Liverpool move one step closer to history: Big stats & stories behind today’s 3pm Premier League results
The first Saturday of October saw four Premier League games take place at the traditional 3pm kick-off time.
After Brighton & Hove Albion’s shock win over Tottenham Hotspur, eyes turned to Anfield where league leaders Liverpool took on third-placed Leicester City.
Watford were looking for their first Premier League win of the season as they faced the impressive Sheffield United at Vicarage Road.
Elsewhere, Burnley welcomed Everton, who were looking to overturn their poor form of late, while Norwich City hosted Aston Villa in the first game between two promoted sides this season.
So, what happened in the games?
Burnley 1-0 Everton
The match summed up in one stat… Everton hit the target with just two of their 11 shots on goal against Burnley.
What does this mean for the Premier League? Burnley have shot up to fourth after their win, with Everton sinking closer to the relegation zone in 17th.
Man of the match? Ben Mee, who won a colossal nine aerial duels.
A rare sighting… Everton fans may have got used to seeing their players send off, with the Toffees being shown 95 red cards in the Premier League – more than any other team. But against Burnley, Seamus Coleman was sent off for just the second time in his Premier League career, for two yellow cards. His only other dismissal came on the final day of the 2010/11 season in a 1-0 win against Chelsea.
Liverpool 2-1 Leicester City
The match summed up in one stat… Liverpool have not lost any of their last 49 Premier League games in which they’ve scored in the first half.
What does this mean for the Premier League? Liverpool have moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while Leicester City remain third for the time being.
Man of the match? James Milner, who scored a penalty in injury time to secure the win after providing an assist for Mane in the first half.
One step closer to history… Thanks to their last-gasp penalty, Liverpool have now won their first eight games of the 2019/20 Premier League season. They are just one win away from equalling Chelsea’s record for longest perfect start, recording nine in 2005/06.
Man City: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Liverpool: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW_
Old Trafford awaits. pic.twitter.com/GknIsVgFXk
— Coral (@Coral) October 5, 2019
The Reds are also just one away from equalling Manchester City’s English top-flight record for longest winning streak, currently sitting on 17. Next up? Manchester United.
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Norwich City 1-5 Aston Villa
The match summed up in one stat… Aston Villa have scored five or more goals in a Premier League away game for the first time since April 2008 when they beat Sunderland 6-0.
What does this mean for the Premier League? Norwich City have fallen into the relegation zone as a result of Aston Villa jumping up to 14th.
Man of the match? Wesley, who score two goals and recorded an assist but missed the opportunity for a first-half hat-trick, seeing his penalty saved well by Michael McGovern.
What has happened to Teemu Pukki? The Finnish striker was having a party at the start of the season scoring five goals in four games in August, winning him the Premier League’s Player of the Month. The 29-year-old has now failed to score for the third consecutive Premier League game, with Norwich losing 2-0 twice before Saturday’s humiliation.
Watford 0-0 Sheffield United
The match summed up in one stat… There were just five shots on target from 17 total attempts in this game, with Sheffield United edging the accuracy 3-2.
What does this mean for the Premier League? Watford remain bottom with just three points, while Sheffield United stay 12th.
Man of the match? Christian Kabasele, whose eight clearances helped Watford keep a first clean sheet of the season.
Spare a thought for… Both sets of fans. The game at Vicarage Road was a drab affair and will quickly be forgotten as the international break sets in. But until then, fans will be looking back on 90 minutes wasted as Watford failed to add to their four goals for the season, while Sheffield United fired a blank for the third time in four games.
