds fall between all this after yet another frustrating display in the goalless draw after James Milner's penalty miss against Southampton at Anfield. Here is my full LFC match report.

What the hell?! I was very annoyed by Phil Neville on Match Of The Day and the BBC website this weekend, ranting and whining about how bad the Premier League and meaningless the games have become... Hm... Ok, the last couple of weeks haven't been the most exciting... But... Funny the former Manchester United player should fire such criticising shots whilst his team is flopping! Frustrated, are we? Boring for you as your team isn't getting anything in the league (despite 25 games unbeaten, dropping more points than gaining compared to the sides above them thanks to a record number of draws). Comparing and contrasting the top Premier League sides to the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid - look at their leagues! Booooooring! Bayern have already won the league months ago, whilst both Barca and Real have no serious competition apart from each other, thrashing one opposition after another week in, week out, year in, year out! And Italy and Scotland have been marred by more financial and political affairs and points deductions downing and deleting competitors and the whole competition with them. Not even mentioning all the diving and whining and lack of pace that spoils most European leagues (and I hate to see more and more in the Premier League too! But that's a whole new separate topic to discuss...)! And Leicester made it to the quarter finals of the Champions League! Not bad for a side that only just climbed back into the top half of the Premier League! But wait, it wasn't United, so it doesn't count, right Neville? (And hang on, aren't the Red Devils in the semi-final of the Europa League?! That doesn't count either, does it? Unless they win of course... Then it will be all wow and glory! Hypocrite!) So, it's not the same team winning the title every season... Sorrrrrrry!!! Yes, Chelsea have been the best this season, but hey, after the last three/four seasons, who dares to predict where Conte and Co will be next season?! Fiver on sacking? But who cares, right Neville?

My Predictions - Actual Results
West Ham 0:1 Tottenham - 1:0
Man City 2:0 Crystal Palace - 5:0
Bournemouth 2:0 Stoke City - 2:2
Burnley 1:0 West Brom - 2:2
Hull City 1:0 Sunderland - 0:2
Leicester 2:0 Watford - 3:0
Swansea 1:1 Everton - 1:0
Liverpool 2:1 Southampton - 0:0 or click here for my full LFC match report
Arsenal 1:2 Man United - 2:0
Chelsea 3:1 Middlesbrough - 3:0

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

All pictures and stats are taken from the BBC match reports and MOTD.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 33

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 33

The 33rd week of the Premier League action saw:
256 shots - most by Everton = 29
30 goals - most by Tottenham = 4
239 fouls - most by Chelsea = 20
27 bookings - most by Southampton & West Brom & Man United & Chelsea = 3 each
1 red card - Byram for West Ham
1 penalty - 1 scored (Vokes for Burnley)

What a game! Palace fought back from two goals down to earn a crucial point against Leicester in an absorbing draw at Selhurst Park. A Robert Huth header and a good combo between Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy had given Craig Shakespeare's side a convincing lead, the Foxes looking on top, 0-2. But defensive cracks showed and cost again, giving Yohan Cabaye an easy sweep home before Christian Benteke levelled the score on 70 minutes, converting Andros Townsend's cross with sheer power and stubbornness.

What a team! Tottenham made it seven top-flight wins in a row for the first time in half a century, staying in hot pursuit of league leaders Chelsea, cutting the gap to four points. Spurs dominated Bournemouth left, right and centre, and the result reflects that, a comfortable 4-0 home win. Boom! The Blues meanwhile looked a shadow of themselves being well beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford, Antonio Conte looking shocked, close to crying or bursting out in tears at times, seeing his side lose for the second time in four outings. Doom and gloom?

What a man! Harry Kane became just the fourth player to score 20 Premier League goals in three consecutive seasons, joining the elite list of strikers of Alan Shearer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Thierry Henry. Another guy on a high, Romelu Lukaku scored for a ninth successive home game, the first man to do so for Everton since Dixie Dean in 1934, to make it eight league wins in a row for the Toffees beating Burnley 3-1 at Goodison Park. And last but not least, Roberto Firmino scored a winner for the second weekend running as Liverpool edged past West Brom 1-0 to go third.

