EPL Wednesday roundup: City thrash Spurs while Chelsea get a goal-less draw
In their first big test under Tim Sherwood in the League, Spurs failed miserably as they were thumped 5-1 by an imperious City side who extended their unbeaten run to 20 in all competitions and also claimed top spot in the process.
Ever since Sergio Aguero scored the first goal in the 15th minute, the result was never really in doubt. Spurs never really looked comfortable in possession and although went into the break only one-down, it looked as though it was only a matter of time before City scored more.
And within 10 minutes of the restart City scored and by the Capoue scored for Spurs on the hour mark, it was nothing more than a mere consolation. City, scored two more in the final 15 minutes, to occupy top spot for the first time this year and, with each passing game, are looking increasingly like they are odd on favorites to claim the title.
A first half that saw 6 goals and the pendulum swing to and fro, eventually ended in Aston Villa’s favour as they edged a 7-goal thriller 4-3 to record only their third win at home. Two goals down inside nine minutes and it looked as though Aston Villa’s horrible run at home was set to continue in the Midlands derby. But three goals in the next 30 minutes meant that Villa had come from behind to get back into the game.
And, although Mulumbu scored on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-3, Benteke scored his third goal in as many games, from the spot, to lift Villa into the top half of the table. The win was also their first in seven games against their West Midlands and sent the Villans eight points clear of the relegation zone.
The day’s other two games saw that just one goal between them as Sunderland narrowly beat ten-man Stoke City 1-0 thanks to Adam Johnson’s first half goal that lifted the Black Cats out of the bottom three. The three points should come as a welcome relief for Gus Poyet who has seen his play well in the Cup competitions but not in the League.
In the other game, Cheslea drew 0-0 with West Ham and missed a chance to close the gap on Arsenal. Although the Blues had all the possession and most of the shots, they were unable to break down a stubborn West Ham defense. Although the Hammers looked threatening on the break, the Blues should have won it comfortably, especially at home. But, the draw means that Mourinho was left to lament West Ham’s “19th century football” instead of celebrating yet another comfortable home victory.