The English Premier League ( EPL ) 22/23 season entered its most hectic leg with Match Day 9, before the World Cup. A few teams looking to consolidate their positions while some desperate to even get going and salvage not only the season but their pride as well. Match Day 9 had some exciting fixtures lined up and surely they did not disappoint. So let’s have a look how the day progressed and what transpired.
The Seagulls outpace The Reds
Brighton ( the Seagulls ) travelled to Liverpool’s Fortress, the imposing Anfield, Liverpool’s home ground riding high on an extremely impressive season so far. Liverpool ( The Reds) on the other hand have been struggling with consistency and even though they have lost just one game, they have won just two and drawn the rest. The Seagulls knew that they would be facing a not so confident Liverpool and they took great advantage of it. Within the first 17 minutes of the game, Leandro Trossard, the Belgian forward had already scored twice with two splendid attacks over the left flank, exposing Liverpool’s poor defending. The Seagulls were in control before Robert Firminho scored for Liverpool to reduce the deficit and scored again in the second half to draw level. This was the only bright spark I saw in Liverpool’s performance.
A totally off colour Mo Salah and an error prone Alexander Arnold were hurting Liverpool. The midfield too was not great either. However Liverpool went ahead by an own goal from Brighton. The match was in Liverpool’s grasp, but justice had to be done and Brighton scored late to equalise through Trossard again. The result 3-3 was a good one for Brighton though in my opinion they should have won, if not for some splendid saves by Liverpool’s Alisson. It has to be said that Liverpool were lucky to have escaped with a draw. The Reds have issues to resolve both in defence and in the forward line before they meet Arsenal next. It is going to be a crucial big game for them. The Seagulls though are sitting pretty.
The Spurs have been tamed Eventually
The table toppers Arsenal ( Gunners ) welcomed Tottenham Hotspur ( Spurs ) at their Emirates Stadium. The Spurs had been undefeated in the season and were close on the heels of Arsenal. However, an uncharacteristic display by Tottenham saw Arsenal score a comfortable 3-1 win. The statistics of the match were explicit. Arsenal had 65% of the possession against just 35% for Spurs. They had 9 shots on target and 5 corners against just 3 and 2 respectively for the Spurs . Thomas Partey opened the scoring for Gunners with a brilliant goal, followed by one goal each from Jesus and Xhaka, with a solitary goal by Harry Kane for Tottenham. The Red card to Emerson for Spurs further pushed them back. The Spurs just didn’t make their presence felt, were tamed easily and Arsenal romped home with a very important victory.
City win the Manchester Derby
The match of Day 9 had to be the Manchester Derby when Manchester City hosted arch rivals Manchester United at their home ground , the Etihad Stadium. Though Manchester United had staged a remarkable turnaround and were on a winning spree, defending Champions Manchester City showed why they are Champions and exposed a striking chasm between the two Clubs. City were comprehensive winners 6-3, with a late surge by United of no consequence whatsoever. Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both scored hat tricks to dismantle United.
Manchester City have undoubtedly the best mid field, some incisive striking power and a dependable defense to go with it. Erling Gaaland has a rare knack of positioning himself in the right areas, a tremendous sense of timing and a penchant for scoring goals. This is an amazing virtue possessed by Erling Haaland which coupled with his speed, agility and robust frame is a handful. He has 14 goals already to his name and the leader by far. The much anticipated Derby went City’s way and rightly so. They remain the only unbeaten team in the season just a point behind Arsenal.
1st Win for Foxes @ King Power Stadium
Leicester City ( Foxes ) awaiting their first win of the season and hoping to move ahead from the bottom of the table were visited by an equally worried Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium in Leicester. James Maddison, who has been brilliant for the Foxes in losing causes, has been carrying the team on his shoulders and his superb two goals could well be the turning point in Leicester’s fortunes. The Foxes were dominating 4-0 runaway winners ( their first win this season ) against a hapless Nottingham who replaced the Foxes at the bottom. Some good signs for Leicester but lots still to ponder. Nottingham Forest are unfortunately deep into the woods.
Chelsea scrape past Crystal Palace, Newcastle Dominate
A 90th minute Connor Gallagher super strike helped Chelsea get past an impressive Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park Stadium. Crystal Palace have been superb with some excellent pace in the middle. There were times when they totally dominated Chelsea. However the experienced Chelsea absorbed the pressure and Connor Gallagher scored an exceptional goal to ensure a 2-1 victory.
Newcastle United who have recorded more draws than wins this season also have been impressive and difficult to beat. They carried their form against a tough Fulham who hosted them at Craven Cottage. Newcastle riding high on a brace by Miguel Almiron, dominated Fulham and were comfortable 4-1 winners.
Rest of the Games
Everton got past a stumbling Southampton ( have lost their last three games after beating Chelsea ) 2-1. An improving West Ham got the better of Wolverhampton 2-0, while Bournemouth & Brentford and Aston Villa & Leeds Utd played out goalless draws and collected a point each.
The Goal of Match Day 9
James Maddison’s swirling Free Kick against Nottingham and Miguel Almiron’s amazing one touch volley against Fulham were exceptional goals and a treat to watch. However the goal which was not only spectacular, technically brilliant but came at a critical juncture was Connor Gallagher’s right footer from outside the box which curled in enough to enter the net. The super strike gave Chelsea a much needed win over Crystal Palace. My goal of the Week.
Team of the Week
On the basis of consistent performances, resilience and flair, Brighton & Hove Albion is the Team of the Week. No wonder the Seagulls are flying high.
Match Day 10 begins tomorrow with some mouth watering contests lined up. Keep reading @ rizkhan.in.