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 saw

 

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 1/10 correct this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 6/10 correctly in this round of games.

 

Predicted: Brighton 0-3 Liverpool

Result: Brighton 0-2 Liverpool

Díaz, Salah

This game was full of action from the off, with Brighton starting well but Liverpool took control of the game at the Amex after about a quarter of an hour. With few openings, it was in the 19th minute when Liverpool took the lead. Matip played an inch perfect pass out from the back and found Diaz running through on goal. In calamitous fashion, Sanchez took Díaz out of it with his raised leg, but not before the Colombian had managed to get his head to the ball and steer it into the open goal. With Sanchez in no mans land, it seemed the sort of foul which should have warranted a straight red, but after a VAR review he was left off without a booking. Trossard skied an effort over the bar after the break when he should have equalized for Brighton. That proved costly as a Kieta shot was handballed by Bissouma in the box on the hour mark, and Salah dispatched the spot kick. From their Liverpool saw out the match with Díaz looking lively throughout, making impressive runs and setting up Salah only for the Egyptian to send his effort wide. The Reds won their eight successive league match, while the Seagulls have now won just three of their last 24 matches in all competitions. Salah joined Robbie Fowler on 158 goal involvements, 115 goals, 43 assists, in the league for Liverpool, only behind Gerrard who has 212. 

 

Predicted: Brentford 2-1 Burnley

Result: Brentford 2-0 Burnley

Toney x2

Two late goals saw Brentford extend their gap to the drop zone with a much needed win against relegation rivals Burnley. The game was played out with some end to end action, as Brentford missed glorious opportunities when Tarkowski played a poor pass straight to Canos, heading away the Spaniard's effort. He then had to throw himself in front of Mbeumo's shot just before the break to keep the scores level. The Clarets had their chances too, with Cornet shooting wide with a great opportunity, before McNeil got a header horribly wrong from Westwood's cross. After the break it was Rodriguez's who saw his strike from long range crash against the bar. The difference came at the end of the game, as Eriksen once again showed his class. The Dane played a wonderful cross into the box for Toney to head home on 85 minutes. Seven minutes later Collins saw red when he brought down the striker in the box and Toney expertly dispatched his penalty, making it 17 scored from his last 17 penalties. This was the first time Brentford win two back to back games in the top flight since 1946, while Toney has scored seven goals in his last five league appearances. Burnley have now lost three consecutive league matches and sit 19th, one point from safety having played a game more than Everton in 17th.

 

Predicted: Manchester United 1-2 Tottenham

Result: Manchester United 3-2 Tottenham

Ronaldo x3 - Kane, Maguire OG

A Ronaldo hattrick, only his second ever for United, settled this contest in the race for top four. Three times the Portuguese gave United the lead after Spurs had pulled themselves back into the contest. Ronaldo's first goal was an thing of beauty as he arrowed the ball into the net from well outside the penalty box to send Old Trafford wild on 12 minutes. In the 35th minutes Spurs were level as Kane scored from the spot after Kulusevski's cross hit the arm of Telles in the box. Prior to that Davies had a goal disallowed and Dier saw his header cleared off the line by Diogo. It was Ronaldo who once again gave United the lead two minutes after Kane's penalty, as Sancho got in behind and squared the ball for Ronaldo to score from close range. Son going close in the second half, and on 72 minutes Son fed Reguilon whose cross was turned into his own net by Maguire. Not to be deterred, Ronaldo saw his towering header from Telles' right-wing corner crash into the back of the net to win the match. At 37 years old he still makes the difference, with Conte admitting "It was an amazing performance" and Rangnick stating "He made the difference for sure with his three goals but not only with his three goals, I think that was his best performance since I arrived, on and off the ball."

