Premier League Notes - Week 31

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 31

The 31st week of the Premier League football action saw:

LIVERPOOL CROWNED CHAMP19NS!!!!!!

19 goals - most by Liverpool = 4

227 shots - most by Liverpool = 21

65 on target - most by Chelsea = 10

112 corners - most by Man United = 10 

209 fouls - most by Newcastle and Watford = 15 each

25 bookings - most by Wolves and Bournemouth = 3 each

2 red cards - Jack Stephens for Southampton, Fernandinho for Man City 

2 penalties - 1 scored (Willian for Chelsea)

#LEIBHA

Brighton started brightly at the King Power stadium, won a penalty early on after James Justin was punished for sliding in on Aaron Connolly, but Kasper Schmeichel denied Neal Maupay from the spot (14’). Not much else happened.The Foxes dominated the second half, had a last-minute penalty-shout for a handball against Lewis Dunk. The ball did hit the skipper's arm, but he was falling with his back to the ball, not having a clue of where he or that round thing was. It ended a staler than stale-mate, a point each, important for the Seagulls as it takes them six points clear from the drop zone, whilst Brendan Rodgers’ side have only won one in the last seven. Disappointing.

#TOTWHU

Again, nothing happened. Tottenham dominated, the Hammers kept them at bay. Until the final minutes before the interval, when Son Heung-min hit the back of the net, but the VAR disallowed the goal offside, just. So, it stayed 0-0. The visitors came back out more attacking and pressing, plenty of misses and nearlies at both ends. Over a depressing hour gone, Tomáš Souček tangled with his legs and led the quick ball into the back of his own net off a Spurs corner to make it 1-0. And Harry Kane doubled the hosts’ lead with under ten minutes to go after a quick counter (83’), in his 200th PL appearance for the club. José Mourinho has never lost in 14 matches against sides managed by David Moyes (W9, D5). After seven games without a win, even the miserable Portuguese has to be happy! Moyes condemned the VAR for missing the handball in the buildup to the opener and rightly so. Harsh on the Hammers

#MUNSHU

The Red Devils were on top from the start, chances, possession. No surprise then after just eight minutes: Throw in, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford move, the latter putting a low ball in from the byline, really sharp finish from the prior, Simon Moore didn't have a chance. And Martial whacked in the second a couple of minutes from the interval, unmarked in the centre of the box. Were the visitors respecting social distancing a bit too much?! Poor, just poor. Zonal marking. And Martial completed his first senior hat-trick, again with another easy run through the whole white-shirted back-line, a fine finish, tap over the keeper and in (74’). And that's also Man United's first PL hat-trick since Robin van Persie in 2013 under Sir Alex. Loved Gary Lineker’s tweet on Rashford. Three goals, three points, too easy, Chris Wilder and his side all over the place.

#NEWAVL

The Villans bossed the game early on against very poor Magpies at St James’ Park. But both sides had chances and will have been frustrated not to see anything or anyone on the scoreboard. Moments after coming on, sub Dwight Gayle put the home side ahead, easy tap in with loads of space, through the keeper’s legs, the other sub Andy Carroll with an instant assist (68’). Impact. Talking about subs and impact, Ahmed Elmohamady levelled the score six minutes after coming on (83’), his header sliding underneath and past Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Dúbravka. Who complained about extra subs, ey?! Aston Villa have conceded 36 goals in the second half of Premier League matches this term - no side has conceded more. At least they got a crucial goal and point back this time.

#NOREVE

The hosts enjoyed a bright start again, but the Toffees soon went through the gears, taking over more and more, Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming closest in the first quarter. Both sides kept cancelling each other out up until the HT break. Everton started the second half much better and took the lead off Lucas Digne's corner, headed in at the near post by Michael Keane (55). Whatever Carlo Ancelotti said during the interval, it worked. And zonal marking flopped, again. Pf. No PL side has conceded and scored more goals off a corner, I’ll let you guess which side respectively.

