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 Spurs come unstuck once again, Manchester United make it back-to-back league wins, another big result for Everton, Liverpool return to winning ways, Villa go marching on while Sheffield United managed a valuable draw against Brighton. In the big on Chelsea hosted Manchester City in a thrilling encounter.

You can find the preview for this round of games here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/premier-league-202324-match-week-12-preview-xpxnwkr 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 1/10 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 4/10 correctly this weekend.

Predicted: Wolves 1-2 Tottenham

Result: Wolves 2-1 Tottenham

Sarabia, Lemina - Johnson

Postecoglou will have demanded a response from his side following their first league defeat of the season last weekend against Chelsea, and he got exactly that in the opening period here. On 3 minutes Johnson was on hand to score from Porro's cross and Spurs looked to be on their way. While Spurs looked to keep the ball and it took them until almost half time to get another shot off. Vicario had kept them ahead by keeping out Lemina, while Davies blocked Ait-Nouri’s dangerous effort following Dier's mistake. After the break things remained the same, with Spurs unable to assert any control on proceedings. Wolves lacked quality in the final third as Hwang and Cunha put good chances wide. Sarabia came off the bench late on to change the game, with the former PSG man scoring in the first minute of stoppage time from a Cunha cross to level the tie. In the seventh minute of stoppage time Sarabia appeared on the opposite wing and threaded a ball through for Lemina to poke in past Vicario and win the game for Wolves. Spurs will have plenty of questions to answer regarding their title credentials, or even top four as they suffered two league defeats in a row. For Wolves meanwhile the home crowd at Molineux was delighted with their showing and will hope O'Neil can continue adding points to the board.

Predicted: Arsenal 3-0 Burnley

Result: Arsenal 3-1 Burnley

Trossard, Saliba, Zinchenko - Brownhill

Arsenal went into this game looking to bounce back in the league following their defeat to Newcastle last weekend. Burnley were well organised and resolute with their defending. They ensured Arsenal were made to work for it, and it looked like Burnley were going to take the game in level at the break. However, in the first minute of stoppage time when Zinchenko crossed for Saka, who in turn headed it back for Trossard to score at the back post. Burnley found themselves level nine minutes into the second half when Brownhill's low drive was deflected past Raya at his near post. The lead did not last long as on 57 minutes Saliba got in front of Trafford to head home Trossard's left-wing corner. Arsenal began to look comfortable and in the 74th minute they guaranteed the win. Zinchenko volleyed home after O'Dea's clearance from a Trossard corner landed for him, and Arsenal held on even when Vieria got a straight red for a studs up challenge on Brownhill in the 83rd minute. Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last 38 Premier League home games against promoted sides while Burnley haven't scored more than once in 17 Premier League meetings with Arsenal.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 0-0 Everton

Result: Crystal Palace 2-3 Everton

Eze, Edouard - Mykolenko, Doucoure, Gueye

A roller-coaster start saw Everton open the scoring with the first minute when Mykolenko got his head on the end of a Harrison cross following the ball bouncing around the Palace area. The lead did not last long however, as on 5 minutes Eze levelled from the penalty following Branthwaite fouling Eze in the area. The game opened up from there and midway through the half Eze thought he won another penalty from Branthwaite, but it was not given and instead Eze was booked. The Palace attacker was left lucky not to get a second booking for clipping Garner later in the half. Everton made a fast start once again after the break, as on 49 minutes Doucoure put Everton ahead once again as could Palace only half-clear a corner. This allowed Mykolenko to strike the post with a volley and Doucoure was on hand to apply a simple finish on the rebound. Palace began to apply the pressure in search of an equaliser, and with Olise and Eze on the pitch they eventually they got their reward. Edouard managed to get the goal in the 74th minute after Lerma headed the ball on to the striker, who smashed it past Pickford from six yards. With the momentum seemingly with Palace, it was a rare foray forward for Gueye which brought the winning goal. In the 86th minute Gueye got on the end of a delightful Doucoure one-two to get into the area and guide his effort into the bottom corner to put Everton ahead once again. Palace could muster little in the end to get level for a third time, and Everton were deserving of the win. The Toffees continued their fine record over Palace, having lost just once in their previous eighteen meetings with the London side. 

