September 19 – Premier League attendances for Round 5 slipped across the league with the overall percentage of stadia filled dropping to 93.93%, the lowest for the season so far.
Seven clubs filled over 90% of their stadium capacity with six filling over 97%, including Everton for the first time this season. Top of the table was Chelsea who has just 284 unfilled seats in Stamford Bridge for the visit of Liverpool.
Premier League fixtures were spread over the weekend with Chelsea playing Friday night and four fixture on Sunday. There were only four lick-offs at the traditional Saturday 3pm slot.
Southampton, who won their Europa League fixture at home mid-week, entertained Swansea City on Sunday with a lunchtime kick-off, making it difficult for travelling fans to make the 200 mile trip from Wales to the south coast club.
Hull City and West Brom propped up the weekly attendance table. Hull had a surprisingly low gate for the visit of Arsenal, though discontent with the clubs’ owners who are still searching for a buyer for the club, is high amongst fans.
West Brom, who completed their new ownership deal last week, put on a rousing performance after criticism of their playing style, to win 4-2 against West Ham. Stay away fans missed out.
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