#WOLBOU

Deadlocked at Molineux, both sides struggling to create or produce anything of note, Adama Traoré with the only notable attempt of the first half. Raúl Jiménez broke that dead deadlock with his head on the hour mark, into the top of the net after Adama made space on the right side and provided him with a deep cross, the tenth time this season these two have combined. Aaron Ramsdale denied Willy Boly later on with a fine save to his lower left and stopped Wolves from doubling their lead. But all for nothing, another poor game and zero points for the Cherries, leaving them in the drop zone on goal difference.

#LIVCRY

Just before the first drinks break, Red free kick about 25 yards out, TAA took and banged it in, what a goal! Into the right corner of the net, heard it bang in, keeper no chance (23'). Trent has been directly involved in 30 Premier League goals since his debut in August 2016. At least five more than any other defender in the same time period. The Reds doubled their lead just before the break, Fabinho with the cross up and in to Mo Salah who took it into the centre of the box and completed the move with a lovely finish, Palace keeper or defence no chance (44'). Fabinho made it three with a beautiful right foot curler from outside the box, into the right corner, keeper no chance, again (55'). ‪Provided by Salah on the counter, Sadio Mané put a brilliant shot across goal into the bottom right (69'), 9th in 11 games against this side for the Senegalese master, and the French commentators compared it to the mastery of Thierry Henry. All beauties! Why couldn’t they do that at Goodison? ‪Since Palace won 2-1 at Anfield in April 2017, Liverpool are unbeaten in 56 home Premier League games (W46, D10), winning their last 23. Boom. Jürgen Klopp and his men just needed City to drop points next to clinch the title, see below for more details or click here for my full ByTheMinLFC coverage. Yeah.

#BURWAT

The hosts fired everything at Watford in the first quarter, keeper Ben Foster out of position and Josh Brownhill sweeping his shot wide, after Craig Dawson cleared Jay Rodriguez’s chance off the line brilliantly, all just before the first drinks break. Shortly before the second round of drinks. it was Dwight McNeil who made a big clearance off the line against Troy Deeney, Will Hughes putting the rebound wide. Jay’s lovely header across the goal and into the bottom right corner of the net that finally gave the Clarets the lead off an excellent assist by McNeil (73’). Nice bounce back after their thrash against City, which takes them up to 11th, whilst the Hornets will be looking over their shoulders, just one point clear of the relegation zone.

#SOUARS

The young Gunners started brightly, keeping the Saints defense and stopper busy, until the latter totally screwed up. Alex McCarthy had a back-pass from his defender, Eddie Nketiah charged the clearance down and scored (20’), a real gift. Jack Stephens saw a second yellow late on, the last man bringing down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the run clear through on goal (86’). The consequential free kick was blocked by the wall, the rebound saved, the second rebound netted by youngster Joe Willock (87’). A much needed win for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta’s first victory on the road, lifting them up to 9th, Saints stuck in 14th, ten points clear from the drop zone. 

#CHEMCI

The ball was loose from the Chelsea box after Antonio Rüdiger’s clearance, two City defenders totally messed up, Christian Pulisic capitalised from their giveaway, ran off with the ball and made a lovely low finish to give the home side the lead (36’). Cheers from Merseyside. Kevin De Bruyne smashed in the equaliser with a superb free kick (55’). Tension rising for the Reds. Raheem Sterling hit the post shortly afterwards. Mason Mount put a chance wide at the other end. Pulisic moved around the keeper, his take cleared off the line by Kyle Walker (72’), Liverpool fans’ reactions shown everywhere. Tense. Ping pong in the City box, saved, scramble all over the place, cleared. VAR check showed clear handball by Fernandinho, good save actually. The ref had no choice, red and pen. Willian converted sending the keeper the wrong way to make 2-1 to the Blues and party time in and around Liverpool after 30 long years. And the Red party went ahead indeed. 

