Premier League Notes - Week 38

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 38

As explained in my pinned Tweet thread @Sonjahaha, it’s the end of an era for me, after waiting 30 years and writing/reporting/blogging/tweeting/predicting/losing for over 20 years, I can finally retire my pen from my bible and say: WE ARE THE CHAMP19NS! 

(And sorry, Google and Blogger updates have screwed up my last post, no links nor pics, ARGH! - edited and added a couple of links months later)

The 38th and final week of the 2019-2020 Premier League football season saw:

33 goals - most by Man City = 5

237 shots - most by Man City = 31

77 on target - most by Man City = 10

85 corners - most by Man City and Saints = 9 each

217 fouls - most by Wolves, Sheff United and West Ham = 16 each

32 bookings - most by Man United = 5

1 red card - Evans for Leicester

5 penalties - 5 scored (Aubameyang for Arsenal, Deeney for Watford, King for Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes for Man United, Ings for Saints)

#ARSWAT

3-0 down after 33 minutes at the Emirates, managerless Watford confirmed the obvious: relegation. The Gunners fired home their first three shots on target: MOTM Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted their penalty for Craig Dawson’s clumsy foul on Alexandre Lacazette (5’ pen), assisted Kieran Tierney (24’), and then topped it all off with an overhead kick (33’). The Hornets tried their best and pulled one back from the spot, Troy Deeney converting it after David Luiz’s foul on Danny Welbeck (43’ pen), the former Arsenal man making it 3-2 from close range (66’). The hosts’ keeper Emiliano Martínez denied the former Gunner a late equalizer, leaving the relegated side gutted. All eyes are on their owners after last week’s sacking, whilst Mikel Arteta’s eighth-placed side ended their worst league season for 25 years on a high, all their eyes and European hopes now resting on the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday.

#BURBHA

Yves Bissouma (20’) and Aaron Connolly (50’) helped Brighton to victory, which saw the Seagulls finish 15th on 41 points, their highest total in the Premier League, one better than 2017-18. The Clarets did make a match of it, Chris Wood firing in the equalizer just before the HT-break (44’), and Jay Rodriguez seeing his second equalizer chalked off thanks to the beloved VAR (59’). Their first home league defeat since New Year’s Day saw Sean Dyche’s men finish tenth, still an achievement despite the disappointing end to the season. The Burnley boss’ future at the club still remains in doubt, his frustration with the board and lack of squad depth and investment obvious and well known. 

#CHEWOL

Frank Lampard’s men made sure they finished in the top four with a comfortable win against Wolves. MOTM Mason Mount’s beautiful curling free-kick (45+1’) and Olivier Giroud’s finish from close range (45+4’), sealed the victory within 144 seconds just before the HT-break, placing the Londoners in fourth, behind Man United in third on goal difference. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side never really made a match of it at Stamford Bridge, having lost five of their six closing-day PL matches (winning only against Sunderland in 2009-10). The defeat saw the Wanderers finish seventh behind Tottenham on goal difference, but they still have some chance of European qualification if the Blues beat the Gunners in the FA Cup final on Saturday (or they win the Europa League themselves of course). 

#CRYTOT

Crystal Palace kept their unbeaten run of five final-day PL games going with a hard-fought draw against Tottenham (making it four wins and one draw the last five seasons’ final days). Harry Kane opened the scoring (13’), but Roy Hodgson’s men kept digging and looking to end their dire run of seven previous defeats. Jeffrey Schlupp capitalised on some poor Spurs defending, finishing from close range to level the score (53’). The visitors had more chances, but it stayed a goal and point each, the former England boss mourning the lack of quality and strength, especially upfront. The result saw José Mourinho’s side leapfrog Wolves into sixth and Europa League qualification. Not bad, to say that when the Portuguese took over last season’s Champions League finalists, they were 14th.

#EVEBOU

The Cherries ended up heartbroken despite winning 1-3 at Goodison Park, the other results going against them and confirming their five-year stay in the top-tear has come to an end. Eddie Howe’s men gave it their all and took the lead thanks to Joshua King’s penalty after Richarlison handled the ball in the box (13’ pen). Moise Kean equalised against the run of play, tapping in Theo Walcott’s cross (41’). But Dominic Solanke headed Bournemouth back in front just before the HT-break (45+1’). It was a tense second half until Jordan Pickford let through Junior Stanislas’ soft shot to make it 1-3 and give the visitors a nice cushion (80’). The win ended a run of nine consecutive away PL defeats. But the fight they showed was too late, the Cherries falling, 18th, whilst the Toffees failed, finishing 12th, their lowest place at the end of a season in 16 years. Carlo Ancelotti has a lot of work to do. 

