Etihad conquered and a seated header: Premier League Matchday 9 Recap (2026/27)

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Full Results (Matchday 9)

  • Chelsea 2–0 Manchester United

  • Bournemouth 2–0 Leeds

  • Brentford 2–0 Nottingham Forest

  • Coventry 3–1 Sunderland 

  • Hull 2–2 Ipswich 

  • Manchester City 0–1 Brighton 

  • Tottenham 2–0 Crystal Palace

  • Aston Villa 2–0 Fulham 

  • Liverpool 0–1 Arsenal 

  • Newcastle 0–1 Everton 

Game of the Matchday 

 Hull 2–2 Ipswich 

The best game of matchday 9 took place at the MKM Stadium where Hull City and Ipswich Town played a game of seesaw. This match was a real opportunity for both of the promoted sides to grab those 3 valuable points, however, it ended with both of them getting a point each.

It was Ipswich who started the stronger of the two, being on the front foot for much of the 1st half and got a deserving lead through Florentino. Hull came out with more intent and urgency in the 2nd half, qualising through Tim Iroegbunam and eventually taking the lead via an Oli McBurnie free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

The comeback was complete, but it was not the end, as Ipswich refused to back down. The Tractor Boys kept trying, taking 10 shots in the 2nd half. Although for 9 of them, Konstantinos Tzolakis was not troubled but for the 1 he was, he couldn't stop it as Julio Enciso struck the ball from range into the corner.

Good showing from the promoted sides.

Biggest Surprise

Manchester City 0–1 Brighton

Brighton got revenge for their 2-2 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup with an impressive 0-1 victory at The Etihad Stadium. As a matter of fact, this was their first ever victory against City away from home, in their 18th attempt. Talk about a surprise.

Brighton took the lead early in the game as Yasin Ayari scored in the 11th minute to peg City back. From that point, Brighton were not forcing the issue, attacking only occasionally yet still looking dangerous everytime they went forward.

City kept trying, as highlighted by having 63 touches in opposition box, taking 21 shots and generating 1.64 xG as opposed to The Seagulls' 9 touches, 7 shots and 1.00 xG respectively. What ultimately matters is how you make the most of those touches, which Fabian Hürzeler's side made sure to do.

Hürzeler is yet to lose against City!

Best Team Performance

Tottenham 2–0 Crystal Palace

Yes, Tottenham were against 10-men Crystal Palace for about 80 minutes of the match. Yes, Spurs only managed to get their 2nd goal of the game in the 73rd minute. But I think you just cannot ignore the stats.

The Lilywhites had a whopping 79% possession. They generated 3.47 xG which, again, paradoxically depicts how they actually underperformed — scoring only twice —  but even their underperformance was better than any team this gameweek.

If those numbers were not enough, how about this — they took 34 shots to Palace's 2, they created 6 big chances to Palace's 0, they had 67 touches in opposition box to Palace's 2 and they took 19 corners to Palace's 0.

Player of the Matchday

Roméo Lavia (Chelsea)

In an injury-plagued time at Chelsea since his arrival back in 2023, Roméo Lavia was absolutely superb in what was arguably the best display in his entire Chelsea career, let alone this gameweek.

Lavia was everywhere. He was sweeping every Manchester United attack, he read the game brilliantly, carried the ball really well, and had great awareness of space. He just displayed what he has got in his locker, which is about everything for a defensive midfielder.

He made 14 recoveries, 5 tackles and 4 interceptions, totaling to 23 defensive contributions, more than double the next in the list, that being Cole Palmer with 11. Also got a rather lucky assist!

Honorable mentions - Jean Paul van Hecke (Tottenham), Julio Enciso (Ipswich) & Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton)

Moment of the Matchday

Jean Paul van Hecke's header against Crystal Palace

Watch van Hecke's goal here

A fun moment of the matchday this gameweek. I don't recall the last time I saw a goal like this.

Jean Paul van Hecke threw himself for a cross which deflected off the woodwork and rebounded above his head. He then simply headed the ball in while laying down. Also, in doing so, he also became Spurs' highest goal scorer in the Premier League this season.

We have seen The Flying Dutchman, now it is time for The Seated Dutchman.

Looking Ahead – Matchday 10 Fixtures (IST Kick-Offs)

Saturday, 7 November (IST)

    • Everton vs Coventry - 1:30 am

    • Leeds vs Tottenham - 6:00 pm

    • Arsenal vs Hull - 8:30 pm

    • Fulham vs Newcastle - 8:30 pm

    • Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City - 11:00 pm

    Sunday, 8 November (IST)

    • Brighton vs Brentford - 7:30 pm

    • Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - 7:30 pm

    • Ipswich vs Bournemouth - 7:30 pm

    • Sunderland vs Chelsea - 7:30 pm

    • Manchester United vs Aston Villa - 10:00 am

    by ShotBlogged


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