Premier League
Welshman offers his thoughts after Tottenham touchline dismissal
MARK HUGHES admits his FA charge for improper conduct has ‘rubbed salt into the wounds’ following last weekend’s heavy defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Kevin De Bruyne has earned high praise from manager Pep Guardiola after leading Manchester City to an emphatic 4-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
Nacer Chadli netted a brace and provided two assists on his home debut as West Brom survived a second-half onslaught to claim a dramatic 4-2 Premier League victory over West Ham at The Hawthorns.
Slaven Bilic’s side looked well beaten when Chadli – who had given West Brom the lead with an eighth-minute penalty before additional first-half strikes from Salomon Rondon and James McClean – made it 4-0 to Tony Pulis’ men just after the hour mark.
However, West Ham came on strong in a thrilling final quarter of the match, Dimitri Payet rattling the woodwork before supplying a brilliant cross that top-scorer Michail Antonio headed home.
West Brom, who had never scored four in a Premier League encounter under Pulis before Saturday’s clash, failed to cope as West Ham upped the pressure following Antonio’s effort, Manuel Lanzini converting from the spot after Payet was scythed down in the area.
But despite a late surge, West Ham, who have now taken just three points from a possible 15, could not find the target again as they slumped to a second successive 4-2 defeat.
Boosted by the completion of a takeover by Chinese investment group Yunyi Guokai Sports Development Limited this week, West Brom were rewarded for a bright start when Arthur Masuaku inexplicably handled in West Ham’s area seven minutes in.
Key Opta stats:
– Nacer Chadli’s penalty was the eighth that Albion have been awarded in the Premier League since December 2014, but only the third that they have converted.
– This was the first penalty that Chadli has taken in the Premier League, despite it being his 90th appearance in the competition.
– Rondon has now scored in four of his last seven Premier League appearances for West Brom (four goals).
– Antonio has scored more headed goals on his own (5) than any other team in the Premier League this season.
– The Hammers have conceded at least two goals in 12 of their last 15 Premier League matches (33 goals conceded overall).
Source: soccerway.com
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