Premier League Top Five, Round 21: Noble kickstarts Moyes era at West Ham
The (second) David Moyes era at West Ham got off to a cracking start as they secured their biggest Premier League win in 12 years by defeating Bournemouth 4-0, with Mark Noble putting in a captain's performance with two goals. There was definitely an element of luck in his first, which was the opener, as he slid a strike at goal from the edge of the box which deflected into the bottom corner. His second was typically composed from the penalty spot, a penalty which he won himself after dancing into the box from the right wing. He also won 100% of his tackles and made 11 ball recoveries for the Hammers.
With Sergio Aguero still a game or two away from full fitness, Gabriel Jesus continues to deputise for his Argentine team-mate impressively, with him scoring another two goals versus Everton. He opened the scoring six minutes after the break after cleverly cutting inside on his right foot, allowing him the space to curl a lovely finish into the top right corner. For his next goal, which proved to be the winner, he lashed a low strike into the bottom corner with his left foot on this occasion. Overall, he had 13 touches inside the opposition box which was the highest of anyone this week alongside Wilfried Zaha.
Leicester helped themselves to three goals against Newcastle as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, with Wilfried Ndidi earning an assist for the last goal for Hamza Choudhury. However, the Nigerian's best work came further back as he dominated the midfield with ease, completing 66 out of 75 attempted passes. Defensively, He won the majority of his duels, 9/12 aerial duels, and made nine ball recoveries, five interceptions, and two clearances.
While Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane done the business at the attacking area of the pitch, Virgil van Dijk was busy making sure Sheffield Utd barely got a sniff in front of his goal. He won 6/7 duels, 100% of his tackles, and 3/4 aerial duels, and made four ball recoveries, three interceptions, and five clearances. It was his command of the ball which was most impressive, however, as he completed 135/142 passes and enjoyed 154 touches - both of which were the highest tallies of any player in the league this week.
Liverpool eventually defeated the Blades 2-0, and it was Andy Robertson who helped them take the lead just a few minutes in when his pressing contributed to a slip from George Baldock. From there, he stole possession and whipped a low cross into the box for Salah to score. He sent 32 passes into the final third, and overall completed 113/123 passes to team-mates.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Leicester scored three at St. James' Park with James Maddison (8.4) netting with a belting finish into the top right corner with his weak foot from the edge of the box. He had 106 touches, and completed 78/88 passes.
ROUND TO FORGET
It was a miserable afternoon for Newcastle in the aforementioned defeat, and it all began when Florian Lejeune (3.9) sent a crazy pass across his own box which was intercepted by Ayoze Perez to score.