My Predictions - Actual Results

Leicester 1:1 Brighton - 0:0

Tottenham 2:1 West Ham - 2:0

Man United 2:0 Sheffield United - 3:0

Newcastle 2:1 Aston Villa - 1:1

Norwich 1:3 Everton - 0:1

Wolves 2:0 Bournemouth - 1:0

Liverpool 2:1 Crystal Palace - 4:0

Burnley 0:1 Watford - 1:0

Southampton 1:1 Arsenal - 0:2

Chelsea 2:2 Man City - 2:1

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 12

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 12

The 12th week of the 2019-2020 Premier League season saw:

28 goals - most by Burnley, Man United and Liverpool = 3 each

285 shots - most by Everton = 24

96 on target - most by Burnley = 12

109 corners - most by Man City = 13

213 fouls - most by Crystal Palace, Burnley and Wolves = 17 each

37 bookings - most by Brighton = 5

1 red card - Kabasele for Watford

0 penalties

#NORWAT

Hornets winger Gerard Deulofeu opened the scoring after just 76 seconds on Friday night, the second fastest by an away side in the Premier League this season, walking through the Canaries' back line. Sub Andre Gray doubled the lead after the break with a cheeky back-footer (52’). Defender Christian Kabasele’s daft second yellow (65’) didn’t make much off a difference, the visitors stayed in control at Carrow Road, despite the hosts pushing and trying. Quique Sánchez Flores' side climb off the bottom of the table with their first win of the season, Norwich taking their place, nicht gut for their German boss Daniel Farke.

#CHECRY

It was a one-sided first half in the lunchtime kickoff at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, all Blues, the Eagles defending well and frustrating the hell out of the hosts. Tammy Abraham broke the deadlock after the break with a fine finish across goal into the bottom right (52’). Christian Pulisic doubled the home side’s lead (78’), relieving the little bit of pressure there was on Frank Lampard’s men and taking them up to third. Comfy three points, sixth consecutive league win, condemning Roy Hodgson’s stubborn side to their fifth defeat of the season, pushing them down to 12th. 

#BURWHU

Ashley Barnes’ tap in gave the home side the lead (11’), what happened to defenders marking anyone?! Chris Wood’s thunderous header was disallowed by VAR (36’), but nothing and no one could deny the home side were bossing it - VAR shambles, giving the corner which led to the first goal and disallowing the second goal on unclear and marginal if any evidence. But Wood made sure the Clarets wouldn’t have to moan about that for too long, slotting the ball home totally unmarked to make it 2-0 shortly before the break (44’). And it got even worse for the visitors, keeper Roberto Jiménez topped his dire display by flapping at a corner and adding an own goal to the scoreboard to make it 3-0 (54’), just embarrassing. Seven league and cup games without a win now for the Hammers, and injuries to skipper Mark Noble and Manuel Lanzini won't help Manuel Pellegrini either. An easy win and just what the doctor ordered after three straight league defeats for Sean Dyche’s men. 

#NEWBOU

Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson finished off and fired home a brilliant corner routine (14’), the Magpies just couldn’t deal with it. Set pieces, hey? Their right-back DeAndre Yedlin made up for it and equalised just before the break with a flying header (42’). Another defender, this time Ciaran Clark, bundled one over the line to give the home side the lead (52’), what a turnaround thanks to an American brace. Steve Bruce will be glowing during the international break after their first successive league wins of the season takes them up to 13th. Who needs strikers?!

#SOUEVE

A totally unmarked Tom Davies headed the Toffees ahead early on (5’), his first for the club in 553 days, Saints defence all over the place, shocking. Again, do they have to Google-search marking?! But the home side were level soon after the break, sub Sofiane Boufal handing former Red Danny Ings an easy poke in to make it 1-1 (50’). But the visitors regained the lead when Richarlison volleyed home the perfect cross by Djibril Sidibé (75’). Marco Silva was in absolute ecstasy after watching his side record their first away win since March, taking them up to 15th, whilst Ralph Hasenhüttl's side slide down to 19th, three points from safety, after losing four consecutive home league games at St Mary's for the very first time. 

#TOTSHU

United were in control, dominating and making much more of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs being just shadows. But Son Heung-min made the most of the miscommunication between the defenders to give the home side the lead (58’). Seconds later, David McGoldrick levelled the score with a tap-in (60’), but VAR scrubbed it off for offside in the buildup, millimeters, again! For me, the line was even, and if it takes so long to check, it’s NOT offside. Shambles. But George Baldock swept in the deserved equaliser, VAR wasted more time on another offside check, but couldn’t disallow it this time, no matter how many lines were drawn, 1-1 (78’) and game on! It ended a goal and point each, Chris Wilder’s side will be disappointed as they worked and deserved more from this match but still climb up to fifth, whilst Mauricio Pochettino is left wondering and pondering with no wins since September = in the last five league matches, his side crumbling and tumbling down to 14th. 

