On Friday afternoon — transfer deadline day — Brendan Rodgers addressed a room of journalists at Melwood ahead of this Sunday’s clash between West Brom and Liverpool at the Hawthorns.
Follow transfer deadline day with our liveblog… There’s no update on Yevhen Konoplyanka. There’s an interest in the player, but we’ll see how it evolves. It’s a little complicated.
The staff over in Ukraine have done really well to put us in the position we’re in, but time is against us. We’ll see what happens.
We’re still building and growing the group so we’ll need a number of players, but January is a difficult market to do that in.
New players can come in and freshen up the group, but I’m happy with the players I’ve got if we don’t bring anyone in.
But let’s hope we can do something. Konoplyanka is the only signing there could be.
Everyone talks about Sturridge/Suarez as a partnership, but I see them as two very talented individual players. Both are outstanding.
We had a number of outstanding performers the other night [against Everton], not just Sturridge and Suarez. We were outstanding across the team.
We’ve grown and as I look back at my time here in 18 months, we’ve come a long way since losing to West Brom away last season.
Suarez’s cleverness and cuteness with the ball for his goal against Everton ended with a composed, outstanding finish.
We’ve grown and as I look back at my time here in 18 months, we’ve come a long way since losing to West Brom away last season.
Over the 18 months, we’ve implemented a method to our play, we’ve become a team and we’ve got character in bucket loads.
My focus is only on us and respecting every opponent we play. We’ll be ready and prepared this Sunday.
The idea was to always bring in quality. We’ve got goals in the side, we’re a threat. Over the course of the season we’ve shown that.
But you can never have too much quality and if we can bring in another quality player, that would be excellent.
Joe Allen will be back to play West Brom on Sunday. He’s looked good in training so that’s important.
Glen Johnson’s working really hard with the medical team, but there’s no timeline on that yet.
We’re disappointed with Jose Enrique’s recovery. Agger and Sakho are still out, but we’re slowly getting there with Flanagan coming back.
West Brom vs Liverpool gets underway at 1.30pm on Sunday, 2nd February 2014. It’s live on Sky Sports 1.
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
On Friday afternoon — transfer deadline day — Brendan Rodgers addressed a room of journalists at Melwood ahead of this Sunday’s clash between West Brom and Liverpool at the Hawthorns.
Follow transfer deadline day with our liveblog… There’s no update on Yevhen Konoplyanka. There’s an interest in the player, but we’ll see how it evolves. It’s a little complicated.
The staff over in Ukraine have done really well to put us in the position we’re in, but time is against us. We’ll see what happens.
We’re still building and growing the group so we’ll need a number of players, but January is a difficult market to do that in.
New players can come in and freshen up the group, but I’m happy with the players I’ve got if we don’t bring anyone in.
But let’s hope we can do something. Konoplyanka is the only signing there could be.
Everyone talks about Sturridge/Suarez as a partnership, but I see them as two very talented individual players. Both are outstanding.
We had a number of outstanding performers the other night [against Everton], not just Sturridge and Suarez. We were outstanding across the team.
We’ve grown and as I look back at my time here in 18 months, we’ve come a long way since losing to West Brom away last season.
Suarez’s cleverness and cuteness with the ball for his goal against Everton ended with a composed, outstanding finish.
We’ve grown and as I look back at my time here in 18 months, we’ve come a long way since losing to West Brom away last season.
Over the 18 months, we’ve implemented a method to our play, we’ve become a team and we’ve got character in bucket loads.
My focus is only on us and respecting every opponent we play. We’ll be ready and prepared this Sunday.
The idea was to always bring in quality. We’ve got goals in the side, we’re a threat. Over the course of the season we’ve shown that.
But you can never have too much quality and if we can bring in another quality player, that would be excellent.
Joe Allen will be back to play West Brom on Sunday. He’s looked good in training so that’s important.
Glen Johnson’s working really hard with the medical team, but there’s no timeline on that yet.
We’re disappointed with Jose Enrique’s recovery. Agger and Sakho are still out, but we’re slowly getting there with Flanagan coming back.
