What happens in the Premier League immediately after an international break is anyone’s guess. The two-week interval between games offers some a new beginning, while others use it to firm up their footing and continue on their current path.
Newcastle United’s and Liverpool’s experiences in Round 9 of the 2015-16 Premier League season represent the first case, while Arsenal and Manchester City embody the latter. Sandwiched in between the extremes are a host of others who stayed in their lanes, inched toward new ones or broke out altogether.
Newcastle’s season had been a resounding disappointment before Sunday, as the Magpies failed to win any of their first eight games and struggled mightily to score goals. All that changed with Norwich City’s visit to St. James’ Park when Newcastle’s misfiring attack exploded to life — largely thanks to summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum, who delivered one of the finest individual performances of the Premier League season by scoring four goals in the 6-2 rout.
Liverpool played its first game under manager Jurgen Klopp. While the German didn’t work the miracles he never promised but some expected, his arrival instilled a new energy into the Reds. Liverpool outran Tottenham for 90 minutes at White Hart Lane, marking the first time this season an opponent ran more sprints than the well-drilled North London club.
Liverpool gained only a point in the standings, but Klopp’s instant impact suggests the season has become more promising at Anfield.
Finally, Wayne Rooney might be heating up. He endured a lengthy goal drought in league play before snapping the barren run in Round 7. Rooney scored again Saturday in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
Rooney’s goal on his boyhood club’s turf was his first on the road in almost a year.
When it comes to fresh starts, there’s no place like home.
Premier League Round 9 results and reaction (home team listed first):
Saturday, Oct. 17
Tottenham 0 – 0 Liverpool
Review what transpired at White Hart Lane in our wrap and what the draw means for the Reds in our verdict.
Chelsea 2 – 0 Aston Villa
The Blues ended a two-game league winless skid against the slumping Villans. Chelsea’s shutout was just its second in five games at Stamford Bridge, but we won’t know if this is a false dawn for Jose Mourinho and his team.
Crystal Palace 1 – 3 West Ham
The high-flying Hammers are in fourth place after winning another road game against a tough opponent. West Ham has taken 13 of 15 available points on their travels.
Everton 0 – 3 Manchester United
The Red Devils bounced back from the loss to Arsenal with a comprehensive win over the Toffees. Manchester United was grinding out wins at the start of the season, but its goal-scoring troubles appear to be in the past.
Manchester City 5 – 1 Bournemouth
Raheem Sterling’s first hat trick underscored his continuing rise. He completed his treble in the first half, allowing league-leading Manchester City to coast to victory.
Southampton 2 – 2 Leicester City
The hosts took a two-goal lead in the first half before red-hot Jamie Vardy and the Foxes did what they do.
West Brom 1 – 0 Sunderland
New manager Sam Allardyce couldn’t pull Sunderland off the floor of the standings in his first game in charge.
Watford 0 – 3 Arsenal
The Gunners remained tied on points with Manchester United for second place with 19 points — two behind Manchester City. Arsenal is famous for its free-flowing attack, but defense has taken it up the standings.
Sunday, Oct. 18
Newcastle 6 – 2 Norwich City
The Magpies were sharp shooters, and the Canaries simply couldn’t stop Wijnaldum and co.
Monday, Oct. 19
Swansea City 0 – 1 Stoke City
Thumbnail photo via Scott Heppell/The Associated Press