#LEIARS

Unmarked Jamie Vardy put the home side ahead from inside the box completing a lovely move for the Foxes (67’). James Maddison doubled their lead with a banger, from the edge of the box, you could hear the low shot hit the bottom left of the net (75’). Brendan Rodgers’ men bossed the match in a very rainy King Power Stadium on Saturday evening, climbing up to second with the easy win, downing Unai Emery and his Gunners to yet another defeat, their third of the season, sinking down to sixth, behind Sheffield United in fifth on goal difference.

#MUNBHA

The Red Devils bossed it, only thanks to Albions keeper Mathew Ryan it wasn’t an absolute thrash in the Sunday early afternoon kickoff at Old Trafford. Andreas Pereira (17’) and Marcus Rashford (66’) scored either side of a Davy Pröpper own goal (19’). Ole Gunnar Solskjær described their biggest home win in the Premier League since August as their best performance of the season, taking them to an unbeaten home run of seven games in all competitions, their best since March 2018 (eight games under José Mourinho), and up to seventh. 

#WOLAVL

Wanderers’ first top-flight win over the Villans since 1978 was fully deserved. The hosts dominated and carved open the visitors again and again, but didn’t break the deadlock until shortly before the break thanks to Ruben Neves (41’). Raúl Jiménez doubled the hosts' lead to seal the three points late on (84’). Trézéguet with a late consolation goal (90+2’) could not hide the fact how poor the visitors were, manager Dean Smith conceded that much after the match, whilst Nuno Espírito Santo can be very happy, with his side climbing into the top half of the table for the first time since the opening weekend. 

#LIVMCI

A Fabinho smacker (6’), Mo Salah header off Andrew Robertson's perfect cross (13’) and diving header by Sadio Mané (51’) sealed the deal for the Reds, three points in the bag, at the top, nine points ahead of the champions, Bernardo Silva with the only reply (78’) at loud, shaking, dancing, prancing, glowing, celebrating Anfield. Pep Guardiola's 380th top-flight match as a manager, it was only the fifth time the Spaniard found himself two goals behind at half-time, losing all of them. His outrage against the refs was a bit OTT, (hilarious takes on Twitter) replays showing his players handled and fouled before any of the penalty calls and making the VAR decisions not easy but correct. Remember last season? With or without VAR, Liverpool bossed the champions. There was and always will be close and controversial calls, you either play on to win it (like the Reds did) or moan on and lose it (as the Citizens suffered). Jürgen Klopp meanwhile, can go into the international break smiling, his side in their best home form in 34 years (13 consecutive home league wins) after his ninth career win against Pep. 

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Norwich 3:1 Watford - 0:2

Chelsea 1:2 Crystal Palace - 2:0

Burnley 1:3 West Ham - 3:0

Newcastle 1:0 Bournemouth - 2:1

Southampton 2:1 Everton - 1:2

Tottenham 2:2 Sheffield United - 1:1

Leicester 3:1 Arsenal - 2:0

Man United 1:1 Brighton - 3:1

Wolves 2:1 Aston Villa - 2:1

Liverpool 2:1 Man City - 3:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

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

Deadlocked & Unbeaten Reds & Citizens

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 0:0 MCFC

Liverpool and Manchester City remain unbeaten and tied with Chelsea on 20 points at the top of the Premier League after their goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday.

It was definitely not the Super Sunday clash as it was built up and expected to be between the two sides that shared 12 goals in their two league meetings last season and six goals in their Champions League matches.

MCFC 5-0 LFC (09/09/2017), LFC 4-3 MCFC (14/01/2018)
LFC 3-0 MCFC (04/04/2018), MCFC 1-2 LFC (10/04/2018)

It took 62 minutes to get the first shot on target, Riyad Mahrez testing Alisson from inside the box shortly before Mohamed Salah's curler from 20 yards was easily caught by Ederson.

