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 37

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 37

The 37th week of the Premier League action saw:

19 goals - most by Arsenal = 5

241 shots - most by Man United & Arsenal = 16 each

76 on target - most by Watford & Arsenal = 8 each

110 corners - most by Bournemouth = 11

205 fouls - most by Stoke = 18

43 yellow cards - most by Stoke = 5

1 red card - Yoshida for Southampton 

0 penalties

What a game! The scenes at the Hawthorns! Jake Livermore netted the injury time winner for West Brom against his former side Tottenham, scruffy scramble over the line, but they won’t care! The win took them off the bottom and fighting on to the last week - depending on other results, especially games in hand, see below. Caretaker boss Darren Moore stayed very quiet and controlled on the sideline, they may still go down, but still, what a job he has done! 10 points from 5 games (in contrast to Alan Pardew's 8 points from 18 games)! Wow! Swansea’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth added to the Albion’s party. And after the Saints conceded a late late late late equaliser at Everton, you never know... Huddersfield earned a hard-fought and deserved point at Manchester City, whose title celebrations were long overdue, party for both sides. The crucial relegation crunch battle was the game in hand between Southampton and Swansea... See below.

What a team! Brighton secured their place in the Premier League for another season by beating Manchester United on Friday night. Thanks to goalline technology, Pascal Groß’ header that was cleared by Marcos Rojo but counted as it had just crossed the line, just, a centimetre or two. Chris Hughton’s men deserved the win, their first in eight games, outplaying a tired and forceless looking United, even José Mourinho conceded defeat in attitude as well as the match. It is the first time the Red Devils have ever lost away to three newly promoted clubs in a league season.

Leicester continued their poor end to the season as well, West Ham ending up comfortable 0-2 winners, guaranteeing their safety. So too Newcastle with their third straight defeat in the league, losing 2-1 at Watford, the Londoners ending their own run of seven league matches without a win and ensuring their own PL survival.

What a man! A speedy recovery and all the best to Sir Alex Ferguson and his loved ones, football rivalry aside, you do not wish such unwell on anyone. And if there is an undisputed football icon and legend no one can touch or even get close to, Fergie is the one and only.

Arsène Wenger got a nice Emirates farewell, Arsenal thrashing Burnley 5-0, giving their old boss a fine ending to his reign just as it started 7,876 days before, victorious. It’s the Frenchman’s 475th win in 826 Premier League games, 415th victory in 606 home games in all competitions, thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace and Alexandre Lacazette, Sead Kolašinac and Alex Iwobi adding to the class and party. Merci Wenger.

What a goal! Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was a cracker to give Stoke the lead against Palace in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff, curling the ball off the wall and into the top right corner. But it was not to be, James McArthur and Patrick van Aanholt capitalising on gaps and slips in defence to turn the game around in the second half, condemning Paul Lambert’s men to relegation and ending their 10-year stint in the top league. It started so loud and bouncy but ended all silent and in tears at the bet365 Stadium. Such a shame. Roy Hodgson meanwhile can be very proud how his side have secured their safety and may finish on a club-record high.

Olivier Giroud’s header was enough for Chelsea to beat dominant but points-dropping Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The Blues remain fifth but the game in hand keeping them in the fight for the top four. The Reds meanwhile, after knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate, keep dropping points with draws against West Brom and Stoke and this defeat, it would be disappointing for them to fall further down, so nothing else than a win is expected in the final week. Click here for my full match report.

What the hell?! The games in hand played midweek more or less decided the relegation battle and European spots, Southampton celebrating a huge win in Wales thanks to Manolo Gabbiadini’s strike, condemning West Brom down and out despite their strong form under their caretaker boss mentioned and lauded above and leaving Swansea on the brink thanks to goal difference. 
Huddersfield celebrated their safety like title winners after fighting out a point at Chelsea despite the Blues’ dominance. Leicester beat Arsenal for the first time in the Premier League since 1994, serving Wenger yet another away defeat in his penultimate game in charge of the Gunners, making it seven consecutive top-flight away defeats for the first time since 1966. 

League champions Manchester City broke more records by beating Brighton 3-1, scoring most goals in a single PL campaign = 105 and taking Pep Guardiola’s men to a record 97 points, the Spaniard eyeing and expecting his side to complete the century. 

