Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. This weekend saw the top two continue the fiercely close race for the title, Spurs and Arsenal continue their battle for fourth, while the first team officially got relegated from the league this season in Norwich. 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-35-preview-xwwxkgy

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 2/10 correct this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 6/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool

Result: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool

Keita

Heading into this match having played against Villarreal on Wednesday, Liverpool rested Salah, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Thiago but still dominated the match and limited Newcastle's opportunities. The home side started with a determination to extend their six game winning home streak, but Liverpool weathered the storm and settled into their game. Jota and Van Djik had chances before Keita opened the scoring. Milner was involved, tackling Schar to regain the ball in a challenge that many home fans called for a foul, but as play continued Jota and Keita played a one two before the midfielder rounded Dubravka and blasted the ball into the goal. Newcastle offered little in return, but thought they had levelled via Almiron who saw his effort ruled out for offside. Mané and Jota saw their efforts saved by the Newcastle keeper, and in the second half the chances were all for the Reds. While Saint-Maximin looked dangerous and Guimaraes tested Alisson, Liverpool held on for a comfortable win and turn their attention to the second leg of their Champions League semi final. The win temporarily put Liverpool top of the table before Man City played, while Newcastle showed spirit against one of the teams they will hope to challenge in the coming years.

Predicted: Aston Villa 3-1 Norwich

Result: Aston Villa 2-0 Norwich

Watkins, Ings

The Canaries were officially relegated from the Premier League as they lost to Aston Villa and other results went against them. Villa were the stronger side at the start, seeing Bailey hit the woodwork while dominating the match. Norwich managed to get a foothold into the game after about 20 minutes, but late in the first half Bailey was forced off with injury and his replacement, Ings, made the difference, It was his long ball which found Watkins, along with Williams slip, to give Villa the lead. In the second half Villa continued their dominance, with Coutinho, Watkins and Ings ripping through the Canaries defence. Ings hit the post as he met a Digne corner, and finally he found the net after he collected a loose ball in the box and sealed the points. Norwich have now been relegated from the Premier League for a record sixth time, while Villa can play better according to manager Gerrard but it was a good result for them and a happy three points along with their clean sheet.

Predicted: Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace

Romeu - Eze, Zaha

This game looked destined to finish all level until Zaha popped up with a stoppage time winner for the Eagles. Ten minutes in and Southampton had the lead, looking good for it after Romeu saw his header bounce in off the underside of the bar. With the Saints taking control of the game, Palace started getting into it as Eze and Schlupp combined to create a chance for Mateta, but Forster saved. Both sides were clear of relegation heading into this and it showed, as the game became very open. After the break it was Palace who looked more threatening, with Schlupp seeing a point-blank shot blocked by Bednarek. Soon after they got the equaliser, as Clyne crossed for Eze to score between Forster's legs. Zaha emerged from the bench to ignite his side, and he managed to hold off Bednarek on the edge of the box, creating some space and firing a low effort in off the post. It was Zaha's 13th goal of the season and gives Vieira's side real hope of a top ten finish. The Saints meanwhile have now dropped 26 points from winning positions this season, more than any other side.

Predicted: Watford 1-2 Burnley

Result: Watford 1-2 Burnley

Tarkowski OG - Cork, Brownhill

A flurry of goals in the final ten minutes changed everything not only in this match, but for Norwich also as Burnley getting their win ensured Norwich were relegated. Watford became the first side in top-flight history to lose 11 consecutive home league games as they are now 12 points off safety four games remaining. Kucka's shot came back off the crossbar and was turned into his own net by the helpless Tarkowski, giving both Watford and Norwich hope after eight minutes. Femenia also hit a post direct from an in swinging corner, showcasing the awful start Burnley made. The Clarets improved in the second half, testing Foster, but had Pope to thank for keeping them in the match. With Weghorst subbed off for Burnley, Barnes provided a different sort of spark. They dominated possession, and Taylor delivered a superb cross from the left which was rifled home by Cork to level the scores. Hodgson refused to make any subs, which most likely cost his side as Brownhill slotted home into the bottom corner from the edge of the area with four minutes to go. Burnley have now won three consecutive matches in the league, while Watford have proven their sacking culture has not worked as they have have conceded in each of their last 22 home league games.