West Brom vs Liverpool gets underway at 1.30pm on Sunday, 2nd February 2014. It’s live on Sky Sports 1.
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
With no signings made in January at the beginning of the day, follow all the excitement of transfer deadline day on This Is Anfield throughout Friday, 31st January 2014.
The January transfer window will close at 2300 (GMT).
This page will automatically refresh every 2 minutes.
08:16
Elsewhere, Arsenal have been linked with Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic, Tottenham’s Lewis Holtby could join Fulham on loan, Dimitar Berbatov could leave Craven Cottage, and Manchester City could be after Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. Sparta Prague goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek could join Everton.
08:10
So here’s where we stand at the start of play today: Liverpool are yet to sign anyone. However, they are hopeful of completing a £16 million deal for Ukrainian international winger Yevhen Konoplyaka. Learn more about him here.
08.00
Good morning! Welcome to our transfer deadline day liveblog. We’re with you right up to and beyond midnight’s deadline. Expect a lot of twists and turns along the way!
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
With no signings made in January at the beginning of the day, follow all the excitement of transfer deadline day on This Is Anfield throughout Friday, 31st January 2014.
The January transfer window will close at 2300 (GMT).
This page will automatically refresh every 2 minutes.
08:16
Elsewhere, Arsenal have been linked with Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic, Tottenham’s Lewis Holtby could join Fulham on loan, Dimitar Berbatov could leave Craven Cottage, and Manchester City could be after Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. Sparta Prague goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek could join Everton.
08:10
So here’s where we stand at the start of play today: Liverpool are yet to sign anyone. However, they are hopeful of completing a £16 million deal for Ukrainian international winger Yevhen Konoplyaka. Learn more about him here.
08.00
Good morning! Welcome to our transfer deadline day liveblog. We’re with you right up to and beyond midnight’s deadline. Expect a lot of twists and turns along the way!
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
The midweek fixtures proved successful for Liverpool in the race for fourth place; victory over not only their Merseyside neighbours but also their challengers for fourth, followed by a defeat for Spurs last night.
The victory over Everton puts Brendan Rodgers‘ side four points clear of Roberto Martinez’s, while defeat for Tottenham to Man City last night leaves them three behind the Reds – although Liverpool’s vastly superior goal differences effectively makes the gap four points.
Victory for Man United leaves them six points behind.
While the most optimistic of Liverpool fans may claim their side can still challenge for the top three, it would be much more realistic to continue towards the goals set out before the season, which is to gain qualification for the Champions League.
According to statistician Constantinos Chappas (@cchappas) Liverpool now have a 65% overall chance of finishing in the top four.
Chappas’ model is based on data from each Premier League match so far, to provide a statistical probability of each team’s likely positional finish for this season.
“The model is based on match stats such as goals, shots, shots on target etc.” explains Chappas. “Based on these figures, the performance of each team in each match is assessed and used for future predictions through a statistical model which in turn results in probabilities.
“I then simulate a large number of times what may happen in the matches yet-to-be-played and produce probabilities for where teams might finish.
“Even though the model is not really designed for end-of-season predictions but rather for match-to-match predictions, it has been quite accurate for a few years now.”
The model calculates that Liverpool have a 3% of winning the title, added to 62% probability of finishing second to fourth.
Everton’s top four hopes are ranked at 21%, Tottenham’s 19% and Man United’s at 9%.
Liverpool are currently 14/1 with William Hill to win the Premier League, and 4/6 fourth favourites to finish in the top four.
Get a free £25 bet on these markets and others by clicking here .
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
The midweek fixtures proved successful for Liverpool in the race for fourth place; victory over not only their Merseyside neighbours but also their challengers for fourth, followed by a defeat for Spurs last night.
The victory over Everton puts Brendan Rodgers‘ side four points clear of Roberto Martinez’s, while defeat for Tottenham to Man City last night leaves them three behind the Reds – although Liverpool’s vastly superior goal differences effectively makes the gap four points.
Victory for Man United leaves them six points behind.
While the most optimistic of Liverpool fans may claim their side can still challenge for the top three, it would be much more realistic to continue towards the goals set out before the season, which is to gain qualification for the Champions League.