 

Predicted: Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle

Result: Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Havertz

It took until the 89th minute to break the deadlock in this, with Newcastle having put in an excellent performance against the European and World Club Champions. A draw would have been a fair result, but a long ball from Jorginho found Havertz, who took an excellent touch before blasting the ball into the back of the net. Chelsea started well, with an onslaught on the Newcastle defence, but they held firm and had a great chance to get a lead as Almiron's thunderous shot was pushed parried by Mendy late in the first half. Havertz also could have seen red for a high elbow when challenging Wood for a ball in the air but went unpunished. Newcastle also had what seemed like a very clear penalty appeal waved away by the and VAR after Chalobah had pulled down Murphy in the box in the 58th minute. Chelsea held on and Havertz could have doubled his tally in injury time as he hit the woodwork. Newcastle's nine-game unbeaten run has ended with this result, as they now sit nine points above the drop zone. This was the fifth victory in a row for Chelsea, and keeps them firmly in third as they deal with the outfall of Abramovich being removed from the club.

 

Predicted: Everton 1-2 Wolves

Result: Everton 0-1 Wolves

Coady

This game marked the fifth defeat of six league matches under Lampard, leaving Everton in a precarious position just above the relegation zone. A run of just nine points from the last 60 available for Everton, coupled with just two league wins since September means this is a squad devoid of confidence and in real danger of dropping out of the top flight for only the third time in their history and first since 1951. It was Neves at the heart of everything for Wolves as he dominated the midfield battle, ensuring Wolves maintain their push for a place in European competition next season. Coady rose the highest to produce a beautiful header into the goal on the 49th minute after Neves played a stunning ball in from the right. This got worse for Everton as Kenny picked up two yellow cards with 12 minutes to play, and the Goodison fans very obviously unhappy with how things are going, leaving many empty seats before the game ended and showing their anger about the situation at large. Only Norwich have earnt fewer points than the Toffees since Lampard took charge, and with a squad brimming with talent it is a very dangerous situation they are facing. Wolves meanwhile haven't conceded a first half goal in any of their last 14 away games in the league and are becoming a real force with their rear guard.

 

Predicted: Leeds United 0-0 Norwich

Result: Leeds United 2-1 Norwich

Rodrigo, Gelhardt - McLean

A massive result for Leeds at the bottom of the table, as new manager Marsch put an end their run of six consecutive defeats. It was a game with plenty of drama at the end of it, but it was Rodrigo who opened the scoring for Leeds in the 14th minute. His right-footed effort struck from just inside the box took a deflection off Norwich defender Gibson before nestling in the bottom corner. Leeds went on to miss three excellent chances in the first half, and looked set to rue them when the referee awarded Norwich a penalty after Ayling brought down Rashica in the area. However, VAR recommended the pitch side monitor and the decision was reversed. The Canaries saw substitute Rowe strike the bar in the 70th minute, while Raphinha struck the crossbar twice for Leeds. In the first minute of stoppage time Pukki's low cross from the right-hand side of the box was turned home by McLean, looking as if Norwich had stolen a point. Gelhardt was brought on in stoppage-time and the youngster won a header to find Raphinha, who skilfully found a way past Krul and played the return pass to the substitute for Leeds to steal the show. Pukki could have drawn Leeds level again but Meslier was equal to the close range effort. Leeds have opened a 4 point gap to the relegation zone with this result, while Norwich remain bottom and five points from safety.

 

Predicted: Southampton 2-0 Watford

Result: Southampton 1-2 Watford

Elyounoussi - Cucho x2

Hodgson's side ended a run of two straight defeats in the league as they overcame the Saints at St. Mary's. Salisu's weak back-pass was taken by Cucho Hernandez who rounded Foster and opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Twenty minutes later he doubled the lead for the away side as he steadied himself and impressively volleyed in a cross from Kucka. Southampton managed to pull one back before the break as Elyounoussi tapped in Adams' header following a free-kick from Ward-Prowse. The Saints pushed on in the second half but Watford held firm and defended well. Late in the game Ward-Prowse saw a free kick go narrowly wide while VAR also dismissed a claim for handball against Kabasele in the box. This result marked Southampton loosing consecutive league home games for the first time since February 2021. Since Hodgson took charge, the eight points Watford have gained in their nine Premier League games have all come away from home.

