“Best corner taker in the PL” - according to Guardiola - closes in on another set-piece title

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The second half of the Premier League is well underway as the clubs are all battling for supremacy amidst the midseason market. 

Liverpool staked there claim as genuine title contenders, grabbing three-points away to Brighton & Hove Albion while Southampton, under the tutelage of Ralph Hasenhüttl, continued their renaissance.

With all of the action from the top to the bottom of the league, some interesting facts and stats may have been missed. Here’s the best from the 3pm kick-offs.

1. JWP looking to become undisputed set-piece king

James Ward-Prowse put Southampton into the lead with only 11-minutes on the clock. With a 100% record so far, it looks like he has maxed out the composure attribute.

It’s not just penalties though, Ward-Prowse is an expert from the corner flag as well. Recently hailed by Pep Guardiola as the best corner-taker in the league, JWP is slowly asserting his position as the set-piece king.

2. Schürrle loves Burnley

Andre Schürrle opened his account in the second minute to maintain his untouchable goal-scoring record against Burnley. It might have looked like a gold rush was on the way for Claudio Ranieri’s Cottagers, but their tally ended there.

After joining Fulham on loan at the beginning of the season, Schürrle scored his first goal for the club in a 4-2 win again none other than Burnley. His previous goal against the side came back when he was at Chelsea in one of that year’s most pristine finishes.

3. But Fulham don’t love themselves

In a rare occurrence today, Burnley managed to beat Fulham 2-1 without actually managing to get a shot on target.

In two painful errors from Denis Odoi and Joe Bryan, Fulham found themselves picking the ball out of their own net in an own-goal blunder, keeping this long-held record in place.

4. Something’s happening at Southampton

Since the innovative ex-RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhüttl took the reins at Southampton, the side have become a force in the Premier League.

After beating Arsenal 3-2 and drawing with Chelsea, The Saints have managed to work there way to safety in the table.

Southampton now look like a team with ideas and a newfound sense of confidence. Heading into half-time as leaders in two out of four of Hasenhüttl’s games, the transformation under the Austrian is clear.

5. Salah’s on the spot

Everyone’s favourite Egyptian Mo Salah started this season with a bit of a drought causing many pundits and social media voices to question whether he had true staying power.

Fast-forward a few months and he’s the league’s top-scorer once again with 14 goals. Clearly lethal with the ball in open play, he’s no sucker from the spot either.

Although he’s not getting penalty after penalty, he’s undoubtedly able to put them away when he does. After breaking a record for last season’s most left-footed goals in a single campaign, here’s another interesting bit of trivia about his left peg.

6. Shane Long’s long wait

Good things come to those who wait. Patience etc. It’s a motto of one Irish icon – Guinness. It also seems to be the motto of another.

The Southampton player found the net today and managed to continue his unique record of a goal every year in away matches.

7. Hughton blues against the Reds

Whether it’s a psychological battle or just that he’s become a victim of circumstance. Chris Hughton seems to have a problem. Beating Liverpool.

8. Cleverly strikes for the first time since 2015

Tom Cleverly struck for Watford today in style. Although it’s taken nearly four years since his last goal, the volley gave his side the much needed three points in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

 

The post 8 things you might have missed from the 3pm Premier League kick-offs appeared first on Squawka News.



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