Premier League Picks Of The Week 24

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 24

The 24th week of the Premier League action saw:

31 goals - most by Fulham and Bournemouth = 4 each

262 shots - most by Man United = 28

85 on target - most by Wolves and Man United = 9 each

101 corners - most by Man United = 11

184 fouls - most by Arsenal = 14

43 bookings - most by Everton, Wolves and Watford = 4 each

2 red cards - Digne for Everton, Zaha for Palace

3 penalties - 3 scored (Aubameyang for Arsenal, Pogba for Man United, Ritchie for Newcastle)

What a game! It was all about crazy comebacks on Tuesday night! Fulham, Manchester United and Newcastle!!! I have to start with the last, more to the first two below. When Sergio Agüero gave Manchester City the lead after just 24 seconds, everyone expected the worst, a total thrashing at St James’ Park. However, Pep Guardiola was shocked watching his side give the game away, Salomón Rondón netting Isaac Hayden’s header to equalise from close range (66’), before Matt Ritchie converted the penalty (80’) after Fernandinho had fouled Sean Longstaff in the box. It’s an unexpected and crucial result at both ends of the table, relief for Magpies boss Rafael Benítez, disbelief for his blue counterpart. 

And more upsets (less comebacks) followed on Wednesday night! Bournemouth smashed Chelsea! Joshua King’s brace (47’, 74’), either side of David Brooks’ composed finish (63’), and sub Charlie Daniels' injury-time goal, made it 4-0 to the Cherries and two consecutive defeats for the Blues. Maurizio Sarri took the blame, after staying in complete lock-down for nearly an hour after the match - a bit more than just a team talk... Unforgettable win for Eddie Howe, either way, no matter whose fault it is! It was only their second-ever competitive home win against the Londoners, first since September 1988. And it’s just the second time in PL history Chelsea have lost a game by a four-goal margin, after losing 5-1 to Liverpool in September 1996.

Have to mention Tottenham's comeback, with two goals in seven minutes by Son Heung-min (80’) and Fernando Llorente (87’), after Craig Cathcart had given Watford the lead (38') at a very empty Wembley stadium. The win puts Spurs seven points ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in fourth and fifth, and only two points behind the Citizens.

What a team! Sorry West Ham, it was terrible to watch them, they were just watching themselves as Wolves took them apart 3-0, especially the last goal. Boss Manuel Pellegrini conceded it is impossible to play worse (9-0 attempts on target). The Hammers were swept aside by the Wanderers, Roman Saïss (66’) and Raúl Jiménez (80’, 86’) capitalising on the sleeping and non-existing defence. No discrediting Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, top quality, great team spirit, organisation and play, absolutely smashing the visitors, to complete the double over West Ham for the first time in their history (30th campaign).

Huddersfield’s first match under Jan Siewert ended in defeat, 0-1 against ten-man Everton. Richarlison’s rebound goal early on (3’) was enough for the visitors, despite Lucas Digne’s sending off (66’). David Wagner’s replacement praised Toffee keeper Jordan Pickford, who made some brilliant stops to keep his side ahead. Crucial three points, Marco Silva a very relieved man, finally a win, just their second in the last five league games.

What a man! Sean Dyche has never lost a PL game on a Tuesday as Burnley boss! And they were so close to beat Manchester United as well! The Clarets were two goals ahead thanks to Ashley Barnes (51’) and Chris Wood (81’), but Old Trafford witnessed one of the typical late comebacks by the Red Devils. Paul Pogba from the spot (pen 87’) and Victor Lindelöf with a scramble in injury time (90’+2') pulled a point back for Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side, nicking two from the visitors and denying them their first win at the ground since 1962. First points dropped for the caretaker manager though, but it could have been so much worse!

It was all about Emiliano Sala in Cardiff’s first match since the striker’s disappearance. It ended in a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, neither side producing anything on target in the first half, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty (66’) and Alexandre Lacazette’s fine low finish (83’) changed and ended the match after the break. Neil Warnock was still proud of his side and praised their conduct and performance. The Bluebirds did pull one back late on, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing with a sweet curler (90’+3’). But it was too little too late. Very emotional. Goosebumps. #PrayForSala

What a goal! Fulham’s first and last goal, wow! Individual and team class and finish! I don't know why it was only the sixth game on MOTD!!!!! The Cottagers were trailing Brighton by 0-2 after just 17 minutes, Glenn Murray giving the visitors a comfortable lead with his brace (3’, 17’). Calum Chambers’ superb strike started the dream comeback shortly after the break (47’). Aleksandar Mitrović’s double (58’, 74’) turned the match and Craven Cottage on its head. And Luciano Vietto put the icing on the cake, heading home Fulham’s fourth (79’) after Tom Cairney’s effort from distance had come off the crossbar. Claudio Ranieri was all smiles, praising his side’s fighting spirit. Chris Hughton on the other hand, was gobsmacked and lambasted his team’s second-half collapse. It was an extraordinary game!

