Different fortunes came the way of various players in the English Premier League on Saturday, as William Troost-Ekong committed a blunder that spelt doom for Watford, but Alex Iwobi pushed aside all pre-match complexes to shine in victory with Everton, megasportsarena.com reports.
The day’s ugly side, though, went for Troost-Ekong, as the Super Eagles’ assistant captain played all 90 minutes along with Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure for Watford, but their side lost 2-0 away to Brighton & Hove Albion at AMEX Stadium.
Shane Duffy and Neal Maupay scored both goals for The Seagulls, as Brighton climbed to second on the log and they have won their opening two games of a top-flight season for the first time in their history as they sit second in the Premier League, level on points with Liverpool.
Troy Deeney was called from the bench for the final 15 minutes with Watford opting for a more direct approach, as Tom Cleverley stung the palms of Robert Sanchez, while Bonaventure sprung free down the right and found the net but a correct offside flag cut short his celebrations.
It was a tactic that asked questions of the Brighton defence but Duffy and Lewis Dunk stood firm, making some crucial blocks inside their area, thereby cutting Watford short and The Hornets lost their first game of the new season.
On the other hand, Everton’s new coach, Rafael Benítez handed Iwobi his first start since he took over the reins at The Toffees and the Super Eagles’ playmaker was on the pitch until the 75th minute.
The visitors were pegged back each time they took the lead, with Mateusz Klich and Raphinha cancelling out goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray, as an exciting clash at Elland Road ended in a 2-2 draw between Iwobi’s side and Leeds United.
Aston Villa, who were off colour in their opening day loss to Watford, returned to winning ways by beating Newcastle United 2-0 courtesy of goals from Danny Ings and Anwar El-Ghazi, while 17-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka watched proceedings from the bench for all 90 minutes.
At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by Brentford, who again featured Frank Onyeka in top form, as the away team pulled off a second consecutive clean sheet in their English Premier League debut season.
Onyeka, in his second start since arriving from FC Midtjylland of Denmark in the summer, was taken off the pitch to receive treatment in the 17th minute but he was able to carry on until the 70th minute when he made way for Saman Ghoddos.
In the wake of the final whistle, Onyeka was narrowly edged out in the race for Brentford’s man of the match award, following Saturday’s barren away draw, as he placed second after all votes by The Bees’ fans were collated.
Onyeka finished second with 34 per cent, while Kris Ajer was voted best of the day with 38 per cent, Pontus Jansson was third with 16 per cent and Vitaly Janelt ended in fourth position with 12 per cent.
Crystal Palace’s duo of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise were again missing in action, as they are both still recovering from injuries and were not selected by The Eagles’ new coach, Patrick Vieira in his matchday squad.
In the early kickoff, Sheyi Ojo was not in Liverpool’s squad that defeated Burnley 2-0 at Anfield, amid speculation surrounding his future. He also missed their opening day clash at Norwich City.
Goals in either half from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side made it two wins from their first two Premier League outings in 2021-2022.
