Premier League scores, Week 9: Liverpool do pretty things; Spurs and Arsenal don’t

The Premier League did not live up to its normal goal-heavy standard on Saturday. Two of the league’s best attacking teams in particular -- Spurs and Arsenal -- failed to score. But the goals that did go in were of the highest quality. Liverpool had a spectacular opener in their win, but the real goal of the week battle is between Christian Fuchs and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Saturday’s scores

Check out this team goal. The entire Liverpool front six gets involved and does something positive on this move, culminating in a world class assist by Roberto Firmino for Sadio Mane to finish off.

Philippe Coutinho -- who had the dummy on that goal -- went on to get on the scoreboard as well. Against a tough West Brom defense, these were impressive goals.

But Liverpool fans will still be wondering why they didn’t finish this game off easily. They conceded a set piece goal late and were made to work hard for the three points when they probably should have been able to coast.

While both North London sides have very impressive attacking players, they couldn’t find the back of the net on Saturday. The Gunners had trouble with a Middlesbrough team they were expected to beat comfortably, with Aitor Karanka’s switch to a 4-5-1 paying off for his side. Arsenal fans weren’t thrilled with the way their team’s decisions played out in the final third.

Spurs fans, meanwhile, are chalking up their issues to a personnel problem. Victor Janssen isn’t getting on the end of chances up top, so Cartilage Free Captain is guessing things will change when Harry Kane returns.

We managed well for the first few games without him, but it’s evident now that we really miss Harry Kane. His upcoming return really can’t come soon enough. Last season Kane scored 5 goals against Bournemouth, and our chances of getting one today would’ve been a lot better with him leading the line.

Despite these blips, there’s no reason for Spurs and Arsenal fans to overreact. But in a very tight Premier League, these dropped points will hurt if either team manages to slip out of the top four.

Oh no.

The Black Cats nearly grabbed a crucial away point against surprise relegation rivals West Ham, but they conceded in stoppage time. And how did they concede?

Well this is just unlucky.

West Ham is now, somehow, up to 15th after their second straight win. They still don’t look good, though.

Not great! Ronald Koeman’s side has put together some great performances this season, but just as many absolutely baffling ones. They were poor against Burnley, giving away a late winner, and Royal Blue Mersey isn’t sure about the team’s mental makeup.

This team seems to lack that killer instinct. They will both rise to the occasion, as they did last week against Manchester City, and sink to their opponent’s level, as they have done multiple times this season against subpar competition. It’s maddening.

It’s difficult to point out individual players as the problem today. It was a total team failure. Stekelenburg had a bad day after such a glorious performance a week ago. Jagielka looks every bit like the 34 years old that he is. We could stand to see Ramiro Funes Mori more and give Jags a rest. And both Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley were quiet. When they struggle, so does Lukaku.

There isn’t a simple solution for Everton. They just have to stop playing poorly in games they should be winning. Easier said than done.

Gomes and the woodwork both had great matches for Watford as they barely scraped a draw against Bob Bradley’s Swans.

It’s clear that Swansea has improved, though, which is great to see if you’re concerned about America’s footballing reputation around the world and feel like it hinges on Bob Bradley’s success. It doesn’t, of course, but these people exist.

Here are the two best goals from Saturday. Which one is better? First up, Fuchs for Leicester.

His competition, Shaqiri for Stoke.

I can’t decide which one is better. They’re both top drawer.

The main event is Chelsea vs. Manchester United, which kicks off at 11 a.m. ET. The undercard match, Manchester City vs. Southampton, is awesome too. That’s on at 8:30 a.m. Both games are on NBCSN in the United States. For listings from your country, check out Live Soccer TV.