It was rather an uninteresting Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, where four games produced only five goals and the fact that West Ham vs. WBA was the most dynamic and watchable affair, says it all.
Tottenham vs. Chelsea 0:0
Tottenham hosted Chelsea at White Hart Lane where the fans were expecting a thrilling contest but had to be content with a boring stalemate. The hosts tried to outplay their opposition with some passing football while the visitors focused on counter-attacking play. Overall, both the sides failed to add any spice to the contest. Chelsea’s first attempt on target came after 68 minutes and that says everything about this derby. It was Hazard’s strike, but Lloris made an excellent save. The Belgian is still without a goal this season. Diego Costa was left on the bench and was obviously frustrated about it.
West Ham vs. West Brom 1:1
In the second game of the day, WBA traveled to the Boleyn Ground to meet West Ham. The home team started in thunderous fashion and took the lead after 17 minutes when Mauro Zarate scored a sublime goal from the free-kick with a curler in Myhill’s right top corner. Since that opening score, the visitors started to play better and had a couple of half-chances, but the result remained 1:0 at the halftime. However, WBA managed to equalize five minutes into the second half after Lambert’s attempt was deflected into Adrian’s net by Winston Reid. The Hammers tried to score the second while the Baggies threatened on the counters, but the game finished 1:1. It was an exciting match with a lot of ups and downs from both teams.
Norwich vs. Arsenal 1:1
Arsenal was a big favorite to win this game, especially after a successful Champions League midweek, but failed to get three points at Carrow Road. The Gunners got well into a match, but Koscielny suffered an injury and had to be substituted after only 11 minutes. The Gunners continued their on-field domination, and Ozil scored a goal to give his side opening advantage. However, Lewis Grabban scored an equalizer right before the halftime to settle the final score. Arsene Wenger’s squad controlled the ball for the most of the second half while Norwich waited for an opportunity from counters and set-pieces. It remained 1:1 and Norwich were evidently the happier of the two teams with this draw.
Liverpool vs. Swansea 1:0
Liverpool recorded their third victory in only eight days to finish the week in winning fashion. The Reds entered the game with passion and pressed Swansea in first 25 minutes. The visitors successfully weathered the storm with decent defending and since then, occasionally threatened Mignolet. Except for some half-chances for the hosts, nothing unusual was seen at Anfield after the first 45 minutes. A key moment of the match happened in the 62nd minute when Neil Taylor blocked Jordon Ibe’s cross from the right wing and match referee Andy Taylor awarded a penalty for the home side. Milner was once again calm and from the white spot and Liverpool was in front. The rest of the game finished pretty much like the whole first half, but Jurgen Klopp is happy with the scrappy win.
