I’m Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had a great weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. This weekend saw plenty of exciting games and results at the top and bottom of the table. The relegation battles provided us with some interesting results, with Everton and Leeds recording strong results. Meanwhile at the top of the table, the race for top four is constantly changing and its interesting to see if some of the traditional big 6 even want to finish in fourth at this stage. The big clash of the weekend lived up to its billing and things stay the same at the top. You can find the preview to this round of matches here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/english-premier-league-match-day-32-preview-xglkeyk
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 3/10 correctly in this round of games.
Predicted: Newcastle 1-1 Wolves
Result: Newcastle 1-0 Wolves
Wood
A massive result for Newcastle, as they put an end to their loosing streak and picked up a big win in terms of ensuring their safety. The Geordies dominated this game from the off against a Wolves side who just didn't turn up. Perhaps they have accepted they cant get Champions League at this stage, but they should be fighting to push for Europe. Guimaraes was ruled offside in the first half when Wood bundled the ball home, but the striker won his side a penalty in the 72nd minute to seal them the points. He stepped up and smashed the ball past Sa, sending the keeper the wrong way. the win ends a three-game losing run for the Magpies who have most certainly achieved what looked impossible before Christmas and secured their Premier League status. The bright spark of Guimaraes showed clear evidence that this Newcastle side can make big strides next season with some more signings, while Wolves will need to improve and show more fight if they wish to improve on this seasons performances so far. They are missing Neves but need to dig deeper when he is not available.
Predicted: Everton 0-2 Manchester United
Result: Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Gordon
The Goodison faithful will be delighted with this result, and hope it will be the catalyst for getting their team to safety. As for United, I think how De Gea described his sides performance said it all - 'a disgrace.' United struggled throughout and couldn't really find any rhythm to their play. After their implosion at Burnley during the week Lampard's side showed they have not accepted relegation just yet. Pickford twice saved from Rashford in the early period, and pulled off an excellent save from Ronaldo late on to keep Everton's lead. The Toffees had taken the lead on 27 minutes with their first real chance on goal, as Allan and Richarlison combined before Iwobi pulled the ball back for Gordon to shoot. His deflected shot off Maguire meant De Gea was wrongfooted and had no chance to save it. Everton maintained their discipline while United became petulant and somewhat reckless, as Everton manages to win the third of their five league home games under Frank Lampard. As for Rangnick's side, their hopes of Champions League are fading fast as he has managed to win just 8 of his first 17 league games.
Predicted: Arsenal 3-0 Brighton
Result: Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
Ødegaard - Trossard, Mwepu
Arteta will very disappointed as the Gunners were way below the standard required level for top four, as their poor opening got punished by a Brighton side determined to end their loosing streak. While the Seagulls pushed on, Arsenal almost got back into it on the stoke of half time but VAR ruled a Martinelli header out for offside. Mwepu saw his half volley double the Brighton lead as Arsenal crumbled at home after beginning to look like they might get back into it. Odegaard's free-kick and then Nketiah's follow-up hit the bar late on, and while Odegaard saw an effort loop in off Welbeck, it was too little too late. After only loosing two of their last sixteen home league games, Arsenal have now lost two at home in a row. Before this game Brighton had scored one goal in seven league games, but managed to find their scoring boots again.
Predicted: Southampton 2-3 Chelsea
Result: Southampton 0-6 Chelsea
Alonso, Mount x2, Werner x2, Havertz
The Saints did not go marching on again with this one, and it seems like every now and again we are always due a demolishing of Southampton with a crazy score line. Chelsea hit them for six in what was a perfect response to their recent back to back defeats. Their ruthless display put to rest any concerns over their recent form, having conceded 7 goals in their last two matches. It took 21 minutes for the Blues to race into a 3-0 lead, and Werner also managed to hit the woodwork three times. Hasenhuttl admitted his Southampton side slipped back into their bad defensive habits after seeing his side concede six in 54 minutes. This made it seven away wins in a row for Chelsea, while recording their joint-biggest top-flight away win. Southampton meanwhile conceded 6+ goals in a league match for a 10th time in Premier League history.
Predicted: Watford 2-2 Leeds
Result: Watford 0-3 Leeds
Raphina, Rodrigo, Harrison
This could be the final nail in the coffin for Watford, as they now sit six points off safety having played more than those in the relegation mix around them. Raphinha put Leeds ahead with an excellent near-post drive after 20 minutes, which sparked Watford into life. The Hornets had looked decent until then but that was a sucker punch to them. After the break they continued to push Leeds, but were undone towards the end of the game. Rodrigo rounded Forster for the second in the 73rd minute, before Harrison made the most of Watford pushing forward to blast home the third with five minutes to play. Watford have now lost nine home games in a row, while are now picking up an average of 1.7 points-per-game under Jesse Marsch, up from the 0.9 points-per-game under Marcelo Bielsa.
