Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent weekend while enjoying the `first round of Premier League matches this season, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This weekend saw big wins for Newcastle and Manchester City, Arsenal overcome a tough clash with Forest, Liverpool and Chelsea draw once again, while Brighton look as good as ever.

You can find the preview for this round of games here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/premier-league-202324-match-week-1-preview-xkegnqw?a=olejZqrzej 

 

 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 2/10 correct scores this week with many predications just one goal off. In terms of match-winner/loser, I had an interesting weekend where I managed to predict 8/10 correctly in this round of games.

 

Predicted: Burnley 0-2 Manchester City

Result: Burnley 0-3 Manchester City

Haaland x2, Rodri

It took all of four minutes for Haaland to open his account for the season, as Rodri recycled the ball from a corner and put it back into the box for Haaland to smash the ball home. Vincent Kompany knew his side would be in for a tough time, and it was a stark welcome back to the Premier League. Amdouni had a penalty claim waved away for the hosts, while Rico Lewis got hit by a lighter from the crowd. On 36 minutes the Norwegian striker doubled his tally as Alvarez finds Haaland about 15 yards out before the striker smashed the ball into the top corner. De Bruyne had to go off with an injury, but Kovacic was an ample replacement. City dominating possession and controlled the game in the second half, leaving Burnley chasing shadows and enduring a tough night. On 75 minutes Rodri scored from close in at a corner to wrap up the game. There was late drama as Zaroury saw a yellow card turn to red following a VAR review after he caught Walker with a late challenge. All in all it was evident that Burnley will have a lot to do, but they were against the current league and European champions. There will be easier games ahead. City meanwhile start as they mean to go on, and on Wednesday will face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.

 

Predicted: Arsenal 3-1 Nottingham Forest

Result: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Nketiah, Saka - Awoniyi

After a delayed kick-off due to turnstile issues at the Emirates and fans struggling to enter the ground, it was Arsenal who dominated the ball in the opening period, with Forest camped in their own half. However, it was Forest who had the best early opening when Johnson sped through for a one-on-one against Ramsdale after a long ball over the top, however he shot over. Havertz and Saka both had shots blocked, but on 26 minutes the opener came. Martinelli produced a 'Maradona' turn to get past two defenders and played in Nketiah to score. Six minutes later it was two as a corner was cleared which Saka picked up before cutting inside and curling a beautiful effort in. Nketiah and Rice both wasted efforts but in the second half Arsenal took their foot off the gas. Timber limped off after pulling a muscle early on, and Rice did see an effort deflect onto the post, but Forest got back in the game. On 82 minutes Elanga, who had come on as a sub, burst down the left on the counter before crossing for Awoniyi to score. Gibbs-White saw a long range effort go just over as Forest almost got level and the pressure continued. However, Arsenal almost got their third on the break when Havertz was denied in a one on one. All in all it was a solid result for Arsenal, but they were unconvincing and will have tougher challenges ahead. Forest meanwhile showed they will be more than able to put up a fight during their second season in the division.

 

Predicted: Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

Result: Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham

Solanke - Bowen

The Iraola regime began with a draw at home as both these clubs went through big change over the summer. Without Rice West Ham still made a bright start, with Soucek seeing an effort come back off the inside of the far post. Both sides managed efforts on goal in the opening half, as a lack of cutting edge meant neither side could break the deadlock. The second half saw Brooks test Areola once again with a first time volley, but soon after West Ham took the lead. Bowen saw a left-footed strike go in in the 51st minute as the Europa Conference League winners looked to build on that success. However, they failed to find a second, with Rothwell hitting the bar from distance for the Cherries. Bournemouth did get their equaliser on 82 minutes when Semenyo's miscued shot fell kindly for Solanke, who rounded Areola and scored. Paqueta then hit the bottom of the bar for West Ham but the Hammers could not find a way to retake the lead, and the game ended in a share of the points. West Ham will hope for better days as they look to bring new players in, while Iraola knows it is only the beginning of his tenure and his side will improve.