According to statistician Constantinos Chappas (@cchappas) Liverpool now have a 65% overall chance of finishing in the top four.
Chappas’ model is based on data from each Premier League match so far, to provide a statistical probability of each team’s likely positional finish for this season.
“The model is based on match stats such as goals, shots, shots on target etc.” explains Chappas. “Based on these figures, the performance of each team in each match is assessed and used for future predictions through a statistical model which in turn results in probabilities.
“I then simulate a large number of times what may happen in the matches yet-to-be-played and produce probabilities for where teams might finish.
“Even though the model is not really designed for end-of-season predictions but rather for match-to-match predictions, it has been quite accurate for a few years now.”
The model calculates that Liverpool have a 3% of winning the title, added to 62% probability of finishing second to fourth.
Everton’s top four hopes are ranked at 21%, Tottenham’s 19% and Man United’s at 9%.
Liverpool are currently 14/1 with William Hill to win the Premier League, and 4/6 fourth favourites to finish in the top four.
Get a free £25 bet on these markets and others by clicking here .
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
Liverpool have taken a major step forward with their plans for the redevelopment of Anfield after the council revealed plans for the regeneration of the area.
The Anfield Spatial Regeneration Framework was released on Thursday to begin a period of public consultation with residents and local businesses over the plans to revamp the area of North Liverpool.
The documents released this week state that the plans are carried out and completed by 2018 — and that includes Liverpool’s stadium renovation.
The plans show Liverpool FC’s desire to expand the Main Stand and Anfield Road end of the stadium, although obstacles over property ownership still exist.
Carl Markham of the Independent explains:
The remaining four properties are owned by two owners and negotiations are still ongoing, but the council has already indicated it will pursue compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers where agreements cannot be reached.
Chris Bascombe adds in the Telegraph :
There is confidence a deal is close to being struck with those involved and, for the first time, there is cautious optimism from all parties the process is reaching the point where the club can begin to consider the possibilities. A planning application is conceivable by April, the difference with previous applications being – by that stage – there could be a broad consensus both politically and in the neighbourhood to ensure swift progress.
Liverpool managing director, Ian Ayre welcomed the news, saying in a statement on the club’s official website, “The publication of the draft SRF document is another important milestone in the regeneration project as we continue this exciting journey to transform the Anfield area.
“Any final decision regarding a future stadium expansion continues to be based on certainty – certainty that we can obtain the necessary land around the stadium to facilitate any expansion; certainty that there is demand for any future expansion; certainty that we have home owners’ support; and certainty that we will be able to navigate the complex planning landscape.
“We regard the progress to date as extremely positive and will continue to be fully supportive of the regeneration project with Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group.”
Fans and the public can view the Anfield project document in full here.
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
Liverpool have taken a major step forward with their plans for the redevelopment of Anfield after the council revealed plans for the regeneration of the area.
The Anfield Spatial Regeneration Framework was released on Thursday to begin a period of public consultation with residents and local businesses over the plans to revamp the area of North Liverpool.
The documents released this week state that the plans are carried out and completed by 2018 — and that includes Liverpool’s stadium renovation.
The plans show Liverpool FC’s desire to expand the Main Stand and Anfield Road end of the stadium, although obstacles over property ownership still exist.
Carl Markham of the Independent explains:
The remaining four properties are owned by two owners and negotiations are still ongoing, but the council has already indicated it will pursue compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers where agreements cannot be reached.
Chris Bascombe adds in the Telegraph :
There is confidence a deal is close to being struck with those involved and, for the first time, there is cautious optimism from all parties the process is reaching the point where the club can begin to consider the possibilities. A planning application is conceivable by April, the difference with previous applications being – by that stage – there could be a broad consensus both politically and in the neighbourhood to ensure swift progress.
Liverpool managing director, Ian Ayre welcomed the news, saying in a statement on the club’s official website, “The publication of the draft SRF document is another important milestone in the regeneration project as we continue this exciting journey to transform the Anfield area.
