Kickoff chronicles

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

The opening game in Matchweek 15 on Saturday afternoon saw Unai Emery’s Aston Villa host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Villa Park, with Villa capable of going within three points of the Gunners if they were able to cause an upset against the league leaders. Both sides had some big chances early on, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka seeing their efforts denied by an old teammate and current Villa keeper, Emiliano Martinez, before Eberechi Eze’s goal was chalked off just afterwards as Saka was offside in the build up. Villa’s early opportunities came through Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash, with Watkins’ brilliant solo effort denied by the right arm of David Raya before Cash saw his effort heroically blocked by Declan Rice. With less than 10 minutes to play in the 1st half, Villa broke the deadlock after Pau Torres crossed the ball in from the left wing. Cash was unmarked at the back post and snuck into the Arsenal penalty area, smashing the ball through the legs of Raya with a well struck volley. The half-time score stood at 1-0, with Villa hoping to deal Arsenal their first defeat since Matchweek three.

Arsenal came out much better in the 2nd half and found an equaliser seven minutes after the restart. Saka played the ball in from the right wing where striker Viktor Gyokeres was unable to make any convincing contact with the Englishman’s cross. Fortunately for the Gunners, the ball fell kindly to Leandro Trossard who smashed it into the back of the net to tie the game. Villa then had two huge chances to snatch back the lead, with Watkins having another effort smothered by Raya before substitute Donyell Malen saw his shot just bobble wide of the near corner. With virtually the last kick of the game, Emery’s side sent Villa Park into celebration after they scored to totally open up the Premier League table. Morgan Rogers crossed the ball over to the back post where Jadon Sancho headed it back across goal. A series of blocked shots and failed clearances followed from the Arsenal defenders before Emiliano Buendia smashed the ball in from close range to win all three points for Villa. The full-time score finished 2-1, with Villa closing in on Arsenal and Manchester City, a brilliant turnaround given they were sitting in the relegation zone after Matchweek five. Villa sit 3rd on 30 points while Arsenal no longer have a cushion as they remain 1st on 33 points.

AFC Bournemouth vs Chelsea

The following game in Matchweek 15 saw Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth host Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea at Vitality Stadium, with both sides coming off the back of poor losses midweek. Both sides made a slow start to the game, with the first big chance coming after the half hour mark. Antoine Semenyo fizzed the ball across the Chelsea penalty area for Bournemouth to striker Evanilson at the back post. The Brazilian somehow missed the target from just a yard out, sliding in with the ball coming off his shin and looping over the bar, the miss of the season. Bournemouth were dominating the closing stages of the 1st half, forcing Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez into action on multiple occasions before Semenyo thought he’d scored, only for the assistant referee to rule the goal out for offside. The half-time score stood at 0-0, with Chelsea facing a real threat of losing back-to-back league games and potentially ending the Matchweek out of the top four.

Both sides had decent chances early on in the 2nd period, with Marcus Tavernier scraping his shot just wide of the post for Bournemouth before Alejandro Garnacho hit the post with a header for Chelsea. The Blues had a few more opportunities later on in the half but neither side were convincing in front of goal as the full-time score finished 0-0. Bournemouth are now winless in six games as they drop down to 13th on the table with 20 points. Chelsea remain 4th on 25 points, also without a win in their last three league games.

