With many of the Premier League’s top teams playing on Sunday, many of the lesser lights took centre stage in gameweek 12 of the English top-flight on Saturday. Here is how the drama unfolded on a day of controversy:
Rondon double sees off the Cherries
All the goals came in a breathless first half, with Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon the star of the show. The on-loan striker did not take long to open his account the league for the Magpies, seven minutes in fact. The forward saw an initial effort blocked by Asmir Begovic before he scored a tap-in with the rebound.
Bournemouth then suffered an injury blow, as full-back Adam Smith received treatment for a knee injury before being stretchered off the pitch, which delayed the game by eight minutes.
Rondon doubled his goal tally on 40 minutes, powerfully heading home from a Kenedy cross. The visitors were back in the game deep into first-half stoppage-time, as midfielder Jefferson Lerma headed home from a Ryan Fraser cross.
Bournemouth came out with more purpose in the second half, but in truth, both sides missed chances, as the home side held on for what could prove to be three vital points.
The result moves Newcastle up to 14th place in the table, just a point clear of the relegation zone though. Bournemouth remain sixth place, although both Manchester United and Everton could leapfrog the Cherries with a victory in today’s games.
Controversy at St Marys
The officials were at the centre of a storm at St Marys, Southampton as the Saints drew 1-1 with Watford.
The home side took the lead on 20 minutes, as Danny Ings dispossessed Roberto Pereyra and Manolo Gabbiadini scored his first home goal in 13 months for the Saints.
The first moment of controversy arrived just before the hour mark. Hornets midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah looked to be in on goal only for Saints full-back Ryan Bertrand to slide in and take his legs away from under him in the penalty area.
However, referee Simon Hooper decided against giving a spot-kick, which could have also seen Bertrand receive his second caution of the game. On 66 minutes came the second controversial decision of the game. Saints striker Charlie Austin struck an effort from the edge of the area that nicked a Watford defender on its way in.
However, the officials decided to disallow the effort, as they believed the ball had deflected off Saints defender Maya Yoshida, who was standing in an offside position when Austin struck his effort. Replays confirmed the officials got the decision.
To add insult to injury the visitors equalised with just eight minutes left on the clock. Greek full-back Jose Holebas saw an effort heavily deflect off Cedric before beating Alex McCarthy in the home goal.
After the game Southampton striker, Austin gave a very animated and frank interview after his disallowed goal. He did not hold back in his views, while Saints boss Mark Hughes was also critical of the officials.
The result leaves Southampton 17th place in the top-flight table and the Saints remain one of the favourites to suffer relegation this season. The draw moved Watford up to seventh in the top-flight table.
Saturday’s other Premier League results
Cardiff 2-1 Brighton
Huddersfield 1-1 West Ham
Leicester 0-0 Burnley
Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham
Who pulled off the result of the day on Saturday in the Premier League?