Harry Kane sealed the win and Champions League spot with his 29th PL goal for Tottenham against Newcastle at Wembley, the London side overtaking Liverpool to third. 

Manchester United meanwhile secured their second place with a less impressive goalless draw at West Ham, Mourinho not happy being second-best of course and with the drop in points and belief, much in contrast to David Moyes, who’s more than content with the run of and point for his side. 

That just about finishes off a mad week of footy, all the ups and downs and in-betweens, literally!

My Predictions - Actual Results

Brighton 1:1 Man United - 1:0

Stoke City 1:2 Crystal Palace - 1:2

Bournemouth 2:1 Swansea - 1:0

Leicester 1:1 West Ham - 0:2

Watford 2:2 Newcastle - 2:1

West Brom 1:2 Tottenham - 1:0

Everton 1:1 Southampton - 1:1

Man City 4:0 Huddersfield - 0:0

Arsenal 3:1 Burnley - 5:0

Chelsea 3:1 Liverpool - 1:0 or my match report

Games in hand (see week 31 & *week 35*) saw 10 goals (*2*), 132 shots (*25*), 56 on target (*7*), 49 corners (*9*), 95 fouls (*17*), 16 yellow cards (*1*) & 1 red card (Mavropanos for Arsenal):

Swansea 0:0 Southampton - 0:1

*Chelsea 3:1 Huddersfield - 1:1*

Leicester 1:1 Arsenal - 3:1

Man City 5:1 Brighton - 3:1

Tottenham 1:1 Newcastle - 1:0

West Ham 2:2 Man United - 0:0

All stats not added to this week.

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

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

Premier League Picks Of The Week 30

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 30

The 30th week of the Premier League action saw:

29 goals - most by Leicester & Tottenham = 4 each
229 shots - most by Huddersfield = 30!!!
79 on target - most by Chelsea = 11
116 corners - most by Liverpool = 13
180 fouls - most by Liverpool = 16
25 yellow cards - most by Swansea & Leicester = 3 each
2 red cards - Anthony Knockaert for Brighton, Jordan Ayew for Swansea
2 penalties - 0 scored

What a game! It could not have been more one-sided at Huddersfield, 30-0 shots, Swansea down to ten men after just ten minutes when Jordan Ayew was sent off for catching Jonathan Hogg with his studs. Keeper and MOTM Łukasz Fabiański was kept busy busy busy, but the Welsh side somehow held on, it ended 0-0 and a point each!!! Swans boss Carlos Cavalhal was full of praise, understandably, the Portuguese called it an epic point, and it was, whilst Tigers manager David Wagner was left wondering WTF?! Krass!!!

Arsenal avoided losing a fourth league game in a row for the first time in over 30 years thanks to PETR ČECH SAVING A PENALTY!!! That's a first for Arsenal! And the Czech keeper's first since 2011! And finally kept his 200th clean sheet after a long long wait, the first goalkeeper to achieve this feat in the PL! It ended 3-0 against Watford at a half-empty Emirates, the Gunners still making the clear win look difficult. Goals from Shkodran Mustafi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan completed the London side's first league win since 3rd February when they beat Everton 5-1 and Arsène Wenger's 700th win in his 1,222nd match in charge of Arsenal. Party time? I think not.

What a team! West Brom's and West Ham's illness and injury list did not help them, both ended up well thrashed, continuing their miserable form! The prior lost 1-4 against Leicester, the latter 0-3 v Burnley, both Alan Pardew and David Moyes not gaining any points nor fans respectively, it especially over-boiling in the London Stadium, more to that below. Not. Nice.
Chelsea got back to winning ways beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in a dominant display at Stamford Bridge and closing the gap to the top four. Former Liverpool defender Martin Kelly was involved in both goals for the Blues, Willian aided by a deflection for the first, the second a ping pong own goal, Patrick van Aanholt's goal too little too late. Unfortunate for Roy Hodgson once again, finally back on track for Antonio Conte.

