Matchweek 10 of the 2023/24 EPL season saw Man United completely outclassed by their arch rivals, a horror run continue for Chelsea, and a Gunner bag three.
Haaland completes comprehensive derby win
Manchester City went into the Manchester Derby expected to win. They did exactly that, and a whole lot more, against arch rivals United.
City ($1.65) completely outplayed Erik ten Hag’s men and walked away as deserved 3-0 victors despite being away from home. As they have in many of these EPL derby clashes in recent years, United played as if they were the rank underdog in a cup competition; expectant on the break rather than going toe-to-toe. The fact this takes place at Old Trafford these days is completely humbling for United as an institution, given the stranglehold they had over their neighbours for decades. The scoreline ($13 correct score pre-match) delivered $5.75 for any punter who backed Pep Guardiola’s side at -2.0.
Even less surprisingly, it was main man Erling Haaland who did the damage. Converting a first-half penalty ($3.40 first goalscorer) before bagging a second shortly after the break, the Norwegian delivered $4.50 for those who backed him to score 2+ goals. Phil Foden ($3.90 anytime goalscorer) finished things off in the 80th minute. A trouncing to round out EPL Matchweek 10.
“They just got weaker and weaker”
Gary Neville and Roy Keane react to Manchester United’s performance 📊 pic.twitter.com/8GxwioIkDG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 29, 2023
Chelsea’s torrid home form continues
Going into Sunday’s match against Brentford, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino would have had a distinct plan on how things would pan out. Not only would his side ($1.60 favourites) get past Brentford, but the victory would signal a restart on their form at home. Before Sunday, the Blues had won just one of their past 12 EPL games at Stamford Bridge (victory over relegation fancies Luton in August). It’s a run that beggars belief given the fortress the West London ground once represented. But any hopes of a reset were completely undone by a hugely impressive Brentford outfit ($5.00).
The fellow West London club punished their more fancied opponents, with Ethan Pinnock ($30 first goalscorer) and Bryan Mbeumo ($3.80 anytime goalscorer) doing the damage. The result presented a few galling statistics for Chelsea. First, Brentford became the first EPL side ever to win their first THREE league games at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps even more embarrassing, however, is this: Bees boss Thomas Frank now has more league wins at Stamford Bridge than Chelsea’s two most recent managers combined.
Brentford Premier League wins at Stamford Bridge since April: 2
Chelsea Premier League wins at Stamford Bridge since April: 1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 28, 2023
Gunner bags three in big win
About 10 miles northeast of Stanford Bridge, there were far more jubilant scenes for home fans. Arsenal were one of the shortest-priced favourites to date this EPL season in their clash against now relegation favourites Sheffield United; $1.11 to take three points at home. They did that and more; the 5-0 win delivering $6.80 for punters who backed Mikel Arteta’s side at -4.0 pre-match.
And it was one man who did most of the damage. Eddie Nketiah bagged Arsenal’s first ($5.25 first goalscorer) to see his side go to the break at 1-0 up. Five minutes into the second half he had a second ($7.00 pre-match to score 2+), as Arsenal took full control. And eight minutes later he had a third, to ensure he’d be taking the ball home for the first time in the EPL. At times criticised by fans, Nketiah is a proven goalscorer. And Arteta was beaming post-match. “I’m so happy for him,” the manager said of Nketiah. “He’s always there, he’s always available, willing to improve. He gives his best for the team…he’s started 8 PL games this season, that’s a lot… and that tells you the level of trust that we have towards him.”
Bet Now ON ALL EPL MARKETS3ddie Nketiah 📞 pic.twitter.com/9uiyR8Gl6V
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2023