With the November worldwide break within the rear-view mirror, the Premier League returned with a bang.
It looks as if the race for the highest 4 takes a contemporary twist with each passing week and Saturday’s motion was no completely different.
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The results of the day simply belonged to Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham aspect as they thrashed Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad.
It was the primary time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial profession he has misplaced 5 consecutive video games as James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson all received on the scoresheet within the 4-0 thumping.
Chelsea eased previous Leicester Metropolis 2-1, though former Watford striker Troy Deeney believed the Blues have a obtrusive error stopping them from being a respectable title contender.
Ethan Nwaneri grew to become Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League goalscorer within the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Brentford’s defensive unit will likely be a contented camp as they celebrated a gritty 0-0 draw in opposition to Everton regardless of taking place to 10 males within the forty first minute.
The scoreless outcome marked the Bees’ first clear sheet of the season and Brentford boss Thomas Frank will hope it’s a development they’ll proceed going ahead.
Aston Villa needed to come from behind twice to rescue a 2-2 draw in opposition to lowly Crystal Palace, with Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving a Youri Tielemans penalty within the first half.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil earned some respite as his aspect thrashed Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage, whereas Brighton continued their beautiful kind this season with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on the Vitality Stadium.
Right here, talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s motion on the Recreation-Day Cellphone-In!
Winners
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian ahead has made the listing as soon as once more after his beautiful show in opposition to Fulham.
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The 25-year-old scored twice for Wolves, serving to Gary O’Neil’s aspect to a much-needed 4-1 win at Craven Cottage.
“Prime, prime participant. He is in once more,” stated O’Hara.
Cundy continued: “It is a participant that a few of the massive canine will likely be severely .
“He is fast, he is direct, scores targets. He was glorious as we speak.
Fabian Hurzeler
Brighton secured a giant three factors after beating Bournemouth 2-1 on the Vitality Stadium.
Whereas ending the match with 10-men, the Seagulls are going sturdy within the Premier League.
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“Fifth within the desk, one other massive outcome,” stated O’Hara. “They have 22 factors, they’re flying.
Cundy added: “They don’t seem to be going anyplace, mate. They’re right here to remain. They’re going to be a nuisance.
“Whether or not they have sufficient to final between now and the top of the season, solely time will inform. However I’ve received to present them credit score. To be there, proper now, in and amongst the Champions League locations, they seem to be a aspect and a soccer membership which have constantly moved in the proper course for the final 5 years.
“Potter began it, De Zerbi took over and moved them ahead. And now Hurzeler has carried out precisely the identical job. Each supervisor appears to maneuver them ahead once more.
“The recruitment from Bloom and everybody down at Brighton, each on the pitch and within the dugout, is nothing wanting exceptional.”
James Maddison
The Tottenham midfielder was the star of the present in a shock 4-0 victory over Man Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium.
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“He is scored two as we speak, he is answered his critics,” stated O’Hara.
“He is come beneath a little bit of stress, he misplaced his place within the England squad, hasn’t been taking part in, been getting dragged week-in, week-out.
“However he is put in a prime, prime efficiency to this point. No matter how this sport finally ends up, he deserves to be in there.”
“It has been a troublesome final yr,” adde Cundy. “Picked up the damage in opposition to Chelsea a yr in the past, actually struggled to get again into kind.
“Two targets will not do him any hurt, so congratulations to him.”
Losers
Pep Guardiola
Whereas Maddison was the star, Guardiola will likely be left licking his wounds after one other Premier League defeat.
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Defeat for Man Metropolis means they’re 5 factors off prime, having performed a sport greater than Liverpool who face Southampton on Sunday.
O’Hara stated: “5 on the bounce. He has received to go within the losers listing. They’re having a nightmare!”
“They’re having a horrible, horrible time,” Cundy went on.
“I do know they have accidents. However no-one goes to really feel sorry for Metropolis. No-one.
“Kovacic is out, I get that. Once they get everybody again, we all know Metropolis are a drive to be reckoned with.”
Everton
Whereas Sean Dyche’s aspect had been dominant in opposition to Brentford, they weren’t capable of get themselves over the road.
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Everton had 27 photographs and 60 per cent possession, however managed simply 5 on track – main them to attract 0-0 with the 10-man Bees on a Irritating afternoon.
O’Hara stated: “27 photographs, all the way down to 10 males in opposition to Brentford they usually nonetheless cannot rating.
“They can not hit a barn door. Severely, I may put a goat up entrance and he’d rating. Severely, it is embarrassing.”
“They’re simply present. They don’t seem to be residing, they’re simply present. They have to go in there,” Cundy added.
Tom Brady
Maybe a bit of bit harshly, O’Hara named the NFL legend as one in every of his losers following a nasty outcome for Birmingham Metropolis.
Whereas sitting fourth in League One with a number of video games in hand, the Blues shareholder was known as out by the previous Tottenham star.
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O’Hara stated: “Birmingham, flying excessive, doing properly. Solely misplaced one sport going into this.
They performed Shrewsbury – Twenty third-placed Shrewsbury. What may go unsuitable?
“I let you know what can go unsuitable. Shrewsbury can beat them. It is a unhealthy day within the workplace. But when you have to take the plaudits Tom Brady, you have to take the criticism. You are a loser!”
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