“Any final decision regarding a future stadium expansion continues to be based on certainty – certainty that we can obtain the necessary land around the stadium to facilitate any expansion; certainty that there is demand for any future expansion; certainty that we have home owners’ support; and certainty that we will be able to navigate the complex planning landscape.
“We regard the progress to date as extremely positive and will continue to be fully supportive of the regeneration project with Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group.”
Fans and the public can view the Anfield project document in full here.
. All comments below are not endorsed by This Is Anfield.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has flown to Ukraine to finalise a deal to bring Yevhen Konoplyanka to Anfield.
Reports emerged this week that Konoplyanka, who plays for FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, is Liverpool’s number one target during the January transfer window, which closes on Friday night.
Chris Bascombe of Telegraph reports on Thursday that the Reds face some last minute competition from a familiar rival:
However, in what has become a familiar theme in recent seasons, it emerged on Wednesday night that Spurs are rivalling Liverpool for the player.
24-year-old Konoplyanka’s agent, is hyping up the transfer situation, too, suggesting it is far from a done deal with Liverpool, though he does expect his client to sign for an English club imminently.
The agent told Gazeta,ua, with quotes translated by ESPN, “When writing about the interest from Liverpool, these people only know part of the truth.
“Yesterday, I had a long and productive conversation with the chairman of another English club. The chances of Yevhen moving to England soon are very high. His club might be Liverpool or another English club.”
Liverpool were left disappointed last week when Chelsea beat them to the signing of Egyptian international winger Mohamed Salah.
They will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself with Tottenham’s late interest.
Bascombe adds in his article for the Telegraph of the importance of Liverpool signing a high-quality player to remain in contention to finish fourth in the Premier League this season:
A deal for Konoplyanka would go some way to appeasing those eager to ensure an ideal opportunity to return to the Champions League – and retain players of the calibre of Luis Suárez – is not squandered in the final 15 games of the season.
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Everton on Tuesday night, and Spurs’ 5-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday night, means there is now a three point gap between the two teams, who sit fourth and fifth respectively.
Furthermore, Brendan Rodgers‘ side have a better goal difference than Spurs by some 30 goals.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has flown to Ukraine to finalise a deal to bring Yevhen Konoplyanka to Anfield.
Reports emerged this week that Konoplyanka, who plays for FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, is Liverpool’s number one target during the January transfer window, which closes on Friday night.
Chris Bascombe of Telegraph reports on Thursday that the Reds face some last minute competition from a familiar rival:
However, in what has become a familiar theme in recent seasons, it emerged on Wednesday night that Spurs are rivalling Liverpool for the player.
24-year-old Konoplyanka’s agent, is hyping up the transfer situation, too, suggesting it is far from a done deal with Liverpool, though he does expect his client to sign for an English club imminently.
The agent told Gazeta,ua, with quotes translated by ESPN, “When writing about the interest from Liverpool, these people only know part of the truth.
“Yesterday, I had a long and productive conversation with the chairman of another English club. The chances of Yevhen moving to England soon are very high. His club might be Liverpool or another English club.”
Liverpool were left disappointed last week when Chelsea beat them to the signing of Egyptian international winger Mohamed Salah.
They will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself with Tottenham’s late interest.
Bascombe adds in his article for the Telegraph of the importance of Liverpool signing a high-quality player to remain in contention to finish fourth in the Premier League this season:
A deal for Konoplyanka would go some way to appeasing those eager to ensure an ideal opportunity to return to the Champions League – and retain players of the calibre of Luis Suárez – is not squandered in the final 15 games of the season.
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Everton on Tuesday night, and Spurs’ 5-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday night, means there is now a three point gap between the two teams, who sit fourth and fifth respectively.
Furthermore, Brendan Rodgers‘ side have a better goal difference than Spurs by some 30 goals.
Juan Mata's assist record, Steven Gerrard's derby joy and a Sergio Aguero milestone feature in our review of the midweek Premier League stats.
TEAMtalk takes a look at the key Opta statistics following the midweek Premier League action which saw Manchester City take over at the top following a 5-1 win at Tottenham, Juan Mata get off to a winning start with Manchester United and Liverpool destroying Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby.