#LEIMUN

The Foxes flopped and dropped out of the top four, where they had sat for 325 days this season, handing the Red Devils the Champions League spot after a disappointing defeat at the King Power Stadium. Plenty of chances were wasted by the hosts before Bruno Fernandes gave OGS’ side the lead from the spot after Anthony Martial tumbled between Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans (71’). Surprise, surprise: It was United’s 14th penalty of the season, the most for a side in PL history. The latter Fox saw red late on to add to Brendan Rodgers’ and co’s misery (90+4’). And sub Jesse Lingard put salt onto the wound, robbing the ball off keeper Kasper Schmeichel to net the second goal (90+8’). A miserable end to the season for Leicester, whilst it will be a happy return to Old Trafford for the visitors, feeling they’re back where they belong. 

#MCINOR

Talking about miserable: Bottom side Norwich were taken apart at the Etihad, Man City thrashing Daniel Farke’s men 5-0 as a farewell present from the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus (11’), MOTM Kevin de Bruyne (45+1’, 90’), Raheem Sterling (79’) and Riyad Mahrez (83’) all added to the show, legend and skipper David Silva’s last appearance for the club after ten glittering years. The Citizens have scored 100+ league goals in a top-flight season for a fifth time, an English record (also 1936-37, 1957-58, 2013-14 and 2017-18). Boss Pep Guardiola will now focus on the Champions League with Real Madrid being their next visitors in the second leg of their last-16 clash next week. 

#NEWLIV

Dwight Gayle gave the Magpies an unexpected lead after just 25 seconds off Jonjo Shelvey’s quickly taken free-kick (1’), the quickest goal on a PL final day. That’s the only time the hosts touched the ball in the Reds’ box in the first half. The champions, starting without their star front three, were level before the break thanks to MOTM VVD’s header (38’). Divock Origi banged the Reds ahead from 20 yards out (59’), before sub Sadio Mané curled in a late third to seal the win (89’). Jürgen Klopp’s men finished top on 99 points after their club record 14th PL away win this season, 18 points ahead of City in second, whilst Steve Bruce is left sour and waiting about Newcastle’s takeover (breaking news today that the Arabs have pulled out), his side safe from the drop but picking up only two points from the last six games. Contrast. 

#SOUSHU

MOTM Ché Adams’ brace (50’, 71’) and Danny Ings' penalty (84’) turned the game around for Southampton to beat Sheffield United 3-1 at St Mary’s. John Lundstram had given the visitors the lead from close range as the Blades were on top (26’). But for only the second time this season, the Saints overturned a HT-deficit, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men finishing the season in 11th, whilst Chris Wilder’s side dropped to ninth, still their highest finish in the Premier League, in their first season back in the top tier since 2007. Not bad. 

#WHUAVL

Aston Villa ensured their survival at the cost of Bournemouth after a draw at West Ham was enough to avoid the drop. Skipper, hero and MOTM Jack Grealish had put the Villans ahead with a smacker of a strike (84’). 100 seconds later, Andriy Yarmolenko’s deflected shot levelled the score (85’) and shot up the nerves for the final minutes at the London Stadium (and false hopes for the Cherries). But Dean Smith’s men survived and could breathe a sigh of relief, whilst the Hammers had already secured their safety in 16th last match-week. In his 19 games in charge, David Moyes has recorded one more PL point than his predecessor Manuel Pellegrini did in the previous 19 games (20-19). The former Everton boss was full of praise for the young and fresh - hinting on more, as in more newbies incoming?

My Predictions - Actual Results

I was working on Sunday, made it home just in time for the second half, then realising that for the first time this season I forgot to make my predictions. So, I just put 0:0 on all. I’m happy I beat my dad in our final season of predictions - end of an era after 20 years! See my Twitter thread mentioned at the top for more on that, just search Sonjahaha and you'll find me.

