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EPL Gameweek 9 just happened and it brought with it a much-awaited clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. Even more, it saw Manchester United and Liverpool sail through, bagging crucial wins as the EPL gets heated and well underway. Here’s all the action.
Arsenal Draw Chelsea
In what was the most delightful of EPL GW 9 games, Arsenal came from behind to draw Chelsea an impressive 2-2. Things had, for the most part, looked bleak for Arsenal as they gave away a penalty in the 15th minute, one that was beautifully converted by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Mikhailo Mudryk then put in a stunner, marking Chelsea’s second goal. The game went into half-time 2-0 in favor of ‘The Blues’.
Things then started getting interesting well into the second half as Declan Rice took advantage of a loose ball and put it into the net in the 77th minute. Arsenal were now pumped and Leandro Trossard, who was subbed in, quickly converted a spectacular cross, striking it into the bottom left corner of the net. ‘The Gunners’ were back and Chelsea’s lead was lost. The game ended 2-2.
Pochettino’s Smarts Now Clear to See
Perhaps what was most striking in the game was that finally, Mauricio Pochettino’s smarts were now clear to see. Chelsea are a far better team than they were at the end of last season and it seems that Pochettino’s magic is starting to work. With their roster of high-quality players, we expect them in the top 5 of the league table in no time.
Yes, Arteta, That’s the Quality we Expect from You
Another of the game’s tells was that Mikel Arteta is in his zone. Arteta and Arsenal’s performance so far this season has been delightful and we can see that they are being consistent. Even more, we see that they have retained the hunger for wins they had last season and that is just beautifully put on display by their incredible comeback.
Man United Beat Sheffield United
In another of EPL GW 9’s games, Manchester United beat Sheffield United 2-1, with United stepping up in a big way to break a 1-1 deadlock. Man United’s goal delight Scott McTominay put ‘The Red Devils’ ahead in the 28th minute before Oli McBurnie equalized for his team in the 34th minute. The game was locked in deadlock, and United had to make something of the situation if not for anything, to honor club legend Sir Bobby Charlton who passed away yesterday. RIP.
Come the second half, and as if in a stroke of godly finesse, Diogo Dalot put in a long-distance impeccable strike putting Man United ahead in the 77th minute. Dalot’s goal was sublime and is telling of the improvements that coach Erik ten Hag is working on behind the scenes.
Liverpool Top of the Table After a Salah Double Against Everton
The game that kicked off EPL GW 9 was Liverpool vs Everton where a Salah double proved crucial, as it gave Liverpool a lead that immediately sent them to the top of EPL Standings. Salah first converted a penalty in the 75th minute, before making it a brace well into stoppage time in 90 + 7’.
Klopp has been doing such a good job at Liverpool and we can see the team slowly regain its inspiration and hunger for glory, as it did a few seasons ago when it lifted the EPL Title.
Newcastle Hammer Crystal Palace
In another of EPL GW 9’s beautifully well-won matches, Newcastle hammered Crystal Palace 4-0 in what was an orchestra started by Jacob Murphy who put in Newcastle’s first in just the 4th minute. The goal was a beautiful lob that was first denied due to offside but later verified to be onside and stood as a goal for Newcastle.
Then came Anthony Gordon who made it two for Newcastle in the 44th minute, shortly before Sean Longstaff made it three in 45+2’. By now, Palace were all over the place, thanking the heavens for half-time to allow them a breather.
Come the second half, things got even bleaker for them as Callum Wilson put his name on the score sheet in the 66th minute, in what was an easy-peasy strike against Palace’s keeper. The game ended 4-0 in favor of Newcastle and was yet another classic strong performance from Eddie Howe’s men.
Man City Nick Brighton
Seemingly the forgotten stars, Manchester City nicked Brighton 2-1, with Julian Alvarez opening the scoring for the defending champs in just the 4th minute. Then came ‘goal machine’ Erling Haaland who put City two ahead in the 19th minute.
On loan from Barcelona, Ansu Fati, the huge star in Brighton’s ranks, scored their only reprieve goal in the 73rd minute, ending the game 2-1 in favor of City. The game also saw Manuel Akanji sent off in 90 + 5’.
All the game says is that despite Roberto De Zerbi’s men performing impeccably well in possession, Pep’s Man City are still far ahead when it comes to ‘conversion quality’.
Other EPL GW 9 Results
In other EPL GW 9 Results, Brentford beat Burnley 3-0, Wolves beat Bournemouth 2-1, and Luton Town drew Nottingham Forest 2-2. There are yet two games to be played, including Aston Villa vs West Ham and Tottenham vs Fulham at the time of writing. We’ll update you on how they go later so stay tuned and be sure to subscribe.
Update (24.10.2023): Tottenham Beat Fulham as Aston Villa Beat West Ham
In the last of EPL GW 9 games, Tottenham beat Fulham 2-0 thanks to goals from Son Heung-Min in the 36th minute and James Maddison in the 54th minute. On the other hand, Aston Villa beat West Ham a handsome 4-1 thanks to a Douglas Luiz brace. Luiz scored his first in the 30th minute and converted a penalty in the 52nd minute. Ollie Watkins scored their third goal in the 74th minute before Leon Bailey made it four in the 89th minute. Jarrod Bowen scored West Ham’s only reprieve goal in the 56th minute.