Both keepers had nothing to do until then, after a frantic opening 15-20 minutes, the Sky Blues kept the Reds under control and vice versa.

The visitors had 51% possession, their lowest in a Premier League games under their Spanish boss, the home side weren't helped though by injury to their vice-skipper James Milner with under half an hour gone.

It was the first time City failed to have a single shot in the first half since April 2010 against Arsenal and a shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game since the final game of last season against Southampton.

And November 2017 against Chelsea was the last time for Jürgen Klopp's side not to register an attempt on target in the first half of a Premier League game.

But it was not like they were not trying, Sadio Mané and Salah worked hard throughout, Roberto Firmino still seemed isolated and hardly got a touch or look into the game.

Man of the match Bernardo Silva was the key to that, keeping the Citizens locked, recording and completing more tackles than anyone else on the pitch.

Former Red Raheem Sterling and Argentinian fireman Sergio Agüero were both kept quiet, the latter was taken off after 66 minutes, his record against LFC looking dire with no goals in his ten appearances (700 minutes played, 0 wins, 11 shots, 3 on target).

The first genuine save came in the 74th minute, the home side's Brazilian stopper tipping away Mahrez's low shot.

Pep Guardiola's men were given a lifeline after Virgil van Dijk slid into Leroy Sané, getting more of the man than the ball, seconds after it looked like the latter had fouled Salah in the buildup.

Penalty to City it was, five minutes of normal time to go, all hard work looked to be undone for the Reds, until Mahrez took the kick off Gabriel Jesus and put it sky-high to the left and out, relief all round at Anfield.

The Algerian winger has missed five of his last eight spot kicks (four for Leicester, one for City), among players to have taken at least 10 penalties in the Premier League, only former Aston Villa man Juan Pablo Ángel (50%, 5/10) has a lower rate than Mahrez (58%, 7/12).

The champions have not won a league game at Anfield in 15 years, but as frustrating as that miss was, both bosses left happy with their sides' unbeaten records and clean sheets in tact.

Pep has won just one of his past eight managerial meetings with Klopp in all competitions (D3, L4), and is winless in the most recent four (D1, L3, see links above).

Liverpool's total of 20 points is their joint-most after eight games of a Premier League campaign, having also done so in 1996-97 and 2008-09.

As mentioned above, both the Reds and Sky Blues with Chelsea remain unbeaten in the league this campaign, which is just the second time in the Premier League era that as many as three teams have gone unbeaten in their opening eight games of a single season (also 2011-12 with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle).

The international break is coming at a perfect time for all three sides, to recharge, recap and restart their winning mentality and firing boots.

Liverpool Team: 13 Alisson; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez; 7 Milner (8 Keita 29'), 14 Henderson (c), 5 Wijnaldum (booked 90'); 10 Mané, 9 Firmino (15 Sturridge 72'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 3 Fabinho, 22 Mignolet, 23 Shaqiri, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

Man City Team: 31 Ederson; 22 Mendy (booked 64'), 14 Laporte, 5 Stones, 2 Walker; 25 Fernandinho, B Silva (booked 21'); 7 Sterling (19 Sané 76'), 21 D Silva (c), 26 Mahrez; 10 Agüero (booked 56') (33 de Jesus 66'). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 3 Danilo, 4 Kompany, 30 Otamendi, 47 Foden, 49 Muric.

HT Stats: LFC 0-0 MCFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-1
On target: 0-0
Corners: 2-4
Fouls: 5-3
Bookings: 0-1

FT Stats: LFC 0-0 MCFC
Possession: 49%-51%
Shots: 7-6
On target: 2-2
Corners: 2-6
Fouls: 10-10
Bookings: 1-3

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: Bernardo Silva
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,117

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter, Sky Sports and RMC app and match coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 38

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 38

The 38th week of the Premier League action saw:

31 goals - most by Tottenham = 5

247 shots - most by Swansea = 26

93 on target - most by Liverpool & Swansea = 11 each

98 corners - most by Man City = 12

193 fouls - most by Burnley = 14

22 yellow cards - most by Man United = 4.

