EPL 2016/17: 5 Talking points from Match week 9
The top of the Premier League table is hotting up at the end of week nine as Chelsea and Liverpool were the week’s big winners. Both teams finished the week in the top four, while Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City dropped points but still remain in the top five.
Hull, Swansea, and Sunderland continued their disappointing start to the season as they find themselves in the relegation zone ahead of week 10.
#1 Arsenal and Spurs drop points but Liverpool manage to grind out victory
Arsenal and Tottenham both dropped points in their scoreless draws with Middlesbrough and Bournemouth, respectively. The Gunners were favourites to brush aside a Boro team who had been in disappointing form, but Arsene Wenger’s men failed to break through Boro’s stubborn backline.
Middlesbrough had a good amount of chances and will consider themselves unfortunate not to beat Petr Cech in goal. Despite the draw, Arsenal still went top of the table at the end of Saturday.
Had Liverpool not conceded a late goal against West Brom, it would have been them at the top of the league after Saturday’s affairs. The Reds started the game in typical fashion and raced away to a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Phillippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane scored the goals as Jurgen Klopp’s side looked set for another big win at home. The Baggies got a goal back in the second half but it proved to be no more than a consolation.
Following their 6-1 win over Hull last week, Bournemouth hosted Tottenham in Saturday’s opening fixture. The game ended in a goal less draw, though it was a thoroughly entertaining tie with both teams performing at full intensity. The Cherries climbed into the top half of the table and are now unbeaten in their last four.