November 28 – In a week filled with VAR frustration and spectacular acrobatics, Premier League fans returned to duty after a two-week hiatus courtesy of the international break.
In a disappointing display, Premier League fixtures recorded a below average % capacity across the 10 home stadiums this weekend. Despite having almost 100,000 less seats than last week’s fixtures, there were double the empty seats.
Sheffield United recorded the lowest % capacity turnout yet again, as the South Yorkshire side continue to struggle against Premier League opposition. The Blades conceded twice in the first half which set the tone for a limp display in a must-win game against AFC Bournemouth. The loss has kept the side in the relegation zone, just one point clear of Everton after the Toffees suffered a 10-point deduction last week.
Match week 13 saw the third-lowest overall % capacity of the campaign so far, led by another sub-par turnout from the Blades, as well as Fulham and Luton Town.
Spurs saw the highest attendance of the week at 61,679 despite the disappointing result against Aston Villa, which saw the north London side slip to fifth in the table after a prolonged stint at the top in weeks gone by. Hindered by suspension and injury, Postecoglou’s side have lost three straight matches after an impressive start to the season.
The clash-of-the-titans affair between hosts Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool drew in a disappointing sub-97% capacity crowd as the Etihad continues to lag behind its top-six counterparts in that department. Erling Haaland’s first half strike was cancelled out by a tidy finish from Trent Alexander Arnold in the 80th minute, as the thrilling match closed curtains on a 1-1 finish which deserved a packed-out ground.
Match day 14 of the Premier League kicks off on Saturday as Arsenal fight to maintain their top spot against Wolves, who will be hoping to bounce back from a frustrating Monday night loss versus Fulham yesterday after conceding two penalties.
The headline acts, though, come later in the weekend as Newcastle host Manchester United as both teams look to break into the Champions League race. Manchester City will host a struggling Spurs side as both teams eye up a return to the top spot.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735111007labto1735111007ofdlr1735111007owedi1735111007sni@g1735111007niwe.1735111007yrrah1735111007