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 six league matches along with the FA Cup Semi Finals. The league games saw the top four race continue with some very interesting results, while the bottom teams may have sealed their relegation fate. If you would like to check out the preview to this weekends matches, you can find it here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/english-premier-league-match-day-33-preview-and-fa-cup-semi-xlzolmw

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 0/6 correct this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 2/6 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Tottenham 3-0 Brighton

Result: Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

Trossard

A sluggish display from Spurs cost them a big opportunity to extend their lead in the race for top four. The Seagulls managed to frustrate Spurs throughout the game, and struck late to secure a first win away to Spurs since 1981. Son and Kane struggled, with Son seeing his chance blocked and Kane ineffective and lacking in touches throughout the game. Kulusevski got a yellow when he easily could have seen red for a swinging elbow on Cucurella in the first half. While Brighton did well to hold on and go in level at the break, they posed more of a threat in the second half and Trossard's managed to dummy Dier before his poked finish flew in past Lloris. Spurs have now lost three of their last six games in the league at home, and failed to direct a single shot on target in this match. Brighton meanwhile managed to win consecutive away league games while Trossard has now scored six goals in the league this season.

Predicted: Manchester United 2-0 Norwich

Result: Manchester United 3-2 Norwich

Ronaldo x3 - Dowell, Pukki

Ronaldo proved his worth once again with his 50th career hat-trick as United overcame bottom side Norwich. It was his second hat-trick in five games, scoring two in the first half and sealing the victory with his third after Norwich fought their way back into it, It was a very subdue performance from United, with their own fans booing Pogba during the match, and after letting a two goal lead slip the frustration is understandable. Ronaldo's first was a tap in, with his second a header from Telles corner. Norwich created but didn't threaten until Dowell headed Pukki's cross past De Gea on the stroke of half-time. Seven minutes into the second half and Pukki beat the offside trap to draw the teams level. A Ronaldo's 25-yard thunderbolt free-kick to seal the win was required fifteen minutes from time but if United don't improve their performances, especially when they knew Spurs had lost, top four will be a very difficult ambition to achieve. 

Predicted: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal

Result: Southampton 1-0 Arsenal

Bednarek

Arsenal went into this game knowing they could close the gap to top four, but they met a spirited Forster in the Saints goal and couldn't find a way past him. This resulted in their third consecutive defeat, as they allowed Southampton to score just a minute before half time. Prior to this Forster had saved from Saka's attempt at close range, and in the second half he made a string of saves to deny Arteta's side. With Lacazette missing it was Martinelli who tested Southampton first with a bending shot from the right. Smith-Rowe tested the Saints after being brought on, but they held firm throughout. This was Southampton's first clean sheet in six league games, and a timely boost after their big defeat to Chelsea last weekend. Arsenal had 23 shots in this encounter but failed to convert any of them, with Forster keeping his third clean sheet in seven games against Arsenal.

Predicted: Watford 1-3 Brentford

Result: Watford 1-2 Brentford

Dennis - Norgaard, Jansson

A late goal broke the Hornets hearts in this game, and basically ensured they are going down unless they pull of a miracle. The Hornets fell behind fifteen minutes in as Ajer flicked on Pinnock's long throw and Norgaard slotted home. The first half was not the best, but ten minutes into the second Watford were level. as Dennis smashed the ball home only for the linesman to flag it as offside. Sissoko had crossed and Sarr flicked it on to Dennis, and after a VAR review the goal was awarded. Watford could have won it in injury time as King hit the post and Louza put the follow-up over the bar. Brentford then got a free kick, and Eriksen whipped it in for captain Jansson to score a 95th minute winner. The defeat was Watford's 10th home league loss this season, while the Bees have won five of their last six league matches.

Predicted: Newcastle United 2-2 Leicester City

Result: Newcastle United 2-1 Leicester City

Guimarães x2 - Lookman

Late drama at St. James Park ensured Newcastle brought the Foxes back down to earth after their midweek European adventure. Leicester had an expected rotated side out, but struck first as Dewsbury-Hall sent in a low corner which Perez flicked on. Lookman was unmarked in the box and when the ball arrived to him the forward hit it first time under Dubravka's body and into the net. Eleven minutes later Newcastle struck back from a corner of their own, as Guimarães struck the ball towards goal only for it to get stuck between Schmeichel's legs. The Brazilian then poked it into the net, and after a VAR review it was deemed there was no foul as the keeper didn't have the ball in his hands. The Foxes kept up their goal threat in the second half, but it was Guimarães who headed in a 95th minute winner after Willock made a charge from midfield and crossed in from the left. Leicester have only managed to win one of their last ten away games in the league, which was against Burnley. As for Newcastle, they have won more points from losing positions than any other team in the league since February.

