Premier League Notes - Week 33

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 33

The 33rd week of the Premier League football action saw:

26 goals - most by Man United = 5

234 shots - most by Man City = 26

79 on target - most by Man United = 10

99 corners - most by Man City = 13

216 fouls - most by Leicester and Liverpool = 18 each

27 bookings - most by Arsenal = 4

0 red cards

3 penalties - 3 scored (Rashford for United, King for Bournemouth, Willian for Chelsea)

#NORBHA

Lovely run and cross by Aaron Mooy from the right, Leandro Trossard swept it in from close range, past all the yellow shirts, keeper Tim Krul nowhere near (25’). Plenty of chances for both sides after that, the woodwork was the busiest at Carrow Road. It stayed at just the one goal, Brighton safe, Norwich gone, surely.

#LEICRY

James Justin hit the woodwork early on for the hosts, but neither side created much, no shots on target at the HT break in the King Power Stadium. Superb Youri Tielemans run and cross from the left, knocked in by Kelechi Iheanacho to open the scoring (50’). Jamie Vardy doubled the Foxes’ lead, an easy tap in against some awful defending, his 100th Premier League goal (76’). And he made it 101, running clear from the halfway line, and finding the right corner with a lovely finish past the hopeless Palace keeper Vicente Guaita (90+4’). Three goals and three much-needed points for Brendan Rodgers and co to stay in the top four.

#MUNBOU

Junior Stanislas gave the Cherries the lead at Old Trafford, from close range, nutmegging Harry Maguire and beating David de Gea at his near post, after another chance got blocked but not cleared, the Red Devils unable to deal with it (17’). Mason Greenwood smashed in the equaliser, in off Aaron Ramsdale (29’). Adam Smith conceded a penalty with an obvious handball off a United corner, Marcus Rashford smashed the spot kick in to turn the game around, 2-1 (35’). It’s his 20th goal this season (all comps) - no English player has reached that total for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney in 2011-2012. Anthony Martial hit in an absolute beauty, across from left outside the box, into the top right corner of the net, to make it 1-3 (47’). And that made it the first time since 2011 that two United players have scored over 20. Wow. Bournemouth came out swinging after the HT break, saw a shot blocked, then Arnaut Danjuma hit the post. A spot kick was given for an Eric Bailly handball, or shoulder, the VAR took their time as always, penalty given eventually. Joshua King beat de Gea, just, to the keeper’s left, 3-2 (49’). Equaliser by Danjuma was flagged offside seconds later, confusing, mad. Greenwood whacked another one in off the keeper’s glove to make it 4-2 (55’). Bruno Fernandes slashed in a free kick from about 15 yards out to make it five for the Red Devils (59’). Rashford poked in the sixth - flagged offside, another VAR check, all the lines concluded, offside, so it stayed 5-2 (66’). No goals the last half an hour-ish, hard defeat for the visitors stuck in 19th, happy smash for OGS and co keeping them in the race for Europe.

#WOLARS

Super save with his left boot by the Portuguese Wolves stopper Rui Patrício against Eddie Nketiah, before ‪Bukayo Saka was left unmarked in the centre of the box, easy swing with his left foot and smash in to put the Gunners ahead (43’). Lovely. His maiden Premier League goal was the first Wolves have conceded in the competition in 448 minutes of action since a Serge Aurier strike in March (Week 28). Rocket. Alexandre Lacazette sealed the win slotting home the second into the far corner (86’). This is Arsenal's first away league win against a team they started the day below in the table since September 2015, putting them up to seventh and back in the European race.

#CHEWAT

Olivier Giroud slashed home the opener, top quality, past a fighting but helpless defense and keeper Ben Foster (29’). Christian Pulisic was charged down by Étienne Capoue in the box, the ref didn’t hesitate, penalty, netted confidently by Willian just before the break to make it 2-0 to the Blues (43’). Kepa Arrizabalaga made some impressive blocks and stops, but Ross Barkley sealed the win in stoppage time (90+2’), nice turn, control and left-footed take, unmarked in the box, to make it three goals and three points for Frank Lampard and co.