Manchester United 2 Cardiff City 0
Robin van Persie has scored five times in his last six Premier League games.
In his last 10 league starts at Old Trafford, Van Persie has bagged eight goals.
Since August 2011, only David Silva (29) has more assists in the Premier League than Juan Mata (28).
Cardiff have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games.
Manchester United have won three and lost three of their last six home league games.
Manchester United have earned 1,001 points at Old Trafford in Premier League history, more than any other team has managed on home soil.
Cardiff City have won none and lost seven of their last nine Premier League away games (W0 D2 L7).
Norwich City 0 Newcastle United 0
Norwich have won three and lost none of the last five Premier League home matches against Newcastle (W3 D2).
Newcastle United ended a run of 12 Premier League away games this season without a draw (W7 L5).
There have been just five goals scored in the last five Premier League meetings between the Canaries and the Magpies.
Newcastle United have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League games.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel is now without a goal in 15 games (all competitions).
Loic Remy has mustered just one goal in his last six appearances in all competitions.
Loic Remy was awarded a red card for the first time in league competition since April 17th 2011 (for Marseille v Montpellier).
Bradley Johnson recorded his first red card in a Norwich City shirt.
Loic Remy attempted eight shots (including blocked) against Norwich City.
Southampton 2 Arsenal 2
All four of Jose Fonte's Premier League goals have come at St Mary's.
Southampton have now drawn level with Arsenal for netting the most headed goals this season (9; also Liverpool).
Fonte's goals was the first first-half goal the Gunners have shipped in the Premier League in seven games, since going 2-1 down at Manchester City on December 14.
Fonte's goal was also the second earliest Arsenal have shipped in the PL this season (21 mins), although even after that strike, the Gunners have still conceded fewer first-half goals than any other side (7).
This is the first time Santi Cazorla has scored in consecutive league games since January 2013.
This is only the second time Arsenal have shipped more than one goal in a game in their last 22 Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal have now collected 74 red cards in the Premier League; only Everton (77) and Blackburn (76) have more.
The Gunners have won just once on their last five trips to St. Mary's, drawing three and losing one.
Swansea City 2 Fulham 0
Jonjo Shelvey has netted in both of Swansea's Premier League clashes with Fulham this season.
Fulham have shipped 14 goals from long range this season in the Premier League, more than any other side.
The Whites have now gone eight league games without keeping a clean sheet, the longest run without a shut-out in the top division.
In netting against Fulham and bringing his season tally to two for the Swansea, Spanish defender Chico has doubled last season's haul of just one goal (in all comps).
Under Rene Meulensteen, Fulham have shipped 26 goals in 10 games, more than they conceded under Martin Jol this season in 13 games (24).
Fulham have failed to score in their last two games and in three of their last five league fixtures.
There have been six Premier League meetings between Fulham and Swansea and the Welsh side have won five and lost just one.
The Swans' victory came after a run of eight games without a win, their worst-ever run in the Premier League without tasting victory.
Crystal Palace 1 Hull City 0
Hull have won only six of their previous 50 Premier League away games (D14 L30).
Jason Puncheon has scored in his last three successive home games in the Barclays Premier League.
Crystal Palace have scored at least once in five of their last six home games in the Premier League.
Since putting six past Fulham; Hull City have gone four league games without a goal.
Nikica Jelavic has failed to score in any of his 11 Premier League appearances this term.
Other than Hull, only one other team (Aston Villa) has failed to score in four successive Premier League games this season.
Palace have lost just one of their last seven home league games (W4 D2).
Hull City have managed just two wins in their last 12 away games, in all competitions.
Liverpool 4 Everton 0
Steven Gerrard scored only his seventh headed goal in the Premier League (from 104 overall).
Only versus Aston Villa (12) has Steven Gerrard scored more Premier League goals than against Everton (now 8).
The Liverpool captain is the top appearance maker (28) and top scorer (8) in Premier League Merseyside derbies.
In all competitions, Gerrard has now scored nine times against Everton (eight in the league and one in the FA Cup).
Gerrard has scored in three consecutive appearances in the Premier League. He last managed goals in four consecutive games back in December 2007.
