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 eight league games which saw the continued race for top four and more thrilling twists to the relegation battle. Along with that we had the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Chelsea. If you would like to read my preview on this weekends games, then you can find it here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/english-premier-league-match-day-27-preview-xglmkrx

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I manage to get 2/8 correct this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I got a very decent prediction of 6/8 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Southampton 3-1 Norwich

Result: Southampton 2-0 Norwich

Adams, Romeu

The Saints were dominant in the opening half, but it took until the 36th minute to open the scoring when Adams scooped a rebounded into the net after Gunn initially diverted Livramento's dangerous cross away from goal. Southampton pushed on from there and could have doubled their lead before the break, only for Elyounoussi to put the ball wide after Ward-Prowse picked him out in the box. The Saints pushed on in the second half but Norwich remained resolute, keeping themselves in the game and even managing to test the Forster in the Southampton net. With two minutes on time to play, Romeu sealed the victory as he volleyed the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the penalty area. The Saints are now unbeaten at home in ten league games while leaving Norwich with their 17th defeat of the campaign and bottom of the table. Southampton are showing excellent form in 2022 with 4 wins so far. 

Predicted: Leeds 0-3 Tottenham

Result: Leeds 0-4 Tottenham

Doherty, Kulusevski, Kane, Son

This was a game to forget for Leeds, and cost Bielsa his position as manager, even though they had more than enough chances to be level in this encounter. Twice they hit the woodwork, on top of Dallas going around the keeper with the goal at his mercy but taking too long to get a shot off. Son and Kane also managed to create a new league record for goalscoring-assisting partnerships. Spurs put this game to bed in the opening half hour, scoring three goals without reply. On 10 minutes as Doherty latched onto Sessegnon's cross to score, five minutes later Kulusevski scored his second Spurs goal as he drove into the area from the right before slotting home. Kane added the third as Hojbjerg played him in to finish into the far corner. Leeds had played well but only really began to test Spurs in the final 15 minutes of the half, and continued with that determination in the second half. Leeds pressed on but with five minutes to go Kane played in Son to complete the rout. This result marked the fourth successive loss for Leeds in the league, while Tottenham have now marked their last four league victories all away from home.

Predicted: Brentford 0-2 Newcastle

Result: Brentford 0-2 Newcastle

Joelinton, Willock

A red card on eleven minutes for Dasilva after a bad tackle on Targett meant this was always going to be a struggle for Brentford, even with Eriksen making his first appearance for the club as he came off the bench as a second half substitute. From their Newcastle began to dominate and Fraser consistently got the better of Ajer, with the defender moved to right back,  and led the Magpies opening goal. On 33 minutes his cross from the left was headed home by Joelinton after the Scotsman beat Ajer once again with ease. Just before the break Newcaste doubled their lead on a break from a corner, which saw Schar counter-attack before squaring to Willock for a tap in. The Bees had just one shot on target for all their effort, and Newcastle continue their excellent run of form in 2022, remaining unbeaten in seven league games by winning four and drawing three. Brentford meanwhile are winless in their last eight league games in which they managed to pick up just a single point from the possible 24 on offer.

Predicted: Brighton 1-2 Aston Villa

Result: Brighton 0-2 Aston Villa

Cash, Watkins

This game was delayed by 30 minutes after Villa arrived late to the Amex due to traffic, they badly needed win for Villa after back-to-back defeats to Newcastle and Watford. Gerrard's side got the perfect start when Cash skilfully struck them in front from 25 yards in the seventeenth minute. Brighton offered little while succumbing to their third league defeat of the season. and had Sanchez in goal to thank for not conceding more from a Coutinho free kick. On 68 minutes Watkins sealed the points after taking advantage of some lacklustre defending from Veltman to score his first in seven league matches. McGinn was full of energy and provided that spark in the middle to rally his team to keep going throughout. Villa had only one victory in seven league games before this and will be delighted to get more points on the board. Brighton however have been in decline since their excellent start to the season and see themselves middle of the table in tenth position.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 1-1 Burnley

Result: Crystal Palace 1-1 Burnley

Schlupp - Milivojevic

Burnley came from behind to continue their good form after two recent wins in the league, after Schlupp put Palace in front in the ninth minute when  he scored from close range after Olise's low cross from the right. The winger was a constant threat for Palace in the first half, while Burnley failed to register a shot on target. Things changes after the break, as Burnley levelled the score less than a minute in when Lennon's cross was turned in by Palace captain Milivojevic. Things could have gotten even better for the away side when Weghorst had the ball in the back of the net with just over 20 minutes to go, but Rodriguez's was ruled as offside. A share of the spoils was probably a deserved result in the end, and continues Burnleys march towards getting out of the relegation zone. They are now only one point off safety sitting in 18th position. Palace remain with one win in six league games but nine points clear of the drop.