#BURSHU

James Tarkowski put the home side ahead with a slide in from close range (43’). John Egan levelled the score late on, unmarked, across and into the top far corner of the net (80’). Share of spoils, Burnley moved up to ninth, overtaking United who played better but not good enough to take the lead. 

#NEWWHU

Michail Antonio gave the Hammers an early lead thanks to some awful defending and fine cross into the box by Jarrod Bowen (4’). Miguel Almirón was left with an easy touch in to level the score for the Magpies after some lovely buildup play by Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth (17’). Pace and play stayed relentless after that competitive start, David Moyes’ men with more chances and possession of the ball. But Saint-Maximin was everywhere for the hosts, keeping Steve Bruce’s side competing in the match. Tomáš Souček smashed in the rebound of Declan Rice’s header that came back off the woodwork to put the visitors ahead (66’). Jonjo Shelvey levelled the score seconds later, hitting the ball across and in, after slashing through the Hammers’ back line thanks to a nice one-two with Dwight Gayle in the buildup (67’). Moyes and co couldn’t believe their eyes. His side kept pushing, pressing, trying, but it ended two goals and a point each.

#LIVAVL

The ref Paul Tierney was poor, but more to Villa’s advantage, Mo Salah was fouled more than once, but nothing given. Dire half overall, the Reds nowhere, the Villans definitely the happier of the two. Naby Keïta's pass found Sadio Mané in the box, after a bit of ping pong, the ball went off the crossbar and in, from close range (71’). Finally, the Villa deadlock was broken, something to cheer about for the Reds. It's the Senegalese’s 50th goal at Anfield. ‪His Egyptian team mate headed the ball down to young sub Curtis Jones in centre of the box, unmarked, had enough time and space to put it into the bottom left corner and make it 2-0 with his first goal for the club (89’)‬. Three more points for Jürgen Klopp’s record breakers, keeping their unbeaten run at home going and points total rolling. Click here for my full ByTheMinLFC coverage.

#SOUMCI

Ché Adams payed more attention than anyone else, won the ball near the centre circle, saw Ederson out of position, right foot shot up and over the City keeper and in to give the Saints the lead (16’). It’s his first ever PL goal in his 25th appearance and 22nd shot. The other stopper Alex McCarthy made save after save after save, sublime. Philip Foden and Kevin De Bruyne came on with just under an hour gone (59’). But the Saints kept blocking, blocking and blocking, whatever the Sky Blues fired at them. Outstanding defending. Unbelievable. With that win, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men are safe on 43 points, condemning Pep Guardiola’s side to their ninth defeat of the season. 

#TOTEVE

Scabby opener, Everton unable to clear the ball, Giovani Lo Celso effort went in off Michael Keane, giving Jordan Pickford no chance and putting Spurs ahead (24’). The Toffees enjoyed more possession and chances end of the first half, but the Londoners stayed ahead at the break, however there was a bust-up between two of their players on their way out. Keeper and skipper Hugo Lloris had to be held back by his own team mates having a dispute with Son Heung-min. That was the only thing worth mentioning that happened on the pitch. After the break, nothing of note happened, dire game, the own goal the decider, that says it all. The drag win saw José Mourinho’s side up to ninth, whilst Carlo Ancelotti and co stay 11th.

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Norwich 1:2 Brighton - 0:1

Leicester 1:1 Palace - 3:0

Man United 2:0 Bournemouth - 5:2

Wolves 1:2 Arsenal - 0:2

Chelsea 1:1 Watford - 3:0

Burnley 1:1 Sheff United - 1:1

Newcastle 3:2 West Ham - 2:2

Liverpool 4:0 Aston Villa - 2:0

Southampton 0:2 Man City - 1:0

Tottenham 2:2 Everton - 1:0

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 8

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 8

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

25 goals - most by Aston Villa = 5

234 shots - most by Aston Villa = 22

77 on target - most by Aston Villa = 12

114 corners - most by Arsenal = 14

112 fouls - most by Leicester and Aston Villa = 17 each 

39 bookings - most by Man City = 5

1 red card - Coleman for Everton 

3 penalties - 2 scored (Milner for Liverpool, van Aanholt for Crystal Palace)

