EPL 2016/17: 5 Talking points from Match week 10
Only a point separates the top four teams in the league as each of them claimed valuable victories on away territory. Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all currently on 23 points with Chelsea moving back into the top four with 22 points.
While the top of the table heats up, things are looking ever so bleak for the bottom sides with Sunderland, Hull and Swansea City struggling in the relegation zone.
#1 Big teams win away from home
Arsenal took on Sunderland in the opening fixture of the week, beating the Black Cats by a comfortable 4-1 margin. Two goals apiece from Alexis Sanchez and substitute Olivier Giroud were enough for the Gunners to extend their fantastic run in recent weeks. Arsene Wenger’s side have now won seven of their last eight league games and are looking worthy title contenders already.
Manchester City and Liverpool also managed four goals in their respective away fixtures. Pep Guardiola’s side ended their disastrous run in recent weeks with a convincing 4-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. It was only the second time that City have managed a clean sheet in the league this season and Guardiola will want more of the same in the upcoming fixtures.
Liverpool maintained pace with the top two after they beat Crystal Palace in a thrilling 4-2 win at Selhurst Park. The fixture has produced some memorable matches in recent years and we were treated to no different this week. Despite throwing away the lead twice, the Reds fought back to claim all three points, thanks to goals from Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino.
Chelsea broke through into the top four with an impressive display in their 2-0 win over Southampton. The Blues have been on fire ever since Antonio Conte switched to three at the back, with noticeable improvement being seen throughout the Chelsea squad. Conte’s side are on a four-game winning streak in the league and have also not conceded a goal during that period.