What a man! Brighton manager Chris Hughton won the PL manager of the month award for the first time in his career and fully deserved it after seeing his side remain unbeaten for the whole of February. Much in contrast to that form, the Seagulls self-destructed at Everton, conceding two goals and seeing Anthony Knockaert sent off for his mad tackle on Leighton Baines, all in the last half an hour after frustrating the hell out of the Toffees. A Gaëtan Bong own goal broke the deadlock, Cenk Tosun doubled the lead with a quality finish and it could have been worse, Wayne Rooney missing a penalty. Sam Allardyce ended up being happy despite that miss, 2-0 winners which took them up to ninth.

Mauricio Pellegrino accused his side of giving up after watching Southampton downed 3-0 at Newcastle on Saturday, Kenedy scoring twice for the Magpies, the first a lovely turn and take after just 63 seconds, and Matt Ritchie adding a third and more misery on the visitors, leaving the Saints just one point above the relegation zone, Rafael Benítez on the other hand with a big smile. On Monday night, the news of the sacking of the Argentinian boss was confirmed during City's easy 0-2 win at Stoke thanks to David Silva's brace, no surprise there, with neither the news nor the result. Not even 48 hours later, Mark Hughes was announced the new boss, a lot of fans not happy with that news it seems...

What a goal! Marcus Rashford's first-half brace was enough for Manchester United to cut open and beat arch rivals Liverpool 2-1 in the Saturday lunch-time kick-off at Old Trafford, widening the gap between the two in 2nd and 3rd place respectively to five points in the Premier League table. It wasn't the visitors' day, the referee helping the hosts with a lot of decisions, more to that below and click here for my full match report.
Son Heung-min's double made it 1-4 for Tottenham at Bournemouth on Sunday, completing the perfect comeback after falling behind in the seventh minute thanks to Junior Stanislas and losing Harry Kane due to injury in the first half. It was the South Korean's sixth and seventh goal in his last four outings. Dele Alli's equaliser and Serge Aurier's header added up to complete Mauricio Pochettino's 150th league win as a manager to see the club up to third one point ahead of Liverpool after their defeat against United mentioned above.

What the hell?! The referee at Old Trafford missed and messed up a lot. I may be bias, but please, how there weren't any penalties after Antonio Valencia's handball, Ashley Young wrapped himself around Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané was felled down by Marouane Fellaini and how Rashford didn't get booked for his celebrations with the crowd, which would have added up to two bookings a couple of minutes later = red card, is beyond me!!! Aaaaah!!!
It wasn't just one pitch invasion at the London Stadium, but FOUR!!! WTF?! That's taking the mick!!! What the hell happened to the security staff?! Did they forget to do their job?! What about safety of the players and everyone else on and around the pitch?! I understand the fans' frustration, but have you forgotten you are a football fan, as in the sport, the game?! Yes, you can present and demonstrate your frustrations, but please not by disrupting and destroying the game and sport!!!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Man United 2:3 Liverpool - 2:1 or my match report
Everton 1:1 Brighton - 2:0
Huddersfield 2:2 Swansea - 0:0
Newcastle 1:1 Southampton - 3:0
West Brom 1:2 Leicester - 1:4
West Ham 2:1 Burnley - 0:3
Chelsea 1:1 Crystal Palace - 2:1
Arsenal 3:1 Watford - 3:0
Bournemouth 2:2 Tottenham - 1:4
Stoke City 1:2 Man City - 0:2

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

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

Premier League Picks Of The Week 29

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 29

The 29th week of the Premier League action saw:

24 goals - most by Swansea = 4

233 shots - most by Leicester = 22

82 on target - most by Burnley & Swansea = 8 each

118 corners - most Southampton = 15

189 fouls - most by West Ham = 14

23 yellow cards - most by West Ham, Brighton, Arsenal & Man United = 3 each

1 red card - Ashley Williams for Everton

2 penalties - 2 scored (Joshua King for Bournemouth, Jordan Ayew for Swansea)

What a match! Liverpool outplayed and outshone Newcastle with a top-class convincing 2-0 home win in the Saturday evening kick-off, and that could have easily been more, the front trio starring and shining once again. Click here for my full LFC match report.

Super Sunday started with super shambles by Arsenal, well beaten by Brighton for the first time since 1982, 2-1 thanks to Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray of course, recording the Londoners' fourth successive defeat for the first time since 2002, their eighth defeat in 2018 and 11th league game without a clean sheet, their longest run since 2002. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did pull one back and the referee did his best to help the Gunners with some ridiculous calls and decisions, more to that below. No discrediting the Seagulls and their spirit and fight, but Arsène Wenger has lost it, it = this game, his team, his fans and all his marbles if he doesn't do everyone a favour and go!!! 