Everton vs Nottingham Forest 

The next game in Matchweek 15 saw David Moyes’ Everton host Sean Dyche’s Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with both sides fresh off the back of 0-1 away wins in round 14. The Toffees made a brilliant start to the game, scoring inside 90 seconds. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall received the ball out wide, showing brilliant wide play before he whipped a ball across the Forest penalty area. Dewsbury-Hall’s cross was flicked into his own net by Forest centre half Nikola Milenkovic, going down as an own goal, although all credit was due to Dewsbury-Hall. Everton continued to dominate in the 1st half and came close to scoring on multiple other occasions, with Forest keeper Matz Sels denying a long-range effort from Dewsbury-Hall before Iliman Ndiaye’s close-range effort was blocked by Neco Williams. With the last chance of the half, Forest pushed all their players up in search of an equaliser, leaving them vulnerable at the back as Everton sparked a counter attack. It was a three versus one, with Thierno Barry and Carlos Alcarez either side of Ndiaye as he drove at Milenkovic. He opted to play the ball to Barry on his left, with the young striker placing the ball into the bottom right corner with a perfect finish to score his greatly desired first goal for the Toffees. The half-time score stood at 2-0, with Dyche’s return to Everton hardly going as planned.

Forest were poor again in the 2nd half and Dewsbury-Hall came so close to scoring after he played a swift 1-2 with Jack Grealish before his shot fired off the post and out of play. Everton deserved a 3rd and wrapped up all three points in the 80th minute after Dewsbury-Hall finally got his name on the score sheet. James Garner’s corner bobbled around the Forest penalty area where Jake O’Brien was able to poke it back out to Dewsbury-Hall. The Englishman met the ball with a wonderful strike, guiding the ball into the bottom left corner. The full-time score finished 3-0, with Everton taking a huge leap in their aspirations for European football as they now sit 5th with 24 points. Forest drop to 17th on 15 points, just three clear of the relegation zone. 

Manchester City vs Sunderland

The following fixture in Matchweek 15 saw Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City host Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland at the Etihad, with Manchester City hoping to claim another win at home to close in on league leaders Arsenal. After a slow start to the game, City took the lead just after the half hour mark. Ruben Dias picked the ball up from Rayan Cherki 25-yards away from goal before unleashing a shot. His effort looked to be going in, but it took a huge deflection off the back of Dan Ballard to help it into the top right corner. Just minutes later, City doubled their advantage through fellow centre half Josko Gvardiol, who has now scored in consecutive home games. The Croatian rose highest in the penalty area to head home Phil Foden’s corner, giving City a 2-0 lead at the break, hoping to move within a win of Arsenal at the top. 

City had a huge chance to make it 3-0 just after the restart, with Jeremy Doku’s effort rattling off the woodwork before Foden’s effort on the follow up was cleared off the line by Ballard. Wilson Isidor then had an opportunity for Sunderland to half the deficit which he really should have scored, intercepting the ball from Dias to leave him 1-on-1 against City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, before fluffing his lines and blasting the ball straight at the Italian. Just a minute after Isidor’s chance, Granit Xhaka hit the post for Sunderland after his effort from a corner looked destined for the bottom right. Rayan Cherki, arguably City’s best player of the game, then created two big chances for the hosts out of nothing. In the 59th minute, he cut into the penalty area from the right wing, dribbled across the bi-line past multiple Sunderland defenders before chipping the ball over to Erling Haaland who saw his volley cleared off the line by Lutsharel Geertruida. His second in the 65th minute won all three points for City, once again beating his man down the right wing before whipping the ball in with a wonderful rabona cross, something only the likes of Neymar would attempt, with Phil Foden running into the box to head the ball into the top right corner to score his 5th goal in three games. The full-time score finished 3-0, with City putting on a dominant performance to see off the promoted side. City move into 2nd on 31 points, two away from Arsenal, while Sunderland drop to 8th on 23 points, still a very positive position for the Black Cats.

