Premier League Notes - Week 3

Sport - Football - Premier League - Week 3

The third week of the Premier League Football action saw:

36 goals - most by Leicester = 5

248 shots - most by Tottenham = 23

96 on target - most by Tottenham = 12

97 corners - most by Tottenham = 10

252 fouls - most by Brighton, Sheff United and Fulham = 18 each

41 bookings - most by Fulham = 6

0 red cards

7 penalties - 7 scored (Maupay for Brighton, Fernandes for Man United, Richarlison for Everton, Wilson for Newcastle, Vardy x 2 and Tielemans for a Leicester )

#BHAMUN Cheeky Maupay pen put the hosts ahead and deservedly so, Fernandes the clumsy offender. Maguire helped Dunk poke in the equaliser soon after, well worked from a free kick, 194 seconds between the two goals. Seconds after the break, Connolly made the most of Pogba’s covering, second pen, ref checked the VAR screen, changed his mind, no pen, it was soft but so many have been given, especially for United in the past, that’s annoying. Rashford whacked the Reds Devils ahead seconds later, of course, disallowed offside, haha, karma. But the number 10 made up for it soon after, the Seagulls unable to mark or close him down, too much time, too much space, 1-2. March hit the inside of the post shortly after another penalty appeal by Connolly got waved off by the ref. Brighton hit the woodwork FIVE times; no team has done so more in a single Premier League game since Opta have this data available (2003-04). The woodwork spared United plenty of blushes. They could and should have been thrashed. Marsh nicked in an equaliser in the final seconds of stoppage time, heading the ball in and down to make it 2-2 after plenty of chances, pushing and trying. A point would have been fully deserved, at least something, OGS’ men were shambles, the hosts on top. Fight fight fight as the ref blew the final whistle, the Red Devils appealing for a penalty, handball against Maupay, VAR check, harsh but right, it did touch his hand. Fernandes netted the spot kick to make it 2-3 with 99:45 on the clock, a very late and very lucky three points for the visitors. Absolute shambles. Five goals. Two penalties. One penalty overturned. Two goals disallowed. Five times hit the crossbar. Two full-time whistles. Good start to this weekend’s action after last week’s madness. 

#CRYEVE An unmarked Calvert-Lewin put the Toffees ahead, banging in Coleman’s pass from the middle of the box in off keeper Ryan. Kouyaté headed in a corner over Pickford to level the score. More VAR handball checks, both against Ward, first one not given as his arm was down and going away, second did hit his hand but he pulled his arm away, still given, another harsh one, Richarlison netting the pen across and in after one of those annoying run ups, 1-2. The second half was less eventful, Ancelotti’s men bagging the three points and continuing their dream start to the season with three wins out of three, leaving Hodgson and co disappointed suffering their first defeat after their win-win start to the season. 

#WBACHE Defensive and goalkeeping nightmare for the Blues! First Alonso gave away the ball to Pereira, who set up Robinson to flash the ball across and in to open the score after just four minutes. Not long after Werner hit the crossbar from close range, debutant skipper Thiago Silva gave the ball away to Robinson on the run down the other end and the number 7 made no mistake of breaking clear and slotting it in to make it a brace for him and 2-0 to the hosts, just over halfway through the first half. And it went from bad to worse for Lampard and co, just a couple of minutes later, West Brom corner, Furlong headed it on to Bartley, who side-footed it into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. No marking. No chance of stopping that. And who’s the keeper? This is the seventh time in the Premier League that Chelsea have shipped three goals to a newly-promoted team, and the second time under Lampard. Double substitution and skipper changed after the break for the visitors helped them take over. Mount pulled one back from outside the box, keeper frozen, ten minutes into the second half. Sub Hudson-Odoi found the gap thanks to a nice one-two with Havertz, ran through the Albion back line and banged in the second to make it 3-2 with 20 minutes to go. Abraham got in the equaliser in stoppage time, from close range, thanks to Havertz’s shot which Johnstone saved but gloved straight to him. I read about a Havertz handball in the buildup, but honestly didn’t see what all the fuss was about, there was a lot going on in the box and play before the goal. Three goals and a point each, first draw of the season, relief for the Blues, a bit sour for West Brom late on. More madness. I wanted to keep my PL Notes short(er) this week. Impossible. 

#BURSOU Ings gave the Saints the lead early on after a bit of a mess in and around the Burnley box, the keeper coming out, defenders all over the place, but Walker-Peters and Adams still able to complete their passes and a perfect buildup for the former Liverpool man to net. A disallowed goal each, clearly offside, not much else to shout about. It ended 0-1, just the one goal, no typo, believe it or not, leaving Dyche crying out for more players.

#SHULEE Leeds scored in the 88th minute after both keepers did a great job! Harrison was the provider and Bamford the scorer again, three in three from him as he headed it home for a hard-fought three points. The Blades still have no points after three games, no goals, they're now bottom. Bielsa's gang are up to sixth with two wins from their first three. Good start for them. The French can't stop drooling over the great Argentine, documentary after preview after documentary after preview, clips here, clips there, clips everywhere, I've lost count how much and many episodes they have on him.

#TOTNEW The opener was made by Kane, whose stepovers bamboozled Hayden and then rolled a cross across the six yard box for Moura to tap it into an open net from a couple of yards out, ending a run of 22 league appearances without a goal. Darlow made save after save after save, superhero stuff, 10 to be exact - the most by an English goalkeeper in a Premier League match since Forster v Man City in Nov 2017 (also 10). It should have been a thrash. But there was yet another VAR fiasco in the final minutes of injury time, Dier deemed to have handled the ball Carroll headed on, harsh as he had his back to it, but according to the law it's right as his arm was in an unnatural position moving to stop the ball. Offside was checked as well, Carroll was fine, in line, his team mate who was further forward was not involved in play. Wilson netted the spot kick to make it a goal and point each after utter Spurs dominance, disgusted boss Mourinho left the pitch as soon as the pen was taken. The Magpies can thank their keeper and VAR that they got anything out of this match. The Spurs coach Santos saw red after the final whistle for their frustrations and aggravations to complete another absolute madness. And despite the result, Newcastle boss Bruce agreed "we have lost the plot" on handball and VAR.