The other Super Sunday match could not have been more one-sided, Manchester City riding and bossing it, Chelsea parking and watching, the miss-match ending 1-0, Bernardo Silva with the winner, taking the Citizens 18 points clear at the top for the day. The Blues failed to register a single shot in the first half of a league game for the first time since 2003-04 and got nothing on target for the whole 90 minutes for the first time this season. Have they forgotten their job? PLAY FOOTBALL!!!

What a team! West Ham were taken to bits by Swansea, 4-1 thanks to Ki Sung-yueng, Mike van der Hoorn, Andy King and Jordan Ayew, sealing Carlos Carvahal's fourth win in six Premier League games. Loved this BBC video about his metaphors in interviews, lol! It could have been eight or nine goals for the Welsh side, who have surprised everyone how they have ripped and gripped themselves up and away from the bottom of the table. I'm sure David Moyes doesn't feel so comfortable any more. 13th and 14th respectively, only three points from the drop zone, the Swans on their way up, whilst the Hammers are caught in the downward spiral.
Southampton slipped down to 17th after their goalless draw against relegation rivals Stoke City, making it a new Premier League club record of eight consecutive home matches without a win. And Watford heaped more misery on bottom-side West Brom, Troy Deeney's goal enough to slump Alan Pardew's club to their fifth successive league defeat, eight points from safety.

What a man! Everton's Jordan Pickford definitely put his name on the England team sheet making some sublime saves at Burnley with Gareth Southgate watching in the stands in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff. If it weren't for him it would have ended a total thrash. 2-1 was the result, Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood turning the game around for the Clarets in the second half after Turkish forward Cenk Tosun had given the Toffees the lead after 20 minutes. It was a competitive match, both teams creating chances and making the keepers work, Ashley Williams' late sending off for reckless swinging around with his elbow on Barnes adding to the visitors' misery, no protest. Whatever Sean Dyche said at the break in his 250th game for the club (W98 D73 L79 with this result), it worked, completing the double in the league against Big Sam's side. It was the first win for Burnley in 2018, their first comeback after going behind in 61 Premier League games under Dyche (D12 L48), and the first time they won both league games against Everton in a season since 1959-60, when they won the title!

What a goal! Tottenham's star men Dele Alli and Harry Kane set up Son Heung-min in the first and the second half respectively, beautiful crosses, exemplary conversions, making it 2-0 and giving Huddersfield no chance of a comeback at Wembley. 

And it had to be Riyad Mahrez nicking the last-minute equaliser for Leicester against Bournemouth (90'+7!!!), curling a free kick around the wall and in to make it 1-1 after the Cherries were ahead thanks to Joshua King's first-half penalty. It's never over till that annoying one bloke whistles!

That unstoppable injury-time Nemanja Matić smacker of a strike, his first goal for Manchester United, shattered Crystal Palace, mentally and physically at Selhurst Park on Monday night keeping them in the drop zone. Roy Hodgson's men had worked so hard and shocked everyone when Andros Townsend gave them lead in the first half and Patrick van Aanholt doubled the score straight after the interval. It was the first time Palace had ever taken the lead over United in the PL, they were in control. But whatever José Mourinho said at the break, it had its effects. The Red Devils finally turned up, played and broke the home side eventually, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku evening out the scoreline and wounds. But once again David de Gea was the main man for United, keeping them in the game with crucial stops and avoiding a total thrash, until the last-minute winner. The visitors had two shots on goal in the first half, fewest any away team has had at Selhurst Park this season, bad, and 15 in the second half, the most, mad. The Eagles have never beaten United in 18 attempts and it was the first time United's Portuguese boss has won after being two goals behind in the PL. But if the Mancs play like this against their bitter rivals Liverpool next weekend they will get battered!!!

What the hell?! No, that wasn't a penalty at Wembley, just because Son tumbled to the ground doesn't mean he was fouled! The South Korean scored a great brace as mentioned above, but should have been booked for his diving antiques!!! FFS!