#BHATOT

The first match and upset of the weekend saw French forward Neal Maupay (3’) and Irish youngster Aaron Connolly (32’, 65’) capitalise on both Spurs keepers’ giveaways. First Hugo Lloris after a couple of minutes, and after the Frenchman’s serious injury saw him subbed off early on in the match, his replacement Paulo Gazzaniga failed to keep hold of the ball as well. The third goal was just a lovely finish, an icing on the super sweet cake for Graham Potter’s side. The Seagulls fly high into the international break, up to 14th, whilst Mauricio Pochettino and his men are left staring down the dumps in 9th, having lost 17 games in all competitions in 2019, more than any other Premier League side, with no wins in the last 10 away league games. Gloom.

#BUREVE

Seamus Coleman’s sending off (56') didn’t help his side, the cracking winner by Jeff Hendrick (72’) condemning the visitors to their fourth consecutive league defeat, sending the clumsy Toffees further downhill, and into the relegation zone by the end of the weekend, and Marco Silva top of the bookies' sacking chart. Doom.

#LIVLEI

The Reds were on top, had chance after chance, should and could have been 3-0 up at the break. The hosts finally went ahead thanks to Sadio Mané's fine run and take (40’). But the Foxes hit back with their first shot on target, James Maddison with a strong low finish (80’). The last-minute winner from the spot was VAR at its best. It was soft, but Marc Albrighton stood on Mané's foot = contact and foul in the box = penalty. Simple as that. And James Milner (pen 90+5') made sure Jürgen Klopp’s men kept their 100% record going and headed into the international break EIGHT points clear at the top. It's the 34th time Liverpool have scored a stoppage time winner in the Premier League era, more than any other side. Boom.

#NORAVL

Thrash. Shambolic defending. No competition. No question about it. Since beating the champions (week 5), Daniel Farke's men have fallen to bits. Not helped by a long list of injuries of course, but that wasn't different in their impressive win. So, what has gone wrong since?

#WATSHU

Not much to write about on this goalless draw, apart from it means a point and clean sheet each and a bit of a redemption for keeper Dean Henderson after last week’s howler against Liverpool (week 7). On the other hand, still no win for the bottom side though. 

#WHUCRY

There was some late VAR drama as well at the London Stadium, Jordan Ayew with a late winner (87'), initially ruled offside. But both Palace players weren’t offside = onside = goal = first win against West Ham for Roy Hodgson. Close but simple, again, I don’t get all the fuss. That's what VAR got introduced for, to double check and correct those crucial, decisive calls.

#ARSBOU

The Gunners ground out a win, David Luiz's header (9’) enough to edge past the Cherries, taking Unai Emery's side back into the top four. 

#MCIWOL

Surprise of the weekend?! The visitors stayed in control at the Etihad, had more chances, despite being dominated, especially in the second half. The goals, Adama Traoré’s brace (80’, 90+4’), and the result, the Wanderers' first away win against the Citizens in the top-flight since 1979 and only their second victory of the season, were nicely worked and fully deserved. Pep Guardiola had no excuses. His side have dropped five points at home this season already (compared to three in the whole of last season, seven the year before that). Had a bad day. Week. Month. Season. So far so bad. 

#SOUCHE

It was an easy win, again, but still not the most impressive football by the Blues, their boss Frank Lampard concurred in the post-match interview. But the three points takes his side up to fifth, level on points with Leicester in fourth and Palace in sixth. 