What a goal! Xherdan Shaqiri's beauty of a strike from 30 yards out sealed a first league win in six games for Stoke City, downing Hull City 3-1 and seeing his side climb up to 11th. The Tigers could still hold their heads up high despite staying winless in 16 away games as they end the weekend with their fate in their own hands with two points separating them from the bottom three with five games remaining thanks to Swansea's 1-0 defeat at Watford. The Welsh side's defender Alfie Mawson took too much time in a dangerous area and Étienne Capoue pounced and scored sealing the home win at Vicarage Road.

What the hell?! West Ham have been shown more red cards than any other side in the Premier League season, seeing their fifth player sent off in their 2-2 draw at Sunderland, giving away a goal and throwing away two points late on. It is just not the Hammers' season, manager Slaven Bilić knows and has conceded that much. Southampton looked just as subdued, giving away three goals and three points at home against Man City, seeing them remain in ninth. Arsenal meanwhile, have finally had something to smile about again, beating Middlesbrough 1-2 at the Riverside in a dull encounter. The win is only the Gunners' third in their past nine league games, moving them up to sixth, seven points behind City in fourth with a game in hand. Boro remain deep in trouble six points from safety. Still cheering loud you Gooners?!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Tottenham 3:0 Bournemouth - 4:0
Crystal Palace 0:1 Leicester - 2:2
Everton 1:0 Burnley - 3:1
Stoke City 1:0 Hull City - 3:1
Sunderland 2:2 West Ham - 2:2
Watford 1:0 Swansea - 1:0
Southampton 4:2 Man City - 0:3
West Brom 1:1 Liverpool - 0:1
Man United 0:0 Chelsea - 2:0
Middlesbrough 1:1 Arsenal - 1:2

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

All pictures and stats are taken from the BBC match reports.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 27

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 27

The 27th week of the Premier League action saw:

255 shots - most by Swansea = 23
36 goals - most by Southampton = 4
223 fouls - most by Middlesbrough = 20
31 bookings - most by Bournemouth = 5
1 red card - Surman for Bournemouth
3 penalties - 2 scored (Gray for Burnley, King for Bournemouth)

What a game! This week Match Of The Day was action-packed! Every game had it in it, goals, tops, flops, controversies, and more goals. My vote goes to the relegation battle between Swansea and Burnley at the Liberty Stadium. It was a great comeback by the Welsh side after some horrendous refereeing gave the Clarets a step back into the game, Anthony Taylor awarding a spot kick Andre Gray netted to make it 1:1 after the ball had clearly come off the arm of his own team mate Sam Vokes. Sean Dyche was not happy with man of the match Fernando Llorente's late winner seeing a foul in the buildup, but did not say much about the penalty incident. Selective memory? Another entertaining encounter was the seven-goal thriller between Watford and Southampton, showing off the best and worst of football, the Saints ending up on top at Vicarage Road bouncing back from their EFL Cup final defeat against Manchester United.

What a team! Chelsea remain unstoppable ten points clear at the top after beating West Ham 1-2 at the London Stadium, continuing their march to the title. I would like to see the mileage manager Antonio Conte covers non-stop on the move, jump, gestures and go on the sideline. Mental. Meanwhile Big Sam is doing his thing, Crystal Palace creeping and crawling out of the relegation zone after recording their second consecutive win, leaving the Hawthorns worthy 0-2 winners.

What a man! All the usual suspects starred and scored again this week, Harry Kane and Dele Alli for Spurs, Romelu Lukaku for Everton, Sergio Agüero for Manchester City, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa for Chelsea... But my hero vote of the week goes to a stopper, Artur Boruc. The Polish keeper kept 10-man Bournemouth in the game at Old Trafford and earned his side a point against Manchester United, saving his fourth out of last seven penalties. The Red Devils were lucky to still have eleven men on the pitch after Zlatan Ibrahimović had elbowed Tyrone Mings in clear frustration about the defender's boot catching his head earlier on. There was one red card, Andrew Surman, who pushed the famous Swedish striker to the ground. How the other two stayed on the pitch in perspective to this, is beyond me!