Talking about spot kicks, don't they have to be taken from the spot?! It was just stupid how the ref didn't spot that at the King Power Stadium! King got the penalty spot-on to give Bournemouth the lead, but Leicester will be glad they evened it out as mentioned above, a goal and point each in the end.

All the best wishes go to Hammer Winston Reid who was stretchered off at Swansea after landing awkwardly on his leg and taking a knock to his head on landing, I hope he will be okay. Same with Brighton's Ezequiel Schelotto after being taken out by Arsenal's Sead Kolašinac, who was lucky to escape any punishment for his reckless actions! Something serious like this makes me even more annoyed about the divers and whiners making a scene of nothing!!! Appreciate what you've got and make the most of it instead of looking for any excuse to fall!!! And referees, please, please, please be more consistent with your punishments! It is just too ridiculous what too many players get away with, fouling and diving!!!

My Predictions - Actual Results

Burnley 1:1 Everton - 2:1

Leicester 1:1 Bournemouth - 1:1

Southampton 1:1 Stoke City - 0:0

Swansea 1:1 West Ham - 4:1

Tottenham 4:0 Huddersfield - 2:0

Watford 2:1 West Brom - 1:0

Liverpool 3:1 Newcastle - 2:0 or my LFC match report 

Brighton 1:1 Arsenal - 2:1

Man City 3:1 Chelsea - 1:0

Crystal Palace 0:0 Man United - 2:3

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

Pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, MOTD, Twitter and SFR coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 28

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 28

The 28th week of the Premier League action saw:

29 goals - most by Liverpool & Brighton = 4 each
233 shots - most by Liverpool = 21
92 on target - most by Liverpool = 12
98 corners - most by Leicester & Tottenham = 13 each
205 fouls - most by Brighton = 17
24 yellow cards - most by Newcastle = 4
0 red cards
2 penalties - 1 scored (Murray for Brighton)

What a game! A late comeback by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium broke Newcastle's hearts after they started so brill! Dwight Gayle's double had given the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break. But Adam Smith's smacker off the crossbar and Dan Gosling's side-footed last-minute equaliser nicked a point for the Cherries, leaving them in 11th after Watford's win later on against Everton, whilst the Magpies dropped to 15th.
And what a crucial win it was for Brighton in the relegation battle, thrashing the sorry Swans 4-1. Star man Glenn Murray scored twice, Anthony Knockaert and Jürgen Locadia added to the Welsh side's misery later on after they saw Tammy Abraham's effort deflected in by Lewis Dunk for his fourth own goal of the season - the only shot on target for the visitors! The result takes Chris Hughton's side up to 12th whilst Carlos Carvalhal's men dropped to 18th.

What a team! West Brom's misery continued as Huddersfield held off their fightback to win 1-2 at The Hawthorns. The Terriers took the lead shortly after the break thanks to Rajiv van la Parra and it was doubled by Steve Mounié with under an hour gone. Craig Dawson headed one back for the home side minutes later, and went close from another set-piece in the dying moments. But the visitors recorded their second consecutive win, taking David Wagner's side three points safe from the drop zone in 14th. Alan Pardew on the other hand, has only seen one win in his 14 games as Albion boss, keeping his side rock bottom, seven points from safety. Surely they can't escape from that far down with ten games to go!

What a man! Liverpool's front trio were at it again as they thrashed West Ham 4-1 at Anfield on Saturday afternoon to bring the Reds' goal total to 103 in all competitions this season. Simply the best (well, behind City). Click here for my LFC match report with all the facts, stats and details.
Manchester United had sub Jesse Lingard to thank for their three points on Sunday, his header downing Chelsea after Romelu Lukaku had levelled out Willian's opener. It wasn't a clash of the top titans, more like a bash of the flop divers! But it was enough for the Red Devils to keep them second, their bitter red Merseyside rivals two points behind them, the two sides' meeting in a couple of weeks is going to be interesting.