Southampton's equaliser against Crystal Palace was a lovely team move and goal! More to that clash below.

What the hell?! Wilfried Zaha was just being an idiot, applauding the referee whilst receiving a booking = asking for a second yellow = sending off (87’)! Fully deserved! The Crystal Palace forward had given his side the lead at Southampton, his first goal since September, four minutes before the interval. But the Saints were level thanks to James Ward-Prowse (77’), an outstanding team goal as mentioned above, despite the visitors’ dominance and number of chances. No other PL side have drawn more games than Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team = eight. Roy Hodgson’s men meanwhile, have dropped 13 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season - only Fulham and Southampton have lost more (15 each).

Jürgen Klopp blamed the snow for Liverpool’s draw at Anfield against Leicester. It’s a point gained in the title race after City’s defeat, but was a frustrating display and two points dropped on the night. And the result could have been so much worse! Keeper Alisson had some iffy moments again, but also made some crucial stops, including a sublime ping-pong block against his own team mate Roberto Firmino! The Brazlian stopper and star defender Virgil van Dijk looked uncharacteristically clumsy throughout. The Reds were ahead early on thanks to Sadio Mané (3’ - after 121 seconds to be exact), but the rest of the match stayed slow, slippy and clumsy, the home side unable to take control. Harry Maguire equalised in front of the Kop just before the break (45’+2’). The German boss had a point about the weather and the officials didn't help his side either. Referee Martin Atkinson made a couple of questionable calls and decisions, on both sides. Clear penalties not given after Mané and Mohamed Salah were clearly fouled in the box, a couple of cards not shown, that could have added up to more against certain players... But, United got a penalty whilst these players just always pretend, right?! As I wonder every week: Who needs VAR?! Claude Puel was a happy man with the result. Of course. Leicester are the first team outside the top six that Liverpool have failed to beat in the Premier League this season. The Reds have conceded in their past three home league games, after only conceding in two of their opening nine league matches at Anfield this season. Still, going into February five points clear at the top is not too bad, ey?

My Predictions - Actual Results

Arsenal 3:1 Cardiff - 2:1

Fulham 1:2 Brighton - 4:2

Huddersfield 1:2 Everton - 0:1

Wolves 2:1 West Ham - 3:0

Man United 3:1 Burnley - 2:2

Newcastle 1:2 Man City - 2:1

Bournemouth 1:2 Chelsea - 4:0

Southampton 2:1 Crystal Palace - 1:1

Liverpool 1:0 Leicester - 1:1

Tottenham 2:0 Watford - 2:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

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

Premier League Picks Of The Week 5

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 5

Here are my Premier League Picks Of The Week 5:

33 goals - most by Bournemouth and Chelsea = 4 each

262 shots - most by Wolves = 30

92 on target - most by Liverpool = 10

99 corners - most by Man City and Newcastle = 10 each

234 fouls - most by Tottenham and Palace = 17 each

29 bookings - most by West Ham = 5

2 red cards - Morgan for Leicester, Matic for United

5 penalties - 5 scored (King for Bournemouth, Maddison for Leicester, Hazard for Chelsea, Ings for Southampton, Murray for Brighton)

What a game! The clash of the weekend was Tottenham against Liverpool, but it ended up half the competition it was thought and previewed to be at Wembley. The Reds could and should have wiped out Spurs by four or five goals, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah both guilty of wasting that decisive final ball quite a few times. Mauricio Pochettino’s men were without keeper Hugo Lloris and Dele Alli due to injuries, and it showed. Replacement keeper Michel Vorm handed Georginio Wijnaldum the opener, the ref’s watch confirming the header crossed the line in the keeper’s gloves, and served Roberto Firmino with the second, spilling the spinning ball to the Brazilian striker for an easy tap in from close range. The home side did pull one back, Érik Lamela with a nice take and finish off a corner, to make a nervous finish for the visitors, but LFC made it five out of five wins for the first time since 1990, keeping red-faced Jürgen Klopp smiling brightly.