Predicted: Wolves 2-2 Brighton

Result: Wolves 0-3 Brighton

Mac Allister, Trossard, Bissouma

The Seagulls managed the record their highest even points total in the Premier League, while still having three games to play, as they won comfortably at Molineux. It took two penalties to open the scoring, as Mac Allister missed one by hitting the post during the first half but stepped back up before the break to score the second. Wolves suffered their third defeat without scoring as their fine form has faded away, but while Brighton looked comfortable throughout it took them until the 70th minute to double their lead.  Caicedo won the ball and released Welbeck on the right who played it into Trossard to smash the ball home past Sa. Bissouma added a third with a low drilled effort from the edge of the area after Wolves failed to properly clear with four minutes of the game remaining. Brighton remain ninth with three games to play, while Wolves are five points and one place ahead of them after a successful season for both clubs.

Predicted: Leeds United 1-2 Manchester City

Result: Leeds United 0-4 Manchester City

Rodri, Aké, Jesus, Fernandinho

The champions knew they needed a win after Liverpool had won earlier in the day, overtaking them in the standing and keeping the title race open. Leeds made City strugle during the first hour, and nearly took the lead early on when Cancelo slipped only for Rodrigo on a clear route to goal to get crowded out by City defenders rushing back, when he had a chance to play in Raphina. City responded with a dominant result after Rodri glanced home a Foden cross thirteen minutes in. Set pieces were the key for City as Dias' header back across goal from a Foden corner was turned home by Ake. With 12 minutes left to play Jesus buried Foden's perfect pass to secure the points, while Fernandinho added his goal with a long-range shot that rifled past Meslier in added time. The win puts City back on top of the table after resting some key players before their Champiosn League second leg in madrid. Leeds meanwhile are still above the relegation zone but have tough games with Arsenal and Chelsea left to play.

Predicted: Everton 1-1 Chelsea

Result: Everton 1-0 Chelsea

Richarlison

A massive result for Everton, who headed into this game knowing that anything less than a win would certainly spell an end to their Premier League status. Lampard had Pickford to thank for a string of excellent saves to keep his side ahead, as the electric atmosphere in Goodison coupled with the fans lining the streets to greet their side's arrival before kick off save the Toffees over the line. Everton were better in the first half, pressing Chelsea all over the pitch to make things as uncomfortable as possible. Gordon and Mount had efforts in the opening ten minutes, but after lots of Everton pressure Chelsea grew into the game and began dominating possession. The lack of quality in the final third cost Everton, but early in the second half Richarlison charged down an Azpilicueta clearance on the edge of the area, where the loose ball landed for Gray, who then teed up his Brazilian team-mate to beat Mendy. Mykolenko could have doubled their lead soon after but blasted wide with only Mendy to beat. Pickford produced a superb goal line save as he denied Azpilicueta, while soon after he took a shot from Rudiger full in the face to keep Chelsea out. Again Pickford was to the rescue as he stopped a Loftus-Cheek drive, while in seven minutes of stoppage time he got down low to block a Kovacic shot. This was the fourth time in a row Everton beat Chelsea at Goodison in the league, while Lampard became only the second former Chelsea manager to beat the Blues in their first encounter, after Claudio Ranieri in December 2015 as Leicester boss.

Predicted: Tottenham 3-1 Leicester City

Result: Tottenham 3-1 Leicester City

Kane, Son x2 - Iheanacho

Spurs finally ended their barren spell by scoring three at home to the Foxes, and keeping their hopes of Champions League football for next season alive. Kane ended a five-game goal drought as he headed home a Son corner on 22 minutes, making up for the energetic start which had produced until then. The Foxes had threatened first, as Daka pounced on some hesitant defending to hit the post around the fifteen minute mark. Iheanacho and Daka both had chances before the break to get the score level, but Spurs held on as the strikers shot wide. Conte brought on Kulusevski in the second half and it paid off as he set up Son to double Spurs lead. Son made it three with 11 minutes to go as he curled a stunning effort into the top corner of Schmeichel's goal. Leicester got a late goal to lessen the deficit but their weakened line up, ahead of their semi final in Rome, meant they were not expect to get a result here. Iheanacho shot went in off the near post to just beat Lloris, as the Foxes will prepare for their biggest game of the season against Mourinho's team. Spurs will continue their push for top four with their front three on form once again.