Newcastle United vs Burnley

The next game in Matchweek 15 saw Eddie Howe’s Newcastle host Scott Parker’s Burnley at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle hoping to capitalise on Burnley’s five-game losing streak. The Magpies were by far the better side in the opening exchanges and came so close to taking the lead in the 27th minute after Anthony Gordon saw his shot flick off the far post and out for a goal-kick. Seconds after the half hour mark, Newcastle took a deserved lead, directly from a corner kick. Skipper Bruno Guimaraes whipped the ball in from the left corner, with the ball looping over ex-Newcastle and current Burnley keeper, Martin Dubravka, before dropping into the top right corner. Newcastle then all but sealed the three points after Burnley were reduced to 10 men. Gordon played an amazing defence-splitting ball into the path of Anthony Elanga which left the pacy Swedish international 1-on-1 with Dubravka. Burnley defender Lucas Pires, only making his second appearance for the Clarets, was then forced to bring Elanga down, a clear denial of a goal scoring opportunity and most definitely a red card. The advantage stayed with Newcastle as they won a penalty with virtually the last kick of the half. Gordon was once again involved, his cross punched out of the path of Elanga by Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, a clear handball and penalty. Gordon won the penalty and stepped up to take it, confidently slotting the ball into the bottom left corner from 12 yards. The half-time score stood at 2-0, with surely no way back into the game for Parker’s side.

Newcastle should have been up by three of four by the half hour mark, missing chance after chance. In the end it looked like it was going to finish 2-0, but Burnley were not done yet. They too won a penalty in stoppage time after Zian Flemming’s goal bound effort was blocked by the arm of Jacob Ramsey, another clear spot-kick. Flemming dispatched the penalty professionally, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to half the deficit. The Clarets then had a huge chance to snatch a point right at the death after Marcus Edwards crossed the ball in with the last chance of the game. Flemming and Josh Laurent were unmarked at the back post but both thought the other was going for the ball as it floated over the top of the two of them, with Newcastle just about holding onto a 2-1 lead. It was a strong performance from Newcastle, but a poor end to the game as they move into 11th on the table with 22 points. Burnley remain 19th on 10 points, with the red card ruining their chances of a comeback.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford

The following tie in Matchweek 15 saw Thomas Frank’s Tottenham host Keith Andrews’ Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Frank hoping to claim a much needed three points at home against his former employer. Just seconds after Igor Thiago saw his effort parried away by Guglielmo Vicario in the 23rd minute, Tottenham embarked on a counter attack with Pedro Porro playing the ball over the Brentford defence and into the path of Xavi Simons down the right wing. Simons drilled the ball into the penalty area with his first touch before Richarlison smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give Spurs the lead. Tottenham were dominant in the 1st half and made it 2-0 just before the break after Simons dispossessed Sepp van den Berg inside his own half. Simons drove through the middle of the pitch and into the Brentford area before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to finally score his first ever Spurs goal, and what a way to do it. Everyone had watched him tear up the Bundesliga for Red Bull Leipzig for the last two years so it was only a matter of time before he started to turn up in the Premier League. The half-time score finished 2-0, with Tottenham looking good for their first home win since early August.

The second half was much quieter, with the damage already done for Brentford and Tottenham happy to take their foot off the accelerator. Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was forced into action on multiple occasions to keep the score respectable, making two brilliant saves after efforts from Djed Spence and Pape Sarr. The full-time score ultimately finished 2-0, with Tottenham finally claiming a win at home to back into the top 10 in the Premier League, sitting 10th on 22 points. Brentford drop to 14th on 20 points after a rare poor performance.

Leeds United vs Liverpool

The final game played on Saturday evening in Matchweek 15 saw Daniel Farke’s Leeds host Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Elland Road, with Farke hoping they could upset another big club at home after beating Chelsea 3-1 midweek. The first half was uneventful, with the best chance in the first 45 minutes coming in the 16th minute after Liverpool’s Curtis Jones rattled the upright with a near perfect strike from 25 yards. The half-time score stood at 0-0, with both sides disappointing so far.