What a goal! Stoke stopper Jack Butland went from zero to hero within seconds. After gloving in the equaliser for Leicester, a blooper-and-a-half own goal to level Xherdan Shaqiri's opener, the keeper made some great saves moments later denying Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire off the rebound against the post. It stayed 1-1 and a point each, leaving the Potters in the bottom three whilst the Foxes moved up to eighth.
Substitute Manolo Gabbiadini's 90th-minute equaliser at Burnley dragged the Saints out of the relegation zone, keeping the Clarets' 2018 winless run going. Troy Deeney showed how it's done, whacking Watford ahead from the middle of the box, enough to beat a poor Everton side in the late kickoff on Saturday. Crucial goals all round in and around the relegation zone.

What the hell?! Dele Alli's diving was so annoying to watch on Sunday! Even more annoying was that he didn't get cautioned for his theatrics! Crystal Palace did well to frustrate the hell out of Tottenham, until Harry Kane headed in the winner in the final minute of normal time, his 35th goal in 36 matches. Double argh! The result leaves Palace in 17th, level on points with Swansea in 18th, whilst Tottenham moved up to 4th, two points ahead of Chelsea in 5th.
After being well and truly thrashed by the league leaders Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday, Arsenal didn't expect much in their postponed league meeting on Thursday night... And rightly so, they were once again totally outclassed and -played by the Citizens and well beaten 0-3 at the Emirates, their joint-heaviest home Premier League defeat, having lost by three-goal margins to Coventry (1993), Middlesbrough (2001) and Chelsea (twice in 2009). The Gunners started quicker and more on the ball than in the cup thrash, but Pep Guardiola's men were just too good in their 100th match under the Spaniard, recording his 69th win thanks to Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sané and their clinical play and finishes, all in a sublime first half. To add to the home side's misery Ederson saved their second-half spot-kick denying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and any kind of comeback for the hosts. Arsène Wenger meanwhile, well, I'm lost for words how the Frenchman is still in his job!!! The stadium was half-empty and it such a big clash, that is a big statement by the fans!!! It must be the end! Putain!!!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Leicester 3:0 Stoke City - 1:1
Bournemouth 2:1 Newcastle - 2:2
Brighton 1:1 Swansea - 4:1
Burnley 1:1 Southampton - 1:1
Liverpool 3:2 West Ham - 4:1 or my match report
West Brom 2:0 Huddersfield - 1:2
Watford 2:1 Everton - 1:0
Crystal Palace 1:1 Tottenham - 0:1
Man United 2:2 Chelsea - 2:1
Arsenal 2:2 Man City - 0:3

Click here for my previous Premier League Picks.

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

Premier League Picks Of The Week 27

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 27

The 27th week of the Premier League action saw:

27 goals - most by Man City = 5
238 shots - most by Chelsea = 20
84 on target - most by Man City = 11
107 corners - most by Tottenham & Man United = 10 each
210 fouls - most by Crystal Palace & Man United = 15 each
25 yellow cards - most by Leicester & Bournemouth = 3 each
0 red cards
3 penalties - 2 scored (Milivojevic for Crystal Palace, has converted more penalties than any other player in the Premier League this season = 5, van La Parra for Huddersfield)

What a game! It was a Super Duper Sunday: Huddersfield bagged their first points of 2018 thrashing Bournemouth 4-1, Alex Pritchard with his first goal for the club, Steve Mounié with a brace, denied a hat-trick by Rajiv van La Parra from the spot in the final seconds of the match. The win pulled the Tigers out of the relegation zone and dropped Newcastle right into it before their clash against Manchester United. Note: Before. The Magpies showed everyone how it's done, the goalkeeping by debutant loanee Martin Dúbravka and defending was out of this world, making Matt Ritchie's goal enough to beat Manchester United. José Mourinho doesn't like St James' Park, D3 L4, nor the current boss there after his 6th defeat in all competitions against the Spaniard (only Pep Guardiola has beaten him more times = 9)! Rafa Benítez was fuming in the first half, decision after decision going against the home side, but got it all back in the second half, their first home win since October taking his side up to 13th! Muchas gracias! And last but definitely not least, Liverpool finished off the triple Super Sunday at Southampton, cruising to a 0-2 win at St Mary's thanks to Roberto Firmino and non-other than Mohamed Salah, taking them up to third, two points behind Man United in second. Click here for my LFC match notes. Vielen Dank!

