Tight games were the order of the day in the Premier League across Saturday’s six games.
[RELATED: Watch full match replays]
Chelsea fought back to beat Liverpool, Southampton won again, Burnley bagged a first victory of the season, while West Ham were held by Aston Villa. Manchester United secured a narrow win over Crystal Palace.
In case you missed any of the action, here’s a brief recap, some reaction, videos and analysis from Saturday. No, no… save your thanks. It’s our pleasure to deliver this package.
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Burnley 1-0 Hull City – RECAP
They’ve done it! Fair play to the Clarets, who won their first PL game of the season at the 11th attempt. At a noisy Turf Moor the home side took the lead through Ashley Barnes and they fully deserved all three points against the Tigers. Sean Dyche will be a happy man, while Steve Bruce will be worried by his teams sudden lack of goals.
Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea – RECAP
The Blues fell behind early to Emre Can’s deflected effort from outside the box, but Jose Mourinho’s men roared back and equalized soon after through Gary Cahill’s close range effort which took the goal-decision system (GDS) to determine it was in. In the second half Chelsea surged forward and Diego Costa scored the game-winner in the 67th minute. A well-deserved victory, as Liverpool’s woe continues. Chelsea the runaway leaders in the PL and they’re unbeaten in 11. Imperious.
Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace – RECAP
United completed dominated Palace but Juan Mata’s second half strike was the only goal of the game. The Spanish international jumped off the bench to net the game-winner, as Louis van Gaal’s side are in sixth with 16 points from 11 games. Palace are dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Manchester City – RECAP
QPR took a shock lead at Loftus Road as Charlie Austin drilled home to put the R’s 1-0 up. City looked rattled early on but that man Sergio Aguero equalized in the first half but to QPR’s credit they battled hard and went ahead on a Martin Demichelis own goal (from an Austin cross). Aguero netted his 12th of the season to seize a point for the third-place Citizens, now four back of Southampton and eight back of Chelsea.
Southampton 2-0 Leicester City – RECAP
The Saints are absolutely flying. Ronald Koeman’s men recorded a fourth-straight defeat at home to the Foxes, their 11th win in their last 12 in all competitions, as Shane Long played the hero. The Republic of Ireland international jumped off the bench to score twice in the final 15 minutes against a stubborn Leicester outfit. Saints are second after their best-ever start to a top-flight campaign. They are on 25 points, four behind Chelsea, while Leicester have now lost five of their last six and are in the bottom three.
West Ham United 0-0 Aston Villa – RECAP
The Hammers were denied a last-gasp win as USMNT ‘keeper Brad Guzan made a stunning save from Andy Carroll in stoppage time. Villa hung on despite heavy pressure from the Hammers who will be frustrated with a second-straight draw. It’s not all doom and gloom though, Sam Allardyce’s side are fourth. As for Villa, they’re pleased to stop the rot as they ended a run of six-straight defeats.