The travelling side finally broke the deadlock just two minutes into the 2nd half after striker Hugo Ekitike intercepted a poor Leeds backpass which left him 1v1 with Lucas Perri. Ekitike slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to finally score his first goal since Matchweek five and fourth of the season. Just minutes after his first, Ekitike scored a second, all inside the opening five minutes of the half. Connor Bradley whipped the ball in from the right wing where Ekitike threw his body at the ball to bundle it over Perri, his fifth of the season. Liverpool then had a few chances to wrap up all three points but it was Leeds who halved the deficit in the 70th minute after Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konate gave away a silly penalty after sliding in and fouling Willy Gnonto. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up and slotted the ball into the top right corner from the spot, his third goal in as many matchweeks, netting against Man.City, Chelsea and now Liverpool as he continues to prove his worth to the Leeds fans. Much like Liverpool, Leeds scored again after their first goal, tying the game in the 75th minute. Anton Stach received the ball from Brenden Aaronson down the left wing where he cut in before firing the ball into the far left of Alisson’s goal, a wonderful finish. Liverpool conjured up a champion-like response and regained the lead just five minutes after Leeds equalised. Ryan Gravenberch played a direct ball into the path of Alexis Mac Allister in the Leeds penalty area where the Argentine very intelligently stepped over the ball, leaving it for Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian took a touch before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner, a wonderful Liverpool team goal. Once again, Liverpool’s lead didn’t last for long, with Leeds equalising for the second time late on. Stach’s corner fell into the feet of Ao Tanaka at the back post where the Japanese international smashed the ball into the Liverpool net to earn a point at the death for the hosts. The full-time score finished 3-3, with the Premier League displaying its unpredictability again. Leeds make it back-to-back upsets at Elland Road, claiming four points against Club World Cup Champions Chelsea and Premier League Champions Liverpool as they remain three points clear of the relegation zone and move into 16th on 15 points. Liverpool draw consecutive games against promoted sides as they drop to 9th on 23 points. 

Brighton Hove & Albion vs West Ham United

The first game played on Sunday afternoon in Matchweek 15 saw Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton host Nuno Espirito’s West Ham at the Amex Stadium, with Brighton’s form coming to an end after a 3-4 loss at home to Villa while West Ham had only lost once in their last five. The first half was even, although it was the travelling side who had the better chances. Lucas Paqueta saw his long range goal-bound effort saved by Bart Verbruggen in the 39th minute before Crysencio Summerville missed the target from close range after Paqueta’s interception. The half-time score stood at 0-0, with both sides believing they could go on to claim all three points in the 2nd half.

The Hammers were by far the better side in the 2nd period and came so close in the 58th minute after Paqueta intercepted the ball once again, with it falling into the feet of skipper Jarrod Bowen. Bowen displayed his class, weaving through the Brighton defender’s before his eventual shot from inside the penalty area was brilliantly saved by Verbruggen. West Ham weren’t done yet though, with Summerville reacting to Verbruggen’s save and hitting the ball powerfully at him on the volley. The Dutchman then showed his class reflexes, quickly jumping back up to parry the ball over the bar. The Hammers finally took a deserved lead in the 73rd minute after substitute striker Callum Wilson picked up the ball on the edge of the area. Wilson threaded the ball through to Bowen where the captain slid in from a tight angle and managed to place the ball into the bottom right corner, a wonderful finish. West Ham deserved the win, but once again, incompetent refereeing ultimately cost them temporary safety from the relegation zone. Charlampos Kostoulas attempted a bicycle kick late on in stoppage time, clearly kicking Konstantinos Mavropanos in the head before Georginio Rutter controlled the ball down with his hand. Oblivious to all this, Simon Hooper waved play on as Rutter received the ball once again and smashed it into the far corner, with VAR allowing the goal. The full-time score finished 1-1, with West Ham well and truly robbed of an extra two points that would see them out of the bottom three. The Hammers remain 18th on 13 points, with fans furious about the incompetent referees. Brighton were very lucky with a terrible call, as they sit 7th on 23 points.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