What a team! Tottenham overpowered Arsenal on Saturday in the lunchtime kickoff, Harry Kane heading in the winner a few minutes after the break. It could have been two or three more if it weren't for Petr Čech, who made a couple of quick, full-stretch, top-class saves. It ended 1-0 at Wembley, no real competition, disappointing arch rival derby, Spurs having just lost one of their last eight Premier League games against the Gunners, W3 D4. Kane's total is 32 goals in all competitions, four more than any other player in Europe's big five leagues and is only the second player to score in four consecutive home Premier League appearances against Arsenal, after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink between 1997 and 2001. Arsène Wenger made a double-change to attack and press Mauricio Pochettino's side more in the second half, but it was too little too late, which summarises the Frenchman's profile at the club. Just one shot on target recorded in the whole match, that is just not good enough if you want to compete against the top teams.

What a man! Five goals and three points went to Manchester City against Leicester, Jamie Vardy with the only reply, Kevin De Bruyne starring for the league leaders with three assists, Sergio Agüero with a hat-trick, sorry, four goals, taking him to 14 goals in the last seven home games and 197 in total for the club. Lost track? The Citizens beat the Foxes 5-1, taking them top of the second-half goals table ahead of Liverpool, it was just a nightmare for Kasper Schmeichel! Claude Puel was made to regret his change of formation after the interval (it was 1-1 at halftime). Guardiola has no such regret nor worry whatsoever, his side 16 points clear at the top.
It was a welcome win for David Moyes after goals by Javier Hernández and Marko Arnautović were enough for West Ham to beat Watford and take them to 30 points, five above the drop zone, one behind Bournemouth in 10th, ending their run of four games without a win which had already unsettled some Hammers fans. It was Javi Gracia's first league defeat, keeping the Hornets' away form worrying.

What a goal! A great strike, low drive by Ki Sung-yeung won it for Swansea against Burnley, they are on a roll! The Welsh side moved up to 15th with this win, their third home win in a row in the league, taking them two points clear of the drop zone. Despite sitting in seventh, Burnley have been finding life much more difficult in 2018 with no wins in the last nine games in all competitions and longest winless run in the league with 10 games (D5 L5).
The rest of the goals on Saturday were just bad defending more than good quality shots. No marking whatsoever! West Brom wouldn't care how they come, if only they could hit the back of the net! The Baggies lost to a poor Chelsea side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night thanks to Eden Hazard's double and Victor Moses. Alan Pardew's men had chances as the Blues were a mess once again, but just couldn't get it on target. Poorer than poor, I'm afraid at this rate they will definitely go down. I would also be very surprised to still see Antonio Conte at the Chelsea helm for much longer, his side playing nowhere near the quality of last season's champions! This result cannot and will not cover nor hide that!

What the hell?! How crucial will Mathew Ryan's penalty save be for Brighton at Stoke City?! It was an unbelievable stop denying Charlie Adam and sparing a point for the home side after Xherdan Shaqiri's strike had cancelled out José Izquierdo's opener. The penalty was softer than soft, the players' dispute of who should take it didn't help I'm sure, Jesé not a happy man and rightly so. Keeper Ryan made the crucial save, Lewis Dunk and Anthony Knockaert tackling and clearing the ball off the line respectively in the dying seconds afterwards. Paul Lambert was understandably gutted after the second-half comeback, his side remaining in the drop zone, whilst Chris Hughton felt justice was done. It was a crazy finish to an otherwise below-par game, that's why I always say and preach NEVER leave a game early!!!
It all happened in the second half at Goodison Park as well, loads of chances for both sides, four goals, Everton ending up on top 3-1 against Crystal Palace, Sam Allardyce a much happier man, especially after last week's thumping they got. It was the first time in the Premier League two former England managers played against each other since late Bobby Robson's Newcaste faced Kevin Keegan's Man City in 2004.

My Predictions - Actual Results
Tottenham 2:2 Arsenal - 1:0
Everton 1:1 Crystal Palace - 3:1
Stoke City 0:0 Brighton - 1:1
Swansea 1:0 Burnley - 1:0
West Ham 1:1 Watford - 2:0
Man City 3:1 Leicester - 5:1
Huddersfield 1:2 Bournemouth - 4:1
Newcastle 0:1 Man United - 1:0
Southampton 1:2 Liverpool - 0:2 or my match notes
Chelsea 1:1 West Brom - 3:0

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

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