Opinion
In another jam-packed weekend in the Premier League, these were the two clashes that really stood out.
Liverpool have lucky break
Facts and figures
The 2-0 scoreline was an indicator of how much Liverpool dominated the contest and it may well have been more one-sided as far as the winning margin was concerned. Liverpool had more than two thirds of possession and six shots on target.
Points of difference
There was a significant difference in class between the two teams if you judge them on efficiency and quality in the final third, with Mohamed Salah scoring both of Liverpool’s goals. The result may have been different had Watford taken their chances, but that’s football.
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Who made their team better?
Salah scored a brace of goals. For a goalkeeper that let in two goals, Watford’s Ben Foster wouldn’t be too disappointed with his display as he made some saves that kept his team in the game.
Trials and tribulations
Watford had the better chances to take the lead, but they didn’t take them. That’s the way it goes sometimes. They could have won the game and taken all three points.
Bournemouth claim upset victory over hapless Blues
Facts and figures
Chelsea had 67 per cent of possession and they finished with five shots on target to Bournemouth’s two, yet they lost the game.
Points of difference
Bournemouth were impressive. They played almost a perfect game, in particular their goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who needed to be at his best to keep Chelsea scoreless.
Who made their team better?
Ramsdale made some pivotal saves for Bournemouth. Ramsdale managed to keep a clean sheet. Dan Gosling scored his first goal of the season with an intelligent overhead kick late in the game.
Trials and tribulations
Ryan Fraser had a good opportunity to score in the first half, but had his effort on goal well saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. At the other end of the field, Mason Mount had a chance to score superbly thwarted by Ramsdale. Bournemouth were particularly impressive in the opening half.
Kurt Zouma did well to prevent Joshua King from opening the scoring for Bournemouth in the second half. Emerson should have given Chelsea the lead. Gosling was an unlikely goal scorer, but who cares from a Bournemouth perspective as they ran out 1-0 winners.
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Frankly, it was a bad look for Hayes. She appears like a grumpy and frustrated manager as her tenure at Chelsea is coming to an end.
Earlier in the season, Liverpool winning this fixture would be close to a foregone conclusion - but Chelsea have players who can win trophies.
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