Good day everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed the midweek matches, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we will be looking at the recent round of matches in the English Premier League, which included another big win for Liverpool, the first loss for Gerrard, and the end of Carrick's tenure at Old Trafford. If you would like to check out my post on the preview to this weekend's matches, you can find a link to it here: English Premier League Match Day 14 Preview

Midweek Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 2/10 correct this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict a decent 7/10 correctly.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-2 Norwich

Result: Newcastle 1-1 Norwich

Wilson - Pukki

Eddie Howe will hope his side can find a way soon. They were up against it with this resurgent Norwich side, and Clark getting his marching orders in the 9th minute really piled on the pressure. A point was probably just considering Newcastle managed the game well after going down to 10 men, but Pukki scored a majestic goal to get Norwich a point and they could have stole it at the end barring an outstretched leg from Dubravka. Howe knows it wasnt enough but praised his players for the spirit they showed. Dean Smith meanwhile is continuing Norwich on a unbeaten run and they will hope to climb the table soon if they can keep getting points on the table. They could not take advantage of their extra man and that was down to a lack of quality. Poor passing and a lack of cutting edge will cost them in the long run, but with good form behind them and the January window approaching them may be able to reinforce and push themselves into safety. 

Predicted: Leeds 1-3 Crystal Palace

Result: Leeds 1-0 Crystal Palace

Raphina

A late penalty secured Leeds a much needed victory at home, allowing their fans to finally witness a vicotry at Elland road in the Premier League. Last season's behind closed doors games meant the fans were itching to see their team this year, but Leeds have been better away from home so far this season. While Leeds did not play their best football, Crystal Palace didnt do enough to merit a win. Prehaps a draw would have been fair but the victory for Leeds could propel them on a good home run to move up the table. Palace meanwhile will need to find that early season form which gave them such hope, as the recent results have seen them slip down the table. No despair so far but Vieria will know he needs to get he team working and scoring in these sort of games to maintain themselves in the upper half of the table.

Predicted: Southampton 3-1 Leicester

Result: Southampton 2-2 Leicester

Bednarek, Adams - Evans, Maddison

Everyone expected Leicester to put up a big challenge for top four after coming so close over the previous two seasons. Its not to be though, with more points dropped away to Southampton. They were outplayed from the off, and clearly exposed at set-pieces. Conceding both goals from corners will not be a pretty sight for Rodgers, but as has happened often this season, they turned it around in the second half. Vardy is starting to show his age, not really having much of a chance in this match, although could have won it for the Foxes at the end of the match. They need to focus on the league as much as Europe, with tough games against Liverpool in the league and cup along with a must win against Napoli in the Europa League next week. Southampton will be disappointed they let their lead slip, and would only be a point off Leicester if they had won. Instead they are only two spots and five points off relegation places, so will need to turn draws into wins soon.

Predicted: Watford 0-3 Chelsea

Result: Watford 1-2 Chelsea

Bonaventure - Mount, Ziyech

It was far from vintage Chelsea and this game was a reminder that their defence can be penetrated. They managed to get back to winning ways after two draws on the bounce, and with six changes to the starting eleven it was a match where they were lucky to win. Saul once again looked like a player unsuited to the Premier League, and I would not be surprised if his loan is cut short in January. Chelsea remain top and will know they can only ride their luck so far, but they are getting away with it. Watford will feel very unlucky to not have gotten at least a point, but the difference in class shows, Ranieri is doing a good job with what he has available, but they sit 17th and only 3 points off the drop. January might give a chance to strenghten, but December could see them slip further if they do not convert their chances better.

Predicted: West Ham 2-0 Brighton

Result: West Ham 1-1 Brighton

Soucek - Maupay

I wonder if the Brighton fans bemoaned another draw? With Maupay scoring a late equaliser via a beautiful overhead kick, I think they will be happy with the point. his form had been woeful over the previous matches, especially against Leeds, but this goal was a thing of beauty. His confidence should be back and hopefully will be amongst the goals once again. West ham remain fourth and have hown their good start was no fluke, but recent results, especially since the victory against Liverpool have not been good enough. They will face stiff competition from Arsenal, United and Spurs for that fourth spot and will need their squad to click once again soon if they dont wat to slip down the table.