Arsenal 0:0 Watford - 3:2

Burnley 0:0 Brighton - 1:2

Chelsea 0:0 Wolves - 2:0

C Palace 0:0 Tottenham - 1:1

Everton 0:0 Bournemouth - 1:3

Leicester 0:0 Man United - 0:2

Man City 0:0 Norwich - 5:0

Newcastle 0:0 Liverpool - 1:3

Southampton 0:0 Sheff United - 3:1

West Ham 0:0 Aston Villa - 1:1 

All facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMin, RMC and Sky Sports coverage - see the previous posts for links.

Premier League Notes - Week 37

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 37

The 37th week of the Premier League football action saw:

25 goals - most by Liverpool = 5

227 shots - most by Man City = 26

76 on target - most by Man City = 10

116 corners - most by Leicester = 13

249 fouls - most by Everton and Arsenal = 19 each

33 bookings - most by Brighton and Arsenal = 4 each

2 red cards - Buendía and Drmić for Norwich

3 penalties - 1 scored (Antonio for West Ham)

#NORBUR

Chris Wood acrobatically connected to Jóhann Guðmundsson’s cross into the box to put it past Tim Krul from close range and open the scoring for Burnley (45+5’). Wood is the first player to score 13 goals in a top division season for the club since Peter Noble and Ray Hankin in 1975-76. Norwich had made a strong start pulling a couple of saves out of Nick Pope. But like so many times this season, the Canaries then pressed the self-destruct button. First Emi Buendía was sent off for an elbow into the back of Ashley Westwood's head, ref Kevin Friend checked the VAR screen himself to confirm the red (36’). And the bottom club went down to nine men after Josip Drmić’s dangerous lunge in with studs up on Erik Pieters, no replay or VAR needed for that one (45+3’). There was a lot of discussions about the harshness of both decisions, but I think both calls were clear and obvious. The goal then just added salt onto Daniel Farke and co’s wounds, confirming the obvious, just not controlled nor good enough. Norwich are the first team to have multiple players sent off in the first half of a Premier League game since August 2015 (two Stoke red cards v West Brom). Capitulation. And to add to their misery, Ben Godfrey added an own goal into the bottom right to make it 0-2 (81’). No team have scored more own goals in the Premier League this season than Norwich (three). And the Canaries have conceded 37 home goals in the Premier League this season - in their league history they have only shipped more at Carrow Road once (48 in 1946-47). It’s the ninth consecutive defeat for the relegated side. Sean Dyche’s men meanwhile, climbed up to ninth after their club record 15th league win of the season, their most in a top-flight campaign since 1974-75. Records.

#BOUSOU

Who else but Danny Ings broke the deadlock in the South-coast derby, off Nathan Redmond, cutting onto his right foot, taking the ball past two players and squeezing it around Jack Stacey and into the bottom right corner (41’). It’s his 12th goal on the road for the Saints, matching Matt Le Tissier’s club record for the most away goals in a season. The Cherries must have been gutted at the break after playing well for most of the half, but recording no shot on target. Important HT team talk for Eddie Howe. The VAR awarded a penalty deeming the ball came off Harry Wilson’s arm, harsh one. Aaron Ramsdale dived the right way, his left, and saved the spot kick to deny Ings the club record (59’). Bournemouth thought they had found a dramatic late leveller when after a scramble Sam Surridge squeezed the ball inside the post - for the beloved VAR to disallow it offside (90+4’). Howe closed his eyes, Ramsdale’s celebrating run across the pitch was spoilt, but it summarised their season: all fight, no result, no points. And to add salt onto the wounds, Michael Obafemi slipped it through to Ché Adams in the box, who took one touch to beat the defender and smash it beyond Ramsdale to make it 0-2 (90+8’). The result sees the Cherries drop to 19th, three points from safety with one game to go at Everton.

#TOTLEI

Son Heung-min broke the deadlock after just seven minutes, running and dancing through the Foxes' back line, his shot coming off James Justin into the bottom left. The VAR checked offside against Harry Kane when the shot was taken, but the goal stood, the striker not involved at all. And it was given as an own goal anyways in the end. The Foxes kept pushing, Jamie Vardy kept missing, Kane ended up scoring, doubling the Londoners’ lead with his left foot across into the bottom right corner (38’). And seconds later, the top scorer added to his and his side’s account, again across and into the bottom right, lovely take (40’). Three counter goals, lacking any marking or defending. Since January Leicester have amassed 17 out of 48 points. Thrown it away completely. Hugo Lloris did his job in the second half, Brendan Rodgers' side with double the attempts and shots on target, but nothing on the scoreboard. It was the lowest possession for Spurs at home in eight years with only 30%, but I don’t think José Mourinho and co will care about any of that after banking three comfy points taking them up to sixth (before Wolves played, see below). 

