Manchester United and Everton played out a thriller, while Newcastle United beat an out-of-sorts Southampton in a dramatic day. It was raining goals at Old Trafford and St James’ Park in another dramatic day of action in the Premier League.
For once Jamie Vardy’s absence made no difference. This was a game defined by James Maddison, whose cockiness on the ball and eye for a killer pass ensured that Leicester remembered how to win without their main goalscorer. Fulham could not live with Maddison, who was at the heart of an improved Leicester performance, producing two bewitching assists to settle the game before half-time.
Paul Pogba’s sensational strike sent Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League as a 2-1 victory at Fulham extended their unbeaten away run to a record-equalling 17 matches.
Chelsea produced an unremarkable performance against Fulham but did just enough to claim a 1-0 win in the London derby.
Tottenham’s London derby with Fulham has become the latest Premier League game to fall foul of coronavirus.
Scott Parker’s side cannot afford to drop many more points when they catch their opponents on an off-day such as this. A fourth consecutive draw, and second goalless affair at Craven Cottage in 10 days, was fair and adds to the sense their early-season defensive calamities are behind them; given victory against an under-strength Southampton side would have wrenched them out of the relegation zone, though, it was hard not to sense this was a missed chance.