Daniel Sturridge has scored in 12 of his 15 Premier League appearances this season (13 goals in total).
Sturridge has scored more than once in a Premier League game for the first time this season. His last league brace came against Newcastle in April.
Liverpool scored four goals in a game against Everton for the first time since the FA Cup in February 1991 (4-4).
This was the biggest victory in a Merseyside derby since November 1982 when Liverpool won 5-0.
Luis Suarez has matched his league goal total from last season in just 18 appearances (compared to 33 in 2012/13).
Suarez has scored in four of his five Premier League Merseyside derby appearances.
Liverpool have won eight and lost just one of their last 15 Premier League Merseyside derbies.
Everton have won none of the last 14 Premier League visits to Anfield, drawing seven and losing seven in that run.
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion
Christian Benteke has scored in three consecutive Premier League appearances after going 11 Premier League games without one.
One third of Aston Villa's 12 home goals this season came in this game (4).
This was only the sixth game in Premier League history to see both teams score three or more goals before half-time.
This was the first time Villa have come from two goals behind to win a Premier League game since April 2005 (vs Southampton).
It was the first time Villa had scored three goals before half-time since April 2008 vs Derby.
Villa have come from 2-0 down in both of their games against West Brom this season.
WBA had five shots in the first half and scored three times, but had seven after the break and failed to register a goal.
Fabian Delph became the fourth Premier League player this season to score a goal and an own goal in the same game (after Bardsley, Kompany and Chester).
West Brom have now gone eight Premier League away games without a clean sheet.
Sunderland v Stoke City
Adam Johnson has scored or assisted each of Sunderland's last seven Premier League goals.
Indeed, Johnson has scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
Adam Johnson has equalled his highest ever goal tally for a single Premier League season (6).
Stoke have now gone seven Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet; currently, only Fulham (8) have conceded in more consecutive matches.
Stoke have failed to score a first half Premier League goal in four of their last five games.
There have been red cards in four of the last five Barclays Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke.
Stoke have failed to score in five of their six previous Premier League visits to Sunderland.
Stoke are yet to win a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, losing four (D2).
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
Sergio Aguero scored his 50th Premier League goal in this match - in what was his 81st PL appearance.
Aguero became the fifth quickest player to reach the 50-goal landmark in the Premier League - only Andy Cole (65 games), Alan Shearer (66), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68) and Fernando Torres (72) managed to do it quicker.
Aguero has scored five goals in five Premier League appearances against Spurs.
Since he joined Manchester City on the eve of the 2010-11 season, David Silva has more assists than any other player (37) in the competition.
Manchester City have scored the first goal in 18 Premier League games this season - more often than any other side.
Yaya Toure has scored seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Edin Dzeko has now scored six goals in six appearances against Tottenham in the Premier League; more than against any other side.
The last team to score 11 goals in the same league season against Spurs was Arsenal in 1934-35. No side has ever scored more in a league season versus Spurs than City this term (11).
Man City (68) have bettered their goal tally from the whole of the 2012-13 Premier League season (66), with 15 games remaining in 2013-14.
Manchester City attempted 21 shots at goal in this match, equalling the most by an away side in a Premier League fixture this season.
Chelsea v West Ham United
West Ham have now kept 10 clean sheets this season; a joint-high with Arsenal.
Chelsea had 39 shots tonight (incl. blocked shots); the most by any team who failed to score in the PL since 2003/04.
The last team to have more than 39 shots in a single game was Manchester City, when they sealed the title in May 2012 with a dramatic victory over Queens Park Rangers (44).
West Ham made 13 blocks tonight, equalling the record for the season which they already held (also 13 against Liverpool).
West Ham only had one shot today; a joint-low by a single team in the Premier League this season (with Fulham against Sunderland on 26th October).
Chelsea have only lost one of their last 16 meetings with West Ham in the Premier League (W12 D3).
The Hammers have won none of their last eight Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge (D2 L6).
Juan Mata's assist record, Steven Gerrard's derby joy and a Sergio Aguero milestone feature in our review of the midweek Premier League stats.