Predicted: Man United 3-1 Watford

Result: Man United 0-0 Watford

A draw was the final result but this game was far from a boring draw. United were superior throughout but were guilty of squandering a glut of gilt-edged chances, with Ronaldo hitting the post while also having an effort ruled out for offside. Forster was unplayable in the Watford goal, as Pogba, Elanga, and Fernandez wasted a host of opportunities. Watford had their own chance to steal the points as Sarr narrowly shot wind in second half stoppage time, but the points where shared. Boos rang out as Hodgson remained unbeaten in four visits to Old Trafford. Manchester United have now failed to find the back of the net in five of their fourteen league home games this season. Rangnick claimed it was two points dropped afterwards, and it certainly feels like it in the race for top four.

Predicted: Everton 1-3 Man City

Result: Everton 0-1 Man City

Foden

Controversy with VAR was the main talking point after this match, with Lampard calling to VAR officiating incompetence at best. The emotions were already high at Goddison due to the invasion in Ukraine, and Everton certainly showed plenty of passion and commitment throughout. Having been draped in Ukraine flags prior to kick off, Lampard's side were at it from the off. Tough tackles and plenty of tracking back ensured the Toffees received a standing ovation at half time, but they dropped deeper in the second half. Eventually Foden made the break through as he pounced on a loose ball which took two deflections on its way through to him, and although Keane should have sorted out his feet to clear, the Englishman put his effort away. Everton did not give up and probably should have had a penalty when the ball struck Rodri on his arm in his own penalty area. VAR checked but the original referees' decision not to award the penalty stood, perhaps as it was unclear whether it had struck Rodri's uncovered arm or than his shirt. Controversy to say the least, but City held on and managed to secure a vital three points in the title race. Everton meanwhile are now only one point above the drop zone.

Predicted: West Ham 2-2 Wolves

Result: West Ham 1-0 Wolves

Soucek

In a game which both sides need to win to keep their challenge for top four alive, it was the Hammers who got the decisive goal on the hour mark. Soucek got the goal from close-range after Antonio put it on a plate for the midfielder with a cut back following bad Wolves defending from a throw in. Lage had decided to make five changes after Thursday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, but his side only managed one shot on target in this encounter. Hwang had the best chance for Wolves in the match but scuffed it wide when the ball was cleared to him in the box. Rice had hit the bar earlier in the first half, and Bowen could have doubled the lead only to hit his chance straight at Sa in the Wolves goal. The visitors tried to find an equalizer and brought the cavalry off the bench in Jimenez and Podence, but Zouma played a great game to keep the opponents out. The win keeps West Ham in fifth and breathing down United necks, while Wolves are more likely only in the hunt for Europa League or Conference league places, although they still have a game in hand over United and West Ham being seven points off fourth.

Table After Match Day 27

A look at the top half of the table, and City regained their six point lead with Liverpool not in league action this weekend. United let an opportunity slip and are only two points ahead of West ham and Arsenal. Tottenham will still have hopes of challenging top four, while wolves are possibly too far off now with teams above them having games in hand.

As for the bottom half of the table, mixed results across the board has seen Everton drop to 17th and only a point above Burnley. Newcastle have climbed to 14th, above Leeds and Brentford, with their continued good form, while Norwich continue to prop up the table.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 27

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 19 Goals   
2 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 12 Goals   
3- S. Mané - Liverpool - 11 Goals
4 - R. Sterling - Man City - 10 Goals.  
5 - Son - Tottenham - 10 Goals

+ 6 players on 9 goals

Carabao Cup Final

Predicted: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Result: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea - Liverpool win 11-10 on penalties

First Half

Liverpool were unlucky to loose Thiago to injury before kick off, with the midfielder in tears to miss out on the final. The match started in fast fashion, with Chelsea carving out the best chance when Pulisic was found in the penalty are but shot straight at Kelleher, who made an excellent save. Liverpool grew more into the game, with Alexander-Arnold flicking a free kick for Salah, but the Egyptian could wrap his foot around it and shot wide. On 25 minutes there was a big tackle from Kieta, in for Thiago, to stop a Chelsea counter, and a flailing arm could have seen a booking but no action was taken. As the first half continued Liverpool started to get in behind the Chelsea backline, with Diaz, Salah, Mané, Robertson, and Alexander-Arnold start to control that area of the pitch. On the half hour mark a fierce shot from Kieta was saved by Mendy, and the keeper then kept Mané out from close range with an amazing save. Chelsea started to carve the better chances towards the end of the half, but Kelleher made a string of good saves, while Mount put an effort wide when put through right before the break. At times Liverpool tried one too many intricate passes to create a chance, and the teams went in level at the break. Liverpool had dominated possession but Chelsea had the better chances in the first half.