 

Predicted: West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa

Result: West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa

Yarmolenko, Fornals - Ramsey

The opening goal was an emotional one at the London Stadium, as Ukrainian Yarmolenko controlled Benrahma's pass before instantly swivelling and guiding an effort into the bottom corner with twenty minutes to go. It had been a long afternoon, with the Hammers seeing second-half injuries to Antonio and Cresswell derailing their game. Villa did not offer much and will be disappointed with their showing, with neither side creating much in the first half which also saw Digne go off injured. Ings thought he had opened the scoring for Villa in the second half, but his shot from a low corner produced an amazing stop from Fabianski. With eight minutes of normal time to go, Fornals met Benrahma's cut back to score after a brilliant run through the Villa midfield by Rice to double the Hammers lead. In injury time Villa substitutes Bailey and Buendia combined for Ramsey to strike a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. West Ham along with Liverpool are the only side to have scored in 100 per cent of their league home games this season. They continue their push for top four, while Villa remain in ninth.

 

Predicted: Arsenal 2-0 Leicester

Result: Arsenal 2-0 Leicester

Partey, Lacazette

The race for top four has certainly fallen in Arsenals favour, with this victory ensure they returned to fourth spot and have games in hand on all their competitors below them. A familiar weakness from set pieces was the Foxes undoing, as Arsenal were better in the big moments when Martinelli's left-wing corner was headed in by the unmarked Partey at the near post on 11 minutes. Arsenal were dominant from there, as Partey hit the crossbar, which seemed to wake Leicester up. Barnes had a number of chances, but Ramsdale was there to match the challenge. Just before the hour mark the contest was over, as Partey saw his effort brush Soyuncu's fingertips. After a VAR monitor check, Lacazette put the penalty beyond Schmeichel. Odegaard conducted the game from there, as Arsenal secured their fifth league win in a row. As for Leicester, another game to forget as their set piece issues come to the fore once again as they have conceded the most goals from corners in the league this season.

 

Predicted: Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester City

Result: Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester City

This will certainly have hurt City fans and players alike, with City dropping points in the title race while having the most shots in a game this season without scoring. Guaita was in excellent form in the Palace goal, ensuring he frustrated Pep's side with inspired says from De Bruyne and Mahrez. Both Cancelo and De Bruyne hit the woodwork, and their 18 shots meant they kept pushing throughout. Vieira inspired his side to put in the hard work and Gallagher was everywhere as he ran himself into the ground. Zaha had his moments, and struck an effort just wide after cutting in off the left wing. Right till the end City pushed on with there passing game as De Bruyne pulled the strings, and his cross to Laporte near the death was wasted by the defenders header. This has blown the title race wide open as City have dropped points again and let Liverpool right back into it. With Liverpool playing Arsenal on Wednesday night and playing Watford before City play again, the Citizens could possibly be second in the table when they next play in the league. As for Palace, they will be delighted with their result and believe they can push on for a top half finsih.

 

 

Table After Match Day 29

A look at the top half of the table, and after City dropping points its now four points between the top two, with Liverpool having a game in hand. Chelsea look settled in third although Arsenal could push them with their games in hand. United, West Ham and Spurs will all still have hopes of catching Arsenal to get into fourth.

As for the bottom half, Norwich remain bottom, while Leeds and Brentford have managed to pull away from the bottom three. Everton are level with Watford, with both on 22 points and it will be a tight race between those two and Burnley to get out of the drop zone. Leeds are still in the scrap for the drop but will look for inspiration from their victory. 

 

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 29

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 20 Goals   
2 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 12 Goals
3 - S. Mané - Liverpool - 12 Goals 
4 - Ronaldo- Manchester United - 12 Goals 

+ 3 players on 11 goals

 

Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the games over the weekend. We have Champions League football this midweek, with three league games taking place during the week. The FA Cup quarter finals means there will only be 4 league games next weekend.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

 

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