#BHANEW

Half an hour gone, Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard linked-up well, the latter seeing his right footed shot from the centre of the box saved by Martin Dúbravka. Dwight Gayle came close, putting his chance just over for the visitors at the end of the first half. The Magpies went close again shortly after the break, Miguel Almirón squeezing a shot away under pressure from Tariq Lamptey for Mat Ryan to save. Frustrating game to watch. Bookings left, right and centre. But nothing from it. It ended goalless, no surprises at the Amex Stadium.

#SHUEVE

Not much happened at Bramall Lane, the home side giving the Toffees no break. A couple of minutes before the half-time break, Theo Walcott in a world of space on the right, found Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box, whose header from close range came crashing off the post. The visitors should’ve been ahead. Seconds after the restart, Richarlison banged in a header into the bottom left to give Everton the lead (46’). Carlo Ancelotti said something right during the interval. Both sides had chances to add to the scoreboard, most wasted, the home side producing more but nothing on target. Frustrating result for them, blowing their European hopes, dropping to eighth, five points ahead of Everton.

#WOLCRY

The only thing worth reporting in the first quarter was Mamadou Sakho having to be replaced having obviously pulled something. A couple of shots, but nothing of note. End of the first half, Daniel Podence headed the Wanderers ahead off a nice run and cross by Matt Doherty, after Jeffrey Schlupp gave the ball away to João Moutinho (41’). His first goal for the club. Lovely buildup. All Wolves in the second half. What a beauty by Jonny, turn and hit from the centre of the box, doubled the visitors’ lead, Adama Traoré an absolute monster in the buildup once again (68’). Palace had some chances after that, nothing to worry Rui Patrício much. It ended 2-0, Roy Hodgson’s seventh consecutive league defeat for the first time in his long managerial career sees his side remain 14th, whilst Nuno Espírito Santo’s side stay 6th and in the tight race for Europe. 

#WATMCI

Sunday the news broke: Watford sacked Nigel Pearson with only two games left to play?! The third manager of the season to be given the chop by the owners, that makes it an average of 11ish points per sacking this season. Rumours were growing of bust-ups between players and the manager. No surprise on Tuesday then: Raheem Sterling's first half double (31’, 40’), then in the second half Phil Foden (63’) and Aymeric Laporte (66’) got in on the fun. The Hornets are in big trouble, handing Villa a lifeline, see below for more.

#AVLARS

Aston Villa were fighting, Arsenal just awful. From a corner, whipped in by Conor Hourihane, Tyrone Mings got a touch and the ball found Trézéguet in space in the box, who connected with it beautifully WHACK to give the Villans the lead (27’). It was enough to bag the three crucial points. After seeing his side losing in miserable fashion against the relegation battlers, not producing a single shot on target and heading to their worst finish in 25 years, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said that winning the FA Cup final on 1 August is even more important for the club now as it's the only way they can qualify for Europe next season. Duh! Massive performance and win for Dean Smith and his men, dropping Watford into the relegation zone on goal difference, three points ahead of Bournemouth in 19th, taking the fight against the drop into the last week. 

#MUNWHU

Dull match until a controversial penalty call: It took the VAR a while and a few replays to decide Paul Pogba handled the ball. Some (the French commentators) argued the Frenchman protected himself, but especially the angle from behind showed it looked more like a volleyball move with both arms up. A rare call going against United, and Michail Antonio made no mistake, banging the spot kick in sending David de Gea the wrong way just before the HT break (45’). Mason Greenwood smashed in the equaliser from the centre of the box, the Hammers defence giving him too much time and space (51’). Big point for David Moyes and co to make 100% sure they stay up, whilst OGS and his men will need a point against Leicester in the final matchweek to qualify for Europe next season. 

