Good day everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend and the matches, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we will be looking at the recent round of matches in the English Premier League, which included some exciting games and interesting results. If you would like to check out my post on the preview to this weekend's matches, you can find it here. English Premier League Match Day 9 Preview

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I managed to achieve 5/10 correct this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 1/10 correctly.

Predicted: Arsenal 1-2 Aston Villa

Result: Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa

Partey, Aubameyang, Smith-Rowe - Ramsey

They really defied my expectations in this one, and Arsenal deserved to take the 3 points. Near to their best and led by Smith-Rowe, they tore apart a woeful Villa defense. Arsenal needs to maintain this scoring level if they wish to reclaim a place in European football. This season will see everyone wanting a shot at the top 4, and Villa is no different. Slipping to 13th will not deter them, and Dean Smith has been known to get his team flowing. Either way, they are looking certain for midtable finish minimum and will be a decent first season post-Grealish.

Predicted: Chelsea 3-0 Norwich

Result: Chelsea 7-0 Norwich

Mount x3, Hudson-Odoi, James, Chilwell, Aarons OG

This game really highlighted the difference in class between top and bottom. Mount got a deserved hatrick, even though he was fortunate to get the penalty retaken. No Lukaku and Chelsea still looked unstoppable. Against tougher teams, they have shown the same character and strength, so I expect Chelsea to really cement themselves in the top 3 this season. Norwich is showing what happens without strong investment, and it's not surprising. No shame in their efforts, but it will be a really long season ahead.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle

Result: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle

Benteke - Wilson

The funny thing is I don't think anyone is worried about Newcastle anymore. The next 2 months of the season are just a waiting game so the checkbooks can open in January. Palace and Newcastle both worked hard and deserved the point apiece, but I expect when/if these teams both stay up, an encounter next season will be very different. All eyes are waiting on the next appointment of the manager, and it will be an exciting first step for the club's new owners. For now interim manager Graeme Jones is doing a good job at steadying the ship.

Predicted: Everton 1-0 Watford 

Result: Everton 2-5 Watford 

Davis, Richarlison - King x3, Kucka, Bonaventure

Rafa will not be happy with this result. Ranieri is beginning to get his authority on Watford and they will be delighted having taken advantage of Everton defending. Benitez will drill his tactics home this week, tightening things up and focusing more on working without the ball, and getting their own counters correct.

Predicted: Leeds 0-2 Wolves 

Result: Leeds 1-1 Wolves

Rodrigo - Hwang

The last minutes proved to be some of the most exciting in the encounter. With time coming to a close it looked like Wolves had the victory, but youngster Gerhardt had other ideas. After two shots on goal, his late run into the box drew the foul for the penalty. That point maintained Leeds above the relegation zone, while Wolves sit comfortably in midtable. Both teams will be happy with the draw and looking to cement themselves further up the table as the winter period kicks in.

Predicted: Southampton 0-0 Burnley 

Result: Southampton 2-2 Burnley

Livramento, Broja - Cornet x2

A stand-out signing and a stand-out player, Cornet has really shown his capabilities so far at this struggling Burnley side. Burnley was overrun and beaten throughout much of this match and will need to rediscover their brutish resilience if they wish to maintain their position as a member of the Premier League. Dyche has possibly his biggest challenge so far this season, but the openness at the bottom ensures he has a chance. Southampton meanwhile will be disappointed to drop 2 points. They need to find their form also to keep away from any potential relegation battles.

Predicted: Brighton 1-1 Man City

Result: Brighton 1-4 Man City

Mac Allister - Gundogan, Foden, Mahrez

This game was clearly the Phil Foden show, with a goal and 2 assists marking another fine performance. Brighton tried to play their football but against the champions, it is always difficult. Foden showed why he can lead the line for City, and when they might not need a striker like Kane after all. As for Brighton, to be sitting 5th currently is beyond their wildest dreams and will be pushing to recover and get back to fighting for a top-half finish over the remainder of the season.

Predicted: Brentford 0-2 Leicester

Result: Brentford 1-2 Leicester

Jorgensen - Tielemans, Maddison

Belgian midfielder Tielemans has shown again why he should be playing in the Champions League, he is top class. A goal of the season contender, along with crisp passing ensured he grabbed the headlines again. Leicester was fortunate to take the 3 points after Brentford got back into the game through a lovely glanced header from Jorgensen. Tielemans was at it again, setting Daka away to set up Maddison for a smash and grab victory. Improvements are needed if they finally want to break into the top 4, and this looks like a likely season where 4 is up for grans. Brentford will be happy with their courage to get back into the game and try to find the winner. Good season so far for the Bees.

Predicted: West Ham 2-2 Tottenham 

Result: West Ham 1-0 Tottenham 

Antonio 

There were times during this match that Tottenham looked asleep, or even frozen in the play. West Ham are showing the same resiliance as last season and are beginning to find that form which got them into Europe. Kane is either being downtrodden after failing to garner a move away, or has not found his feet in the new manager's system. Either way, Tottenham will need to get form and fast, with Arsenal and Leicester both looking at pushing them for a European spot. I would not have them in the top 4 at this rate, but West Ham may just get that 4th spot. Outside the new top 3 of Liverpool, City, and Chelsea, I think the Hammers are looking like a real all-rounder team capable of pushing for the top table in European football.

Predicted: Man Utd 1-4 Liverpool 

Result: Man Utd 0-5 Liverpool 

Keira, Jota, Salah x3

I fancied Liverpool to put 4 past United, I didn't mean just in the first half. What a performance by Liverpool, from their dominance in the midfield to the forwards having a field day. The red card for Pogba was deserved, and the frustration from Ronaldo was evident for all to see. It was Klopp's 200th victory as Liverpool manager, making him the quickest Liverpool manager to reach that milestone. Salah is on fire, and he is up there as the best around currently. If he maintains his form he will break his own record goalscoring tally for a season. Ole has a lot of difficult work ahead. That was his first big game this season and it was terrible. No reason why his players were trying to press when Liverpool thrive on playing against hat. The next few weeks will determine his fate, if they fail in Europe and fall away further in the league, his time could be up.

Table After Match Day 9

A look at the top half of the table, with things looking excellent for Chelsea, Liverpool, and City, especially their goal differences.

The bottom half is really starting to show a group of contenders in a potential relegation battle. Southampton downwards needs to be wary, and nobody expects Newcastle to stay in the bottom 3 post-January.

Top Goalscorers After Match Day 9

1 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 10 Goals   
2 - J. Vardy - Leicester - 7 Goals   
3 - M. Antonio - West Ham - 6 Goals    
4 - S. Mané - Liverpool - 5 Goals   

I hope you found some enjoyment in my post and managed to see the matches over the weekend. See you all again after for next weekend's fixtures and enjoy the midweek cup action.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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