November 9 – In the midst of the fierce storm Ciaran that swept the nation, Premier League attendance recorded a season low for Matchweek 11 with more than 10,000 seats remaining empty for the first time since the season begun in August.
Despite the torrential rains, Newcastle United yet again recorded the best percentage capacity of the week as St James’s Park reached 99% capacity for the sixth straight matchday. Only 111 seats were left cold in the Magpies’ controversial 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Arsenal, as the Toon crept up to sixth place and within touching distance of Aston Villa, who dropped three points against Nottingham Forest.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, recorded by far the worst percentage capacity of any team this season at 91.9%. Despite the poor attendance and the blistering winds, the Blades secured their first win upon their return to the Premier League after captain Oliver Norwood converted a last-minute penalty deep into stoppage time.
The Blades’ diminished support played a role in earning Matchweek 11 the title as the lowest overall percentage capacity of the Premier League season thus far at an average of 96.8%.
Only two teams, Newcastle United and Brentford, achieved a higher percentage capacity than last week’s average of 98.57%.
Brentford also notably join the 99% club for the first time as their team secured an emphatic 3-2 win over London rivals West Ham.
Tottenham recorded the highest attendance of the week as 61,726 fans witnessed a thrilling London derby between the Lilywhites and a bottom-half Chelsea. After multiple disallowed goals, two red cards to Romero and Udogie and a variety of injuries, Chelsea were able to penetrate Postecoglou’s bizarre high line and earn Nicolas Jackson his first hat-trick in blue.
Matchweek 12 of the Premier League season begins on Saturday as Wolves will look to capitalise on a Spurs side marred with suspension and injury in the early kick off.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732106055labto1732106055ofdlr1732106055owedi1732106055sni@g1732106055niwe.1732106055yrrah1732106055