TEAMtalk takes a look at the key Opta statistics following the midweek Premier League action which saw Manchester City take over at the top following a 5-1 win at Tottenham, Juan Mata get off to a winning start with Manchester United and Liverpool destroying Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby.
Manchester United 2 Cardiff City 0
Robin van Persie has scored five times in his last six Premier League games.
In his last 10 league starts at Old Trafford, Van Persie has bagged eight goals.
Since August 2011, only David Silva (29) has more assists in the Premier League than Juan Mata (28).
Cardiff have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games.
Manchester United have won three and lost three of their last six home league games.
Manchester United have earned 1,001 points at Old Trafford in Premier League history, more than any other team has managed on home soil.
Cardiff City have won none and lost seven of their last nine Premier League away games (W0 D2 L7).
Norwich City 0 Newcastle United 0
Norwich have won three and lost none of the last five Premier League home matches against Newcastle (W3 D2).
Newcastle United ended a run of 12 Premier League away games this season without a draw (W7 L5).
There have been just five goals scored in the last five Premier League meetings between the Canaries and the Magpies.
Newcastle United have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League games.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel is now without a goal in 15 games (all competitions).
Loic Remy has mustered just one goal in his last six appearances in all competitions.
Loic Remy was awarded a red card for the first time in league competition since April 17th 2011 (for Marseille v Montpellier).
Bradley Johnson recorded his first red card in a Norwich City shirt.
Loic Remy attempted eight shots (including blocked) against Norwich City.
Southampton 2 Arsenal 2
All four of Jose Fonte's Premier League goals have come at St Mary's.
Southampton have now drawn level with Arsenal for netting the most headed goals this season (9; also Liverpool).
Fonte's goals was the first first-half goal the Gunners have shipped in the Premier League in seven games, since going 2-1 down at Manchester City on December 14.
Fonte's goal was also the second earliest Arsenal have shipped in the PL this season (21 mins), although even after that strike, the Gunners have still conceded fewer first-half goals than any other side (7).
This is the first time Santi Cazorla has scored in consecutive league games since January 2013.
This is only the second time Arsenal have shipped more than one goal in a game in their last 22 Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal have now collected 74 red cards in the Premier League; only Everton (77) and Blackburn (76) have more.
The Gunners have won just once on their last five trips to St. Mary's, drawing three and losing one.
Swansea City 2 Fulham 0
Jonjo Shelvey has netted in both of Swansea's Premier League clashes with Fulham this season.
Fulham have shipped 14 goals from long range this season in the Premier League, more than any other side.
The Whites have now gone eight league games without keeping a clean sheet, the longest run without a shut-out in the top division.
In netting against Fulham and bringing his season tally to two for the Swansea, Spanish defender Chico has doubled last season's haul of just one goal (in all comps).
Under Rene Meulensteen, Fulham have shipped 26 goals in 10 games, more than they conceded under Martin Jol this season in 13 games (24).
Fulham have failed to score in their last two games and in three of their last five league fixtures.
There have been six Premier League meetings between Fulham and Swansea and the Welsh side have won five and lost just one.
The Swans' victory came after a run of eight games without a win, their worst-ever run in the Premier League without tasting victory.
Crystal Palace 1 Hull City 0
Hull have won only six of their previous 50 Premier League away games (D14 L30).
Jason Puncheon has scored in his last three successive home games in the Barclays Premier League.
Crystal Palace have scored at least once in five of their last six home games in the Premier League.
Since putting six past Fulham; Hull City have gone four league games without a goal.
Nikica Jelavic has failed to score in any of his 11 Premier League appearances this term.
Other than Hull, only one other team (Aston Villa) has failed to score in four successive Premier League games this season.
Palace have lost just one of their last seven home league games (W4 D2).
Hull City have managed just two wins in their last 12 away games, in all competitions.
Liverpool 4 Everton 0
Steven Gerrard scored only his seventh headed goal in the Premier League (from 104 overall).
Only versus Aston Villa (12) has Steven Gerrard scored more Premier League goals than against Everton (now 8).
The Liverpool captain is the top appearance maker (28) and top scorer (8) in Premier League Merseyside derbies.