It was a great win for Bournemouth, sharing six goals, two penalties and a sending off between them and Leicester on Saturday afternoon. Ryan Fraser was lethal and should have had a hat-trick but he ended with a decisive brace as the clash ended 4-2 to the Cherries at Dean Court.

What a team! Chelsea kept their 100% record going with a comfortable win against Cardiff, despite falling behind early on against the Welsh side, more on the goals at Stamford Bridge below.

Manchester United ended Watford's unbeaten run in the late kick-off on Saturday, Romelu Lukaku chesting and Chris Smalling turning and smashing goals in at Vicarage Road. Andre Gray pulled one back but David de Gea made sure the London side didn’t complete a comeback with a cracking full-stretch save. Even José Mourinho celebrated the result, showing how much these three points meant to the Portuguese and his side.

Wolves continued their impressive show and run with a win against Burnley on Sunday. It only ended 1-0 thanks to Joe Hart, otherwise it could have been four or five goals for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men. It condemned Sean Dyche’s side to their worst top-flight start in 91 years with only one point from five games.

What a (wo)man! Bournemouth under Eddie Howe, wow, going all the way up, from 21st place in League 2 when he first started in 2008-09, to fifth in the league with the win over Leicester this weekend. The true legendary Cherry doesn't get half the credit he deserves!!!

I loved the very special mascot sisters featured before Manchester City’s win against Fulham on Saturday evening. 97 and over 100 years old, the two have been fans for over 80 years, season-ticket holders since 1933! The London side were all over the place handing Leroy Sané the opener and David Silva doubled the champions’ lead after some brilliant team play in the buildup. It could and should have been 4-0 or 5-0 before halftime with all the chances the Sky Blues had. Raheem Sterling made it three, Silva missed a sitter, Fulham were completely outplayed and slashed to bits and pieces, Pep Guariola’s men running all over them and beating them comprehensively, the win taking the champions up to third.

What a goal! Eden Hazard’s hat-trick, slash, deflected boom and bang from the spot and Willian’s fine finish completed the 4-1 comeback and thrashing for Chelsea against Cardiff, sending the Blues to the top of the table ahead of the Reds on goals difference.

Wilfried Zaha made the difference on his return to Crystal Palace, his skip and shot handing Roy Hodgson's side their second win of the season at Huddersfield.

Much under-fire Mesut Özil was the winner adding to Granit Xhaka’s opener with his first goal since December for Arsenal at Newcastle, Rafa Benítez’s misery continuing at St James’ Park despite Ciaran Clark pulling one back late on. The Gunners held on to make it three wins on the trot for Unai Emery’s men which took them up to seventh.

What the hell?! West Ham’s first win of the season under Manuel Pellegrini was a cracking Super Sunday at Everton. Andriy Yarmolenko starred with a brace, his first start and goals for the club, a fine counter and curl, before Gylfi Sigurðsson hit back with a header and Marko Arnautović secured the win with a clinical finish to make it 1-3 at Goodison Park. The result took the Hammers up to 16th with their first points of the campaign, whilst the Toffees are now 10th with six points from their first five games. Marco Silva will be wondering what the hell of a job he let himself in for.

And what a comeback it was from Brighton at Southampton on Monday night, from two goals down for the second game in a row, to 2-2 thanks to Glenn Murray’s injury-time spot kick. What a difference a break makes!!! Two very different halves and what a save it was by Mathew Ryan in the final seconds to whack away a Saints free kick! Cracking finish to a match you thought was over before it got started!

My Predictions - Actual Results

Tottenham 1:2 Liverpool - 1:2

Bournemouth 1:1 Leicester - 4:2

Chelsea 2:0 Cardiff - 4:1

Huddersfield 0:1 Crystal Palace - 0:1

Man City 4:1 Fulham - 3:0

Newcastle 1:2 Arsenal - 1:2

Watford 2:1 Man United - 1:2

Wolves 1:1 Burnley - 1:0

Everton 2:1 West Ham - 1:3

Southampton 0:0 Brighton - 2:2

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, Goals On Sunday, Sky Sports and RMC Sports apps and match coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 34

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 34

The 34th week of the Premier League action saw:

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

236 shots - most by Liverpool = 20

80 on target - most by Crystal Palace = 8

108 corners - most by West Ham = 10

230 fouls - most by Stoke = 21

39 yellow cards - most by Southampton = 5

0 red cards 

1 penalty - Gündogan for Man City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Predictions - Actual Results

Southampton 1:2 Chelsea - 2:3

Burnley 1:1 Leicester - 2:1

Crystal Palace 1:1 Brighton - 3:2

Huddersfield 0:0 Watford - 1:0

Swansea 2:1 Everton - 1:1

Liverpool 4:1 Bournemouth - 3:0

Tottenham 1:1 Man City - 1:3

Newcastle 1:2 Arsenal - 2:1

Man United 2:0 West Brom - 0:1

West Ham 1:1 Stoke City - 1:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

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

Salah Seals Reds Comeback at Selhurst Park

Sports - Football - Premier League - CPFC 1:2 LFC

Liverpool bagged all three points against Crystal Palace thanks to top scorer Mohamed Salah's late winner after a less convincing performance by the Reds in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Selhurst Park.

Click here for my ByTheMinute match coverage.

It was Jürgen Klopp's 100th Premier League match in charge, his record being W54 D28 L18 and seeing 324 goals with this result.

Only Manuel Pellegrini saw more goals in his first 100 PL games with Manchester City (329).

With this win, the Reds completed the double over the London side for the first time since 1997-98.

Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic put the home side ahead from the spot after 12:26 minutes, following Loris Karius barging into Wilfried Zaha.

It wasn't the start the visitors wanted and the hosts kept frustrating the hell out of the Reds.

Sadio Mané was booked for his overdramatised diving antiques just over halfway through the first half.

Referee Neil Swarbrick took his time, replays showing James McArthur had made no contact, instead of making something of the chance, with the ball in the box, the Senegalese decided to go down.

The Eagles fans booed him on after that, he headed the ball in minutes later, to be flagged offside.

Just before the break, Mané's downward header was kept out well by Wayne Hennessey.

The interval saw no changes, former Reds boss Roy Hodgson surely the happier with his side's stubborn display against the shaky visitors.

But it didn't last long, four minutes after the restart Mané levelled from close range fed by James Milner from the left.

Former Liverpool forward Christian Benteke missed a couple of sitters wide, making life too easy for Karius after the keeper's shaky start.

Mané was lucky to escape a second caution and sending off with just under half an hour to go when he was involved in a bit of a tangle and rumble and picked up the ball after falling down once again.

A free kick was given against the number 19, but nothing further, Palace were not happy, Klopp took him off seconds later.

Karius made a cracking save denying Patrick van Aanholt, keeping out a nice left footed free kick into the top left corner, it stayed 1-1.

Sub Adam Lallana didn't last long, being replaced by Dejan Lovren just a few minutes after coming on for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Palace kept pushing but were unable to release a shot nor get anything on target.

Momo made it 1-2 with his 29th league goal of the season in the 84th minute.

The PL top scorer collected and took the shot patiently inside the box, netting from close range into the bottom left corner, assisted nicely by man of the match Andy Robertson from the left.

The Egyptian is now just three goals short of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's 2007-08 Premier League scoring record.

With this defeat, Palace have lost each of their last four home games against Liverpool in all competitions and drop down to 17th just two points above the drop zone.

Three points keeps LFC comfy in third, five points ahead of Tottenham in fourth and only two points behind United in second, but both have games in hand.

And this match was definitely not a confidence gainer for the Reds ahead of their Champions League quarter final first leg clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.

No matter what Klopp tries to blame it on, criticising the ref or whatever, the Reds were just not good enough most of the match and have to do much better to have a hint of a chance to progress against the league leaders.

Palace Goal: Milivojevic pen 13'.

Liverpool Goals: Mané 49' & Salah 84'.

HT Stats: PAL 1-0 LIV
Possession: 24%-76%
Shots: 2-12
On target: 2-4
Corners: 1-4
Fouls: 4-5
Yellow cards: 2-2

FT Stats: PAL 1-2 LIV
Possession: 30%-70%
Shots: 6-16
On target: 3-6
Corners: 4-6
Fouls: 6-8
Yellow cards: 2-2

CPFC Team: 13 Hennessey; 3 van Aanholt, 12 Sakho, 34 Kelly, 29 Wan-Bissaka (24 Fosu-Mensah 88'); 7 Cabaye (8 Loftus-Cheek 73'), 4 Milivoyevic (c), 18 McArthur (booked 45'); 11 Zaha, 17 Benteke (booked 38'), 10 Townsend. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 14 Lee Chung-yong, 16 Cavilieri, 23 Souaré, 24 Delaney, 44 Riedewald.