0 red cards

1 penalty - 0 scored

What a game! Leicester and Tottenham could just not stop scoring. The two sides shared NINE GOALS between each other!!! What a comeback it was by the London side, trailing three times, 3-1 down at the break to lead 4-3, see Gazza dancing, the Foxes equalising and Harry Kane netting his second and the match winner - not enough to clinch the Golden Boot though. With Erik Lamela’s double and Christian Fuchs’ own goal, it ended 5-4 at a very entertained Wembley and with a very happy Mauricio Pochettino seeing his side end up third. Jamie Vardy’s brace, together with Riyad Mahrez and Kelechi Iheanacho all on the scoreboard, was still not enough and just another defeat at the end of a disappointing season for the 2016 champions. Claude Puel called the match crazy, which it was, but it cannot hide the fact that finishing 9th after their 15th defeat is just not good enough and it remains to be seen who will be the boss and stay part of the team at the King Power Stadium next season.

What a team! Newcastle took Chelsea apart with the great help of Ayoze Pérez’s brace, two goals in four minutes, after Dwight Gayle’s header from close range gave the home side the lead at St James’ Park. The little chance the Blues had of sneaking into the top four was blown away by the Magpies, manager Antonio Conte taking the blame for such a disappointing campaign. The Londoners still have the FA Cup final to play next weekend, but either way, no matter how that ends, I would be very surprised to see the Italian still at the Stamford Bridge helm next season, given their Russian owner's managerial record, not exactly the patient one... Newcastle on the other hand would love for their boss Rafa Benítez to stay after the Spaniard guided their side back up into the PL and up to 10th, but his relationship with the hierarchy puts doubt on that as well...

The miracle of a 10-goal swing was not to be for Swansea, no matter how much they tried at the Liberty Stadium (26 shots!). After taking the lead early on thanks to Andy King, the Welsh side fell behind Stoke after Badou Ndiaye's equaliser and Peter Crouch's winner turned the game around within ten minutes, all in the first half. And it could have been worse, the visitors missing a penalty in Wales, Martin Olsson penalised for handball, Xherdan Shaqiri’s spot kick saved by Łukasz Fabiański in the bottom left corner. Just like their run under Carlos Carvalhal, 17 points from the first 9 games, to only three from the last 8, the Swans’ run went from top to flop, just not good and consistent enough to stay up.

What a man! Will the 3-1 defeat and plenty of bubbles for Everton at West Ham put another nail in Big Sam’s coffin? The Hammers moved up two places to finish 13th after this fine win, inspired by Manuel Lanzini once again with two goals and Marko Arnautović adding to the Toffees misery and making Oumar Niasse’s goal count for nothing. David Moyes’ men ended a very topsy turvy campaign on a high, finishing 13th after beating his former side who appointed Allardyce on a slide and fall of their own. The big boss will point out the blue side of Liverpool have finished in 8th, top half of the table, much better than expected after their nightmare start, but I will be very surprised to see him still in the same job in August.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again like in their last home game last weekend served Arsène Wenger with a perfect send-off, this time at Huddersfield, his goal completing the Gunners’ first away win in 2018. It was a nice touch by the Terriers to display "Merci Arsène" and join in the standing ovation after 22 minutes to celebrate the Frenchman’s 22 years at the London club, a reign of 1,235 matches (707 wins, 280 draws, 248 defeats). The John Smith’s Stadium was the 48th different ground Wenger has won at in the PL - a record (breaking Sir Alex Ferguson’s 47). Who will dare to fill those shoes I wonder...

Roy Hodgson meanwhile was celebrated at Crystal Palace after a comfy 2-0 win against already relegated West Brom, pulling the side out of trouble and much higher than anyone would have expected after their pointless and goalless start to the season, losing their opening seven games. But the ex-England boss was still sad to see his former side Albion go down, especially after their impressive resurgence under caretaker manager Darren Moore, this being their only defeat in his six matches in charge. The Baggies still finished bottom, for a record 10th season in the top flight and second time in the Premier League era (also 2008-09).

