Chelsea surrendered their position on the Premier League summit after Liverpool and City win to capitalize on the Thomas Tuchel side failure in the London Derby at the Olympic Stadium, whereas Rangnick win on his United first assignment.
David De Gea of Manchester United in discussion with Ralf Rangnick, Manager of Manchester United after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on December 05, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
We take a look at some of the biggest highlights of Premier League game-week 13 games played so far.
1. West Ham United ends Chelsea’s dominance in a comeback win
Prior to the early kickoff on Saturday, Chelsea had won each of their last London derby away games but West Ham United showed they are now one of the forces to reckon with, staged an exhilarating display to end Chelsea’s dominance in the fixtures.
Mason Mount made it eight goal contributions in four games for himself with a goal and assist either side of Manuel Lanzini’s penalty as Chelsea finished to half in front.
Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Arthur Masuaku after the break broke the hearts of Chelsea as they conceded multiple goals for the first time in the league this season.
2. Origi’s late winner at the Molineux help Liverpool maintain form
Liverpool made it nine consecutive league wins in fixtures against Wolverhampton Wonderers as they temporarily moved to the top of the league table before City’s game later in the day on Saturday.
Despite their commanding display in the game, it was not until the fourth minute of added time that they were able to get a deserved winner, courtesy of Divock Origi’s goal.
The Reds have now made it five straight wins in all competitions, after the 3-2 loss at West Ham United.
3. Manchester City take pole position on the log
Two goals from the inform Bernardo Silva, added to an early header by Raheem Sterling give Manchester City a 3-1 win over Claudio Ranieri’s Watford on Saturday evening as Pep Guardiola side move to the top of the league standing.
Half time substitute, Juan Hernandez did deny Ederson a clean sheet late on in the game but City safely sail to another three points, making it seven games winning run in all competitions after the 2-0 home loss to Palace.
4. Ralf Rangnic’s first game a good omen for United
For the first time since April, Manchester United keep a clean sheet at the Old Trafford Stadium, ending a run of 14 games without one at the Theatre of dreams.
Fred scored his second league goal of the season against Palace on Sunday, a goal that earned United an hard-fought win over Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
There are lots of positives for United in the game though but the highlights still remain the win and the clean sheet, as United get their time under the new manager to a perfect start.
5. Steven Gerrard have Villains dreaming again
Ezri Konsa scored twice between a Harvey Barnes goal to give Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Leicester City as they continue their resurgence under the former Rangers boss.
Villa have now made it three wins from four under Gerrard, and move into the top half of the table. They play Liverpool next.
Author: Afolabi Kehinde Hassan