 

Predicted: Brighton 3-1 Luton

Result: Brighton 4-1 Luton

March, Joao Pedro, Adingra, Ferguson - Morris

Not much seems to have changed with Brighton, as De Zebri's side ran out clear and comfortable winners here against new boys Luton. They last met in 2008 when both sides were in League One, and it was Brighton who should have led early on. Joao Pedro managed to put an effort wide on four minutes and Luton settled into the game from there. They countered well but failed to create anything of worth, and on 36 minutes Brighton got their goal as Mitoma played the ball in from wide for March to score with his head. Lockyer fouled Joao Pedro in the area on 71 minutes and the new signing got up to take the spot kick and score. On 81 minutes Luton had their own spot kick when Dunk handled a cross from Morris. He stepped up and scored his clubs first ever Premier League goal to create a nervy ending. However, Brighton were spurred on and Ferguson managed to hit the post. Mpanzu then gifted the ball to Adingra who scored a debut goal on 85 minutes. In the fifth minute of stoppage time Ferguson managed to get his side a fourth, as Brighton showed they will always cope with the loss of players leaving the club and continue their excellent brand of football. Luton meanwhile have a big task ahead this season but will be certain to give a good showing of themselves as much as possible.

 

Predicted: Everton 0-1 Fulham

Result: Everton 0-1 Fulham

Decordova-Reid

Another season and more Everton woes. It was the Toffees who dominated the opening half in terms of chances, with Leno denying Maupay three times. Doucoure also saw an early effort saved, but Everton thought they did have the lead when Keane scored from Patterson's hopeful cross. However, it was ruled out for a foul by Tarkowski in the build-up. Decordova-Reid came on for Willian at the break as Fulham looked to gain more control, and the move paid off. Jimenez struck the post from Wilson's cross but it was Mitrovic coming on which changed the game. Iwobi had an effort saved for Everton, and Patterson could not control the rebound, but on 73 minutes Fulham caught them. Pereira beat Patterson to a Mitrovic ball which allowed Decordova-Reid to steal in and score. Everton could do little to muster a comeback, and although they felt aggrieved by their disallowed goal, the signs are there for a long season ahead. Fulham meanwhile will be hoping to kick on and build on their excellent form from last season, while ensuring Mitrovic and Marco Silva remain at the club.

 

Predicted: Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace

Edouard

It was a dominant performance from Palace as they secured a narrow win for Hodgson on the first day of the season. With their attack lacking the recently departed Zaha, Palace did plenty to encourage their chances going forward this season. Eze showed his technical ability and skills while the defence and midfield looked solid. Sheffield failed to cause much dangerous moments, and Ayew ended up having a goal ruled out for offside midway through the first half. Palace finally got their lead in the second half as Edouard was on hand to score in the 49th minute after Ayew had beat his marker Osborn and sent in a low cross. Mitchell fired a cross into Edouard later in the half and the Frenchman thought he had his second before it was ruled out for offside. All in all a solid win for Palace, who have been set the task of pushing into the top half this season. As for Sheffield United, they will be in for a long season and know that any sort of result in their games will be huge for the club.

 

Predicted: Newcastle 2-2 Aston Villa

Result: Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

Tonali, Isak x2, Wilson, Barnes - Diaby

A massive result for Newcastle to start their season, with Howe's side showing they mean business. From the get go it was all action, as six minutes in new boy Tonali got his first goal for the club. He drifted into the box and got to Gordon's cross first to power home and give his side the lead. Tonali could have had a second a minute later but was denied by Martinez. However, Villa were right back in it on 11 minutes. Their new striker, Diaby, produced a smart finish after Watkins flicked on a Digne cross. Newcastle got back ahead through Isak five minutes later when Tonali played in a free kick which Botman hooked back for the Swede to score. Mings was stretcher off after a serious injury midway through the first half, and Douglas Luiz almost got Villa level with a header than went just wide before the break. The second half saw an error from Konsa on 58 minutes allow Isak to pounce and produce a lovely finish to get his side a two goal cushion. Martinez kept out a hattrick goal moments later, and Cash could have got one back for Villa after Watkins' shot was parried by Pope. Newcastle though pushed on and in the 77th minute Wilson got his goal after combining with fellow substitute Barnes. They combined again but Martinez saved Wilson's effort, before Joelinton saw a header cleared off the line by Watkins. Barnes got his debut goal in the 91st minute to cap off an excellent performance for Newcastle, as they will look to mount another assault on the top four. They will have no fear going into their Champions League games either, but Villa and Emery will need to rethink things as they also look to push back into the European places.

