Day two of the gameweek six produced two very different games, as West Ham and Chelsea, while Arsenal recorded a somewhat fortuitous victory over Everton. Here is a more detailed account of what happened in Sunday’s Premier League games.
Blues frustrated by West Ham at the London Stadium
Struggling West Ham held high flying Chelsea to a goalless draw at the London Stadium, despite having lost four of their first five league outings this season.
Chelsea had gone into this game having won all five of their league games under Italian boss Maurizio Sarri. However, the Hammers midfield managed to snub out the threat of Chelsea’s star of the season so far Eden Hazard, who enjoyed little joy against the Irons.
West Ham had the better chances in the early exchanges as Michail Antonio fired over the bar from an acute angle before firing straight at Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea had a chance early in the second period as centre-back David Luiz headed over the bar. Blues substitute Alvaro Morata should have scored soon after entering the pitch, but managed to fire an effort from close-range right into the face of Lukasz Fabianski.
At the other end of the pitch, Andrey Yarmolenko somehow managed to head an effort from six yards out wide of Kepa’s goal. Fabianski produced a good save from Ross Barkley in stoppage-time, while Willian also fired wide.
In the end, neither team found a breakthrough. The draw means that West Ham are 17th in the table, while the Blues remain third-place and two points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal record unconvincing win over Everton
Arsenal recorded a 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, although the win was not all that convincing.
In fact, Everton enjoyed the better of the first half, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Theo Walcott and Richarlison all saw efforts kept out by veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech in the first period.
At the other end, Jordan Pickford produced a fine save to keep a Nacho Monreal effort and Alexandre Lacazette saw a penalty appeal waved away.
The Toffees started the second half stronger than the home side too. However, it was the home side’s quality in attack that made the big difference on 56 minutes. Aaron Ramsey played the ball to Alexandre Lacazette on the edge of the area and the French international a superb effort past Pickford in the Everton goal.
The Gunners were two goals up three minutes courtesy of a decision by one of the officials. Everton defender Kurt Zouma lost the ball halfway in his own half, which led to a three-one situation in Arsenal’s favour.
Mesut Ozil played a poor pass to Ramsey who back-heeled the ball to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in an offside position. The striker did pause to check his position and fired home. Much to the disbelief of the visitors, the goal stood.
The victory moved Arsenal up to sixth-place in the Premier League, just a point outside the top-four. Despite the win the Gunners are still outsiders to claim a Champions League place this season.
Everton remain in 12th position, despite enjoying a relatively comfortable early season schedule.
Can Chelsea mount a realistic title challenge this season?
