Premier League Review: Arsenal and Liverpool prevail; Cardiff cling on
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Derby day didn’t disappoint in the Premier League. Arsenal and Liverpool came out on the right side of their respective rivalries, as Tottenham Hotspur and Everton faltered.
There was also good news for West Ham United and Cardiff City. Meanwhile, Manchester United floundered to a point away at Southampton.
We’ve summed it all up in our Premier League Talking Points…
Arsenal outgun Spurs in heated NLD
Watching Arsenal run riot over Spurs this weekend prompted a pertinent question. What might the last five years have been like had the Gunners jettisoned Arsene Wenger sooner?
Because yesterday was good. It was really good. The red side of North London blew their neighbours away with a combination of excellent passing, clinical finishing and genuine class.
Holding it all together is a manager in Unai Emery who has a knack of identifying what Arsenal need at the right time. And we’re not just talking about the summer signing of man-of-the-match Lucas Torreira.
The Spaniard switched things up at half-time with the introduction of Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey. Then again with 20 minutes to go as Matteo Guendouzi replaced Shkodran Mustafi.
Add in the goalscoring prowess of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, and they’re now odds-on at 10/11 for a Top 4 Finish this season.
Pickford error decides Merseyside derby
There’s nothing like a late winner to decide a derby match. Just ask Liverpool.
The Reds have struck after the 80th minute in three of their last six clashes against Everton to leave their neighbours feeling sicker than a Christmas turkey.
Yet no-one could’ve seen this one coming. With 96 minutes on the clock, Divock Origi pounced on Jordan Pickford’s error to keep Jurgen Klopp’s men firmly on Manchester City’s tail.
Liverpool are now 7/2 for the title. But spare a thought for the Toffees. Although they remain winless at Anfield since 1999, this was a much better display from Marco Silva’s men.
They showed endeavour, tenacious and a willingness to take chances at the home of their great rivals. It may be another blue Monday for Everton, but this was a big step in the right direction.
Bluebirds buoyant as Wolves woe continues
Rumours of Cardiff City’s demise may prove premature. The Bluebirds are up to 16th after their second win in three matches against a Wolverhampton Wanderers side on a miserable run.
They remain 8/13 favourites for relegation. But unlike some of the sides around them in the table, Neil Warnock’s men are developing an important habit of picking up points at home.
The Welsh side boast the Premier League’s 11th best home record. Although that’s nothing to write home about, it puts them comfortably ahead of their relegation rivals.
Southampton and Newcastle United both continued their home woes over the weekend, while Burnley, Huddersfield Town and Fulham all remain massively inconsistent.
There’s still a long way to go this season. But we’re starting to wonder whether Warnock and co. could escape an instant return to the Championship.
Click here for all our Premier League odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
