Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and enjoyed the New Years round of football, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we will be looking at the recent matches in the English Premier League, which had 3 games postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you would like to read my preview on the weekends games, you can find it here: English Premier League Match Day 21 Preview

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I am happy to say I got 2/7 correct scores this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 4/7 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Arsenal 2-2 Man City

Result: Arsenal 1-2 Man City

Saka - Mahrez, Rodri

This game certainly lived up to its billing. By the tenth minute the action was flowing, with Arsenal claiming a penalty after Ederson looked to have caught Odegaard, and it looked a clear penalty to be fair. Replays were inconclusive and in the end the ref and VAR stuck with the award of a corner, meaning the Brazilian was a very lucky man. Arsenal did take the lead through Saka on the half hour mark, as Tierney played in Saka who swept the ball past Ederson. Arsenal could have been two ahead when a mix up in the City defence saw Ake clear the ball off the line after Laporte headed over Ederson, and Martinelli missed a golden opportunity on the rebound by crashing the ball off the outside of the post. Mahrez equalized from the spot in the second half after the ref had to review an outstretched leg and soft shirt tug from Xhaka, and so began the downfall of Arsenal. Gabriel got booked for kicking up the penalty spot, and soon after got his second yellow two minutes later for a clumsy challenge on Jesus. Arsenal held on and even played well with ten men, but in stoppage time a long ball into the box fell kindly to the returning Rodri who poked it past Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal and break the Gunners hearts. The win keeps City comfortably at the top and once again shows why they are favourites to reclaim the title.

Predicted: Watford 0-3 Tottenham

Result: Watford 0-1 Tottenham

Sanchez

What an ending to this game, with over 100 minutes played and the winner scored in the 96th minute of play. In the race for Champions League places, this could be a huge day for Tottenham. When it looked like another draw was on the cards, a Son free kick was whipped into the box and while Watford's players were static, Sanchez rose highest to flick the ball past Bachmann in the Hornets net. It turned out to be the latest goal Tottenham have scored to win a game since records began in 2003. Watford were resilient throughout, doing everything they could to keep Spurs at bay. Conte continued his unbeaten record in the league as Spurs manager, with Spurs in real contention of getting Champions League football next season if they continue this form. The game ran so late due to a fan taking ill in the crowd, and the fans did excellent to get the Ref and Stewards attention. The game was full of chances and Watford felt they could have had a penalty but their terrible form in the league continues and they are in a real battle to remain in the league.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham

Result: Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham

Edouard, Olise - Antonio, Lanzini x2

A five goal thriller was on show at Selhurst Park, with Crystal Palace making a great effort at a late comeback. Palace started bright and were unlucky not to be ahead as Schlupp hit the post from six yards out. Guaita produced a sensational double save for Palace to deny Antonio and then Benrahma as the keeper was on the floor. West Ham struck a quick double soon after, as Antonio flicked on Benrahma's excellent cross. Soon after Rice drove at the Palace defence and played a perfect ball to Lanzini, which he flicked up and allowed him to strike it sweetly past Guaita. Palace had chances from Edouard and Benteke but remained behind,. They were then punished just before half time as Milivojevic handled in the area and after the Ref reviewed the pitch side monitor, Lanzini swept away from the spot for his second of the game. The second half was far less eventful until  Edouard flicked home Olise's curled delivery with seven minutes remaining. Palace pushed on and Olise's crossed a free-kick which somehow sneaked into the far corner through the crowd in the box in the 90th minute. Palace nearly snatched the point at the end but Mateta's overhead kick in the last minute of stoppage time went just inches wide of Fabianski's goal. West Ham were not at their best but managed to hold on, keeping their top four ambitions alive. Palace remain comfortable in 11th in the table and Vieira will hope his side can start putting away more chances in the upcoming games.

