English Premier League Wrap—Week 6

Hull pulled off the upset of the season in the Premiership, downing league leaders Arsenal 2—1 at the Emirates. To make matters worse for the Gunners, the other members of the “Big Four”—Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United—all won.
English Premier League Wrap—Week 6
CAHILL CHASING SHADOWS: Fernando Torres of Liverpool (right) beats Tim Cahill of Everton during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
9/29/2008
Updated:
10/1/2015
<a><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/83031779.jpg" alt="CAHILL CHASING SHADOWS: Fernando Torres of Liverpool (right) beats Tim Cahill of Everton during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.  (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)" title="CAHILL CHASING SHADOWS: Fernando Torres of Liverpool (right) beats Tim Cahill of Everton during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.  (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1833580"/></a>
CAHILL CHASING SHADOWS: Fernando Torres of Liverpool (right) beats Tim Cahill of Everton during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.  (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Hull pulled off the upset of the season in the Premiership, downing league leaders Arsenal 2–1 at the Emirates on Saturday. To make matters worse for the Gunners, the other members of the “Big Four”—Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester Unted—all won.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the BBC, “Human beings are not machines. Perhaps subconsciously we thought we would make it. They [Hull] deserve credit.”

Hull manager Phil Brown said, “We have a drive, an endeavor and a belief that we can come to places and get a result.”

Arsenal went into this match making 11 changes to the team that smashed Sheffield United mid-week 6–0 in a Carling Cup game.

At the start of the second half, Theo Walcott broke down the right flank, running half the length of the pitch, to square the ball in the six-yard box.  Cesc Fabregas pressured Hull defender Paul McShane to fumble the ball into his own net.

With the one goal lead Arsenal created several chances. Emmanuel Adebayor headed a cross into the net only for it to be disallowed after a foul on McShane.

Hull silenced the Arsenal fans when Geovanni blasted a long-range shot into the top corner—surely a contender for goal of the season.

Hull City then took the lead as Daniel Cousin lept in front of Gunners captain William Gallas to sweetly head home from a corner.

Hull held onto the lead for the last 25 minutes to take the three points and record their first ever win against Arsenal. It was only Arsenal’s second Premier League loss at the Emirates.


The Merseyside Derby


Fernando Torres struck twice in the space of three minutes to take the Merseyside derby for Liverpool against archrival Everton.

It was the usual fiery affair with six bookings and one red card. Alan Hansen, Anfield legend and TV pundit noted that this derby lacked the usual speed and pace of previous meetings.

Tim Cahill had Everton’s best chance but he mis-kicked the ball. Later in the game Cahill’s frustration was let out with a wild tackle on Xabi Alonso for which referee Mike Riley had no hesitation in showing red.

Torres, after having a couple of chances in the first half, linked up with Robbie Keane to put the Reds ahead. On the hour mark, with a run down the left wing to the byline, Keane whipped the ball over to the far post where Torres found some space and fired into the back of the net.

Moments later Everton defender Phil Jagielka made a great tackle to halt Dirk Kuyt only for the a ball to sit up nicely for Torres who smashed it in the roof of the net.

Torres ended a four-game barren spell with his two goals.

Keane, even though he did set up the first goal, has yet to score for his new team since his $36 million (£20 million) move over the summer.

Other Action


Manchester United beat Bolton Wanderers 2–0 at Old Trafford. This match had the most controversial decision seen in the Premiership this week. Ronaldo weaved into the box and was brought down by Jlloyd Samuel.

The replay showed that the defender did get the ball and that the referee was in a good position to see this. Ronaldo seemed surprised, when he got up from the tackle, that a penalty was given. He stepped up and took the spot kick for United to take the lead.

United made it two when Ronaldo back-healed from touchline into the path of Wayne Rooney who blasted a shot from inside the area into the netting.

Chelsea beat Stoke 2–0 to notch up their sixth away win in a row.

Wigan managed a home win against the new big boys Manchester City with a 2–1 win.