#LIVCHE

Naby Keïta opened the scoring from the edge of the semi-circle into the top right, lovely first shot on target after a quiet opening with each side feeling each other out (23’). Another lovely lovely goal, TAA curled a free kick from right outside the semi-circle up and over everyone into the right corner of the net (37’). And Georginio Wijnaldum made it three, whacking the ball in after a corner bounced off Mo Salah and a couple of defenders, a bit of ping pong, but super finish (43’). Chelsea pulled one back in the final seconds of the first half, Willian's shot was saved by Alisson, but Olivier Giroud slid in to net the rebound to make it 3-1 (45+3’). Perfect cross by Trent from the right and Bobby Firmino entering the box bang middle made no mistake of heading it in to make it four for the Reds (55’). The Blues doubled their score, sub Tammy Abraham unmarked from close range, after a lovely run and cross from the left by the other sub Christian Pulisic (61’). What a turn and take by Pulisic unmarked in the box to make it 4-3 and game on (73’). The Ox made it five, after a super quick counter, Andy Robertson from the left, long cross, BANG, the sub made no mistake from close range (84’). BOOM. Unbeaten at Anfield for three seasons. CHAMP19NS. Fireworks and party started. Click here for full ByTheMinLFC coverage. 

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Norwich 0:1 Burnley - 0:2

Bournemouth 2:1 Southampton - 0:2

Tottenham 1:1 Leicester - 3:0

Brighton 1:1 Newcastle - 0:0

Sheffield United 2:1 Everton - 0:1

Wolves 2:0 Crystal Palace - 2:0

Watford 1:1 Man City - 0:4

Aston Villa 0:2 Arsenal - 1:0

Man United 2:1 West Ham - 1:1

Liverpool 3:2 Chelsea - 5:3

Click here for my previous Premier League Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMin, RMC and Sky Sports coverage. 

Premier League Notes - Week 36

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 36

The 36th week of the Premier League football action saw:

25 goals - most by Tottenham and West Ham = 3 each

255 shots - most by Liverpool = 24

75 on target - most by Liverpool = 8

107 corners - most by Liverpool = 13

113 fouls - most by Everton and Man United = 15 each

26 bookings - most by Tottenham and Arsenal = 3 each

0 red cards

1 penalty - 1 scored (Wood for Burnley)

#CHENOR

Olivier Giroud headed the dominant Blues ahead just before the half-time break (45+3’). Disappointing defending by relegated Norwich after a strong first-half performance frustrating the hosts. The Canaries were a bit more adventurous and pushing in the second half, but not much, Chelsea stayed on top and banked the three points to keep them in third place. 

#BURWOL

The home side made it as cagey and difficult as possible for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men to find any way through. But Raúl Jiménez whacked in the breakthrough for Wolves, netting the rebound off Matt Doherty’s saved shot (75’). Eventful final minutes of stoppage time: Just after they missed a golden chance, headed wide, Burnley won a penalty. Overhead kick?! No foul! Offside? No, handball! The VAR confirmed the spot kick, Chris Wood banged it in to the right side netting to level the score (90+6’). One goal and one point each, Sean Dyche must be the happier.

#MCIBOU 

David Silva’s stunning free kick into the top corner gave the Citizens the lead early on (6’). But the Cherries hit back, Junior Stanislas with a gem of a free kick, but Ederson and the post did enough to keep it out. Seconds later Gabriel Jesus doubled City’s lead, working his way through everyone, finishing nice and low into the far corner (39’). The visitors had the ball in the back of the net again after the break, but the VAR found Joshua King’s toe offside. Jesus’ penalty shout was rightly called off by the VAR as the Brazilian was the one stepping on the defender Steve Cook’s foot, correct call for a change (74’). David Brooks finally pulled one back, fully deserved for the visitors (88’). But it stayed 2-1, harsh on Eddie Howe and his men, who worked harder and produced more, just not the result. That’s what counts most, as the ex-champions know as well.

#NEWTOT

Son Heung-min gave Spurs the lead at St James’ Park, low and through DeAndre Yedlin’s legs (27’). And the South Korean could have had another goal seconds later, hit from 25 yards, pulling a high-flying save out of Martin Dúbravka. But the Magpies didn’t stay down, creating chances, worrying and working Hugo Lloris hard, Dwight Gayle denied by the woodwork. Matt Ritchie found the equaliser after the half-time break, sublime whack across the box and in (56’). Harry Kane restored the visitors’ lead shortly after, unmarked, easy header down and in, his 200th in 350 appearances (60’). And the record striker put another one in to make it 201 and 1-3, off another save off Erik Lamela’s shot, easy central and from close range but painful one clashing with a defender on the way (90’). Costly defeat, points and injuries for Steve Bruce and co, after playing and working so well and hard.

