Premier League analysis: Winners and losers from Matchday 10
Arsenal’s win over Burnley saw them strengthen their lead at the top of the table with a fifth consecutive win, while Manchester City climbed to second with a solid victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Liverpool bounced back at Anfield, ending both their own winless run and Aston Villa’s streak of victories with a crucial home triumph - and Chelsea emerged on top in their heated London derby against Tottenham.
With momentum shifting across the table, Sports News Blitz writer Eloise Stevens looks at the winners and losers in the Premier League from Matchday 10.
Winner: Arsenal
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Burnley not only extended their unbeaten streak but set a new club record in the Premier League.
The Gunners have now recorded seven consecutive victories in all competitions without conceding, going 686 minutes without letting the opposition score.
The team’s defensive solidity has become their defining strength, with opponents struggling to find even a glimpse of goal with Arsenal only allowing just one shot on target across their last four matches.
READ MORE: Man Utd winning run ends at City Ground with draw against Nottingham Forest
Loser: Wolverhampton Wanderers
At the other end of the table, Wolves’ struggles continued as they not only suffered their third straight defeat but also lost their manager.
Vítor Pereira was sacked following their 3-0 defeat to Fulham, extending their miserable run to just two draws and eight defeats in their opening 10 matches.
The club will now look for a fifth manager in four years who will no doubt have a mammoth task as no team in the history of the Premier League has ever survived relegation after only collecting two points after 10 games.
Winner: Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo earned the highest praise from his manager after his performance in Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham, who hailed him as the best defensive midfielder in the league alongside Rodri.
The Ecuadorian was one of the standout performers in the London derby, his relentless pressing and unmatched ability to win back possession were eventually rewarded as he provided the assist for João Pedro’s winner.
The Blues have now won 11 of their last 14 meetings with Spurs, and Caicedo is beginning to look every bit worth his record transfer fee.
Loser: Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s woes at home continued as Chelsea made it seven wins out of eight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving Thomas Frank with only one win at home since being appointed manager.
Spurs’ lacklustre display produced only 0.11 expected goals (xG) and resulted in the crowd booing off the players at halftime.
The frustration in the stands was clearly mirrored on the pitch, as Mickey van de Ven and Djed Spence appeared to snub their manager while heading down the tunnel at the end of the match.
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Winner: Liverpool
Liverpool ended their winless run with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa with goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch on his return from injury.
While luck played a part in both goals, Salah capitalising on a gifted ball from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Gravenberch’s deflected shot ending up in the back of the net, Liverpool held up a disciplined defence to keep Unai Emery’s team at bay.
The result moved the Reds up to third in the table, only one point behind Man City in second.
Loser: Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano Martínez endured a difficult afternoon within a vulnerable Aston Villa defence against Liverpool.
The goalkeeper gave the ball away to Mohamed Salah, allowing the Egyptian to score a 250th club goal, and was unable to save a deflected shot from Ryan Gravenberch.
Martínez cannot shoulder all the blame for his side losing the game, but his grave errors certainly made life easier for Liverpool.
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