#NEWMUN

Steve Bruce’s first win over the Red Devils in over two decades of his managerial career was just shocking to watch. What a debut goal for Matthew Longstaff (72’). What a debut win. Credit where credit is due. But it was less of a surprise as the play, form and team all round was absolute shambles of Ole and co. No coordination. No organisation. They deserve every dig and blow they get, and the Magpies made sure they did on Sunday. The result lifts the hosts up out of the relegation zone to 16th, whilst the visitors slide down to 12th on nine points, TWO points away from the drop, their worst after eight games since 1989-90. Shocking how the great have fallen. 

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Brighton 1:2 Tottenham - 3:0

Burnley 2:1 Everton - 1:0

Liverpool 2:1 Leicester - 2:1

Norwich 3:1 Aston Villa - 1:5

Watford 1:2 Sheff United - 0:0

West Ham 2:0 Crystal Palace - 1:2

Arsenal 2:1 Bournemouth - 1:0

Man City 4:1 Wolves - 0:2

Southampton 1:2 Chelsea - 1:4

Newcastle 0:1 Man United - 1:0

Click here for last week’s Premier League Notes.

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

Let’s Talk About Six Baby

Sports - Football - CL Final - THFC 0:2 LFC 

LFC Make It Six

XxXXxX 

A week to go till the UEFA Super Cup in good old Istanbul (oh yes, we LOVE Istanbul), I thought I would go through my notes to recap and relive the night we became European Champions for the SIXth time:

That Saturday night, Madrid turned red, the whole of Europe and the football world was covered in red, cheers, songs and fire works.

After last year’s heart break against Real Madrid in Kiev, Liverpool came to the Spanish capital to make sure it will all be rectified, by beating Tottenham 0-2.

It took just over 22 seconds for the Reds to get a breakthrough. Handball given against Moussa Sissoko, blocking Sadio Mané’s take, penalty! VAR confirmed the arm moved towards the ball after it bounced off the player’s chest.

Mohamed Salah banged the spot kick in, leaving Hugo Lloris uselessly blank, 0-1 (2’). 

Jürgen Klopp’s men were in control from then on, but had Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker to thank for keeping their cool and very solid on a handful of occasions.

Spurs dominated possession and chances, Christian Erikson’s late free kick was the top pick of the saves, full-stretch (85’). Gulp.

The more relieving and satisfying it was to see sub Divock Origi double the Reds’ lead (87’) and get the party started. Boom!

This encounter was maybe less thrilling, shocking, unbelievable than the semi-finals and THAT 2005 final  (the last time LFC won the CL in case you needed reminding, in Istanbul, I thought maybe just to mention), but still unforgettable. 

The stories leading up to the night, fans and players, of both sides, made this night oh so sweet! That's why we love football! :-D And that YNWA at the end, goosebumps! #YNWA

XxXXxX 

I enjoyed the night in a casino in the South-West of France, I was not the only Red full of joy (and my Gunner husband was happy as well).

The drive back up North was good fun, sharing the motorway with happy Red and not so happy Spurs vans and busses. Again, unforgettable.

I followed the victory parade on my phone, couldn't get the smile off my face and still can't. #LetsTalkAboutSixBaby

And what makes this even better, I am so sure it is just the start, the first, just the opening chapter of an even more glorious, joyous, and oh so happy story. #WalkOn #WithHopeInYourHeart #YNWA

Lots of fans are worried because of the lack of summer transfer activity at the club. WHY? Have you already forgotten what Klopp and co have done?! Why chop and change the record-breaking kings of Europe?! #WeAreTheChampions #WeWillKeepOnFighting

Click here for my last post.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC live match and parade coverage and report.

Late Kane Pen Drama Draw At Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - LIV 2:2 TOT

The officials took centre stage at Anfield, sad but true, as everything happened in the last ten minutes plus added time, including two controversial penalties, three goals, Liverpool and Tottenham separating on 2-2 and a point each in the end of the late Super Sunday clash.

And it started oh so well for the home side when star man Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after just two minutes and 43 seconds, pouncing on Eric Dier's poor back pass and giving the Reds the lead.