Predicted: Manchester United 2-1 Luton

Result: Manchester United 1-0 Luton

Lindelöf

United were under real pressure going into this one, and although they secured the win many questions are yet to be answered by the side. United were in control from the off as Luton were happy to soak up the pressure. United wasted many chances as Hojlund saw a close range effort saved by Kaminski after ten minutes. Onana saved from Morris' header after 36 minutes as Luton began to ask questions of United but both teams went in level at the break. Garnacho wasted a chance when in a one-on-one after the break, while Hojlud wasted a header after Bruno found him free in the box. The striker went off late on with a hamstring injury but United had managed to take the lead on 59 minutes. McTominay's shot was blocked and the ball fell lindly for Lindelöf to score. Rashford wasted a great chance after Antony set him up but United struggled to add to their tally. Luton made the ending tense as they looked for an equaliser but struggled to make any real threatening situations as Ten Hag's side made it back-to-back league wins. Hojlund has now gone nine Premier League games without scoring as he still waits for his first league goal for United. Luton have conceded at least once in all 12 of their Premier League games so far, with only Leicester in 1994 taking longer (19 games) for a first ever Premier League clean sheet.

Predicted: Bournemouth 0-2 Newcastle

Result: Bournemouth 2-0 Newcastle

Solanke x2

A huge win for Iraola's side as they record a resounding win over Howe's men. The Cherries started stronger with Semenyo forcing a save from Pope after two minutes. Longstaff forced a save from Neto in the eight minute for Newcastle's best chance during an uninspiring half but the away side. Pope faced all the action as Bournemouth dominated, with Kluivert and Christie forcing saves. Almiron was forced off with injury to add to Newcastle's woes and Semenyo put an effort wide after being teed up by Solanke. Bournemouth's dominance continued after the break as Semenyo had an effort blocked in the area but the Cherries got their opener on the hour mark. Semenyo's heavy touch rebounded off Willock for Solanke to fire in at the near post. Gordon worked an opening but fired straight at Neto from outside the box. In the 73rd minute Solanke poked home from a corner to double his sides lead and Pope had to be alert late on to ensure it did not become three. Bournemouth have won back-to-back home Premier League games for the first time since April while Newcastle have lost four of their 12 Premier League games this season having only lost five league games in all of last campaign.

Predicted: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham

Result: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham

Robinson OG, McGinn, Watkins - Jiménez

Emery's side made it six straight home league wins for the first time since 1932/33 with a resounding win over Fulham. The game began with an energetic start from the hosts as they dispossessed Ream inside his own penalty area but Leno saved from Diaby. Watkins thought he won a penalty when his shot struck Castagne's arm but VAR ruled it out. With the crowd getting frustrated the opener came in the 27th minute when Tielemans saw his delivery go in off Robinson. Cash was denied by Leno as Villa looked for a second but in the 42nd minute McGinn fired an effort from outside the area past Leno to make it two. Fulham looked improved after the break as Iwobi teed up Jimenez but Martinez made the save only for Willian to blaze the rebound over. Iwobi then fired wide after Jiménez looked to set him up. Villa made it three in the 64th minute when Bailey crossed for Watkins to side foot the ball into the net. In the 70th minute Robinson set up Jiménez to score a consolation and his first Premier League goal since March 2022. Vinicius was ruled as offside when he though he had pulled another one back in the 81st minute and Palhinha hit the bar late on as Fulham could not muster a comeback. Villa are soaring under Emery and with Watkins involved in 26 Premier League goals across 2023 they will have plenty of belief that they can break into the Champions League places.

Predicted: Brighton 2-0 Sheffield United

Result: Brighton 1-1 Sheffield United

Adingra - Webster OG

Another huge point for Sheffield United as they managed to hold off Brighton after their fast start. It took only six minutes for Adingra to open the scoring at the Amex after Buonanotte’s flicked pass found him in behind the Blades defence. Fati and Buonanotte both had changes to add to Brighton's lead but wasted them, as Sheffield United's lacklustre start was playing into the Seagulls hands. With their exertions in Europe and the pressure of being five league games without a win, Brighton began to lose control of the game and lowered their tempo. Dahoud was shown a straight red card for an ugly tackle on Osborn in the 69th minute as an agitated De Zerbi didnt hold back his emotions. Five minutes later and the Blades were level when Bogle’s drilled cross hit off Webster's boot and go into his own net past Steele. Archer played Bogle in again soon after but he wasted the chance to steal his side a shock lead. With a man down Brighton failed to muster any real chances of note in the closing stages, bar a couple of half hearted penalty shouts, and in the end a share of the points was deserved. Brighton remain in the top half for now but will need to get back on track to ensure they make it into Europe again next season. Sheffield United meanwhile picked up their first away point of the season.

