Premier League – Week 13

Saturday 26^th – Sunday 27^th November 2016

Saturday

Tuff Going at Turf Moore: Burnley 1 – 2 Manchester City

City found the going surprisingly tough at Turf Moor on Saturday, when Marney put the home side in the lead after fourteen minutes, but Agüero equalised just before half-time, and then secured victory for the visitors after Burnley’s defence lapsed in the second half. Pep Guardiola’s side were tired after their Champions League adventures mid-week, but still displayed some solid team spirit and cohesion, and they end of the day saw them still challenging for the top of the league.

Baggies Outclass Hull: Hull City 1 – 1 West Bromwich Albion

Things were looking bleak for hull at the KCOM Stadium as they were totally outclassed by the Baggies in the first-half, with McAuley finding his target in the 34^th minute. But when Phelan deployed Adama Diomande, at half-time, Hull found a new energy and seemed to wake-up, with Dawson equalizing at the 72’ mark. Snodgrass also displayed some conviction for the home side, but Hull fans will still be alarmed that their side could be so completely dominated for a whole 45 minutes.

Fighting Foxes: Leicester City 1 – 1 Middlesbrough

The champions refused to give up at the King Power Stadium, despite being worked hard by an unusually confident Boro.  Negredo scored twice for the resurgent Middlesbrough, but the Foxes fought back with Riyad Mahrez bagging a penalty after a Calum Chambers hand ball. In the 4^th minute of injury time Slimani scored with another penalty, saving the day for the home side and making Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri reasonably happy. Meanwhile Boro boss Aitor Karanka will be hoping that Negredo’s two goals are a sign of things to come.

Red Rule, but Lose Coutinho: Liverpool 2 – 0 Sunderland

The Reds made it eleven unbeaten games in the Premier League with a win over Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool dominated with an impressive 80% possession, and there were goals from Origi in the 75^th minute and a penalty from Milner in the 91^st. But, though they were clearly struggling, bottom of the league Sunderland did give the reds a run for their money at times, and the Reds suffered attrition as Philippe Coutinho left the pitch on a stretcher. Liverpool remained second from top of the table, and Sunderland were left languishing in last place.

Liberty Stadium Rollercoaster: Swansea City 5 – 4 Crystal Palace

There was non-stop action at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday as Swansea City secured their first win of the season. Zaha had put the visitors in the lead after 19 minutes, but Sigurdsson equalised at the 36’ mark and then Fer put the Swans back in control with two goals in quick succession in the 66^th and 68^th minutes. Tomkins, Cork and C Benteke responded by leading an impressive fightback for the visitors, and by the 90^th minute they were again looking at victory. But then Swans substitute Fernando Llorente pulled off what was close to a miracle, scoring twice within 3 minutes of stoppage time, securing victory for an elated Swansea City. The match was nothing if not entertaining, and how much of the spectacle was actually down to shoddy defending rather than offensive skill is up for debate, but it has certainly given the Swans a much needed boost.

Spurs’ Curse of Stamford Bridge: Chelsea 2 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues returned to the top of the league table. Tottenham had taken the lead early on, thanks to an 11^th minute goal from Eriksen, and the visitors looked dominant almost to the end of the first half, when the home side equalised courtesy of a stunning curl from Pedro. Moses put the Blues back on top in the 51^st minute and Spurs resigned themselves to wondering why they never seem able to win at Stamford Bridge (searching for a win there since 1990).

Sunday

Watford Fall Apart: Watford 0 – 1 Stoke City

The Potters beat Watford thanks to an own goal from keeper Heurelho Gomes in the 29^th minute. It was a sad show for Watford as they also saw defender Miguel Britos sent off in the 90^th minute, and suffered their first defeat at home since August. Stoke, on their part, showed some serious drive and focus, contrasting with the poorly disciplined rabble fielded by the Hornets. Watford boss Walter Mazzarri didn’t help Watford’s image when he refused to shake Stoke manager Mark Hughes’ hand at the end of the match.

Shooting Cherries: Arsenal 3 – 1 Bournemouth

The Gunners shot down Bournemouth at the Emirates on Sunday thanks to two goals from Sánchez and one from Walcott. Callum Wilson had equalised in the 23^rd minute with a penalty awarded for a foul by Nacho Monreal, but the Cherries failed to find the momentum needed to turn the tide. Arsenal didn’t have it all their own way though, and it wasn’t until later in the game that they looked comfortable. The Gunners were left trailing leaders Chelsea by just 3 points, whereas Bournemouth dropped to 12^th in the table.

Yet another Mourinho Tantrum: Manchester United 1 – 1 West Ham United

Jose Mourinho continued to let United down with his immature temper tantrums on Sunday at Old Trafford, getting sent off for the second time in a month after kicking a water bottle in a fit of anger. It was in response to Paul Pogba being shown the yellow card for fake diving. West Ham’s Sakho had put the visitors in the lead after just two minutes, but Ibrahimovic equalised for United in the 21^st, and the score moved no further. Darren Randolph proved his worth as the Hammer’s goalkeeper and Slaven Bilic will, overall be pleased with their point, which moved them up to 16^th.

Looking up for the Saints: Southampton 1 – 0 Everton

Things started dramatically at St. Mary’s stadium as Charlie Austin scored for Southampton after just 41 seconds, but there were to be no more goals from either side. Things were entertaining enough, with Southampton continually testing the Toffees, but Everton failed to press any offensive, with just one on target shot for the whole game. Everton boss Koeman, needs to find a way to inspire his side as home matches against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool loom large. Southampton manager Claude Puel can pat his side on the back as they move up to 10^th in the league.

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