Football Roundup – Everton stun Chelsea, Toons angered by Spurs ‘disrespect’ & Arsenal women set new WSL attendance record
There were four Premier League matches in action on Sunday with several shock results, including Everton’s 2-0 win over Chelsea and tensions boil over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It was poor results for Spurs in the WSL, as they were beaten 4-0 by Man Utd. Everton bagged a narrow win over Bristol. But the big match – Arsenal vs Chelsea saw the current WSL champions get battered at the Emirates in front of a record crowd of 59,000.
Premier League Sunday fixture roundup
Everton stun Chelsea with third consecutive win
Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Everton secured their first trio of consecutive Premier League victories since 2021 by defeating Chelsea at Goodison Park. Abdoulaye Doucoure and substitute Lewis Dobbin both netted first-time goals in the second half, helping Sean Dyche’s team move four points clear of the relegation zone. The first half was tightly contested, featuring notable saves by Jordan Pickford against Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer. Jack Harrison’s acrobatic volley and Dwight McNeil’s attempt tested Chelsea’s defence. However, Chelsea struggled to break through in the final third, leading to Doucoure and Dobbin capitalizing on counterattacks to seal Everton’s win. This defeat marked Chelsea’s seventh in the league under Mauricio Pochettino, resulting in a drop to 12th place in the table.
City fight back to end winless streak
Luton Town FC 1-2 Manchester City`
Manchester City have ended their four-match winless streak in the Premier League with a comeback win against Luton Town. Facing the prospect of back-to-back league defeats for the first time since December 2019, City fell behind when Elijah Adebayo headed in Andros Townsend’s cross in first-half stoppage time. However, Bernardo Silva equalised with a splendid curling effort after seizing on a loose ball in the penalty area. The turnaround was completed three minutes later when Jack Grealish converted Julian Alvarez’s low cross. Pep Guardiola, acknowledging the unusual winless streak, emphasised the need to prove critics wrong and asserted, “People say ‘City is over already.’ This is the challenge that we have ahead of us—prove them wrong and still be there.” The victory maintains City’s fourth position, trailing leaders Liverpool by four points, while Luton, now four points adrift from safety, occupy the 18th spot after Everton’s triumph over Chelsea.
Spurs thrash Newcastle, are they back on track?
Tottenham 4-1 Newcastle
Tottenham brought an end to their recent struggles in a resounding fashion, dominating a fatigued Newcastle United. After enduring four losses in their previous five matches and failing to secure a victory since late October, Spurs found their rhythm when Destiny Udogie scored from Son Heung-min’s assist, setting the tone for a commanding performance. Striker Richarlison shone by netting goals on either side of halftime, capitalising on Son’s precise delivery and controlling Pedro Porro’s long pass. Son, delivering an outstanding performance, earned a penalty and converted it after being brought down by Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka. Although Joelinton’s late goal provided a consolation for Newcastle, their sporadic threats and a missed opportunity by Miguel Almiron highlighted the toll of a demanding schedule on manager Eddie Howe’s injury-plagued squad. With a crucial final Champions League group game against AC Milan looming on Wednesday night, Newcastle faces the challenge of regrouping and revitalising swiftly.
WSL Sunday fixture roundup
Arsenal batter Chelsea in front of record crowd
Arsenal 4-1 Chelsea
In front of a record crowd at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a remarkable performance, securing a convincing victory over reigning champions Chelsea and making their WSL title defence a serious challenge. With both teams now level on points, Chelsea’s first league defeat of the season unfolded in front of 59,042 spectators, marking a new WSL record. The Gunners took an early lead as Beth Mead found the net after eight minutes, but Chelsea responded with an equaliser from Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd against the run of play. Instead of dampening Arsenal’s spirits, Chelsea’s goal fueled the Gunners’ dominance, with Amanda Ilestedt capitalising on a goalkeeper error for the second goal. A composed finish by Alessia Russo made it 3-1 at halftime. Despite Chelsea boss Emma Hayes’ halftime adjustments, including three substitutions and a formation change, Arsenal maintained control, and Russo sealed the victory with a fourth goal from the penalty spot, ensuring the three points stayed in north London.
Ruthless United put four past struggling Spurs
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspurs
Manchester United stayed in contention for the Women’s Super League title with a comfortable win against Tottenham Hotspur. Melvine Malard played a crucial role, scoring two goals and assisting Ella Toone for the second, while Hayley Ladd added a late fourth. The victory keeps United four points behind leaders Chelsea and within striking distance of the Champions League spots. On the other hand, Spurs, now winless in five league games, struggled as United capitalised on a defensive miscommunication for the opening goal. Despite Spurs’ first home league defeat of the season, the return of striker Bethany England, who played 55 minutes in her first game of the season following hip surgery, provided a positive note for the team.