What a goal! Dominic Solanke finally opened his account for Liverpool with a smacking finish and thanks to an unselfish Mohamed Salah setting him up with his pass in the box after he had scored the opener - his record 32nd goal of the season, most by any player in a 38-game PL season. Much-criticised defender Dejan Lovren rose to head in the third, his celebration showing how much it meant to him. And Andrew Robertson scored his first for the Reds as well to make it 4-0. It was the great Egyptian of course who collected all the records and awards after the match, but it was an exemplary team display. Brighton were left watching in awe, Jürgen Klopp’s men all over them, just what the Merseyside’s doctor ordered before their Champions League final in 13 days.

Marcus Rashford showed how to tap it in and win it for Manchester United against Watford, there was not much else notable that happened in the match. Like the rest of the season, the Red Devils weren’t much to watch but still got the points, typical José Mourinho - who had made nine changes for this match. United ended the season in second place on 81 points, their highest finish since Fergie retired in 2013. I’m sure their current Portuguese boss will underline, frame and point that out to anyone who dares to criticise him and his less-entertaining style.

What the hell?! If that was not typical Manchester City, Gabriel Jesus whacking in the winner Agüero-style in the dying seconds of added time (94’) at Southampton as the commentators were already lauding the point and draw. But it ended 0-1 at St Mary’s, three points and the full century of points for Pep Guardiola’s men, a record 100 points from 38 games, 50 at home, 50 away, muchas gracias!!! What an achievement! And the Saints were still happy too, nice and safe after the Swans’ defeat, mentioned above.

And Jermain Defoe set up Bournemouth’s last-second winner in injury time as well, unselfishly serving Callum Wilson the goal to make it 1-2 at Burnley after Joshua King’s delicious curling equaliser levelled Chris Wood’s opener. Sean Dyche can still be happy with his side’s best league finish since 1973-74 and Europa League qualification in 7th place, returning to European football for the first time in 51 years.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Burnley 1:1 Bournemouth - 1:2

Crystal Palace 2:1 West Brom - 2:0

Huddersfield 1:0 Arsenal - 0:1

Liverpool 3:0 Brighton - 4:0

Man United 1:0 Watford - 1:0

Newcastle 1:1 Chelsea - 3:0

Southampton 2:4 Man City - 0:1

Swansea 2:1 Stoke City - 1:2

Tottenham 3:1 Leicester - 5:4

West Ham 1:2 Everton - 3:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, Twitter and SFR coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 34

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 34

The 34th week of the Premier League action saw:

29 goals - most by Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool & Man City = 3 each

236 shots - most by Liverpool = 20

80 on target - most by Crystal Palace = 8

108 corners - most by West Ham = 10

230 fouls - most by Stoke = 21

39 yellow cards - most by Southampton = 5

0 red cards 

1 penalty - Gündogan for Man City

What a game! Unlike last week, this weekend kicked of with a cracker at St Mary’s. Southampton could not have asked for a better start after going two goals up thanks to Dušan Tadić (21’) and Jan Bednarek (60’), Chelsea just chasing shadows, the home side in total control. However, a crazy eight minutes in the last quarter saw three goals, substitute Olivier Giroud with a brace (70’ & 78’) and Eden Hazard (75’) completing a perfect comeback for the Blues, stunning and silencing the Saints. What a turnaround. And more goal-fests were on their way, see below.

Crystal Palace and Brighton enjoyed a love-hate relationship with set pieces in their clash at Selhurst Park - seeing four goals netted in the opening quarter!!! And that was not all, see below.

What a team! Burnley are moving closer to Europa League qualification recording their fifth consecutive win with two goals in three minutes in the opening nine minutes by former Fox Chris Wood (6’) and Kevin Long (9’), Jamie Vardy (72’) pulling one back eventually but Leicester were nowhere, wasteful, too little too late, just like last week, a record eighth time the Yorkshire man has scored and lost this season. Man of the match Nick Pope did a brilliant job keeping and frustrating the hell out of the 2016 champions.

Manchester City ended Spurs’ 14-match unbeaten run beating the Londoners confidently 1-3 at Wembley in the late late kick-off on Saturday, bouncing back from their Champions League exit against Liverpool and leaving them on the brink of winning the Premier League. See below who served them the title on Sunday.

