Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and enjoyed the Premier League action over the weekend. Welcome to Cryptogod-1's blog on all things sport. Below we have the review of the latest round of matches in the Premier League, which only had nine fixtures due to Chelsea playing the FIFA Club World Cup Final. In an exciting round, which saw the title challengers facing the relegation contenders, along with United slipping up again, it was certainly a great return to weekend Premier League action. If you wish to check out my preview on this round of games, please check it out here: Premier League Match Day 25 Preview

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I had a terrible weekend and got 0/9 correct scores. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/9 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Manchester United 2-2 Southampton

Result: Manchester United 1-1 Southampton

Sancho, Adams

The fans around Old Trafford can not be satisfied having seen United draw once again. Their hopes of a top four finish are fading by the day, having only taken two out of six points since the return from the winter break, along with crashing out of the FA Cup. For the fourth time in six games United took the lead but failed to secure the three points, as Sancho scored his first goal for United at Old Trafford just after 20 minutes. The winger had twice gone close before he turned home from close range after Rashford teed him up. Southampton did have the best start but got themselves back into it with their determination and high pressing style, with Adams levelling the game early in the second half. The Saints could have won with their excellent showing in the second half, wasting many chance, but had Foster to thank at the death as he denied Maguire in stoppage time. Hasenhuttl's team stay 10th while United move to 5th, although Arsenal have games in hand. The stats under Rangnick are damming, as United have only 14 goals in 10 league games, a lower average than under any other manager in Premier League history.

Predicted: Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Brentford 0-0 Crystal Palace

This game was a tight affair throughout, as Brentford introduced Christian Eriksen was introduced to the home fans following his signing last month prior to kick off. Both these sides have just one league win between them in 2022 and the game showed just why, as they played out a timid draw. Palace saw their best chance of the first half fall to Ayew after Brentford lost possession on the halfway line, allowing Edouard to play the Ghana international into space on the right but he blazed over. Canos had the best chance for the Bees, and should have done better when he headed a cross from the left wide. The second half produced little of note, although Zaha felt he should have won a penalty in stoppage time after a shove from Henry. For Brentford, it punt an end to their loosing streak in the league, putting themselves 7 points clear of the relegation zone. Palace remain a place above in 13th and 2 points clear of Brentford.

Predicted: Everton 2-1 Leeds

Result: Everton 3-0 Leeds

Coleman, Keane, Gordon

Frank Lampard certainly got a response from his team today, with Everton taking the lead within 10 minutes. With Gordon instrumental in their play, his pass found Donny van de Beek in behind who crossed  to find Coleman after Calvert-Lewin missed a chance to score. Everton were determined after being dragged into a relegation fight, and on 23 minutes Keane rose highest to plant home a fantastic corner by Gordon. Leeds had their chances as Rodrigo hit the bar twice, but Richarlison sealed the win for Everton in the 70th minute as his long range strike went in via a deflection off Gordon. The Toffees showed they wont go down without a fight and in winning closed the gap on Leeds, who are just above them in the table, to one point. Bielsa admitted afterwards it was a fair result as his side were not good enough throughout the encounter. 

Predicted: Watford 1-1 Brighton

Result: Watford 0-2 Brighton

Maupay, Webster

Hodgson was an unhappy man in the post match press conference after his first home game, taking offence to question laid at him on not starting Sarr in this game. The Hornets could certainly use a spark upfront, as they have yet to score since Hodgson was appointed. Maupay become the joint top scorer for Brighton in Premier League history when he scored a majestic volleyed goal just before half time. Watford rallied and had chances in the second half, as Dennis saw his curling effort crash off the bar. As much as The Hornets pushed on it was the Seagulls who pounced, as  Webster scored on the rebound in the 82nd minute after his initial effort was blocked. The result saw Brighton continue their run and are now seven games unbeaten in the league, while Watford remain in 19th and worryingly, took until the 88th minute to register a shot on target. This was also Watford 6th consecutive home loss in the league, while Brighton have suffered defeat just once in their previous 14 league games against promoted sides.

Predicted: Norwich 1-3 Manchester City

Result: Norwich 0-4 Manchester City

Sterling x3, Foden

Raheem scored a hattrick in a dominant performance for the Champions, as they put an end to Norwich's run of three games unbeaten. Norwich started well and threatened to take a shock lead in the first half, but just after the half hour mark Sterling made the most of a  Aarons scuffed clearance. Early in the second half Foden made the game safe after scoring from close range. In the 70th minute Sterling headed home after Dias powered a header across goal. The England international managed to secure his seventh career hat-trick when he tapped home with his left foot after his original penalty kick had been saved by Angus Gunn in the 90th minute. City have now scored four or more goals away from home in the league under Pep an amazing 21 times, while Sterling became only the third player to score a perfect hattrick in the Premier League. Norwich remain in 17th but will still have hope of avoiding the drop, while City continue their march at the top of the table.

