Newcastle secured their fourth win on the trot, after their dispatched Liverpool 1-0 in the early kick off yesterday. The Magpies were relatively solid all game long, keeping most of the Liverpool attacks at bay, but when they finally got a golden opportunity 13 minutes before full time, Ayoze Perez made no mistakes by firing home to give them the coveted victory.
2 – After failing to score in his first nine appearances (all comps) for Newcastle, Ayoze Perez has netted two in his last two. Flourish.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2014
But the scoreline could have been far greater, had Mignolet not saved Remy Cabella’s one-on-one opportunity just minutes before the end.
Meanwhile, Southampton continued their impressive form with a pivotal 1-0 win at Hull City. Coming into the game, they knew that it was never going to be easy, particularly with Hull City on a decent run of form as well.
5 – Southampton have conceded just five league goals this season; fewer than any other team in England’s top four divisions. Resolve.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2014
But Victor Wanyama produced a stunning goal from 40 yards out, just three minutes into the game to put Ronald Koeman’s men on the driving seat. Hull did fight back vigorously, with Mohammed Diame impressing on the night. But the Saints held on to secure a win that continues to put them within four points of league leaders, Chelsea.
West Ham United displayed incredible fighting spirit, as they came back from being two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Stoke City at the Brittania. Victor Moses opened the scoring in the first half, before Mame Biram Diouf doubled Stoke’s lead on the 56th minute mark. But Enner Valencia had other ideas as he reduced the deficit with a diving header, before threading an assist for Stewart Downing’s equalizing goal on the 73rd minute. In fact, their momentum almost led to a winning goal but Stoke held on for a valuable point at home.
Chelsea sent yet another warning to their rivals by defeating QPR 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, to further cement their spot at the top of the table. Oscar put the Blues ahead on the 30th minute mark, but Charlie Austin restored parity with a cheeky effort after the break.
10 – Cesc Fabregas has been involved in 10 goals (one goal, nine assists) in 10 league games for Chelsea. Wizard.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2014
With Mourinho looking annoyed on the sidelines, the Blues pushed harder and won a penalty after Eden Hazard was brought down inside the box. The Chelsea flanker stepped up and fired home to secure yet another victory for the folks at Stamford Bridge to celebrate.
Emirates witnessed a dominant Arsenal performance, as they brushed Burnley aside 3-0. But it wasn’t all fine and dandy, as Arsenal struggled to break the away side down for almost 70 minutes, before Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring.
4 – Four of Arsenal's last six Premier League goals have been scored by Alexis Sanchez. Fire.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2014
Calum Chambers then opened his Arsenal account with a finely taken goal to make it 2-0, though Sanchez was visibly the man of the night as he fired home a late third goal for Arsenal to cap a scintillating last 20 minutes at the Emirates.
Everton meanwhile, could only muster a 0-0 draw against Swansea at home. Roberto Martinez’ men struggled to create much chances throughout the game, but when they actually did so, Romelu Lukaku and Leighton Baines were guilty of misfiring them. Jonjo Shelvey was even sent off on the 72nd minute, which gave Everton the numerical advantage for the last 18 minutes, but even so, they struggled to make a definitive impact, as the game oozed out to become a 0-0 draw.
Leicester suffered a close 1-0 defeat to West Brom, in a relatively painful way as well. Esteban Cambiasso headed into his own net in the second half, to give the Albions a crucial win, in what was otherwise a rather drab affair.
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