Premier League 2018: first games
The Premier League took no time off over the holidays. 2018’s first round of fixtures have concluded: here’s how each team began
As we welcome a new Premier League year, teams play multiple matches over the festive period. One every two days in certain cases. Each team has played, Spurs and West Ham have played twice.
Top six
The top six clubs went unbeaten in their first fixture of 2018. First of all in the biggest match, Chelsea drew with Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. The Pensioners rather capitulated and should’ve seen out their lead.
The Gunners’ Jack Wilshire gave them the lead, his shot rocketing against the post and in. A weak challenge on Eden Hazard by Hector Bellerin gave Chelsea a penalty which hazard converted. Late on, Bellerin cancelled out Marcos Alonso’s goal with a fine finish. Does this end both teams title push at the halfway stage?
Paul Pogba stole the show on Merseyside as Manchester United beat Everton. He assisted Jesse Lingard in addition to setting up Anthony Martial. This gave the Red Devils a two goal victory. While Tottenham were comfortable winners at Swansea, they only managed a draw with The Hammers. Although,10 points over Christmas is a marvellous haul.
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Liverpool left it until the 94th minute to beat high-flying Burnley. Manchester City now have a 15-point lead in the Premier League. They dispatched Watford at home 3-1 on January 2nd.
Watch all the festive fixtures here
Best of the rest
Crystal Palace continued their turn around in form under new manager Roy Hodgson. They took all three points at St. Mary’s Stadium against Southampton. Andy Carroll bagged a brace at home to West Brom, where David Moyes has also successfully altered ways for West Ham.
Leicester City, along with their new manager Claude Puel, desire Europa League qualification in 7th. Much as they enjoyed Champions League quarter finals in 2017. They did their chances no harm by dismantling Huddersfield 3-0.
The Pressure is on for Mark Hughes as Stoke lost at home to struggling Newcastle. Brighton sit only three points from the relegation zone after drawing with Bournemouth 2-2.
Next up: the cup
It’s FA Cup action this weekend so look out for our review of the best of it. Liverpool have beaten rivals Everton in the Friday game. Freshly signed 75-million-pound-man Virgil van Dijk headed in the winner. The Premier League also returns to action on January 13th and we’ll have instant reports on all of that too.