The Premier League Matchweek eight had some surprise results, and saw as many as three teams topping the table after Liverpool dropped points. There were some fascinating games ahead of the final international break of 2020.
While Liverpool’s draw against Manchester City produced some fine moments of tactical football, Manchester United’s come from behind win against at Everton and some late drama at the London Stadium between West Ham United and Fulham capped off a fine weekend of football.
Without further ado, here are the winners and losers from Matchweek eight of the Premier League:
Premier League Matchweek 8: Winners and Losers
Winners – Chelsea
After going behind to an early David McGoldrick strike, Chelsea rarely panicked and turned on the style with the array of talented players they now have.
Their new signings have formed a good enough understanding with each other, and despite the unavailability of Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz, their attack looked silky smooth due to the presence of Hakim Ziyech.
The Moroccan’s weight of passing was just too good for any of the Sheffield United defenders to deal with, and if he continues this form, he could help the club to an unlikely title challenge that not many expected when the season started.
Losers – Fulham and Ademola Lookman
Scott Parker’s side were so good on the night and deserved something out of the game. The Cottagers controlled parts of the game really well and knocked the ball around with authority, but couldn’t score a goal from open play.
West Ham took the lead in injury time to Parker’s dismay, but the away side were handed the opportunity to steal a point late in the game after Tom Cairney was fouled in the box.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Ademola Lookman of Fulham has his penalty saved during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham at London Stadium (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Young Ademola Lookman had the last-gasp chance to equalise, but he tried a cheeky panenka that went horribly wrong. It’s hard to justify that sort of a decision by Lookman. Surely in what was the last kick of the game, you would want some sort of sanity instead of trying the risky move?
Parker said after that game that he was disappointed and angry after the incident and that Lookman needs to learn. But will that lost point prove costly for Fulham in the battle for survival?
Winners – Southampton and Che Adams
Danny Ings’ injury during the win against Aston Villa was a major worry for Ralph Hasenhuttl, but the side emerged as a unit against Newcastle and showed that their incredible run of form this season was not because of just one good player.
Adams stepped in well for Ings and scored inside the opening ten minutes of the game to help the Saints get the ascendency in the game. They dominated, with eight shots on target, and finally sealed the win in the 82nd minute through a Stuart Armstrong goal to go top of the table for the first time in their history.
How things have changed since that 9-0 hammering at the hands of Leicester, eh? Just a club that is really well run.
Winners – Aston Villa
A 3-0 win at the Emirates was another one of the scintillating displays by Dean Smith’s side. The game reminded many of their demolition job against Liverpool earlier in the season.
The Gunners were thoroughly outplayed by Aston Villa who were at it from the 1st minute, even scoring a disallowed goal in the opening seconds of the game.
Arsenal barely created a noteworthy chance, and were out thought, out passed, and basically outplayed on the night. The likes of Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish played some good football and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could do nothing about it.