#ARSLIV

Early dominance by the champions was nearly rewarded through Emiliano Martínez’s cock-up with the ball, which found Roberto Firmino’s high leg and went just wide, just, off the post (13’). Sadio Mané broke the deadlock from close range after great buildup by Andrew Robertson and Firmino, bing, bang, boom (20’). Virgil van Dijk was left complaining after he lost the ball off Reiss Nelson for Alexandre Lacazette to whack in the equaliser, seconds after the Frenchman had a goal chalked off for offside (23’). There was nothing there, a rare soft giveaway by the big Dutchman, handing the Gunners their first shot of the match. And Nelson smashed Arsenal ahead, across and into the far corner, off Lacazette from the right, after Liverpool messed up again, a throw-in to Alisson, the keeper gave it away (44’). Two presents, two goals, the hosts ahead against the run of play. The Reds have gone in behind at half-time despite scoring the opening goal for the first time since December 2016 vs West Ham; that game was also the last time they made two errors leading directly to a goal in the opening half. The visitors dominated after the break, possession, chances, but the only real save Martínez had to make wasn’t until added time. Jürgen Klopp was understandably not happy, the champions’ third defeat of the season, lots of records out of the window with it. Click here for ByTheMinLFC coverage.

#EVEAVL

Early injury woos and change for the Toffees, both sides struggled fitness-wise, not much produced, created or shown by either side. This had 0-0 written all over it. But Villa stuck around, created opportunities as well. And the Villans scored with their first shot on target: A free-kick whipped in, cracking delivery from Conor Hourihane, and Ezri Konsa poked out a long leg and just about got it over the line (72’). But it was not to be. A cross to the back post, Theo Walcott looped a header across goal and Konsa did his best to clear it with an overhead kick, but his contact only sent it over the line before Pepe Reina could get anything on it. The ref's watch confirmed the clear goal, 1-1, the hosts’ first shot on target as well (87’). A goal and point each, a bit of pride for one side, heartbreak for the other.

#LEISHU

Leicester on top, took a deserved lead, youngster Luke Thomas with an assist on his debut, picking out Ayoze Pérez with a beauty of a pass from the left, the Spaniard took a touch and then nailed a low shot through the legs of John Egan and into the bottom corner (29’). Demarai Gray doubled the Foxes’ lead with a lovely shot across Dean Henderson and in (79’). The result keeps Brendan Rodgers' men in Champions League qualification, whilst Chris Wilder's side's European hopes are left hanging, two points behind Wolves in 6th.

#CRYMUN

A Palace penalty appeal was ignored shortly before Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils the lead just before the half-time break with a lovely move into the box and turn around the Eagles defenders and keeper and in (45+1’). Bruno Fernandes the provider, of course. Jordan Ayew’s equaliser was disallowed by the lovely VAR - both his and the defender’s toes were on the same line FFS (55’)! It took over two minutes for the call! Ridiculous! Time out?! Fernandes hit the woodwork a couple of minutes before Anthony Martial on a charge doubled United’s lead (78’). Harsh. Patrick van Aanholt was down and out after that, had to be replaced, Roy Hodgson must have been counting his demons. OGS’ side ended up on top, but with a lot of help from modern technology. 

#SOUBHA

Neal Maupay put the Seagulls ahead, finishing off a fine move off Tariq Lamptey's long throw, headed on by Glenn Murray, through the heart of the Saints’ defence and in by the Frenchman, a nice reverse shot from eight yards out, wrong-footing Alex McCarthy (18’). A great counter saw the home side level, Danny Ings on the charge off Nathan Redmond, left-footer into the bottom right from the centre of the box, nice one (66’). It ended a goal and point each, Brighton edging their way to safety, leaving Southampton more disappointed, dropping points after dominating once again. 