Second Half

After the break, Chelsea started bright and Pulisic was just off finishing a ball flashed across goal from Havertz. Mount then found himself one on one and hit the post, as Chelsea broke the offside trap Liverpool play so well. Liverpool saw a good effort punched away by Mendy as Mané was running in behind, and the keeper seemed to hurt himself in the process. Ten minutes into the second have Chelsea captain Azpilicueta was replaced by James due to an injury concern, after Liverpool had started finding a foothold in the second half. Mount and Havertz combined down the right to create a shot but Kelleher saved and held it. As Liverpool broke up the other end, Kieta and Chalobah collided but both were alright. A terrible clearance from Mendy saw Liverpool countering with Salah one on one, but his dinked effort was cleared on the line but was probably going wide anyway. A free-kick in the 66th minute saw Liverpool thought they had taken the lead, after a ball to the far post was headed back across goal by Mané for Matip to head into the roof of the net. A lengthy VAR review saw the referee check the pitch side monitor, where he decided to disallow the goal because of Van Djik blocking James in the build up to the goal. Liverpool seemed renewed from it, and Diaz created a chance soon after with a pullback across the box but Silva cleared. Lukaku and Werner were brought on for Chelsea on 72 minutes for Mount and Pulisic. Diaz was through from a long ball on 75 minutes but Mendy stood up to his shot. On the 77th minute Chelsea thought they had scored, but offside against Werner and Lukaku ruled it out. On the 79th minute Elliot, Minler, and Jota came on for Mané, Henderson and Kieta. Milner blasted a shot high into the sky in the 82nd minute after great play by Diaz, who was excellent all game. A corner in the 85th minute saw pinball as Liverpool just couldn't squeeze the ball into the goal. Chelsea managed a few chance on the counter towards the end, but nothing came of them. Kovacic got booked in the 90th minute when he committed a professional foul to stop a Liverpool break. Van Djik saw a powerful header from a corner saved by a strong hand from Mendy in the 91st minute. Liverpool kept pushing as we went through the 6 minutes of injury time, with Chelsea throwing themselves about to defend. Lukaku had a chance near the end right in the goal after Alonso managed to squeeze in a cross, but Kelleher saved as the match finished 0-0.

Extra Time

The first half of extra time saw both sides started well, with Chelsea having the first chance through Werner. Konate came on for Matip, and Origi was introduced for Diaz. Lukaku broke through soon after and blasted his shot into the goal, but was flagged as offside. VAR reviewed it, and confirmed the tight call was correct. A heated moment at the end of the first period of extra time saw Alexander-Arnold and Havertz go head to head, and both got booked for it. Elliot and Rudiger got involved but the referee settled things down.

Jorginho was introduced with 15 minutes to go. The tempo seemed to quiet down, with some long balls not reaching their targets and loose passes, until Havertz found himself alone with the ball in the box. He smashed it past Kelleher but once again it was correctly ruled offside. Jota tried to get through but James matched him, while Werner wasted a good chance to find Lukaku or Havertz in the box. Jota had a miskick in the box from a nice Robertson cross, while Chelsea seemed to sit back more as the clock wore down. Kepa came on in place of Mendy with just over a minute left of play. The game ended 0-0 and went to penalties to decide the winner.

Penalty Shootout

The penalties were taken at the end where the Liverpool fans were, and Liverpool went first.

Liverpool (11)

1 - Milner - Goal

2 - Fabinho - Goal

3 - Van Djik - Goal

4 - Alexander-Arnold - Goal

5 - Salah - Goal

6 - Jota - Goal

7 - Origi - Goal

8 - Robertson - Goal

9 - Elliot - Goal

10 - Konate - Goal

11 - Kelleher - Goal

Chelsea (10)

1 - Alonso - Goal

2 - Lukaku - Goal

3 - Havertz - Goal

4 - James - Goal

5 - Jorginho - Goal

6 - Rudiger - Goal

7 - Kante - Goal

8 - Werner - Goal

9 - Silva - Goal

10 - Chalobah - Goal

11 - Kepa - Miss

Liverpool win their ninth league cup, and their first domestic cup in ten years. It was an excellent match, very lively and decided by Kepa sending his penalty sky high. This victory means Liverpool are still on course to be able to win a quadruple this season. This should certainly give the Reds an additional confidence boost and ensure they push Man City all the way in the league. 

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches over the weekend. We have the FA Cup Fifth Round this midweek on Wednesday and Thursday, along with Burnley and Leicester facing each other in the league on Tuesday night.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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