Predicted: Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa

Result: Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa

Wissa, Roerslev Rasmussen - Ings

This game started slow with few chances of note, but came alive in the fifteenth minute. Emiliano Buendia pulled away from his marker and slotted in Ings who fired the ball into the top corner and got his fourth goal of the season. There were half chances throughout the remainder of the first half, but just before the break Roerslev Rasmussen darted down the right channel and fed the ball into the area. Wissa controlled excellently and drove onto the ball before curling it into the top corner beyond the keeper. Brentford pushed on in the second half, although Bertrand Traore thought he had scored for Villa but it was ruled out for offside. The second half was similar to the first in a lack of real flow and chances, but Roerslev Rasmussen was again played in down the right, and after seeing his initial strike saved well by Martinez, fired the ball into the far corner. Villa pushed for an equaliser but it wasnt to be, seeing The Bees take the spoils in a late dramatic finish to the game. Brentford are the third best team this season at winning from loosing positions, while Villa have lost more than any other team since the beginning of last season when they score first. Work to do for Gerrard but both teams are in healthy positions in the table, Brentford in 12th and Villa 13th.

Predicted: Everton 2-0 Brighton

Result: Everton 2-3 Brighton

Gordon x2 - Mac Allister x2, Burn

Benitez welcomed back Calvert-Lewin to his side and described him as a new signing, with the striker making his first appearance in 127 days. Ironically his last game was in Everton's 2-0 win at Brighton. The Seagulls started better, and within three minutes were ahead as Maupay cushioned a header for Mac Allister to place in the net. The goal was Brighton's earliest scored away from home in the league. Everton showed their rustiness, having had recent games against Leicester, Burnley and Newcastle postponed, and they conceded their second from a corner. Burn was left unmarked and nodded home at the far post. A few minutes later things got even worse for the home side as Calvert-Lewin fired a penalty over in the 25th minute. The Toffees were booed off by the home fans at half time, but responded in the second half. Calvert-Lewin saw an effort cleared by Bunn. They made the breakthrough soon after, as Gordon's shot was deflected off Lallana and wrongfooted Sanchez in the goal. Everton piled on the pressure and the crowd got behind them, as Allan saw a long range strike saved by Sanchez. Soon Brighton had their two goal cushion again, as Burn nicked the ball off Keane, fed Trossard down the right who crossed the ball in and Mac Allister got his second. Everton aught back as Gordon steered in a Calvert-Lewin cross, but it wasn't enough for the hosts. Gordon scored his first goals in English football, and in the process became the Toffees' 151st different scorer in the league. Brighton sit comfortably in the top half with 27 points after 19 games, an excellent return for half the matches played. Everton however remain in 15th and eight points clear of relegation, although will hope a fresher Calvert-Lewin will have more impact in their future games.

Predicted: Leeds 2-1 Burnley

Result: Leeds 3-1 Burnley

Harrison, Dallas, James - Cornet

I was so close to a correct result here, with Dan James putting the icing on the cake for Leeds in the ninety-second minute. Bielsa will be thrilled in seeing his side beat Burnley to move eight points clear of the relegation zone. Leeds started strong, testing Hennessey in the Burnley goal as Dallas and Raphina both tried their luck. The pressure from Leeds finally saw a breakthrough as Harrison saw his initial left foot effort saved before tucking the ball away with his right on the rebound. Burnley nearly pulled one back before half time, as Chris Wood saw his effort just narrowly go over the bar. Cornet came on for Burnley in the second half and won a free kick, which he then curled about a 30-yards into the top corner. Burnley came to life thanks to Cornet, but Leeds struck next as Dallas finish a 20 yard effort from a central position. Two subs combined for Leeds third, as Gelhardt crossed for James to head home in injury time and secure the points at Elland Road. This was Leeds first win in five league games, while Burnley have won just once in a staggering twenty league matches now. Tough times for Sean Dyche and his team, as he admitted "Your eyes don't lie sometimes, they were hungrier, they had more desire."