#WHUWAT

Michail Antonio gave the Hammers an early lead, one-touch take nutmegging the Watford keeper Ben Foster (6’). Tomáš Souček doubled the hosts’ lead soon after, heading in a superb cross by Jarrod Bowen (10’). Dream start for David Moyes and co. Declan Rice smashed in the third across and in from over twenty yards out into the top right corner (36’). Beauty. With that, West Ham have scored more Premier League goals in their last five games (12) than in their previous 11 games combined. The Hornets hit back after the break, Troy Deeney smashing in the rebound off Abdoulaye Doucouré’s good run past a couple of defenders and low shot off the post to make it 3-1 (49’). Foster kept out Sébastian Haller’s superb take trying to catch out the keeper out of position from distance, seconds after the West Ham man came on (73’). Nigel Pearson was in agony seeing his side create chance after chance, but just unable to add more to the scoreboard. It ended 3-1, crucial points for the Hammers, leaving Watford sweating, three points separating them from the drop zone with two games left to play. 

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Chelsea 3:0 Norwich - 1:0

Burnley 1:1 Wolves - 1:1

Man City 3:0 Bournemouth - 2:1

Newcastle 2:2 Tottenham - 1:3

Arsenal 2:2 Liverpool - 2:1

Everton 2:1 Aston Villa - 1:1

Leicester 2:1 Sheffield United - 2:0

Crystal Palace 1:2 Man United - 0:2

Southampton 1:0 Brighton - 1:1

West Ham 3:2 Watford - 3:1

Click here for my previous Premier League Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMin, RMC and Sky Sports coverage.

Premier League Notes - Week 35

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 35

The 35th week of Premier League Football action saw:

34 goals - most by Man City = 5

246 shots - most by Man City = 26

99 on target - most by Liverpool and Aston Villa = 9 each

92 corners - most by Liverpool = 12

229 fouls - most by Watford = 23

34 bookings - most by Arsenal = 5 

2 red cards - Benteke for Palace, Söyüncü for Leicester 

4 penalties - 4 scored (2 x Deeney for Watford, Jiménez for Wolves, Stanislas for Bournemouth)

#NORWHU

Michail Antonio found the back of the net from close range after meeting Issa Diop's flicked-on header off a corner, following Tim Krul’s fine save (11’). A wonderful volley by Tomáš Souček was brilliantly matched by a superb Krul's stop (43’). Antonio headed home Mark Noble's free-kick to double West Ham's lead just before the break (45+1’). And Antonio completed his hat-trick nodding in the rebound after Krul saved his initial shot (54’). The 30-year-old striker added a fourth to his tally with a cute flick in at the near post (75’), making him the first Hammer to whack in a PL quadruple. Terrible defending once again, Norwich are down and out, relegated after their seventh consecutive defeat.

#WATNEW

Danny Welbeck was a busy man early on for Watford and hit the woodwork, Martin Dúbravka just about keeping it out (18’). Dwight Gayle got the final touch from Matt Ritchie's curling corner to give the Magpies the lead (23’). Steve Bruce’s delighted. Troy Deeney stepped up and smashed in the spot-kick to level the score after Kiko Femenía was fouled in the box (52’). Another penalty went to the Hornets after Javier Manquillo brought down Ismaïla Sarr in the box, Deeney smashed that one in as well to turn the game around (81’), not bad but very crucial penalty brace in their fight for survival, the comeback win moving Nigel Pearson's side six points clear from the drop zone (before the later games, see below).

#LIVBUR

The Reds bossed it, Nick Pope decided it with a MOTM performance, denying Mo Salah, Sadio Mané and co. Andrew Robertson put the champions ahead (36’). But Jürgen Klopp’s men let off a bit after the interval, and after the second drinks break, Jay Rodriguez hit one back to level the score (69’). It ended a goal and point each at Anfield, the hosts keeping their record points and unbeaten home run going, whilst Sean Dyche's sides stay tenth.

#SHUCHE

David McGoldrick opened his Premier League scoring account with a brace (18’, 77’), the Republic of Ireland striker and Oli McBurnie (33’) downed Chelsea 3:0. Frank Lampard’s shaky defence struggled to deal with the duo at Bramall Lane. Chris Wilder can be a very happy man, throwing the European chase wide open, with just one point separating them from Wolves in sixth. 

#BHAMCI

Raheem Sterling’s third hat-trick of the season (21’, 53’, 81’), Gabriel Jesus (44’) and Bernardo Silva (56’) tap ins, th-r-ashed Brighton. Graham Potter's men didn’t manage a single shot on target at home, the result seeing them stay 15th, but West Ham and Watford in 16th and 17th closing the gap to the Seagulls to two points. 