LFC Team: 1 Karius (booked 12'); 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 5 Wijnaldum (20 Lallana 65' (6 Lovren 70')), 14 Henderson (c), 7 Milner; 19 Mané (booked 24') (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 64'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 2 Clyne, 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Andy Robertson
Ground: Selhurst Park
Attendance: 25,807

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

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

Premier League Picks Of The Week 27

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 27

The 27th week of the Premier League action saw:

255 shots - most by Swansea = 23
36 goals - most by Southampton = 4
223 fouls - most by Middlesbrough = 20
31 bookings - most by Bournemouth = 5
1 red card - Surman for Bournemouth
3 penalties - 2 scored (Gray for Burnley, King for Bournemouth)

What a game! This week Match Of The Day was action-packed! Every game had it in it, goals, tops, flops, controversies, and more goals. My vote goes to the relegation battle between Swansea and Burnley at the Liberty Stadium. It was a great comeback by the Welsh side after some horrendous refereeing gave the Clarets a step back into the game, Anthony Taylor awarding a spot kick Andre Gray netted to make it 1:1 after the ball had clearly come off the arm of his own team mate Sam Vokes. Sean Dyche was not happy with man of the match Fernando Llorente's late winner seeing a foul in the buildup, but did not say much about the penalty incident. Selective memory? Another entertaining encounter was the seven-goal thriller between Watford and Southampton, showing off the best and worst of football, the Saints ending up on top at Vicarage Road bouncing back from their EFL Cup final defeat against Manchester United.

What a team! Chelsea remain unstoppable ten points clear at the top after beating West Ham 1-2 at the London Stadium, continuing their march to the title. I would like to see the mileage manager Antonio Conte covers non-stop on the move, jump, gestures and go on the sideline. Mental. Meanwhile Big Sam is doing his thing, Crystal Palace creeping and crawling out of the relegation zone after recording their second consecutive win, leaving the Hawthorns worthy 0-2 winners.

What a man! All the usual suspects starred and scored again this week, Harry Kane and Dele Alli for Spurs, Romelu Lukaku for Everton, Sergio Agüero for Manchester City, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa for Chelsea... But my hero vote of the week goes to a stopper, Artur Boruc. The Polish keeper kept 10-man Bournemouth in the game at Old Trafford and earned his side a point against Manchester United, saving his fourth out of last seven penalties. The Red Devils were lucky to still have eleven men on the pitch after Zlatan Ibrahimović had elbowed Tyrone Mings in clear frustration about the defender's boot catching his head earlier on. There was one red card, Andrew Surman, who pushed the famous Swedish striker to the ground. How the other two stayed on the pitch in perspective to this, is beyond me!

What a goal! Both Palace goals get my vote, as crucial as they were in the relegation battle, they were top quality to watch! Wilfried Zaha's cracking strike to open the score in the second half was only the second attempt on target in the match, his fifth of the season. Andros Townsend doubled the score six minutes from time, picking up the ball on the left side of his own box and just keeping on going and going and going, past centre back Gareth McAuley and striking the ball low past keeper Ben Foster. Wow.

What the hell?! Well, I will not start about the refereeing standards again, I think I've picked on them enough above, from missed to mixed, it was all just very messed up. Where is the video ref when you need him, ey, FA?!?!?! Apart from all that farce, one certain Frenchman looked very old and resigned at Anfield and I have one question to him: Monsieur Arsène Wenger, pourquoi, warum, why the hell did you leave Alexis Sánchez on the bench?!?!?! In the most crucial game in the battle for the top four against Liverpool (the title race being science fiction for both sides), you leave out your top scorer... ?!?!?!?! The Gunners' boss has well and truly and literally lost it!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Man United 4:1 Bournemouth - 1:1
Leicester 2:0 Hull City - 3:1
Stoke City 1:0 Middlesbrough - 2:0
Swansea 2:1 Burnley - 3:2
Watford 1:1 Southampton - 3:4
West Brom 2:1 Crystal Palace - 0:2
Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal - 3:1
Tottenham 2:0 Everton - 3:2
Sunderland 0:2 Man City - 0:2
West Ham 1:3 Chelsea - 1:2

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

All pictures and stats taken from BBC match reports and MOTD.