Premier League Nuggets 2023/24

Posted byrichardfoster60Posted inBrentford, Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, TottenhamTags:, , , , , , ,

September 1st

The one remaining 100% record in the Premier League rests on the familiar shoulders of Manchester City while Everton and the three promoted clubs are already nine points adrift of the champions. Plus ça change at the top and the bottom.

BRENTFORD DRAW COMFORT

Brentford’s draw with Palace on Saturday broke the Bees’ record for unbeaten top flight derby matches, which now stands at twelve. It was also the fifth successive time that this fixture has ended in a draw, which are the only times these two clubs have met in the Premier League.

RED CARDS ON THE UP

Virgil van Dijk’s dismissal at St. James’ Park was the ninth red card of the season. If the current rate of three sending-offs every ten matches continues, there will be 114 red cards this season. Last season there were only 31 reds in total, which was the second lowest after the 29 dismissals in 1993/94.

OWN GOALS ON THE DECLINE

In contrast to the rash of reds, there has only been one own goal in the 29 matches so far this season, courtesy of Lisandro Martinez in Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham. Last season there were own goals aplenty with 45 altogether, which was the third highest total in Premier League history. 

WEEK 4

Looking ahead to Week 4, one of the bottom four are guaranteed to pick up a point as Everton travel to Bramall Lane. Going into their match at Stamford Bridge Forest have won and drawn exactly the same number of games – 70 in the Premier League era. If they lose to Chelsea it will be their 100th Premier League defeat in their 240th game.

Published by richardfoster60

Author, broadcaster, historian, journalist. A regular contributor to the Guardian, Sky Sports and talkSPORT, my latest book is highly acclaimed Premier League Nuggets - "brilliantly written" - Darren Fletcher, "I love Premier League Nuggets" - Guy Mowbray, "the book is a labour of love" - Peter Drury.

One thought on “Premier League Nuggets 2023/24”

  1. As though Forest would lose to Chelsea! What an insane suggestion! What are the odds that Palace finish above CFC? Evens?

    Just about, with Buttle covering half, to pay your quarter of Cornwall.

    I’m working through my diaries so that I can deliver a presentation at Morvoren – interesting fasts include that on our very first pub visit (The Farmers) you had a T and O!! And you beat 85 on Trevose GC a considerable number of times during your twenties – you gave Butler a shot a hole at the first golf event in 84 and still beat him comfortably………..

    Thanks again for a fine wedding – hope our card arrived.

    WD SM

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