EPL Table 2013 Week 8: What We Learned from Weekend's Matches
It's been another wacky weekend in Premier League play.
On Saturday, Manchester City bounced back in formidable fashion against Everton, while Liverpool continued its dominant ways against Crystal Palace.
On Sunday, West Ham United shocked Tottenham Hotspur, while West Bromwich Albion fought to a draw against Arsenal.
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Here's a look at what we learned about the Premier League over the weekend.
Manchester City Can Rebound
After last week's Premier League loss to Aston Villa and this week's 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, Manchester City needs a win at home on Saturday against Everton.
City accomplished the deed.
Manuel Pellegrini's club went on to a resounding 3-1 victory over Everton on Saturday, led by Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo, David Silva and Yaya Toure. It was a convincing win behind 47,267 spectators at Etihad Stadium.
Pellegrini made all the right moves in the big win. From inserting James Milner and Negredo into the match to staying faithful to goalkeeper Joe Hart, everything seemed to work out for the manager on Saturday.
Tottenham Is Not a Title Contender
While Sunday's 3-0 loss to West Ham United shouldn't be taken lightly, Tottenham Hotspur still has a good squad overall.
It's just that Sunday's loss proved the fact that Spurs is not a true title contender.
Spurs' defense was exposed far too easily by West Ham on Sunday. Three different West Ham players scored in the rout. Erik Lamela needs to be started at this point.
Also, Spurs' offense sputtered. Jermain Defoe doesn't excel as a lone front man; it's not his style. That was even more evident on Sunday. His style is much more suited for Europa League play.
I don't expect Tottenham to tank the rest of the way or anything, but it was also apparent on Sunday that the club doesn't have enough on both ends to win the EPL.
Arsenal Is Still a Prime Contender
The 1-1 draw to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday could be seen as a massive disappointment to the overzealous.
But, the fact of the matter is, grabbing a point on Sunday has the Gunners in first place in the Premier League. That's despite having to play rookies Serge Gnabry and Ryo Miyaichi, and scorned striker Nicklas Bendtner, due to injuries on the club.
A loss at the Hawthorns would have been greater cause for concern. Claudio Yacob's goal in the 42nd minute on Sunday opened some eyes. But Jack Wilshere came through in the 63rd minute and Arsenal got a coveted point.
The doubters are going to find any way to point out that Arsene Wenger's club is crumbling, but don't let them fool you. The team chemistry Wenger spoke of during the offseason is more evident than ever, and it's about time we gave him his due. It would be shocking if Arsenal tanked the rest of the way.
| Pos. | Club | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | Arsenal | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 5 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 16 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 4 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 14 |
| 4 | Southampton | 4 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 14 |
| 5 | Manchester City | 4 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 13 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur | 4 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
| 7 | Everton | 3 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 12 |
| 8 | Hull City | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 11 |
| 9 | Manchester United | 3 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 10 |
| 10 | Aston Villa | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 10 |
| 11 | Newcastle United | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 10 |
| 12 | West Bromwich Albion | 2 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 9 |
| 13 | West Ham United | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| 14 | Cardiff City | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 8 |
| 15 | Swansea City | 2 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 7 |
| 16 | Stoke City | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 7 |
| 17 | Fulham | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 7 |
| 18 | Norwich City | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 7 |
| 19 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 3 |
| 20 | Sunderland | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 16 | -11 | 1 |
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