Yaya Toure marked his first Premier League start under Pep Guardiola in predictable style. The Ivorian played a one-two with Nolito in the box, before side-footing the ball home in the 39th minute – the only shot on target– to send into the dressing room a goal up after a pedestrian first half.
The Eagles, though, hit back with 66 minutes on the clock. Connor Wickham, brought on early on in the second period for Andros Townsend, comfortably got the better of Pablo Zabaleta, and unleashed a powerful effort that Claudio Bravo failed to stop at his near post.
But Toure was again on hand, grabbing his second of the game. The midfielder was left unmarked in the box and comfortably swept a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne into the back of the net to restore City’s lead, sending his side back to Manchester with three vital points.
Goalscorer for the Swans: Gylfi Sigurdsson (41’ pen)
Goalscorer for the Toffees: Seamus Coleman (89′)
Everton have been struggling for consistency over the past two months, and looked a side well-short of confidence in the opening 45 minutes of play. The hosts had plenty of opportunities to open the scoring – including Romelu Lukaku firing over the bar from close range – but it was Gylfi Sigurdsson who drew first blood. The Iceland international converted from the penalty spot in the 41st minute after being brought down by Phil Jagielka.
A chorus of boos accompanied the Toffees at the half-time break, and there was little response in the second half – until the 89th minute. Seamus Coleman was the hero, with the right-back looping a header over Łukasz Fabiański and into the top corner,
Jurgen Klopp’s troops dominated the first half, but were left frustrated by a stubborn Southampton side. Sadio Mane, who swapped St Mary’s for Anfield in the , had two glorious chances to opening the scoring, but was first denied by an excellent save from Fraser Forster, and second a superb last-ditch challenge by Virgil van Dijk.
It was the same after the , with the Reds creating plenty of openings on goal, but failing to take advantage. Philippe Coutinho didn’t seem to be at his best, perhaps struggling from his exploits over the international break, and couldn’t influence proceedings as he has done.
Liverpool had ample chances to strengthen their position at the top of the table, and will have to hope Middlesbrough do them a favour against Chelsea tomorrow evening.
Nathan Ake, on loan from Chelsea, marked his top flight debut for the Cherries with the opening goal at the bet365 Stadium. The 21-year-old rose highest to meet Erik Pieters superb free-kick, heading Bournemouth deservedly in front.
Bojan Krkić had the chance to equalise early on in the second half from the penalty spot, but his effort crashed off the crossbar and away from danger.
The Potters failed to hit back to Ake’s opener, suffering their first defeat since their 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace in September.
Defoe – as if it has really been in doubt – proved he’s still got it at the age of 34. The striker eased his way past three Tigers defenders, creating space for the shot, and left David Marshall with no chance of stopping his spectacularly-taken 150th Premier League goal.
And it looked be the Black Cats’ day when Victor Anichebe received the ball from Patrick van Aanholt in the box, making space for himself and sending a low into the back of the net, doubling Sunderland’s lead with just over an hour played.
Anichebe later grabbed his second (honestly!) to cap off a miserable afternoon for Mike Phelan and his troops, who failed to kick on from their win over Southampton in their previous league fixture.
Goalscorers for the Hornets: Etienne Capoue (1’), Roberto Pereyra (12’)
Goalscorers for the Foxes: Riyad Mahrez (15’ pen)
The Hornets stormed out of the blocks at Vicarage Road, with Etienne Capoue taking only seconds after the whistle had been blown to put his side ahead, before Roberto Pereyra unleashed a stunning curled effort little over 10 minutes later.
Riyad Mahrez got a goal back for the defending Premier League champions with a quarter of an hour on the clock, from the penalty spot, which was to be the last of the frantic goalscoring antics.
The early strikes from Capoue and Pereyra sealed the victory for Watford, who just about deserved to seal the three points against Claudio Ranieri’s struggling title-defenders.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
(Via: CitiFM Online Ghana)