Predicted: Burnley 1-3 Liverpool

Result: Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Fabinho

The Reds secured their 4th league win in a row during this game, ensuring the remain on City's tails in the table. With Mane and Salah back in the starting line-up, it was Allison who proved vital throughout. In the wind and rain it was a corner which opened the scoring in the first half, as Alexander-Arnold played the ball in and Mane flicked it on for Fabinho to bundle it home. Salah had a penalty claim turned down in the first half after being clipped in the box by Weghorst. Both Rodriguez and Weghorst were wasteful for Burnley, having a number of shots but they were either wide of the target, saved, or cleared. All in all is was a tough encounter in miserable conditions for Liverpool but they did excellent to get through it with the points. The Reds are now 9 points behind City with a game in hand. Burnley meanwhile are bottom of the table and 7 points of safety, signalling big trouble, although with games in hand over the teams above them.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-2 Aston Villa

Result: Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa

Trippier

The Magpies are turning in some great results and performances since the Transfer Window, recording their third league win in a row. Howe will be delighted with another three points, although there will be some concern as Trippier left on crutches. The winter signing scored another wonderful free-kick on 35 minutes to give Newcastle the lead, and the Magpies held on throughout a tough second half where Watkins had a headed goal ruled out for offside. The free kick came from a foul by Chambers on Willock which was deemed by VAR to have taken place outside the box. The right back got a stamp on his foot early in the first half and Howe confirmed he was taken to hospital for X-rays. Villa were not at it, and even though they improved in the second half, it seems the honeymoon period for Gerrard is over.

Predicted: Tottenham 2-1 Wolves

Result: Tottenham 0-2 Wolves

Jiminez, Dendoncker

Spurs were the creators of their own downfall as they conceded on six minutes after Hugo Lloris messed around when parrying the ball into the middle of the box and allowed Raul Jimenez to volley home in splendid fashion. On 18 minutes it got worse for Spurs as an awful pass by Davies started a Wolves attack, with Podence's effort coming back off the post before Dendoncker doubled the lead. Spurs have now lost three times in a row under Conte and looked flat throughout the first half. They improved in the second half but 17 shots on goal, with eight of them from Harry Kane, meant Jose Sa was relatively comfortable at dealing with what was thrown at him and recorded his 9th clean sheet of the season. Wolves moved above Spurs into seventh to boost their hopes of European football.

Predicted: Leicester 2-4 West Ham

Result: Leicester 2-2 West Ham

Tielemans, Pereira - Bowen, Dawson

In a match which saw two sides on contrasting form, it was a last ditch header which saved top four hopefuls West Ham from defeat. Leicester had themselves fought back from being a goal down and were once again left dejected in stoppage time. With 10 minutes on the clock Bowen burst through and finish low to give the Hammers the lead. The Foxes looked shook and devoid of confidence, but in the 45th minute Cresswell gave the Foxes a way back into the game as he decided to randomly handled Maddison corner. Tielemans confidently scored before half time, and the Foxes completed the turnaround in the second half as Barnes saw his cross from the left nodded in by Periera just before the hour mark. It looked like Leicester had the win only for their frailty at corners to let them down again, as VAR ruled a header by Dawson in stoppage time came off his shoulder/sleeve and was allowed to stand. Leicester are now winless in their last 4 league games, while they have conceded a league high 14 goals from set pieces this season. The Hammers will rue the missed the chance to put a gap between themselves and the chasing pack for forth after bad results for United and Spurs.

Table After Match Day 25

A look at the top half of the table, and draws for United, West Ham leaves Arsenal 2 points behind with at least 2 games in hand. Spurs are in an awful way, with Wolves moving above them in the standings to open up the race for Europe. 

As for the bottom half, there was another win for Newcastle, who are now 4 points clear of the drop having played a game less than Norwich. Burnley stay rooted to the foot of the table along with Norwich and Watford in the drop zone.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 25

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 16 Goals   
2 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 12 Goals
3 - R. Sterling - Man City - 10 Goals   
4 - Son - Tottenham - 9 Goals
5 - J. Vardy - Leicester - 9 Goals

+ 8 players on 8 goals

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches over the weekend. We have the Champions League returning this week and return to League action next weekend, although Man United host Brighton on Tuesday in another rearranged fixture.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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