Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and enjoyed the Premier League action during the week. Welcome to Cryptogod-1's blog on all things sport. With the transfer window and winter break behind us, this was certainly an exciting return to Premier League football. We had nine games this week, with Chelsea away at the FIFA Club World Cup. If you want to check out my Preview on this round of games, you can find a link to it here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/english-premier-league-match-day-24-preview-xjopron

Midweek Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I only got 1/9 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/9 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-1 Everton

Result: Newcastle 3-1 Everton

Holgate OG, Fraser, Trippier - Lascelles OG

The noise from St. James Park was deafening once Newcastle scored their third goal and gave themselves that cushion. In Frank Lampard's first game managing Everton in the league, it was one of his new signings in Dele Alli who let him down the most. Potentially it was down to a lack of match sharpness which will come back with more game time under his belt, but it was a disappointing start for the Englishman. A record was created in this match, as it took a mere 107 seconds between Lascelles OG and then Holgate OG. That equalizer spurred on Newcastle and they took control in the second half. Saint-Maximin was electric throughout, after Alli had given the ball away and Willock got it out to the Frenchman, he played a huge role in setting up Fraser to give Newcastle the lead in the 56th minute. Trippier scored his first goal for Newcastle with a beautiful freekick to settle the game with 10 minutes left to play. Bruno Guimaraes was then introduced in the 90th minute to a tremendous reception from the home fans, and he almost had an immediate impact as he set up Saint-Maximin, but the Frenchman failed to finish. This was also the first time all season that Newcastle have won back to back games in the league with the signs looking good for them in their relegation scrap. As for Everton, new boys Alli and Van De Beek will need time to build fitness and sharpness to help the Toffees climb away from the drop zone.

Predicted: West Ham 3-0 Watford

Result: West Ham 1-0 Watford

Bowen

The effect of Roy Hodgson was clear and evident in this game away to West Ham, as The Hornets held their opposition at bay with clear defensive organisation. Approaching 70 minutes and Bowen stepped up, as he picked the ball up at the centre circle and with the Watford midfield anywhere to be found, faced up the Hornets' defenders who retreated to the edge of their penalty area. Bowen ran into the space which had been so well protected all game and let off a shot from the edge of the area, beating Ben Foster in the Watford goal and finally giving The Hammers a lead as the ball deflected off the leg of Samir. The Englishman has been a huge success so far in 2022, scoring six this calendar year and the winner in West Ham's three recent victories. Watford had their chances, including a great run by King to set up Cleverley but he blazed over. The Hammers have now scored 40 league goals this campaign, matching their largest tally after 24 games of a season since 1982-83. Watford endured their 15th defeat this season in the league, having only lost more after 22 league games once in the Premier League, during the 1999-00 season.

Predicted: Burnley 1-2 Man United

Result: Burnley 1-1 Man United

Rodriguez - Pogba

Rangnick will be very disappointed with this result, especially seeing as United had the ball in the back of the net three times during the course of this game. United dominated the first half of this game, and with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, thought they had taken the lead through Varane header, only for Maguire to have been called up by VAR for a foul in the build up. Pogba latched onto a Shaw ball soon after to produce an excellent finish and finally give United the lead. Brownhill then scored and OG from a Rashford cross, only to have it ruled out by a foul from Pogba in the build up. Cavani nearly got his goal before the break only for Pope to produce an excellent save. Early in the second half Jay Rodriguez scored a wonderful goal to draw Burnley level, and Nick Pope had much less work to do in the second half as United pushed hard in the closing stages with Ronaldo brought into the game. Rangnick was furious afterwards but United took their foot off the gas. Weghorst did excellent up front for Burnley, bringing others into play and holding the ball up well, showing there is hope still for an escape. The result sees United drop out of the top four, while Burnley remain at the bottom of the league.

Predicted: Man City 3-1 Brentford

Result: Man City 2-0 Brentford

Mahrez, De Bruyne

This game saw Brentford put in a valiant effort, with Frank's men defending superbly for vast periods of the encounter. They did however let themselves down for both of Cities goals. For the first, Roerslev was wreckless in giving away a needless penalty by committing a foul on Sterling. Mahrez struck the ball into the back of the net from the spot on 40 minutes for his 16th goal in all competitions this season. Things went worse for the Bees in the second half, as the returning Raya gave possession to Sterling, although he managed to save the shot from the Englishman, De Bruyne was there to sweep the ball home and seal the points for city. Cancelo was a menace with his creativity all match long for City, and created some wonderful chances which his team mates could not finish. This marked Brentford 5th defeat in a row in the league, with their form being particularly worrying. This game also saw City get their 100th clean sheet under manager Pep Guardiola, who has been in charge for 214 games. 

Predicted: Norwich 1-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Norwich 1-1 Crystal Palace

Pukki - Zaha

This game started with a bang, as Pukki gave Norwich the perfect start with a goal after 38 seconds, the fastest goal of the season so far. Norwich were lively, and could have been clear out of sight with Finn having the opportunity to score a first half hatrick but taking none of his chances. Palace did not offer much in the first half, although did have a Jean-Philippe Mateta equaliser ruled out for offside. In the second half they improved, and levelled on the hour when Zaha curled home a beauty into the top corner from 18 yards. Three minutes later Zaha could have flipped the game on its head from the spot, but a costly slip as he took it saw him shank the ball wide. Norwich held on as Palace pushed for a winner, giving the sides a share of the spoils. This result continued the run of just one win from their last 13 away games in the league for Crystal Palace. Norwich have now failed to win any of their previous seven fixtures against Palace in the league. 