The final game played on Sunday in Matchweek 15 saw Marco Silva’s Fulham host Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, the second London derby of the week which could see Palace move into the top four if they were successful and other results went their way. Fulham had a big chance early on, with Emile Smith Rowe’s goal bound volley heroically blocked by Marc Guehi. The Eagles then took the lead in the 20th minute after a brilliant team goal. Eddie Nketiah received the ball just outside the area from Adam Wharton where he took a touch centrally before smashing the ball into the bottom right corner to score his first Premier League goal since Matchweek six in his 50th Palace appearance. Just moments later, Palace keeper Dean Henderson was forced into action, leaping up brilliantly to deny another Smith Rowe powerful strike. Fulham then scored a deserved equaliser in the 38th minute, all down to arguably their best player this season, Harry Wilson. It was by far the goal of the matchweek, Wilson running in from the Palace penalty area to flick the ball into the path of Raul Jimenez before turning and receiving the ball from Jimenez again and curling the ball into the top left corner with an out of this world trivela finish. The half-time score finished all level at 1-1, with Fulham looking the more convincing side so far.

The Cottagers thought they’d turned the game around just eight minutes after the restart when Samuel Chukwueze whipped the ball in from the left wing. Iwobi met the cross with a powerful header which struck the crossbar but Smith Rowe was unmarked and able to smash home the rebound. Unfortunately for the hosts, Chukwueze was offside in the build up and the goal was ruled out. Palace slowly started to work their way back into the game and were dominating the final stages, forcing Fulham keeper Bernd Leno into action on multiple occasions. With only minutes of standard time left to play, Palace regained their lead through one of their deadly set pieces. Yeremy Pino whipped the ball in from the left corner where skipper Guehi rose highest to head the ball into the bottom right corner, a brilliant header and Palace set piece. The full-time score finished 1-2, with Palace moving into the top four after another splendid result under Glasner. The Eagles now have a genuine belief that they could qualify for the Champions League after a brilliant start to the season. They sit 4th on 26 points. Fulham lose back-to-back home games as they drop to 15th on 17 points.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United

The final game in Matchweek 15, played on Monday night, saw Rob Edwards’ Wolves host Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, with Edwards hoping his team could finally upgrade their promising performances into some results. United made a much better start to the game and took the lead inside 25 minutes. Mathueus Cunha pounced on a poor backpass by his former teammate Toti Gomes which left United with a 2v1 inside the Wolves penalty area. Cunha played the ball to captain Bruno Fernandes who slipped as the ball was behind him but the Portuguese international was still able to get up, hold off the challenge from Emmanuel Agbadou and poke the ball underneath Wolves keeper, Sam Johnstone. Against all odds, Wolves actually had a really positive spell of possession in the United half late in the 1st period. They scored a deserved equalised with the last kick of the half, also their first goal under Edwards. David Moller Wolfe cut the ball back from the left side of the penalty area to Wolves’ best player so far, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Bellegarde flung himself at the ball, with his effort fizzing into the far right of Senne Lammens net to make it all square. The score at half-time stood at 1-1 with United needing a much better 2nd half performance if they were to move into the top six.

The Red Devils made a great start to the 2nd half, scoring inside five minutes. Cunha played a killer ball into the path of Diogo Dalot who was through on goal. Despite scoring midweek, Dalot was unselfish, rolling the ball across the face of goal and leaving top scorer Bryan Mbeumo with a tap in. United sealed all three points just after the hour mark when Fernandes chipped the ball into the Wolves penalty area where Mason Mount was left unmarked as all the Wolves defenders tried to step up and play him offside. Their plan backfired as Mount was clearly onside as he cushioned the ball into the bottom right corner with a composed volley. United found their 4th in the 80th minute after Amad Diallo’s shot from a corner was blocked by the arm of Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera. Fernandes stepped up to take the spot-kick and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. The full-time score finished 1-4, with United putting on a dominant display in the 2nd half which ultimately won them all three points. Amorim’s side move into 6th on the Premier League table with 25 points. Wolves remain bottom of the table with a drab two points, the worst ever start to a Premier League season. 

Written by Ollie Wade