#WOLEVE

Wolves bounced back from two defeats on the trot with a convincing win against Everton. Raúl Jiménez scored the opener from the spot after a clumsy foul by Lucas Digne on Daniel Podence (44+2’). Leander Dendoncker doubled the hosts’ lead with a header shortly after the break (46’). And Diogo Jota sealed the win with a third from just inside the box (74’), keeping the Wanderers in the European race and the Toffees dangling nowhere, Carlo Ancelotti lambasting his side. 

#AVLCRY

The VAR was adding a lot of spice to the already hot encounter at Villa Park, disallowing Mamadou Sakho’s opener for the ball hitting his shoulder which was deemed a handball after a lengthy delay. Trézéguet put the hosts in control either side of the half-time break (45+4’, 59’) and of when his side were given a penalty by referee Martin Atkinson for Patrick Van Aanholt’s challenge on Jack Grealish, but the VAR overturned the call, no pen. Christian Benteke saw red after the final whistle to add drama to defeat. The defeat puts Palace’s run down to five consecutive losses, whilst the Villans keep themselves in the fight for survival, four points away from safety with three games to go..

#TOTARS

Alexandre Lacazette put the Gunners ahead with a splendid finish into the far corner (16’). But the away party didn’t last long, Son Heung-min netted the equaliser seconds later (19’), David Luiz once again failing to cover an attacker. Both sides tried, created chances, pushing for the winner, keepers and woodworks busy. Spurs took over late on, Toby Alderweireld’s header giving José Mourinho’s men a late win in the tightly fought derby (81’). The defeat put Mikel Arterta’s side down to ninth, two points and one place behind their arch rivals. 

#BOULEI

Jamie Vardy scrambled the ball over the line for the opener thanks to some calamitous defending (23’), the Foxes dominating the Cherries early on down South. Junior Stanilas levelled the score from the spot after Kasper Schmeichel and Wilfred Ndidi totally messed up and brought down Callum Wilson in the box (66’). Seconds later, Dominic Solanke beat Schmeichel with a soft shot to give the home side the lead (67’), Çağlar Söyüncü saw red for kicking out at Wilson when the ball was already over the line (67’). Needless. An absolute crazy couple of minutes! Then a Jonny Evans own goal off Stanislas’ attempt (83’) and Solanke again (87’) sealed an inspiring and crucial comeback win for the home side, 4-1. Wow. Bournemouth were seventh at one point this season, but after collecting just two points from their previous nine games, Eddie Howe’s side were falling down hard and fast - will their first win in ten be a grand start to a big bounce back? One place and three points separates them from safety. Brendan Rodgers’ men meanwhile, just totally fell apart and are in danger of dropping out of the top four for the first time since September, Manchester United creeping up behind them in fifth on goal difference. 

#MUNSOU

Paul Pogba lost the ball to Danny Ings, it popped up to Nathan Redmond who picked out Stuart Armstrong, the Scotsman took a touch to give Southampton a deserved lead (13’). Marcus Rashford had the ball in the net after a great pass from Anthony Martial on the left, but he was offside (16’). Pogba crossed in for Martial who managed to hold up the ball, lay it off, Rashford came onto it and levelled things up (21’). Seconds later, Martial from the left, pushed forward, cut inside and lashed it past Alex McCarthy to give the Red Devils the lead (24’). Wow, what a turnaround! But the game's never over until the final whistle! One last corner for Southampton, superb ball from the skipper James Ward-Prowse, Jan Bednarek got a touch, Michael Obafemi just got ahead of Victor Lindelöf and the slightest of touches to grab the equaliser and a point for the Saints (90+8’). A late, late sucker punch for Southampton sat in 12th, denying United the win and halting their move into the top four.

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Norwich 0:1 West Ham - 0:4

Watford 2:2 Newcastle - 2:1

Liverpool 3:0 Burnley - 1:1

Sheffield United 1:1 Chelsea - 3:0

Brighton 1:2 Man City - 0:5

Wolves 2:1 Everton - 3:0

Aston Villa 0:1 Crystal Palace - 2:0

Tottenham 2:3 Arsenal - 2:1

Bournemouth 1:1 Leicester - 4:1

Man United 3:0 Southampton - 2:2

Click her for my previous Premier League Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMin, RMC and Sky Sports coverage.