A shocking loss drops Christian Pulisic and Chelsea from first to third in the Premier league while while Fulham, winless in three, still sit atop the Championship.
West Ham United 3 – 2 Chelsea
Christian Pulisic played the final 18 minutes in Chelsea’s second defeat of the season, this time at the hands of West Ham. The defeat drops Chelsea from first to third place in the Premier League’s title race.
The American was brought on in the 72nd minute to try to provide a game winner for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but the balance was swung the opposite way as West Ham earned a massive three home points, keeping them in fourth place.
The game went back and forth, with Chelsea feeling like they were in the driver’s seat for most of the first half. Thiago Silva netted Chelsea’s opener in the 28th minute, and as the game edged towards half time it seemed all favor was leaning towards the visitors.
In the 39th minute a Jorginho soft backpass forced Edouaord Mendy into a bad position, and Jarrod Bowen earned a penalty kick, which was converted by Manuel Lanzini to equalize.
Chelsea edged back ahead right before halftime with a fantastic finish by Mason Mount, with Hakim Ziyech providing the assist.
The second half was even more action-packed as Bowen scored a thunderous goal for the Hammers to put his team level for the second time in the 55th minute.
After entering the game Pulisic with 18 left in regulation, had little to do in the closing stages of the game, and the game winner came from Arther Masuaka in the 87th minute. Mendy wasn’t prepared for the fizzed cross as it caught him out at his near post to wrap up an exciting game.
Pulisic will hope to play more than 18 minutes in Champions League action on Wednesday against Zenit.
Watch the highlights here:
Fulham 1 – 1 Bournemouth
Tim Ream went the full 90 while Antonee Robinson was dropped from the squad due to illness in Fulham’s home draw to Bournemouth in a battle at the top of the Championship.
The game marked the return of local hero Scott Parker to Craven Cottage, having steered Bournemouth into second place, one place and one point behind Fulham. The visitors got on the score sheet first, a succession of quick passes from the kick off in the second half found Dominic Solanke in the box to smash home the opener.
Both teams had a half dozen chances, with Fulham having arguably a few more clear cut moments of danger. The equalizer came in the final minutes, with a fantastic Tosin Adarabioyo header in the 84th minute proving to be enough.
The single point keeps Fulham on top of the Championship, and look to win away at Luton on Saturday in more Championship action.
Watch the highlights here:
Sunderland 1 – 1 Oxford United
Lynden Gooch went 90 minutes in Sunderland’s home draw against Oxford United, which saw them miss the chance to go top of League One.
The draw keeps The Black Cats in fifth place, but only two points off League leaders Rotherham.
The home team was immediately on the front foot, scoring a fantastic sweeping team goal just seven minutes in by Leon Dajaku.
Gooch will feel aggrieved as he was bodied off the ball by Nathan Holland who was able to find Matty Taylor for a cool finish inside the box to the far post.
The American and company have a short turn around as they face Morecambe on Tuesday.
Watch the highlights here:
Notes:
Josh Sargent played the final 20 minutes in Norwich’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham. Watch the highlights below.
Zack Steffen was on the bench for Manchester City in their 3-1 win over Watford.
Folarin Balogun and Arsenal take on Everton on Monday.
Duane Holmes was missing in Huddersfield’s 1-1 draw to Barnsley due to injury.
Ethan Horvath was on the bench for Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 win against Peterborough United.
Matthew Olosunde did not make the bench for Preston North End in their 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.
