Premier League Round-Up: Talking Points

English Premier League continues to provide drama, interesting league chases, and more important goals to keep fans entertained. There were some pointers though from Robert Sanchez’s poor goalkeeping that saw Chelsea losing all three points, Aston Villa are tough to kick from home turf, and many more. Here are the five talking points from weekend games.

Sandro Tonali’s last Appearance For Newcastle United This Season

Despite Newcastle United continuing impressive form going eight games unbeaten in all competitions with a ruthless 4-0 display against Crystal Palace on Saturday – manager Eddie Howe and fans were left with sad faces at the end of the game. This is because midfielder Sandro Tonali might be playing his final match for the club this season. Tonali admitted to having breached Italian betting regulations last week and is expected to hear the length of his ban this week. The Italian International has been a key player this season since his £55million transfer from AC Milan in the last summer window.

Robert Sanchez’s Poor Goalkeeping Continues

Chelsea were on the cause to seal a priceless victory at Stamford Bridge when were 2 nil up against log chasers Arsenal. But goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made horrible mistakes which resulted in the Gunners ending up leaving with a point at the end of the game. Since the start of the season, Sanchez has been criticized heavily but manager Mauricio Pochettino has continued to keep faith in his number one goalkeeper. His move to £20m move to Chelsea at the start of the season raised some eyebrows considering he wasn’t the first choice at goalie for his former club Brighton.

Ange Postecoglou Makes History As Tottenham Hotspurs Remain On Top Of The League

With all the league-leading pack teams already played over the weekend, Tottenham Hotspurs knew that a victory against Fulham would see them remain on top of the Premier League table. Goals from Son Hueng Min and James Maddison gave them an easy 2-0 passage and ensured that Spurs remains unbeaten this season in the league after round 9. This perfect league start gives fans hope of seeing a club winning a league title for the first time since 1961 or a chance to obtain a trophy since 2008. In the process, the manager Ange Postecoglou became the first English Premier League manager to obtain 23 points in his first nine matches on the sidelines eclipsing the record held by Mike Walker and Guus Hiddink.

No Way Out At Villa Park

On Sunday, Aston Villa thrashed West Ham by 4-1 to move fifth in the league standings. That was an excellent performance against the stubborn Hammers side that has become more competitive in the past two seasons. The beauty about the performance is that it was Villa’s 11th league home straight win for the side since last suffering a defeat at the hands of Arsenal back in February. For a side, challenging for the European competition, it is crucial to win much of the games at home. Another factor is that they have become a free goal-scoring side at home turf and shown that when thumping ever-impressive Brighton 6-1 last month. So, Villa Park is slowly becoming a hard place to visit for the opponents.

Ederson Rested For The First Time This Season.

When Manchester City welcomed Brighton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday – there was an unfamiliar face in the City starting line-up. Stefan Ortega made his first start of the season replacing Ederson in goal. Ortega has to deal with being the second-best to ever outstanding Ederson for much of the season. With Ederson returning from International duty for Brazil, Pep Guardiola decided to rest him citing he was tired due to traveling. Nevertheless, Ortega didn’t disappoint at all playing like a player used to the game time.