Wild weekend of English Premier League action

After a series of “by the book” games, this weekend’s Premiership action was wild and left Liverpool alone atop the EPL standings three points clear of Chelsea.  Liverpool shocked Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, ending their 83 game home unbeaten league record.  Arsenal held form with a victory, though Manchester United could do no better than a draw against Everton.

Chelsea may have owned the statistical edge, but Liverpool had the advantage that mattered as Xabi Alonso scored off of a deflection in the 9th minute for the only goal of the game.  The 1-0 lead held despite Chelsea’s advantage in shots (17-11) and time of possession (61% to 39%).  Despite the greater number of chances, Chelsea only managed two on goal and Liverpool held on for the victory.  The win broke the deadlock at the top of the EPL standings table, leaving Liverpool with a 23 to 20 points advantage.  Liverpool is now the only EPL team not to suffer a loss with their record improving to 7 wins and 2 draws.  Chelsea shares second place with a surprising Hull side, who continued their torrid form by beating West Brom 3-0.

Arsenal also continued their winning ways with a 2-0 road victory at West Ham.  Despite a decided 24 to 11 shot advantage, the Gunners didn’t get on the board until the 75th minute when Julien Faubert deflected a shot into his own goal.  Emmanuel Adebayor added a second tally in stoppage time for the final margin.

Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Everton in a physical contest marred by 32 total fouls and six yellow cards.  ManU scored first when Darren Fletcher cashed in a perfect pass from Ryan Giggs in the 22nd minute.  That score held until midway through the second half, when Marouane Fellaini salvaged the point for the home side.  ManU now finds themselves in sixth place, two points behind Aston Villa for fifth and five points behind fourth place Arsenal.

A big day of action is on tap for Wednesday, October 29th highlighted by a match between the two teams tied for 2nd place in the EPL as Chelsea heads to Kingston Communications Stadium for a game against Hull.  Manchester United will host West Ham at Old Trafford while Arsenal entertains Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium.  First place Liverpool will also be in action, playing a home date against Portsmouth.