Scrappy win for Arsenal, West Ham stun Liverpool

Published August 29, 2015
Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren look dejected at half time. — Reuters
Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren look dejected at half time. — Reuters

LONDON: Arsenal clinched their second Premier League win of the season at Newcastle while West Ham handed Liverpool a 3-0 drubbing in Saturday's big matches.

After Monday's goalless draw with Liverpool left them with one victory from their opening three matches, Arsene Wenger's spluttering side were already in danger of being cast adrift in the title race when an own-goal by Newcastle rescued them.

Although they were below their best again, Arsenal got back on track at St James' Park with the help of hot-headed Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic's latest indiscretion.

Referee Andre Marriner had infuriated Wenger when Arsenal were denied an early penalty after right-back Hector Bellerin appeared to have his heel trodden on by Florian Thauvin as he burst into the Newcastle area.

But Marriner was back in Wenger's good books in the 16th minute when he sent off Mitrovic after the Serbia international needlessly stamped on Francis Coquelin's ankle as he stretched in a failed attempt to reach a loose ball.

The combative Mitrovic's red card came after he had already been booked twice in his first three games since his pre-season move from Anderlecht.

Wenger's team eventually took advantage of their numerical superiority in the 52nd minute when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's low drive beat goalkeeper Tim Krul via a deflection off Coloccini as the Newcastle defender tried to block.

“Newcastle toughened the game up, they decided from the start to make it very physical but we kept our nerve,” Wenger said.

“We were mature and intelligent. The win was important so maybe we were a bit cautious.”

Newcastle are without a win in their first four league matches under new boss Steve McClaren.

“It was a harsh red card. It was more clumsy and he stood on his foot. I just felt early on there were too many yellows and it was a rod for the referee's back,” McClaren added.

The Gunners' away win also continued an unusual trend that has seen only six home wins from 31 Premier League matches so far this season.

Later on Saturday, leaders Manchester City will aim to extend their 100 percent start with a fourth successive win when they host unbeaten Watford.

After securing their maiden victory of the season at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, champions Chelsea take on fifth-placed Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham stun Liverpool 3-0

Mark Noble scored and was later sent off as West Ham stunned Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in a game that both teams finished with 10 men.

Manuel Lanzini put the visitors ahead after just three minutes and Noble added the second against the run of play in the 29th as West Ham earned its second win of the season - having beaten Arsenal away on the opening weekend.

Things got worse for Liverpool when Philippe Coutinho picked up his second yellow card in the 53rd minute as Brendan Rodgers' team fell to its first loss of the campaign.

Noble was then sent off for a lunging challenge in the 79th but Diafra Sakho polished off the win in injury time.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...