It was the Egyptian's 20th league goal in 25 games, the fastest in over a century for LFC, the fifth fastest ever to reach that tally after George Allan (18 games in 1896), Fred Pagnam (23 in 1915), Ronald Orr (24 in 1909) and Frank Becton (25 in 1896).

Spurs dominated possession and play throughout looking more like the home side, Liverpool holding and defending well, getting some chances on the counter, until the craziest final ten minutes commenced.

Substitute Victor Wanyama's thunderbolt from 25 yards out levelled the score seconds after he came on when keeper Loris Karius thought he had punched the ball well clear.

The German stopper conceded a penalty five minutes later, bringing down Harry Kane in the box, slightest if any contact visible, but the fall was oh so well choreographed.

Referee Jonathan Moss consulted his linesman, who was clearly heard saying he had no idea if Dejan Lovren touched the ball beforehand, replays confirming the top striker was offside anyway.

But the spot kick was still given despite all. Kane sent a weak penalty down the middle, Karius saved it, justice was served as far as the Kop was concerned.

Tense finish, but that was not all.

Into added time, Salah made it 2-1 and 21 league goals for him, all on his own, moving past four Tottenham defenders and keeper Hugo Lloris, a magnificent move and finish.

The Reds thought they had bagged it, including boss Jürgen Klopp who ran down the sideline in celebrations.

HOWEVER, the game is never over until the final whistle has been blown.

94' the final minute of added time, Virgil van Dijk failed to clear the ball, instead caught Erik Lamela in the box, who fell into the defender and then down as if hit by a bullet, well rehearsed in drama group by the looks.

Again, referee Moss took ages talking with his assistant after ignoring and waving the penalty appeal off originally, replays showing the Dutch centre back tried to pull away his leg, but the Argentine winger made sure he fell into him.

Moss pointed to the spot, Kane didn't make a mistake of it this time, sending Karius the wrong way and making it 2-2 with his 100th Premier League goal in 141 games and at just 24 years of age.

The England striker joins an elite club, Alan Shearer the only quicker scorer to reach the PL century in just 124 games.

But the way Harry reached that total overshadowed a great contest after three great goals, Mauricio Pochettino ending the happier of the two managers with the point.

Klopp was understandably stumped, miffed by the decisions and lack of explanation and justification.

Football is the only sport where the officials do not, cannot and will not verify and/or explain their decisions, to the players, managers, staff and/or paying fans and public, which is ridiculous!!! Disgraceful!!!

With this draw, Tottenham have won only two of their 26 games at Anfield in the Premier League (8%). They remain fifth, down to just four points ahead of Arsenal in sixth, but just one point behind Chelsea after their Monday night defeat at Watford.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their past 15 league games at Anfield (W8 D7), the second longest current run in the competition, after Manchester City (25 games). They remain third, five points behind Manchester United in second and just one point ahead of Chelsea in fourth.

The Reds travel to 15th placed Southampton next. Fingers crossed the refs won't spoil the show there!!!

Liverpool Goals: Salah 3' & 90'+1'.

Tottenham Goals: Wanyama 80' & Kane 90'+5'.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 6 Lovren, 66 Alexander-Arnold (booked 42'); 7 Milner (booked 58') (32 Matip 78'), 14 Henderson (c) (5 Wijnaldum 65'), 23 Can (booked 90'+6'); 19 Mané (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 65'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings, 29 Solanke.

Tottenham Team: 1 Lloris (c); 33 Davies, 5 Vertonghen, 6 Sánchez (11 Lamela 71'), 2 Trippier; 19 Dembelé (12 Wanyama 79'), 15 Dier; 20 Alli (booked 69'), 23 Eriksen, 7 Son (18 Llorente 90'+2'); 10 Kane. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 13 Vorm, 17 Sissoko, 24 Aurier, 29 Winks.

HT Stats: LIV 1:0 TOT
Possession: 39%-61%
Shots: 6-4
On target: 2-1
Corners: 3-4
Fouls: 9-4
Yellow cards: 1-0

FT Stats: LIV 2:2 TOT
Possession: 34%-66%
Shots: 9-13
On target: 3-6
Corners: 3-7
Fouls: 15-9
Yellow cards: 3-1

Referee: Jonathan Moss
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,213

Click here for my last LFC match report/notes/rant.