Predicted: Liverpool 3-1 Brentford

Result: Liverpool 3-0 Brentford

Salah x2, Jota

The Reds had an early scare as Pinnock prodded wide in the opening moments, with Mbeumo also drawing a top save from Alisson later in the half. It was Liverpool who had the dominating chances though and Nunez twice had to endure goals being ruled out thanks to the offside flag. The first he was on hand to tap in and the second when he produced a beautiful bicycle kick to score from a van Dijk header. With their dominance it was only a matter of time and on 39 minutes Liverpool got the opener. Alexander-Arnold found Nunez, who in turn flicked the ball into Salah to score. Salah missed another chance just before the break but made amends for it with his second on 62 minutes. The ball was flicked through and looked about to cross over the end line when Tsimikas produced a stunning cross to find his Egyptian teammates head. Tsimikas and Gakpo had wasted good chances before Salah got his second, while Endo survived a potential red card for a challenge on Norgaard. In the 74th minute Jota gave Liverpool the additional cushion of a third goal when he fired in a beauty from 20 yerds. From there Liverpool were put under some pressure as van Dijk had to clear off the line  from Norgaard's flick-on while Alisson saved from Pinnock. At the other end both Elliott and Szoboszlai spurned chances to add a fourth for the Reds. The Reds head into the international break with Salah having scored his 200th goal in English football, while the Bees will feel incensed regarding the potential Endo red card but all in all Liverpool were too strong for the visitors. 

Predicted: West Ham 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Result: West Ham 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Paqueta, Bowen, Soucek - Awoniyi, Elanga

Forest were the creators of their own problems here as on 3 minutes Dominguez played the ball off Sangare's back and the ricochet for Paqueta to score into the bottom corner. Forest looked to get back into the game when Awoniyi's header was saved by Areola and while West Ham looked to make breaks, it was Forest who got the vital next goal. On 44 minutes Gibbs-White had a shot parried by Areola and Awoniyi was on hand to score the rebound. The second half began fast as Awoniyi put a shot wide and Ward-Prowse saw a free-kick go narrowly over. Forest completed the turnaround on 63 minutes when Sangare found Ania, who found the unmarked Elanga to slot home. Just two minutes later and the Hammers were level when Bowen headed in from a Ward-Prowse corner. Soucek hit the bar after getting to a poor clearance by Ania before on 88 minutes West Ham scored the winner. Soucek did get the winner when he scored from another Ward-Prowse delivery to send the Hammers fans into the international break full of joy. 

Predicted: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City

Result: Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City

Thiago Silva, Sterling, Jackson, Palmer - Haaland x2, Akanji, Rodri

A mammoth game led to a mammoth result here as Chelsea  and Manchester City played out a thrilling draw. Chelsea had not won or even scored against City in any of their previous six encounter, but Pochettino sent his side out with determination. Palmer had an early shot blocked while Gallagher had an effort saved. Gvardiol and Alvarez produced similar for City, but in the 25th minute of the game got its first goal. Cucurella gave away a penalty and Haaland stepped up to score. Two minutes later Chelsea were level when Thiago Silva headed in from a Gallagher corner. Chelsea had their tails up and in the 37th minute they took the lead when Gvardiol's error allowed James to set up Sterling to score. Haaland and Foden wasted chances for City but Akanji got them level in the first minute of stoppage time when he headed in from Bernardo Silva's cross.

The second half began in lightning fashion as just two minutes in Alvarez was free of Cucurella and slide the bass across for Haaland to score. Chelsea did not let the goal knock them back, and instead pressed on looking for opportunities against last season's treble winners. They got their reward in the 67th minute when Jackson was on hand to pounce following Ederson saving from Gallaghers long range shot. Palmer and Malo Gusto both had good chances to add to the scoresheet for Chelsea, but in the 86th minute Man City looked to have won it as Rodri's long-range effort bounced in off Thiago Silva. However, in the fifth minute of stoppage time Chelsea won a penalty and former City academy graduate Palmer stepped up to stroke the ball home.

Table After Match Day 12

A look at the top half of the table and Manchester City sit top of the pile with Liverpool and Arsenal hot on their heels. Spurs sit in fourth, with Villa a point behind them. Manchester United occupy sixth a further 4 points back, while Newcastle remain a point off them in seventh. Brighton sit a further point back in eight while West Ham are in ninth and Chelsea sit in tenth.

As for the bottom half, and Burnley remain bottom with 4 points. Sheffield United sit a point ahead of them, with Luton a further point ahead. Bournemouth have a three point cushion to the drop zone, with Fulham a further three points ahead. Forest sit a point above them, with Everton a further point ahead and both Palace and Wolves sitting on 15 points. Brentford make up the bottom half a single point above them.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 12

1 — E. Haaland — Manchester City — 13 Goals
2 — M. Salah — Liverpool — 10 Goals
3— Son — Tottenham Hotspur — 8 Goals
4 — J. Bowen — West Ham United — 8 Goals
5 — C. Wilson — Newcastle United — 7 Goals

+ 5 players on 6 goal

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

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

We will be back again after the international break.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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