Predicted: Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool

Result: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

Kovacic, Pulisic - Mané, Salah

Chelsea omitted Lukaku after his recent interview stating his unhappiness at the club, which clearly did not sit well with Tuchel. Liverpool meanwhile, were without three star players, and their manager, thanks to Covid-19. Klopp, Allison, Firmino, and Matip were all unavailable due to suspected positive tests. Pepijn Linders took charge and will be delighted with the start Liverpool made. At first Salah had a great chance to score when Mané crossed in and Salah got his shot off as Rudiger pressurised him, but Mendy managed to save. Kelliher was then called into action to save Liverpool in a 1v1 situation with Pulisic, before Mané scored his 10th goal this season to give Liverpool the lead. The ball was played in an Chabolah couldnt head clear, slipping in the process, which allowed Mané to get in and score a beauty past Mendy. Lots of possession from Chelsea but Liverpool showed how dangerous they are on the break. Salah made it two before the half hour mark, breaking in past Alonso and putting it past Mendy with a stylish finish. A wonder goal brought Chelsea back into it before half time, with Kelliher clearing a corner with a long punch, only for Kovacic to hit it first time and give the keeper no chance. Two minutes later Pulisic hit on the break and scored to draw the teams level at the beginning of first half injury time. Kante lofted the ball in behind and the American smashed the ball past the young Irishman in the nets. The second half was exciting but failed to produce a goal. The most interesting thing of note in my opinion was how comfortable Kelliher looked in goal for Liverpool, showing they have great strength in depth. City were the real winners of this game, finished the weekend ten points clear of Chelsea, and eleven over Liverpool, although the Reds have a game in hand. Liverpool will rue their missed chances and letting their lead slip, especially as the AFCON players, including Mané and Salah, will be gone to take part in that tournament now.

Predicted: Man Utd 1-1 Wolves

Result: Man Utd 0-1 Wolves

Moutinho

In a game where United hit the bar and had a goal ruled out for offside, it was Wolves who took the spoils at Old Trafford. It was no more than Wolves deserved, who started the opening quarter of an hour with 5 shots and to on target compared to United one shot and none on target. About half an hour in United started to combine through their full backs, but a moment of Ronaldo rolling his eyes to the sky as a cross is over him was telling. A few boos arrived from the home crowd at the half time whistle, but the intensity and tempo improved in the second half. Fernandes was introduced for Cavani on the hour mark and seven minutes later he hit the bar. A lapse in concentration from a throw in allowed Matic to pull the ball back and the Portuguese to smash an effort from eight yards. A minute later Fernandes tried to redeem himself as his whipped in a free kick which Ronaldo nodded in, but was rightly flagged offside. Saiss hit the woodwork from a wonderful free kick for Wolves in the 75th minute, giving United a warning. The winner arrived as Moutinho scored in the 82nd minute, after Phil Jones, making a rare appearance, cleared the ball and it landed straight at the unmarked Portuguese. He controlled it excellently and calmly slotted the ball into the far left corner leaving De Gea with no chance. Rangnick finally suffered defeat as Man United boss, with Wolves climbing to within three points of the Red Devils. This result leaves United four points off top four, although they have a game in hand over Arsenal. A lack of confidence in the United squad is evident and Rangnick will have a lot of work ahead to get them firing and into the Champions League for next season.

Table After Match Day 21

A look at the top half of the table, and City are way out in front after the draw at the Bridge. Arsenal, West Ham, and Tottenham will all fancy their chances of Champions League qualification.

As for the bottom half, Watford are dangerously close to the drop zone. Leeds have gotten some daylight which is good, and Everton are also needing an upturn in form to get away from the relegation battle.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 21

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 16 Goals   
2 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 10 Goals
3 - J. Vardy - Leicester - 9 Goals   
4 - Raphina - Leeds - 8 Goals
5 - E. Smith-Rowe - Arsenal - 8 Goals
6 - C. Ronaldo - Man Utd - 8 Goals   
7 - E. Dennis - Watford - 8 Goals   
8 - Son - Tottenham - 8 Goals   
9 -M. Antonio - West Ham - 8 Goals10 - S. Mané - Liverpool - 8 Goals

+ 4 players on 7 goals

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches over the New Years celebrations. We have the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-Finals this week, with Chelsea taking on Tottenham and Arsenal hosting Liverpool.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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