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

Spurs Thrash LFC 4-1 At Wembley

Sports - Football - Premier League - THFC 4:1 LFC

Harry Kane scored two and set up one as Tottenham downed Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley in the Super Sunday afternoon kick-off.

I'm staying SOBER FOR OCTOBER - please click here to help and sponsor me and MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT! Every little helps! XxXxX

The super striker didn't even take four minutes to rip through the Red back line and round keeper Simon Mignolet to break the deadlock.

Eight minutes later, the 24-year-old set up Son Heung-min to double the score, the Red defence just lagging behind.

Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the visitors just over halfway through the first half, putting away Jordan Henderson's through ball.

But just before the interval Dele Alli's volley from the edge of the area made it 3-1.

Kane sealed the deal just over ten minutes after the break after Mignolet flapped and failed to clear a free-kick, the rebound of Jan Vertonghen's shot falling to the Ballon d'Or nominee to make it 4-1.

Liverpool's defence was just over-stretched. All goals were due to leaks, massive gaps, lack of physical presence, speed and any kind of cover.

Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren were nowhere near good enough, too slow, too sloppy, clueless, Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno unable to cope.

It said it all when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for Lovren with just over half an hour gone.

But the visitors were unable to get back into the game, despite Salah's and Philippe Coutinho's best attempts and dominance in possession.

Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris showed the opposition how it's done with some great stops, quick reaction, strong and solid presence. Something the Reds are missing!!!

Their Belgian stopper has made 13 errors leading to goals in the league since making his Liverpool debut in 2013, three more than anyone else.

The London side's boss Mauricio Pochettino was very happy for his fans, in front of Diego Maradona and Kobe Bryant, "Wembley starts to feel home" with a Premier League record crowd of 80,827.

Tottenham are up to third on 20 points, level with United in second, four points ahead of Chelsea in fourth, after their second consecutive win at their new home.

LFC manager Jürgen Klopp took "100% responsibility" pointing out the "bad, bad, bad defence. Their desire was better than ours."

Sad but true. It was no contest. The Reds are left slumbering in ninth on 13 points, trailing the top by 12 points.

Liverpool have conceded 16 goals in the league this season, their worst defensive record after nine top-flight games since 1964-65.

They have struggled most on the road, conceding 15 goals, the most in the league this season.

Next on the fixture list: A little break as the Reds are out of the League Cup, until they host Huddersfield at Anfield on Saturday.

The Tigers are high-flying after beating Manchester United 2-1 in a very convincing, strong, organised and confident display.

Again, something the Reds are missing!!!

Tottenham Goals: Kane 4' & 56', Son Heung-min 12' & Alli 45'+3.

Liverpool Goal: Salah 24'.

Tottenham Team: 1 Lloris, 4 Alderweireld, 6 Sánchez, 5 Vertonghen, 2 Trippier, 23 Eriksen (15 Dier 81'), 29 Winks, 20 Alli, 24 Aurier, 10 Kane (18 Llorente 88'), 7 Son Heung-min (17 Sissoko 69').
Subs not used: 3 Rose, 13 Vorm, 14 Nkoudou, 33 Davies.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 12 Gomez, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 31'), 18 Moreno, 7 Milner, 14 Henderson, 23 Can (booked) (16 Grujic 83'), 10 Coutinho, 9 Firmino (15 Sturridge 77'), 11 Salah.
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 17 Klavan, 29 Solanke, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

Match Stats: THFC 4-1 LFC
Possession: 36%-64%
Shots: 14-12
On target: 6-7
Corners: 3-5
Fouls: 2-8
Yellow cards: 0-1
Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Harry Kane
Ground: Wembley
Attendance: 80,827

Click here for my previous LFC match report. 

All pictures, quotes, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, MOTD2, Twitter and SFR match coverage.