Predicted: Tottenham 3-1 Southampton

Result: Tottenham 2-3 Southampton

Bednarek OG, Son - Broja, Elyounoussi, Adams

The Saints pulled off a stunning comeback in this game, with two goals in three minutes breaking Spurs hearts. Tottenham took the lead on 18 minutes when Bednarek scored an own goal as he turned a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg cross into his own net, but the Saint pulled level as Broja equalised with a low strike from a Perraud cross on 23 minutes. Southampton dominated the remainder of the half and should have led at half time. Spurs improved in the second half and took the lead on 70 minutes when Son slid home Lucas Moura's cross in controversial circumstances as Broja was down injured following an aerial challenge by Emerson Royal. Adams and Elyounoussi got the revenge for the Saints, as both headed home from Ward-Prowse crosses on 79 and 82 minutes. Spurse thought they had equalized through Bergwijn when he turned home Romero's knockdown, but just as the players were waiting for the game to be restart VAR ruled it out for offside. SOuthampton showed a never say die attitude and deserved the three points from their performance, as Spurs lost the chance to capitalise on Man United's draw with Burnley.

Predicted: Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds

Result: Aston Villa 3-3 Leeds

Coutinho, Ramsey x2 - James x2, Llorente

The impact of Coutinho on Aston Villa can not be underestimated, as he played a role in all three of the Villains goals against Leeds. Villa started brightest in this match, but fell behind as Dan James fired past Emiliano Martinez on nine minutes after Rodrigo nicked the ball from Mings. James then ratted the woodwork before the half hour mark, and a minute later Coutinho had Villa level. He took Cash's pass well and as the Leeds players backed off him, the Brazilian steered the ball low into the corner. Eight minutes later Coutinho was heavily involved again, as he turned excellently to get away from Ayling before splitting open the Leeds defence with a perfectly weighted through ball for Ramsey to strike the ball Meslier. Five minutes later and Coutinho released Ramsey again, with the midfielder finishing high into the net and sparking celebrations from the home fans. In the added time Leeds pulled one back, as James headed Rodrigo's deflected cross home at the far post. Mings had to clear a goalbound effort off the line in the second half, but was at fault for the equalizer as Llorente got hold of his poor clearance and finished past Martinez.  Konsa was shown a red card three minutes from time for a second bookable offence but the game finished level. Leeds became the 67th side to reach 4,000 games in English league football, while Aston Villa have managed to win just once in their previous four league games where they took the lead, after winning all of their previous four such games under Gerrard.

Predicted: Liverpool 3-0 Leicester

Result: Liverpool 2-0 Leicester

Jota x2

This game saw Liverpool continue their campaign without the services of Mané, and Salah on the bench. New signing Diaz got a start and looked a good fit in the Liverpool team. The Reds created good chances from the off, controlling possession and playing some intricit moves to unlock the Leicester defence. The opener came from a corner, as Van Djik saw his towering header saved by Schmeichel, only for Jota to score on the rebound. The second half continued in the same vein, with Van Djik again having an excellent chance from a corner, and on the hour mark Salah getting a standing ovation as he returned to action after his efforts at AFCON. Salah brought his flair to the game, first creating space with a great turn in the box to get a shot off, then breaking through after collecting a loose ball, but both times his efforts were saved by Schmeichel. Salah then hit the bar with a beautiful curling effort, and Diaz called a save from Schmeichel with the rebound. Liverpool pressed and pressed and it finally arrived through Jota, who after a period of Liverpool dominance received the ball from Matip and poked it past Schmeichel. Liverpool held on firm and ensured they kept the gap to City at only 9 points with a game in hand, and are unbeaten in 15 league games at Anfield. 

Predicted: Wolves 0-0 Arsenal

Result: Wolves 0-1 Arsenal

Gabriel

Arsenal recorded their first victory of 2022, and did it with 10 mean against Wolves. The goal by Gabriel was a scrappy one, nudging it over the line from close range after Lacazette got into a tangle with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa. Arsenal soon had scored an OG as Xhaka put the ball in his own net, but Jimenez had interfered with play from an offside position. Wloves dominated posession and had 15 shots overall but could not manage to get the ball in the back of the net. On 70 minutes Martinelli got a red card, sparking Wolves to apply heavy pressure on Arsenal but they held firm for the win. Wolves inability to score goals has hindered them this season, albeit they are still only six points off West Ham in 4th. Arsenal meanwhile have taken a giant step in the race for Champions League football next season as they are now 5th, one point off West Ham, with two games in hand. 

Table After Match Day 24

A look at the top half of the table, and now there are six points between West Ham in fourth and Wolves in eight. United dropped to sixth and Spurs missed a golden chance to put pressure on Arsenal and West Ham. Southampton also climbed into the top half of the table with their excellent result.

As for the bottom half, Newcastle moved out of the bottom three, putting themselves one point behind Everton and one ahead of Norwich. With a differing number of matches played, even Leeds in 15th and Brentford in 14th will be looking over their shoulders with only six points between them and the relegation places.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 24

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 16 Goals   
2 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 12 Goals
3 - J. Vardy - Leicester - 9 Goals   
4 - Son - Tottenham - 9 Goals
5 - E. Smith-Rowe - Arsenal - 8 Goals
6 - C. Ronaldo - Man Utd - 8 Goals   
7 - E. Dennis - Watford - 8 Goals   
8 - Raphina - Leeds - 8 Goals   
9 - M. Antonio - West Ham - 8 Goals   
10 - S. Mané - Liverpool - 8 Goals

+ 9 players on 7 goals

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches during the week. We have the next round this weekend so keep an eye out for my preview and review on that.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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