 

Predicted: Brentford 1-1 Tottenham

Result: Brentford 2-2 Tottenham

Mbeumo, Wissa - Romero, Emerson Royal

The Postecoglou and post Harry Kane era started with a bang in a first half which saw four goals. The devastating first half was full of pace and tempo which saw Spurs race into the lead on 11 minutes as Romero headed in from a Maddison free-kick. Almost immediately Romero was subbed off for Sanchez due to a previous clash of heads, and on 23 minutes new Spurs captain Son was at fault for the equaliser. He caught the heel of Jensen in the area and after a VAR review Mbeumo stepped up to convert the spot kick on 26 minutes. Ten minutes later Brentford were ahead as Rico Henry cut the ball back for Wissa to his shot deflect off van de Ven and go in. With 11 minutes of stoppage time, it was in the fourth minute that Spurs drew level. Emerson Royal was found on the edge of the area by Maddison and the Brazilian swept home a low effort. Mbeumo missed a sitter in the 10th minute of added time and the sides went in level. The second half was less action packed, with Son missing a great chance at the back post. Richarlison then wasted a good chance as he shot straight at Flekken in the goal. Spurs had plenty of shot and posession, which will encourage Postecoglou, but they have plenty of work to do yet. As for Brentford, they are showing they can manage without Toney and will be happy with the point.

 

Predicted: Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool

Result: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool

Disasi - Diaz

With Chelsea and Liverpool dominating the headlines in their pursuit of Caicedo, the match started at a fast pace. Both sides looked exposed in midfield with the lack of a DM, but Liverpool looked better. Salah hit the bar with a right footed effort before on the 18th minute he was found by Mac Allister. Salah curled a lovely pass in behind the Chelsea defence for Diaz to slide in and open the scoring. On half an hour Salah thought he had made it two by lifting the ball over Sanchez, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. Chelsea came alive in that moment, and Disasi was on hand to poke home in the 37th minute after the ball was played back in by Chilwell following a corner. Chilwell thought he had put Chelsea in the lead almost immediately after he rounded Alisson, but VAR ruled him as offside. Jackson then put a James cross over the bar and Liverpool had appeals for a penalty waved away after the ball hit Jackson in the arm. The second half saw Alisson keep out  Chilwell and Jackson as the game became stretched and the energy levels dropped. Nunez saw a deflected effort go just wide late on and Mudryk was denied by Alisson as neither side could find the winner. Its very early days for Pochettino and he will know he has plenty of work to do with this side yet, but there were positive signs. Klopp meanwhile will be keen to ensure he gets to bring in more bodies, especially in midfield and defence, before the window closes.

 

Predicted: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves

Result: Manchester United 1-0 Wolves

Varane

The last game of the first round saw a low quality first half with no real clear cut chances for either side. Wolves looked strong and organised which was impressive considering their new manager appointment last week. Wolves were set up well and competed while having defensive organisation. Wolves had the better chances, working on the counter, and should have be ahead at the break. Cunha got away from Martinez to set up Sarabia but his effort was deflected wide. The pair combined again but this time Cunha shot wide. In the second half once again Sarabia set up Cunha for a simple far post finish but he somehow put it wide. Neto saw a tame shot saved by Onana, A good pass from Bruno Fernandes found Wan-Bissaka, who crossed for Varane to head in the only goal on 76 minutes. United never kicked on from there, and there should have been a penalty for Wolves when Onana collided with Kalajdzic, however the referee instead ended up booking O'Neil on the touchline for his complaints. Wolves boss O'Neil revealed after the game that Jonathan Moss, the Select Group 1 Manager at PGMOL, has already apologised for the non-award of a "blatant penalty" for the challenge by Onana in stoppage time. Once again VAR is coming into question as it allows things like this to happen. As for United, they will need to improve quickly as teams more ruthless than Wolves will take advantage of their lacklustre display.

 

 

Table After Match Day 1

A look at the top half of the table and although it is early days, Newcastle lead the way. Brighton sit second following their big win, with City third and Arsenal making up the top four. Palace sit in fifth, Fulham in sixth, and United in seventh for the teams on three points. Brentford, Spurs, and Bournemouth make up the top half and all have a single point.

As for the bottom half, Villa are bottom of the table for now, with Burnley and Luton making up the relegation zone. Wolves, Sheffield United, Everton, and Forest make up the teams on zero points. West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea make up the bottom half with their single point.

 

 

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 1

1 — A. Isak — Newcastle — 2 Goals
2 — E. Haaland — Manchester City — 2 Goals

+ 24 players on 1 goal

 

Check out my 2023/24 Season Preview and Predictions here: Predictions 23/24 Season 

Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the review of the matches and got to see the games.

 

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

 

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