Saturday’s Premier League games produced a number of potentially vital results for the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Swansea City. Here is what happened in Saturday’s top-flight fixtures:
The north London topped the bill of Premier League games this weekend. However, the first half at Wembley produced 45 minutes of nothingness.
However, Spurs produced a far brighter second-half display. In fact, Mauricio Pochettino’s side took just four minutes of the second period to open the scoring. Ben Davies fired a cross into the penalty area and striker Harry Kane rose above to Gunners defenders to head home past Petr Cech, giving the visiting ‘keeper no chance.
Tottenham enjoyed the better of the second period, Kane heading just wide, while Cech produced two good saves from Kieran Trippier and Christian Eriksen. Dele Alli and Erik Lamela also spurned chances when put in on goal. Arsenal had a golden opportunity to equalise deep into stoppage-time. However, substitute Alexandre Lacazette fired wide of goal after a mistake from Davinson Sanchez.
The win moved Spurs up to third-place in the Premier League table. However, their rivals remain sixth-place and outsiders to finish in the Champions League positions this season.
Swansea’s revival continues under Portuguese boss Carlos Carvalhal, who has now picked up four league wins since his appointment in December. The win moved the Swans two points clear of the relegation zone.
For a long time, this game looked to be drifting towards a goalless draw. However, the Welsh side found the win with just nine minutes left on the clock. Tom Carroll did well down the wing and crossed towards Jordan Ayew, who left the ball to South Korean midfielder Ki and the midfielder’s low striker beat Nick Pope in the Clarets goal.
The defeat means that Burnley stays in seventh place. However, the likes of Everton and Leicester are now hot on their heels to finish in seventh spot and clinch a potential Europa League place for next season.
West Ham are another team who look to be in the relegation dogfight. However, the Irons recorded a vital 2-0 victory over Watford to move five points clear of the drop zone.
David Moyes side went ahead on 38 minutes. Michail Antonio took on Daryl Janmaat down the flank and the winger’s cross found Javier Hernandez, who from around ten yards out headed past Orestis Karnezis in the Watford goal.
The Hammers sealed the victory with just 12 minutes left on the clock. Having just returned from injury, Austrian international Marko Arnautovic capitalised on a poor clearance from Jose Holebas to score from close-range. The goal was the former Inter stars seventh in his last ten top-flight appearances.
The home side moved up to 11th place in the Premier League table and level on points with the Hornets. Both sides will know that they still have work to do to avoid being dragged back into the fight for survival.
Saturday’s other Premier League results:
Everton 3-1 Crystal Palace
Stoke 1-1 Brighton
Manchester City 5-1 Leicester City
Who pulled off the biggest win in the Premier League on Saturday?