After an energetic set of games, it’s time for a Premier League Saturday recap. Manchester United and Manchester City got things going with a bang, and there were some surprises along the way.
For full coverage of our week four Premier League predictions click here.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City
Sportsnaut prediction: 1-0, with David De Gea being Man of the Match
Result: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.
For full coverage of the Manchester derby check out our game day review and our top ten takeaways from the match.
Arsenal vs. Southampton
Sportsnaut prediction: Arsenal 2 – 1 Southampton, with Alexis Sánchez being Man of the Match
Result: Arsenal 2 – 1 Southampton.
It took a 94th-minute penalty by Santi Cazorla for Arsenal to claim victory in a game which saw them have 17 attempts but only 2 on target. Arsenal controlled possession throughout the game but had to come back from being a goal down after goalkeeper Petr Cech scored an home-goal. The equalizing goal was a sensational overhead kick by defender Laurent Koscielny.
Bournemouth vs. West Brom
Sportsnaut Prediction: Bournemouth 1 – 0 West Brom, with Jack Wilshere being Man of the Match
Result: Bournemouth 1 – 0 West Brom
Callum Wilson’s goal in the 79th minute was enough for Bournemouth to win. Bournemouth dominated possession and managed to keep a confidence-building clean sheet. Jack Wilshere came on in the 63rd minute to help Bournemouth keep calm and claim a deserved victory.
Burnley vs. Hull City
Sportsnaut Prediction: Burnley 0 – 2 Hull City, with Tom Huddlestone claiming Man of the Match
Result: Burnley 1 – 1 Hull City
Hull City’s never-say-die attitude saved them from defeat against a Burnley side that conceded possession and managed only two attempts on goal. Hull needed a 95th-minute goal by Robert Snodgrass to earn a point in a game they deserved to win.
Middlesbrough vs. Crystal Palace
Sportsnaut Prediction: Middlesbrough 1 – 1 Crystal Palace, with Christian Benteke claiming Man of the Match
Result: Middlesbrough 1 – 2 Crystal Palace
In the first half, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke combined to put Crystal Palace in front in 16 minutes. Daniel Ayala put Middlesbrough level before the end of the first half.
It was a moment of poor defending by George Friend that allowed Zaha to score the winner after 47 minutes. This was Palace’s first victory of the season and Middlesbrough’s first loss.
Stoke City vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Sportsnaut Prediction: Stoke City 0 – 3 Tottenham Hotspur, with Christian Eriksen claiming Man of the Match
Result: Stoke City 0 – 4 Tottenham Hotspur
In a dominant display, Tottenham ran riot, dictating possession and showing a clinical counter-attacking style. Stoke City wasn’t toothless in their performance, with 15 attempts and 5 on target, yet they were unable to defend against Tottenham’s highly energetic and creative breaks.
Harry Kane scored the fourth goal, ending his nine-game goal drought.
West Ham United vs. Watford
Sportsnaut Prediction: West Ham United 0 – 1 Watford, with Troy Deeney claiming Man of the Match
Result: West Ham United 2 – 4 Watford
Watford came back in an explosive London derby which saw West Ham take a 2-0 lead in the first 33 minutes thanks to a Michail Antonio brace. By halftime, Watford had drawn level as Odion Ighalo got lucky with a deflected shot and Troy Deeney profited from a calamitous defensive miscommunication by West Ham.
In the second half, West Ham couldn’t contend with Watford’s energy. Etienne Capoue’s and Jose Holebas scored winning goals to seal a deserved and entertaining victory.
Liverpool vs. Leicester City
Sportsnaut Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 2 Leicester City, with Kasper Schmeichel claiming Man of the Match
Result: Liverpool 4 – 1 Leicester City
Liverpool had efficiency and energy in the final third but looked vulnerable in defense. For a brief moment, Leicester City had a chance to pull level 2-2 just before half time but failed to take the chance.
Liverpool continued to control the game in the second half, and once Adam Lallana scored in the 56th minute the game was won. Leicester City couldn’t find a spark in the second half and Liverpool deserved their victory, even finding the net for a fourth time with Roberto Firmino’s second.