What a goal! Both Palace goals get my vote, as crucial as they were in the relegation battle, they were top quality to watch! Wilfried Zaha's cracking strike to open the score in the second half was only the second attempt on target in the match, his fifth of the season. Andros Townsend doubled the score six minutes from time, picking up the ball on the left side of his own box and just keeping on going and going and going, past centre back Gareth McAuley and striking the ball low past keeper Ben Foster. Wow.

What the hell?! Well, I will not start about the refereeing standards again, I think I've picked on them enough above, from missed to mixed, it was all just very messed up. Where is the video ref when you need him, ey, FA?!?!?! Apart from all that farce, one certain Frenchman looked very old and resigned at Anfield and I have one question to him: Monsieur Arsène Wenger, pourquoi, warum, why the hell did you leave Alexis Sánchez on the bench?!?!?! In the most crucial game in the battle for the top four against Liverpool (the title race being science fiction for both sides), you leave out your top scorer... ?!?!?!?! The Gunners' boss has well and truly and literally lost it!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Man United 4:1 Bournemouth - 1:1
Leicester 2:0 Hull City - 3:1
Stoke City 1:0 Middlesbrough - 2:0
Swansea 2:1 Burnley - 3:2
Watford 1:1 Southampton - 3:4
West Brom 2:1 Crystal Palace - 0:2
Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal - 3:1
Tottenham 2:0 Everton - 3:2
Sunderland 0:2 Man City - 0:2
West Ham 1:3 Chelsea - 1:2

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

All pictures and stats taken from BBC match reports and MOTD.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 12

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 12

The 12th week of Premier League action saw:

205 shots - most by Hull City = 17

24 goals - most by West Brom = 4

226 fouls - most by Leicester = 18

44 bookings - most by Everton = 5

2 red cards - Djilobodji for Sunderland, Reid for West Ham

5 penalties - 4 scored (Sigurdsson for Swansea, Mahrez for Leicester, Kane for Spurs, Lanzini for West Ham), 1 missed (Krkic for Stoke)

What a game! The London derby was a juicy one, it had everything in it. The Hammers were 2-1 up thanks to Michail Antonio's first-half header and Manuel Lanzini's penalty and looked on course for only their fourth league win of the season. But Harry Kane had a different idea and turned the game on its head with two late strikes, first from close range off a nice buildup by substitute Son Heung-Min, second from the spot after the South Korean was brought down in the box by Havard Nordtveit. The perfect comeback saw Spurs extend their unbeaten run to 12 games, the last time they managed that in 1960-61, the North Londoners won the league and cup double!

What a team! Antonio Conte's master 3-4-3 stroke prevailed again, serving the Blues their sixth win on the trot, beating Middlesbrough 0-1 at the Riverside Stadium. Diego Costa's strong drill and 10th goal of the season decided a quite even contest, disappointing for Boro, rewarding for Roman Abramovich's side as they move top of the table, one point ahead of Liverpool after their less inspiring goalless draw at Southampton. Tony Pulis' West Brom impressed smashing Burnley 4-0 and David Moyes' Sunderland are starting a run with their second successive win beating a dire Hull City 3-0.

What a man! Yaya Touré marked his shock return for Man City with two decisive goals, grabbing a dramatic late win for the Blues at Crystal Palace. The Ivory Coast midfielder made his first Premier League appearance for Pep Guardiola's side after a long-ongoing dispute with his agent, combining well with Nolito to fire City ahead at the end of the first half. Palace were level thanks to substitute Connor Wickham's smash second half equaliser. But Touré spoilt the show for the home side, heading home a late winner off Kevin De Bruyne's corner from close range, moving City up to third in the table, level on points with Liverpool. And Jermain Defoe deserves a shoutout after netting his 150th Premier League goal in the Black Cats' comfortable 3-0 home win against the Tigers.