Predicted: West Ham 2-0 Burnley

Result: West Ham 1-1 Burnley

Soucek - Weghorst

With no manager to lead them , Burnley managed to take the lead in this game against a West Ham side who beat Lyon during the week. In an action filled first half, Burnley had Pope to thank for keeping the Hammers out as they had a number on chances on his goal. An unfortunate challenge in the 22nd minute left West Ham's Vlasic in tears after his challenge injured Burnleys Westwood and caused the game to be stopped for ten minutes. Three minutes after play resumed Weghorst got his second goal for the club as he headed in the rebound after Rodriguez had headed Cornet's corner against the bar. In stoppage time of the first half Cornet missed a penalty after being brought down by Fabianski when through one-on-one. That would prove costly as in the 74th minute Soucek equalised for the Hammers as he knocked in Lanzini's free-kick. West Ham clearly suffer from a European hangover as they have only managed to win three games after a Europa League tie this season. Burnley have recorded the most league draws this season, and their most in a Premier League campaign, with 13.

Table After Match Day 33

A look at the top half of the table, and with the top three not playing its the race for fourth that had the most interesting action. With both Arsenal and Tottenham loosing it means Manchester United are right back into the mix after climbing into fifth. West Ham missed a chance to close the gap on fourth and their focus will surely be all on the Europa League now having played a game more than the sides above them.

As for the bottom half, Norwich and Watford are basically down, with both sides having played more than those above them with only six games left each. Brentford have secured their top flight status and now know they can enjoy the remainder of the season. Newcastle are now a comfortable 12 points from the relegation places and will be certain of their league status for next season.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 33

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 20 Goals
2 - Son - Tottenham - 17 Goals
3 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 15 Goals
4 - Ronaldo - Manchester united - 15 Goals
5 - Mané - Liverpool - 13 Goals

FA Cup Semi Finals

Predicted: Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool

Result: Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool

Grealish, Silva - Konate, Mané x2

Another amazing game between the top two teams in the league as they faced off at Wembley. Liverpool played a full strength side while City made changes, including Steffen in goal. City had the first chance via Grealish, but the Reds were three up before half time as Konate opened the scoring with another powerful header from a corner. Steffen then tried to replicate Ederson from last weekend with coolness on his own goal line, but Mané rushed in an tacked the ball off the City keeper into the net. Liverpool controlled the play and just before the break got their third as Mane's volley from a Thiago Alcantara's chipped pass flew in at the near post, with more questionable goalkeeping from Steffen. 

City were more determined in the second half, and within two minutes had one back as Jesus set up Grealish for his fifth goal for his new club. Jesus had two chances for himself as the half went on but Alisson stood strong and kept him out both times. Salah then chipped wide with his right foot after Zinchenko played him in with a poor header back to goal. Mahrez managed to get to the byline and see his shot bounch off Alisson, only for Silva to score in the 91st minute.

Liverpool held on and secured their passage into the final, with Mané showing he is back on top form, while the midfield trio of Thiago, Fabinho and Keita controlled the game and are probably Klopp's best midfield trio. Diaz was lively with tricks and flicks, and the Reds continue in their hunt for a quadruple. City meanwhile will now have all their focus on ensuring they secure the league title, while aiming to get into their second Champions League final where they could easily meet Liverpool again.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

Result: Crystal Palace 0-2 Chelsea

Loftus Cheek, Mount

With both these sides knowing their potential opponent in the final, this semi-final kicked off under bright and sunny conditions. The first half was fairly quiet and uneventful, with Palace creating the best chance of the half. Kouyate saw his volleyed shot saved by Mendy, with the rebound falling to Andersen who hit the post with his effort. It was ruled as offside but saw Palace test the Chelsea team and almost open the scoring. Kovacic was unlucky to be injured in the 26th minute and had to be removed from the field of play, with Loftus-Cheek replacing him.

In the second half it was the substitute who broke the deadlock, as twenty minutes in Mitchell lost possession and Havertz advanced into the box, with his half-cleared effort being smashed into the net by Loftus-Cheek. It was his first goal for Chelsea since May 9, 2019. Eleven minutes later and Mount sealed the win, taking Werner's pass beyond Andersen and striking past Butland. 

This will be Chelsea's third final in a row after loosing to Arsenal and then Leicester in the previous two. They have eight titles in the FA Cup throughout their history and will hope this season they can make it nine. After defeat to Madrid in the Champions League during the week and loosing to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, this represents a chance for Chelsea to secure some domestic silverware and get their revenge on the Reds.

The final will take place on Saturday, the 14th of May, between Liverpool and Chelsea. A repeat of the Carabao Cup Final from this season, both these teams will have their league fixtures that weekend rearranged, which will ensure we have even more excitement towards the end of the season in the title race.

I hope you enjoyed the games over the weekend, we have more league games this midweek from rearranged ones, including Liverpool vs Man United. We then return for more league action again next weekend. Have a wonderful day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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