In all competitions, Gerrard has now scored nine times against Everton (eight in the league and one in the FA Cup).
Gerrard has scored in three consecutive appearances in the Premier League. He last managed goals in four consecutive games back in December 2007.
Daniel Sturridge has scored in 12 of his 15 Premier League appearances this season (13 goals in total).
Sturridge has scored more than once in a Premier League game for the first time this season. His last league brace came against Newcastle in April.
Liverpool scored four goals in a game against Everton for the first time since the FA Cup in February 1991 (4-4).
This was the biggest victory in a Merseyside derby since November 1982 when Liverpool won 5-0.
Luis Suarez has matched his league goal total from last season in just 18 appearances (compared to 33 in 2012/13).
Suarez has scored in four of his five Premier League Merseyside derby appearances.
Liverpool have won eight and lost just one of their last 15 Premier League Merseyside derbies.
Everton have won none of the last 14 Premier League visits to Anfield, drawing seven and losing seven in that run.
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion
Christian Benteke has scored in three consecutive Premier League appearances after going 11 Premier League games without one.
One third of Aston Villa's 12 home goals this season came in this game (4).
This was only the sixth game in Premier League history to see both teams score three or more goals before half-time.
This was the first time Villa have come from two goals behind to win a Premier League game since April 2005 (vs Southampton).
It was the first time Villa had scored three goals before half-time since April 2008 vs Derby.
Villa have come from 2-0 down in both of their games against West Brom this season.
WBA had five shots in the first half and scored three times, but had seven after the break and failed to register a goal.
Fabian Delph became the fourth Premier League player this season to score a goal and an own goal in the same game (after Bardsley, Kompany and Chester).
West Brom have now gone eight Premier League away games without a clean sheet.
Sunderland v Stoke City
Adam Johnson has scored or assisted each of Sunderland's last seven Premier League goals.
Indeed, Johnson has scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
Adam Johnson has equalled his highest ever goal tally for a single Premier League season (6).
Stoke have now gone seven Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet; currently, only Fulham (8) have conceded in more consecutive matches.
Stoke have failed to score a first half Premier League goal in four of their last five games.
There have been red cards in four of the last five Barclays Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke.
Stoke have failed to score in five of their six previous Premier League visits to Sunderland.
Stoke are yet to win a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, losing four (D2).
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
Sergio Aguero scored his 50th Premier League goal in this match - in what was his 81st PL appearance.
Aguero became the fifth quickest player to reach the 50-goal landmark in the Premier League - only Andy Cole (65 games), Alan Shearer (66), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68) and Fernando Torres (72) managed to do it quicker.
Aguero has scored five goals in five Premier League appearances against Spurs.
Since he joined Manchester City on the eve of the 2010-11 season, David Silva has more assists than any other player (37) in the competition.
Manchester City have scored the first goal in 18 Premier League games this season - more often than any other side.
Yaya Toure has scored seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Edin Dzeko has now scored six goals in six appearances against Tottenham in the Premier League; more than against any other side.
The last team to score 11 goals in the same league season against Spurs was Arsenal in 1934-35. No side has ever scored more in a league season versus Spurs than City this term (11).
Man City (68) have bettered their goal tally from the whole of the 2012-13 Premier League season (66), with 15 games remaining in 2013-14.
Manchester City attempted 21 shots at goal in this match, equalling the most by an away side in a Premier League fixture this season.
Chelsea v West Ham United
West Ham have now kept 10 clean sheets this season; a joint-high with Arsenal.
Chelsea had 39 shots tonight (incl. blocked shots); the most by any team who failed to score in the PL since 2003/04.
The last team to have more than 39 shots in a single game was Manchester City, when they sealed the title in May 2012 with a dramatic victory over Queens Park Rangers (44).
West Ham made 13 blocks tonight, equalling the record for the season which they already held (also 13 against Liverpool).
West Ham only had one shot today; a joint-low by a single team in the Premier League this season (with Fulham against Sunderland on 26th October).
Chelsea have only lost one of their last 16 meetings with West Ham in the Premier League (W12 D3).
The Hammers have won none of their last eight Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge (D2 L6).
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