Predicted: Wolves 1-1 Burnley

Result: Wolves 0-0 Burnley

A mixed night for Wolves, with the result meaning they have kept three clean sheets in a row. On the other hand they barely mustered an attempt on goal against a Burnley side stuck in the bottom three. All in all they sit sixth in the table and Traore was unlucky not to score when he hit the underside of the crossbar. They have a tough schedule ahead with Chelsea, City, Liverpool, Arsenal and United all to come. It wll be a real test but the defence will hope to continue their good form. Burnley are now three points off safety, and have shown mixed performances all season. A goalless draw here, a three all thriller with palace. You never know what to expect, but they need to find their form with only one victory so far this season. For context, Norwich have won more matches! Their seven draws show how they dont like to loose, but draws wont keep them up.

Predicted: Aston Villa 1-2 Man City

Result: Aston Villa 1-2 Man City

Watkins - Dias, Silva

Man City were reportedly willing to sell Silva last summer. Right now he is their best player and putting Grealish to shame. His first time volley to finish off a stunning move prowed just how vital a cog he is within the champions machine. Goal of the season contender potentially. Pep will be delighted he didnt let Silva leave and is relying on his scinthilating form the carry the champions forward. Grealish was booed on his return to Villa Park when he came on as a late sub, with little to contribute in his time on the pitch. Gerrard finally tasted defeat as Villa manager but showed he is able to put out a side capable of playing against the best of sides. It was a good challenge, and will give his side plenty to build upon over the coming months.

Predicted: Everton 1-4 Liverpool

Result: Everton 1-4 Liverpool

Gray - Henderson, Salah x2, Jota

It was another tough evening for Rafa. Facing the side he won the Champions League with in the memorible 2005 final would never be easy but I doubt he expected this result. Liverpool are on fire though, and Klopp will be delighted. Another game, another four goals. Once Liverpool hit this sort of form there really is no stopping them. Benitez will be pleased his side at least managed to score, but otherwise it was a very poor performance. Salah showed once again why he is right up there as the best in the world, and can outpace anyone. Himself and JOta scored some beautiful goals and Henderson scored a majestic left fotted effort. Last season this encounter spelled the end of Liverpools season when Van Djik got injured, this season it might be remembered as the moment the Reds put those ghosts to rest and potentially will power on to the title.

Predicted: Tottenham 2-1 Brentford

Result: Tottenham 2-0 Brentford

Canos (OG), Son

Conte is finally getting something out of his players, and will be happy with the home victory. He has yet to loose at home, and will want to make it a fortress for the remainder of the seaosn. Spurs are nowhere near the level he will want and require to make them a title challenging force, but they are now 2 points off fourth and will have real hopes of pushing for the Champions League next season. Brentford will know they were always going to be underdogs in this match and the result wont be a surprise. Sitting 12th is comfortable for this stage of the season and they will pick themselves up and continue to surprise and entertain along the remainder of the season.

Predicted: Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal

Result: Man Utd 3-2 Arsenal

Fernandes, Ronaldo x2 - Smith-Rowe, Odegaard

Cristiano showed who he really is among the best ever, scoring his 800th career league goal for club and country in the victory over Arsenal. He also reminded us of his age just before he got subbed off, having sprinted the lenght of the field on a counter and looked exhausted from the leg race. Carrick stepped down after the victory with an unbeaten record, doing himself no harm for his future management prospects. The new incoming manager, Rangnick will have been pleased with what he saw, barring the crazy goal conceded initially when De Gea was down and Smith-Rowe excuted his shot perfectly. Will Ronaldo fit the new managers style? Does it matter, he has 12 goals in all competitions for the season now. He cant be left out. Arteta meanwhile will feel let down by his senior starters such as Aubameyang and Partley. The youth can only do so much and these old heads lacked conviction throughout.After a great start and brilliant leveler they still lost the game, and with the face for fourth spot so tight, they can ill afford further slipups.

Table After Match Day 14

A look at the top half of the table and things are still very tight at the top, with 2 points separating 1st and 3rd. Meanwhile, there are 3 points between 4th and 8th in the race for European football.

The bottom meanwhile sees Newcastle, the richest club in the world, still at the bottom without a win so far. Things are looking bleak for them and winter will most likely define their season.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 14

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 13 Goals   
2 - J. Vardy - Leicester - 9 Goals   
3 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 8 Goals    
4 - S. Mané - Liverpool - 7 Goals
5 - M. Antonio- West Ham - 6 Goals

+ 3 others on 6 goals

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches during the week. We have more league matches ahead tthis weekend so check out my post on that also.

Have a great day and enjoy the midweek round of games.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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