#MCILEI City dominated, but the score was level at the break, Walker's foul on Vardy allowed the striker to score from the spot to equalise after Riyad Mahrez's stunning opener early on. Not long after the restart, Vardy put a cheeky flick in to give the Foxes the lead, lovely footy off Castagne’s low cross. And he completed his hat-trick before the hour-mark, another pen after being pushed clumsily by Garcia, banged in, 1-3, the Citizens all over the place, hitting the self-destruct button. This was only the third ever hat-trick scored against a side managed by Guardiola and two of them have been scored by Vardy - the other was Messi in October 2016 in a Champions League game (I WAS THERE!). And the old Fox is the oldest hat-trick scorer in the PL. Ake pulled one back with six minutes left, heading in a corner. Comeback? Nope, another penalty conceded instead, Mendy hauled back Maddison, who made it 2-5 from the spot, as Vardy had been subbed seconds before that incident. Game over. Pep’s men well and truly busted, Brendan’s side with just 28% of possession but 100% of the spoils = three points, mind-blowing football, the first time the Citizens have conceded five goals in a home game since February 2003. Man City have lost 10 of their last 36 league games. Liverpool have lost 10 of their last 128. Just saying.

#WHUWOL Bowen opened the scoring for the hosts with a lovely run and beautiful finish beating three defenders. Antonio broke away on the counter down the left, to find Fornals whose shot from range came back off the post, falling into the path of Bowen, who made no mistake of an easy tap in unchallenged, brace for him, 2-0 to the Hammers, too easy. Souček made it three off a corner thanks to a deflection off Jiménez, own goal given, actually. Haller headed the fourth down and in off an excellent Massuaku cross, completingtheir first win of the season in a more than convincing way, taking them up from 18th to 10th. Wolves weren’t anywhere near, dropping down to 16th. Thrash.

#FULAVL Dream start for the visitors, taking the lead after just over three minutes, a ball over the top from McGinn, Grealish timed his run perfectly and smashed it past the Fulham keeper. And the Villans doubled their lead just over ten minutes later, Grealish with a cross, McGinn finding Hourihane who slotted it into the bottom corner, too easy. The HT team talk didn’t work well for the hosts, seconds after the restart, a Villa free kick into the box, no Fulham defenders followed Mings in who just got to it, easy peasy again, 0-3. The Cottagers had the ball in the net, but the lovely VAR first checked offside, then a foul, the goal was disallowed for the latter, Mitrović judged to have fouled Konsa in the buildup. Welcome to the PL. Kebano saw an effort blocked and Bryan hit the bar just before the end. But it stayed three goals and three points for Villa, game, set, match, 100% record going, unbeaten in eight games, whilst Fulham are in bits, defensive nightmare, their CEO full of apologies post-match, boss Parker fearing for his side if no changes are made = new players added. 

#LIVARS The champions bossed the start, the Gunners had David Luiz and keeper Leno to thank for keeping the ball out denying VVD and MOTM Mané respectively. A TAA banger from outside deflected off defenders and off the crossbar, it could have already been 3-0 with just over 20 minutes gone. But of course, totally against the run of play, a present for Lacazette broke the deadlock, after a counter, Robertson mucked up a clearance completely to hand the Frenchman the ball from a couple of yards out, he messed it up but it looped up, over the diving keeper and in, 0-1. Seconds later, a Salah shot was saved but only as far as an on-running Mané, who made no mistake of banging it in from close range, 1-1. 147 seconds between the two goals. Just over ten minutes before the break, Robertson made up for his cockup with a fine control and cheeky low poke in past the keeper to make it 2-1 off a fine Trent cross, that’s better. Alisson had a couple of stops to do after the break, but the visitors’ defence and keeper were definitely the busier again. Constant pressure. Mané, Salah, VVD, sub Jota, all went close. The sub made it three eventually, Trent cross, messed up clearance by David Luiz, received at the edge of the box, nice control and shot across and into the bottom left corner after some odd wet bounces off the ground, 3-1, finally, nice debut goal. Was there a handball? Sleeve? Borderline chest. No VAR necessary. The utter dominance deserved at least another goal, minimum. Liverpool join Everton and Leicester on nine points out of nine, Arsenal remain winless at Anfield since 2012. (And in case you wonder why I haven't mentioned MOTM Mané's booking at the beginning of the match, it's because I don't know what all the fuss is about. Yes, it's a silly foul, arm out and into Tierney, who made the most of it. Nowhere near a red.)

My Predictions - Actual Results

Brighton 1:2 Man United - 2:3

Palace 1:1 Everton - 1:2

West Brom 0:3 Chelsea - 3:3

Burnley 2:2 Saints - 0:1

Sheff United 1:2 Leeds - 0:1

Tottenham 2:2 Newcastle - 1:1

Man City 1:2 Leicester - 2:5

West Ham 1:3 Wolves - 4:0

Fulham 1:2 Aston Villa - 0:3

Liverpool 4:3 Arsenal - 3:1

Click here for my previous PL Notes.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, ByTheMinPL, ByTheMinLFC, Twitter, Sky Sports and RMC Sport coverage.

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 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.