EPL Summary – August 24th 2013
Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
Lukas Podolski grabbed a goal in each half as Arsenal secured a slick and clinical victory over Fulham in the teeming rain at Craven Cottage.
The Gunners, buoyed by a 3-0 midweek win over Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying, were sharper early on and led through Olivier Giroud’s strike.
Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool maintained their 100% start to the season as Daniel Sturridge scored the only goal at Villa Park.
This was the first time Liverpool have won their opening two league games in five years.
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 10 league games
The England striker fired in midway through the first half, finishing off a delightful move to score his eighth goal in seven league games.
Villa struggled in the first half but improved in the second, with Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in fine form to twice deny Christian Benteke.
Both sides had late penalty appeals waved away by referee Mark Clattenburg.
Everton 0-0 West Brom
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster produced an inspired performance to deny Roberto Martinez a first competitive victory as Everton manager.
Foster twice frustrated Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas and also saved shots from Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley and Marouane Fellaini at Goodison Park.
Nevertheless, the Baggies had a chance to snatch the victory, but Tim Howard pushed James Morrison’s effort wide.
Fellaini and Coleman both hit the woodwork late on as West Brom held on.
Hull 1-0 Norwich
Yannick Sagbo won a penalty and was sent off for a headbutt as Hull claimed a Premier League win over Norwich thanks to Robbie Brady’s spot-kick.
Former Hull defender Michael Turner fouled Sagbo in the area and Brady calmly placed a low effort past Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.
Sagbo was shown a straight red card moments later for an off-the-ball clash with Norwich captain Russell Martin.
Norwich played an hour with an extra man but could not find an equaliser.
Newcastle 0-0 West Ham
Newcastle United and West Ham fought out a goalless draw at St James’ Park.
West Ham’s Winston Reid came close to scoring an own goal in the first half before twice just failing to get a touch to set-pieces at the other end.
Hatem Ben Arfa was the home side’s main threat with several efforts from long range, while Joe Cole shot just inches over the bar.
Yoan Gouffran wasted a fine chance for Newcastle from point-blank range in injury time in the Premier League game.
Southampton 1-1 Sunderland
Jose Fonte’s late header earned a point for Southampton and denied Sunderland their first win of the season.
Sunderland had been on course for victory thanks to Emanuele Giaccherini’s second-minute header.
The Black Cats looked to have held on after Saints had wasted chances through Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert.
But in the 88th minute Saints were awarded a free-kick and Fonte headed home James Ward-Prowse’s delivery from close range for a dramatic equaliser.
Stoke 2-1 Crystal Palace
Stoke fought back from a goal down against Crystal Palace to provide manager Mark Hughes with a win in his first home game in charge of the club.
The Potters had gone behind when Marouane Chamakh out-muscled Ryan Shawcross and cut inside Robert Huth before sliding in a shot.
But Charlie Adam stroked in a left-foot shot and Shawcross sent a strike in on the turn to put the home side ahead.
Stoke also went close when a Steven Nzonzi effort hit the post.