What a goal! You were not allowed to blink at Vicarage Road! It took Etienne Capoue only 33 seconds to give Watford the lead against falling champions Leicester, their fastest Premier League goal. Roberto Pereyra curled in a second before the Foxes pulled one back from the spot. The champions weren't able to turn it around, the 2-1 result making them only the third reigning champions, after Leeds in 1992 and Blackburn in 1995, to start the Premier League season without a win from their opening six away games.

What the hell?! Arsenal's late equaliser at Old Trafford was their first goal against José Mourinho in nearly a decade (since May 2007 to be exact)! Arsène Wenger's smirky grin sealed the Red Devil's misery, who were especially frustrated after being denied a spot kick by referee Andre Marriner when Nacho Monreal's arm crossed and brought down Antonio Valencia on the edge of the box. However, Mourinho's protests were over-the-top and cannot cover up the fact that this match was nowhere near as mouthwateringly bombastic, top quality nor title-decisive as it has been in the past, United rusting in 6th on 19 points and the Gunners losing pace to the top in 4th on 25 points, the gap growing to five points between the top five and the rest.

My Predictions - Actual Results
Man United 1:1 Arsenal - 1:1
Crystal Palace 1:2 Man City - 1:2
Everton 2:1 Swansea - 1:1
Southampton 2:3 Liverpool - 0:0
Stoke City 1:1 Bournemouth - 0:1
Sunderland 2:3 Hull City - 3:0
Watford 1:2 Leicester - 2:1
Tottenham 4:2 West Ham - 3:2
Middlesbrough 0-4 Chelsea - 0:1
West Brom 0:0 Burnley - 4:0

Click here to read last week's Premier League Picks

Pictures taken from the BBC match reports 

Premier League Picks Of The Week 10

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 10

The 10th week of the Premier League action saw:

295 shots - most by Man United = 38

28 goals - most by Liverpool, Arsenal & Man City = 4 each!

233 fouls - most by Leicester = 20

42 bookings - most by West Brom, Leicester & Sunderland = 4 each

1 red card - Herrera for Man United

2 penalties - 2 scored (Janssen for Spurs & Defoe for Sunderland)

What a game! What a mad first half it was at Palace - five goals with the first three netted in under six minutes (5:45 minutes to be exact). Liverpool ended up on top, 2:4, at the end of the cracking encounter at Selhurst Park. Defending champions Leicester won their first away point at White Hart Lane, Spurs keeping their unbeaten record intact. And Everton ended their sequence of five games without a win with a scrappy home win against West Ham. Much needed to say the least.

What a team! Lots of sides are on a very dire run at the moment. West Brom are without a win in five games after getting thrashed 0-4 by Man City, whilst Hull City suffered their sixth straight league defeat, 1-0 at Watford, with no win since 20th August. Sunderland are still rockbottom without a win after Arsenal inflicted them with a painful 1-4 home defeat, David Moyes' men taking just two points from ten games. And Swansea, just one place and three points above Sunderland, are without a win since the opening day! Much in contrast to them, Chelsea are flying high in fourth place with double the points total they had after ten games last season (José Mourinho 11-22 Antonio Conte).

What a man! Talking about runs, Man City boss Pep Guardiola will be glad to have the monkey off his back, ending his worst run of no win in six games, and in style netting four goals against sorry Baggies at the Hawthorns. Clarets keeper Tom Heaton had a stunner of a game, keeping a clean sheet and grab a point at Old Trafford! Legendary display for Burnley, frustration for the Red Devils.

What a goal! Gastón Ramírez deserves a shoutout for his great individual goal an run for Boro. Arsenal's three goals in seven minutes stunned and battered the Black Cats, super-sub Olivier Giroud starting the perfect comeback. And Wilfried Bony will be more than relieved to finally be back on the scoreboard with two goals for Stoke against his former side Swansea.

