By Chris Sampson
- Fulham grind out draw at Chelsea
- Dyche starts with a win
- Kane breaks Greaves’ record as Spurs stun City
UK -The latest round of Premier League fixtures saw three of the top four drop points with big results at both ends of the table.
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Chelsea 0 Fulham 0
Big spending Chelsea had to settle for a point against West London rivals Fulham. It is another blow to their hopes of European qualification, in any form. And if Graham Potter’s side are to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, they need to put a run of victories together quickly.
Fulham were superbly organised and fought well to claim a goalless draw which keeps them in touch with the race for European places. When the two sides met at Craven Cottage last month, Fulham got their first win against the Blues for over 16 years. Marco Sliva’s side were unable to do enough to claim a league double over Chelsea for the first time in their history, but they claimed another point.
Andreas Pereira saw a long-range effort turned away by Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Chelsea came close, with Kai Havertz hitting a post.
Fulham had a couple of efforts from João Palhinha and Bobby Decordova-Reid. Chelsea pushed for a winner late on, with Conor Gallagher and David Datro Fofana having chances. However, Fulham held out for another point, as they continue to exceed pre-season expectations.
£106.8m man Enzo Fernandez made a positive impression on his Chelsea debut. It is clear that Fernandez and the other new arrivals have quality, but whether they gel in time to rocket the Pensioners up the table is another matter.
Everton 1 Arsenal 0
Struggling Everton enjoyed a new manager bounce, and boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over league leaders Arsenal. Sean Dyche, appointed on Monday, oversaw a vastly improved performance from the Toffees as they shocked Mikel Arteta’s side at a noisy Goodison Park.
Former Burnley boss Dyche was indebted to two familiar faces. James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil, who played under Dyche for the Clarets, combined for the only goal. On the hour, Tarkowski thumped home a header from McNeil’s corner to send the home fans wild.
The best chances of the first half had fallen to Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he was unable to convert. Arsenal, who have been extremely consistent this season, have shown that they can battle when necessary. However, they were out fought by Everton, and struggled to find a foothold in the game.
However, it needed a fine save from Jordan Pickford to deny Leandro Trossard in the closing stages, as the Gunners tried to salvage a point.
For Everton it is a positive start under Dyche, and a first win in 11 matches across all competitions. It is only Arsenal’s second league defeat of the season, however such are the standards of consistency required to win the Premier League these days, it could prove to be costly. Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham reduces the impact for now.
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 0
Harry Kane overtook the legendary Jimmy Greaves to become Tottenham’s all-time record scorer, as his 267th goal for the club to give his side victory over Manchester City at a bouncing Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kane’s strike fired his side back into the race for a Champions League place, and dealt a massive blow to City’s hopes of retaining the title.
England skipper Kane was superbly found in the area by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on 15 minutes. He cooly finished to give his side the lead against the run of play.
Pep Guardiola began the game knowing that Arsenal’s defeat the previous day had given them a great opportunity to close the gap at the top. Riyad Mahrez went closest to scoring with an effort which cannoned off the bar.
Spurs battled to protect their lead and were able to see the game out, despite being reduced to 10 men on 87 minutes after Cristian Romero was dismissed for two bookable offences. The result will serve as a tonic for Spurs boss Antonio Conte, who is recovering at home after surgery.
City remain five points behind Arsenal, having played a game more. Spurs move to within one point of fourth placed Newcastle United.
However the day belonged to Kane, who’s goal was also his 200th in the Premier League. Only Alan Shearer (260 goals) and Wayne Rooney (208) have scored more since the 1992 rebranding.
Wins for Red Devils and Seagulls, Saints Struggle
Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace moves them up to third, ahead of Newcastle United at home with West Ham United, who’s performance will give them encouragement in their fight for survival. Brighton continued their challenge for European qualification with a win over South Coast rivals Bournemouth. Brentford are another side who cannot be ignored in the push for Europe. The Bees enjoyed a comfortable win over Southampton. Wolves boosted their survival hopes with a 3-0 win over Liverpool, who remain stuck in midtable. There were wins for Leicester City and for Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal lead the table from Manchester City by five points, with Manchester United in third ahead of Newcastle. Tottenham, Brighton, Brentford and Fulham come next. Southampton are bottom of the table on 15 points. Bournemouth are in 19th position, two points ahead of the Saints. Everton are in 18th, on 18 points. Leeds United, in 17th place are ahead of the Toffees on goal difference.
There is midweek action in the Premier League as Manchester United take on Leeds United. The next round of fixtures then run from Saturday February 11, until Monday February 13.
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