Predicted: West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal

Result: West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal

Bowen - Holding, Gabriel

Arteta claimed his side needed to win ugly, as they tightened their grip on fourth while moving closer to Chelsea after the Blues shock defeat to Everton. Arsenal were slow to start, knowing Spurs had moved ahead of them in the table, as the Hammers pushed them back again and again. West Ham were also sloppy, likely with their mind on the Europa League semi final, meaning the opening was far from exciting. Fornals blasted over, Lanzini show hsi effort blocked by Holding, and Declan Rice shot straight at Ramsdale as West Ham pushed on looking for an opener. Arsenal woke up and had an effort by Nketiah pushed beyond the post by Fabianski. From that corner Holding headed home to open the scoring. Six minutes later and the score was level as Rice picked out Coufal, whose low cross found Bowen. The Englishman coolly slotted home past Ramsdale. Arsenal picked up in the second half as Martinelli picked out Gabriel with a cross to regain the lead. The Hammers pushed on but could not find a way through the Arsenal backline, as the Gooners retook fourth in the race for Champions League football.

Predicted: Manchester United 1-2 Brentford

Result: Manchester United 3-0 Brentford

Fernandes, Ronaldo, Varane

On Monday night United managed a victory in Rangnick's final home game in charge, as both sides produced a thrilling encounter going full throttle with fast-paced attacks and high defensive lines from the off. Mbuemo could have scored from the off as Eriksen played him in, but Telles managed to get a tackle in. Ronaldo then slipped as he was about to shot when through on goal, before Elanga ran to the end line and crossed for Fernandes to open the scoring. The Bees continued to play well with Eriksen pulling the strings, but Toney could not score when he headed over. mata then set up Ronaldo who scored past Raya just before the break, only for VAR to rule him as offside. The second half saw Toney shoot over, before Dalot hit the bar after being played through by Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend got the better of Henry and won a penalty, before slotting it home to double United's lead, showing Fernandes how it is done. Varane then got his first for the club as he headed in from a corner to wrap up the points. With Brentford comfortable on 40 points they could play with freedom, while United will still have hopes of top four but are more likely to finish sixth if they continue to play with this sort of creativity.

Table After Match Day 35

A look at the top half of the table, and Liverpool and City continue their neck and neck race for the title. Chelsea need to start looking over their shoulder as Arsenal and Spurs creep up on them, while United and West Ham will battle it out for the Europa League and Conference League places. Newcastle will be pleased being part of the top half of the table, while Wolves have disappointed of late and their European hopes are all but over unless they can overtake West Ham and get into seventh place.

As for the bottom half, Norwich are gone and Watford will soon follow as they cannot drop anymore points, while requiring Everton, Leeds, or Burnley to pick up no more points. With their awful goal difference, Leeds and Everton are who Watford need to look to overtake, but it seems impossible. The Clarets are now 16th and above Leeds, showing the rebound effect from sacking Dyche seems to have worked so far.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 35

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 22 Goals
2 - Son - Tottenham - 19 Goals
3 - Ronaldo - Manchester United - 18 Goals
4 - D. Jota - Liverpool - 15 Goals
5 - Mané - Liverpool - 14 Goals   
6 - Kane - Tottenham - 13 Goals

I hope you enjoyed the games over the weekend, we return to European action this week as the Semi Finals take place in the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. Have a wonderful day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

Referral links:

Publish0x - https://www.publish0x.com/?a=olejZqrzej

Splinterlands - https://splinterlands.com?ref=rnabc1

Upland - r.upland.me/NQAH

Binance - https://accounts.binance.com/en/register?ref=143611368

NFT Market Sales

Opensea - https://opensea.io/RNabc123

Follow Me

Twitter - @RNabc123