Predicted: Aston Villa 1-3 Tottenham
Result: Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham
Son x3, Kulusevski
Villa manager Gerrard admitted afterwards he was extremely disappointed with the manner in which the second, third, and fourth goals were conceded. Within three minutes Spurs were ahead, as Kane's shot bounced off Cash and Son struck the ball into the corner with his left foot. From there Villa woke up and by the end of the first half had 14 shots on the Spurs goal. In the second half Kane dominated proceedings, first playing in Kulusevski to score, and soon after flicking the ball through with his head to set up Son. The fourth goal saw Kulusevski and Son combine before the Korean scored his hattrick. With Arsenal having lost Conte got the best from his side who now occupy fourth in the table. As for Villa, Gerrard stated how the first half was the best performance they've had together in the first 45 minutes since his arrival. The second half was defensively poor though and showed the gulf in class between the quality of the sides.
Predicted: Brentford 2-0 West Ham United
Result: Brentford 2-0 West Ham United
Mbeumo, Toney
As suspected, the Hammers clearly had on eye on Europe for this one. The first half saw the Bees waste a number of excellent chance, but three minutes into the second half and they were ahead. Toney played a beautiful ball in for Mbeumo to score, and 18 minutes he returned the favour by setting up Toney when his hooked ball into the six-yard box found the striker, who doubled the Bees lead. West Ham were off the pace throughout and registered just a single attempt on target, with one eye clearly on their upcoming trip to Lyon. The Hammers have now have lost seven of their last 11 away league games, while Brentford have recorded their fourth league victory in five games to all but guarantee their survival in the Premier League.
Predicted: Leicester 1-2 Crystal Palace
Result: Leicester 2-1 Crystal Palace
Lookman, Dewsbury-Hall - Zaha
The Foxes raced into a two lead during the first half, after Palace had started better from the two sides. With both sides testing each other, six minutes before the break the deadlock was broken. Lookman was played in by Dewsbury-Hall before beating two defenders and scoring past Guaita in the Palace net. Just on the stroke of half time it was two, as Daka gained possession in the Palace box and pulled the ball back for Dewsbury-Hall to double their lead. Palace forced their way back into the game in the second half, with Ayew winning a penalty. Zaha saw his spot kick saved, before it was retaken for encroachment. Once again Schmeichel saved but Zaha scored the rebound with his head. The Foxes have now just just one of their last nine at home, while Palace lost for the first time since February.
Predicted: Norwich 0-1 Burnley
Result: Norwich 2-0 Burnley
Lees-Melou, Pukki
The win against Everton during the week gave Burnley real hope, but they came crashing back to earth in this one. Norwich started brighter, and on 9 minutes got their reward as Lees-Melou took a shot through six Burnley players. He was fortunate as his attempt took two deflections along with a poor clearance by Tarkowski which gave them the ahead. Burnley tried to get back into the game, with Cornet seeing a effort saved well by Krul. In the second half Smith's side maintained control and on 86 minutes Pukki finished in the bottom-left corner after being unmarked in the box. It was a big opportunity missed for Dyche's side, who are four points off safety. Norwich meanwhile have pulled themselves to within seven points of 17th placed Everton, but have played a game more and surely time is running out for them to pull off a miracle of staying up.
Predicted: Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool
Result: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool
De Bruyne, Jesus - Jota, Mane
The big game certainly lived up to its billing. A strong atmosphere was matched by a strong start for City, as Sterling hit a tame shot straight at Alisson when through on goal. Soon after Liverpool gave away a free kick which City took quickly, allowing De Bruyne to shoot and the Belgian saw his shot deflect off Matip and into the goal on 5 minutes. Guardiola's side contrinued to dominate, although took their foot off the gas slightly after scoring, This allowed Liverpool back into it, as Robertson crossed to the far post for Alexander-Arnold to pull the ball back to Jota who struck it into the goal past Ederson. The City keeper almost had a moment of madness soon after when clearing a ball and waiting till it was on the goal line before kicking it away with Jota bearing down on him. With 10 minutes left of the half, Jesus got on the end of Cancelo's angled ball into the penalty box and hit his shot beyond Alisson. The second half started very brightly for the Reds, who were level within 47 seconds. Salah played a perfect ball in while cut Walker out of the game and allowed Mane to score. Sterling saw a goal ruled out for offside, and while both teams tried for a winner, the game ended level. City have the advantage in the title race but both sides will know any slip ups will have the advantage to their opponent.
Table After Match Day 32
A look at the top half of the table, it stays as it was for the top two with only a point between them. Spurs look to have taken control of fourth spot in the table, while Chelsea got back to winning ways to give themselves more certainty of a third place finish. United, West Ham and Arsenal all loosing means Wolves can still hope of a top five or six finish.
As for the bottom half, Norwich and Watford are six and seven points from safety after Everton and Leeds both managed to win. Newcastle should be safe while Brentford are in a wonderful position in their first season in the top flight.
Top Goalscorers After Match Day 32
1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 20 Goals
2 - Son - Tottenham - 17 Goals
3 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 15 Goals
4 - Mané - Liverpool - 13 Goals
+ 3 players on 12 goals
I hope you enjoyed the games over the weekend, and get to see the exciting Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League Quarter final matches this week.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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