Author: Serg Atrakhov, Amrit Santlani
West Ham – Chelsea – 3:1
In the fifth minute, West Ham held a “dress rehearsal” for the goal. Ward-Prowse took a corner, but former Chelsea player Zuma headed the ball inaccurately. Two minutes later, the situation repeated itself, only for Agerd to be precise – 1:0.
The Londoners launched many attacks, trying to restore equality as quickly as possible. Carney Chukwuemeka brought the visitors back level just before the half-hour mark with a fine goal. He dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a curling shot that gave Alphonse Areola no chance. It was the 19-year-old’s first goal for the first team and it turned out to be a memorable one.
Ten minutes later, Brazilian Paqueta, who was recently accused of rigging sports betting, hit the post. Just before half-time, Chelsea got a huge relief when Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box, Enzo Fernandez stepped up to take the penalty, but Areola denied him.
After the restart, in the 55th minute, Jamaican striker Antonio, now in his ninth season with West Ham, once again put the hosts ahead – 2-1. In the 67th minute, Morocco’s Agerd brought down Jackson and received a second yellow card.
But, playing with the majority, Chelsea were unable to snatch a draw. Also, in the 95th minute, former Chelsea defender Emerson was kicked in the legs by Caicedo. Brazilian midfielder Paqueta shot from the penalty spot into the bottom right corner, leaving Sánchez no chance – 3:1. The youngster received a yellow card early on, but was instrumental in West Ham’s victory, while his fellow countryman Thiago Silva put in another strong display, as both players played the full ninety minutes.
Aston Villa – Everton – 4:0
Three representatives from Brazil took part in Everton’s defeat. Douglas Louis came into the starting line-up and scored the second goal of the match, converting a penalty in the 24th minute. Coutinho replaced him in the 64th minute. Also in the 64th minute, Diego Carlos came on as part of Aston Villa.
Wolves – Brighton – 1:4
Brazilians João Gomez (played 55 minutes) and Matheus Cunha (played the whole match) were unable to help Wolverhampton avoid defeat against Brighton. With the score at 4-0, Brazilian João Pedro came on for the visitors, but apart from receiving a yellow card, he didn’t think anything of it. Defender Igor stayed on the bench.
Fulham – Brentford – 0:3
After beating Everton in the first round (1-0), Fulham lost without a chance at home to Brentford. Three Brazilians took part in this game for the Londoners: Pereira, Willian (who replaced him in the 67th minute) and Rodrigo Muniz, who came on in the 86th minute. Another Brazilian, Carlos Vinicius, was on the bench.