Another step back for Everton: The Premier League 3pm action you might have missed
The final round of Premier League matches before November begins got underway continued on Saturday, with three games taking place at the traditional 3pm kick-off time.
The early game saw Manchester City return to winning ways at home with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Aston Villa, and because title rivals Liverpool play on Sunday they’ve reduced their lead at the top of the table to three points.
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None of the league’s ‘big six’ clubs were in action with all eyes on those in the bottom half of the table. Bottom side Watford entertained Bournemouth whilst Brighton & Hove Albion welcomed Everton.
Elsewhere, bitter rivals West Ham United and Sheffield United locked horns in east London, their first meeting since 2007 in a game that ended with the Blades’ demotion which they felt was an injustice.
So, how did the games play out?
Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 Everton
The match summed up in one stat… Everton are winless in their last 11 Premier League trips to the south coast (drawing three and losing eight).
What does this mean for the Premier League? Everton have dropped closer to the relegation zone, now sitting 16th, while Brighton jump up to 12th.
Man of the match? Neal Maupay, created two chances and scored Brighton’s equalising goal.
Spare a thought for… Lucas Digne. At first it seemed the Frenchman had assisted Richarlison for Everton’s equaliser, but it would go down as an Adam Webster own goal. Then, as Everton looked to be heading for a draw, the left-back turned into his own net in stoppage time.
Watford 0-0 Bournemouth
The match summed up in one stat… Of Premier League matches played 6 or more times, Watford vs Bournemouth finished as a draw in the highest percentage of meetings (77.8% – 7/9).
What does this mean for the Premier League? Bournemouth missed the opportunity to close in on the top four places, but did move up to eighth. Watford stay rooted at the bottom.
Man of the match? Diego Rico, who won seven tackles and created one goalscoring opportunity.
Spare a thought for… Callum Wilson. The Bournemouth striker failed to have a single effort on goal in his 74 minutes on the pitch, eventually being replaced by Dominic Solanke.
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West Ham United 1-1 Sheffield United
The match summed up in one stat… Sheffield United are winless in their last 17 top-flight games in London, drawing five and losing 12 since a 2-1 win over Chelsea (October 1992).
What does this mean for the Premier League? Sheffield United remain ahead of West Ham on goal-difference, sitting seventh and ninth respectively.
Man of the match? Andriy Yarmolenko, who created no fewer than three scoring chances including Robert Snodgrass’ opener.
Spare a thought for… Dean Henderson. By conceding he missed out on the chance of matching Ederson (five shutouts) atop of the Premier League clean sheet chart.