What the hell?! The Hammers' struggle continues. Slaven Bilić's men are slumping deep in 17th place on ten points out of ten games after suffering their sixth defeat of the season at Goodison Park. The media are always quick to blame the new ground, but even away the London club looked no competition to the Toffees who are flying high in sixth and on form with 18 points much to Ronald Koeman's delight.

My Predictions - Actual Results
Sunderland 0:2 Arsenal - 1:4
Man United 3:1 Burnley - 0:0
Middlesbrough 1:2 Bournemouth - 2:0
Tottenham 2:2 Leicester - 1:1
Watford 0:0 Hull City - 1:0
West Brom 1:3 Man City - 0:4
Crystal Palace 2:3 Liverpool - 2:4
Everton 2:1 West Ham - 2:0
Southampton 1:2 Chelsea - 0:2
Stoke 0:0 Swansea - 3:1

Click here to read last week's Premier League Picks

All pictures taken from the BBC match reports

Premier League Picks Of The Week 2

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 2

The second week of Premier League action saw:

253 Shots - most by Liverpool = 26

22 Goals - most by Man City = 4

237 Fouls - most by Watford = 20

34 Bookings - most by Man City & Watford = 4

1 Red Card - 2nd yellow for Arter for Bournemouth

3 Penalties - 3 scored, 0 missed

Paul Merson's rant about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's team selection and choices

Jeff Stelling promoting Hartlepool to the Premier League and Iain Dowie losing track of the score

David Moyes being blunt about Sunderland's chances

What a game! Burnley's win against Liverpool after their seven-goal thriller-victory against Arsenal last week was impressive but less surprising looking at the Reds' mixed form of last season. Jürgen Klopp's men proved once again possession and stats in general don't mean anything and everything. The Reds have created the most chances in the Premier League so far this season (34), but not converting near enough. From top to flop within days and you don't know which one will turn up next. We will wait and see which one will turn up against Burton Albion in the EFL Cup and then at Tottenham in the next Premier League clash (which I will be covering live on ByTheMinute.co).

What a team! Hull City proved all doubters wrong again after beating Swansea 0-2 at the Liberty Stadium. If caretaker manager Mike Phelan doesn't get the job permanently, then fool them. The relegation favourites could not have wished for a better start to the season, flying high in the top four.

What a goal! Cristhian Stuani's opener for Middlesbrough at Sunderland was a stunner. The Uruguayan opened his account for Boro and the Premier League with an unstoppable long-range smacker against the run of play after 13 minutes at the Stadium of Light. He doubled David Moyes' men's misery just before half time and the home side got a goal back in the second half but were not able to recover. Aitor Karanka's side recorded their first win of the season whilst Moyes' account at the Black Cats is still blank, looking more and more difficult and hopeless.

What a man! Zlatan Ibrahimovic can't do anything wrong at the moment. The 34-year old has scored in both opening games to feed United six point out of six and José Mourinho's ego and big mouth. As if the latter needed that! But it's still early days, LVG won the first two games last season as well and we know what happened next...

What the hell?! Diego Costa got away with it once again!!! Manager Antonio Conte's changes did work the magic and got his side back late on after falling behind at Watford. Second sub Michy Batshuayi pulled a goal with ten minutes left before third sub Cesc Fabregas set up Costa for the winner just before the end. But like last week, Costa got away with it! The 27-year-old should have not been on the field after appearing to dive to try and win a second-half penalty, when he had already been in referee Jon Moss' book. The rules are there for a reason, new and old, so please enforce them!!!

My predictions - Actual results

Man United 1:1 Southampton - 2:0
Stoke City 0:1 Man City - 1:4
Burnley 0:3 Liverpool - 2:0
Swansea 2:2 Hull City - 0:2
Tottenham 2:0 Crystal Palace - 1:0
Watford 1:2 Chelsea - 1:2
West Brom 1:1 Everton - 1:2
Leicester City 1:1 Arsenal - 0:0
Sunderland 0:0 Middlesbrough - 1:2
West Ham 2:1 Bournemouth - 1:0

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks

Pictures taken from BBC match reports (top picture montage taken from Bing Search)