What a man! Mohamed Salah (69’) headed in his 30th league goal, 40th of the season in all competitions, after Sadio Mané (7’) netted his 10th and 17th respectively and Roberto Firmino (90’) finished the game off with his 15th and 25th respectively, to make it Liverpool 3-0 against Bournemouth at Anfield. That takes the front trio’s total to 55 goals in the league, 82 all round, the Reds moving up to third overtaking Tottenham after their defeat against Man City. And that’s the eighth clean sheet in the last 12 games, five conceded, 29 scored by Jürgen Klopp's men, the only unbeaten team at home left in all four divisions. Mind-blowing! 

West Brom caretaker boss Darren Moore absolutely dwarfed Manchester United manager José Mourinho, not just in statue but with the teams’ contrasting performances as well. Watching the match, you would have never have guessed it was at Old Trafford, the bottom side dominated play and didn’t let the Red Devils into the game, Jay Rodriguez (73’) heading in the winner that handed Manchester City the title for the third time in seven years. I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson was wondering who/what/why he was watching and seeing, whilst Pep Guardiola’s golfing afternoon most certainly turned so much sweeter, becoming the first Spaniard to win the English title. And with five games to spare they equalled the English top-flight record of United (1907-08 & 2000-01) and Everton (1984-85) of being crowned the earliest champions! Congratulations to the Citizens, definitely simply the best this season! 

What a goal! Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha’s second was a lovely finish, raising and heading the ball in acrobatically, to make it 3-1 after just 24 minutes against Brighton. José Izquierdo made it five goals in under 35 minutes with a sublime curl into the bottom corner to make it 3-2. Game on!!! The scoreline stayed that way though after the all-guns-blazing firing start taking Roy Hodgson’s men to only their second win in the last 11 games and six points clear of the drop zone.

Swansea’s Kyle Naughton’s own goal gave Everton the lead against the run of play in Wales (43’), off his face, it was a bit bizarre, the home side thinking they’ve cleared it, the ref’s watch proving differently. Jordan Ayew grabbed a goal and point back for the Swans (71’) but it will still have felt like two points dropped, Toffees boss Big Sam praising Wayne Rooney for his performance, much in contrast to last week’s Merseyside derby tantrum.

Substitute Tom Ince left it later than late to find a last-minute winner against Watford (90’+1’), slotting in Mathias Jørgensen’s fine cut back to record the Tigers’ first win in six. Crucial goals and points all round in the relegation battle, this result taking Huddersfield seven points clear of the bottom three.

And it was all about the subs at West Ham too, Peter Crouch netting for Stoke after Joe Hart spilled Xherdan Shaqiri’s shot (79’) before Andy Carroll grabbed a point back with a fine volley (90’) coming off the bench in his first game since January. It was a late rescue after the home side already saw three goals disallowed, the result leaving the Potters in 19th, the end of their 10-year PL stint edging closer and closer, the Hammers happier in 14th, seven points safe from the drop zone.

What the hell?! Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso was lucky not to see red for his challenge on Saint Shane Long, Mark Hughes was not happy, Antonio Conte saw nothing of course. Yeah, rrrrright.

Newcastle recorded their first home win against Arsenal since 10 December 2005 ending a losing streak of ten games with their 2-1 comeback win at St James’ Park on Sunday thanks to Ayoze Pérez (29’) and Matt Ritchie (68’) after Alexandre Lacazette (14’) had opened the scoring for the visitors. The Gunners continued their miserable away run remaining winless on the road in 2018 - losing five successive away league games for the first time since 1984. Salud to Rafael Benítez, his club should be safe in 10th, 13 points clear of the drop; same old misery for Arsène Wenger, stuck in sixth, Burnley sneaking up on them in seventh. Merde.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Southampton 1:2 Chelsea - 2:3

Burnley 1:1 Leicester - 2:1

Crystal Palace 1:1 Brighton - 3:2

Huddersfield 0:0 Watford - 1:0

Swansea 2:1 Everton - 1:1

Liverpool 4:1 Bournemouth - 3:0

Tottenham 1:1 Man City - 1:3

Newcastle 1:2 Arsenal - 2:1

Man United 2:0 West Brom - 0:1

West Ham 1:1 Stoke City - 1:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, Twitter and SFR coverage.