Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent week so far, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This round of fixtures saw Forest lose once again, City dropped points once again, Chelsea and Newcastle got back to winning ways, while United and Liverpool failed to reach the expected heights during their goalless draw.

There was also the horror of Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer being stretched off following extensive medical attention during the match with Bournemouth, The game was called off although Lockyer was confirmed as being 'alert and responsive' afterwards.

You can find the preview for this round of games here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/premier-league-202324-match-week-17-preview-xnknxyr 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 0/9 correct scores this weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I only managed to predict 1/9 correctly this weekend.

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 3-3 Tottenham

Result: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Tottenham

Richarlison, Kulusevski

Ange's side dominated the ball in the opening exchange of this contest but were incapable of finishing off their chances. While Spurs were being sloppy Forest began to grow into the match, although the home side went without a shot on target throughout the first half. Around the 30 minute mark former Tricky Tree Brennan Johnson was forced off for Spurs with an injury after he collided with Boly in the air. Skipp took his place on the field and as the half drew to a close Spurs got their opening goal with their first real moment of quality. Kulusevski crossed in a beautiful ball for Richarlison to head home in the second minute of stoppage time. After the break Forest looked stronger, as Boly had a wild shot early on and right before the hour mark Williams' cross was turned home by Elanga only for VAR to call offside. In the 65th minute Spurs made Forest pay when they doubled their lead. Kulusevski was alert to get to a loose pass from Turner following some excellent pressing by Son and the Swede set himself before smashing home. Spurs looked comfortable but in the 70th minute Bissouma got his marching orders following a studs up challenge on Yates. Forest continued to press for a goal in the final 15 minutes and in the 84th minute Vicario made a superb save to keep Toffolo's header out. Williams' had an effort come off the post and onto the keeper in the dying moments but Forest could not find a way back into the game. Spurs have now scored in 15 consecutive away league games for the first time since August 1985. Forest meanwhile are without a win in any match where Awoniyi has not started this season, with the striker clearly being missed by Coopers side.

Predicted: Bournemouth 3-1 Luton

Result: Bournemouth 1-1 Luton - GAME CALLED OFF IN THE 58th MINUTE

Unfortunately for football fans the game had to be called off here in the 58th minute following Tom Lockyer collapsing on the field and requiring serious medical attention. The same player also collapsed for Luton in the Championship Playoff Final last May and there will be serious concern from all within the football community for his safety. Fingers crossed he will make a full recovery and be back in good health soon. 

Predicted: Chelsea 1-2 Sheffield United

Result: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United

Palmer, Jackson

The most astounding fact from the first half at Stamford Bridge was Chelsea failing to muster a shot in the area at home for the first time since 2010. It summed up a first half where Sheffield United worked to frustrate the hosts and even went close to scoring when Archer's effort deflected just wide. Pochettino's side came out looking much better in the second half with the Blues scoring twice in the opening quarter of an hour to end the contest. The first came in the 54th minute when Palmer played Sterling in down the line and his cross was turned in by Palmer. In the 61st minute it looked like Sterling was about to win a penalty after being knocked over in the area, but as everyone held their breadth Palmer reacted and played the ball to Jackson for their second. While Chelsea dominated the ball in the match and Wilder's tactics to stifle worked well in the opening period, the Blades couldn't find a way back into the game. Chelsea won consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since October 2022. Chelsea will hope this marks the beginning of a prolonged run of good form, while Sheffield United couldn't make it two wins on the bounce and remain bottom of the pile.

Predicted: Manchester City 2-0 Crystal Palace

Result: Manchester City 2-2 Crystal Palace

Grealish, Lewis - Mateta, Olise

There were audible boos ringing out from parts of the Etihad as Pep's side dropped points against Palace and missed the chance to move into second. Palace have a great record away to City, having won two and drawn one of their last five prior to this one. It seemed like normal business for City as they dominated the opening periods, finally breaking the backline of Palace in the 24th minute when Foden turned before playing in Grealish. City did not build on their opener, and before the break Palace tested Ederson from a free-kick after the keeper had raced out of his box and slid in on Olise. City came back out and looked to wrap up the game, getting their second goal in the 54th as Grealish's pass to Rodri allowed Lewis to finish off the move and score. Palace still battled on and after getting their first shot on target, the Eagles got one back in the 76th minute. Schlupp controlled Guehi's pass before crossing for Mateta to score and make the home fans somewhat nervous. Even though Palace produced little they were right to be, as in the fifth minute of stoppage time Mateta nipped in ahead of Foden to win a penalty. Up stepped Olise to slot home and secured a huge point for Hodgson's side, who have not won in the league since the 4th of November. City were denied their first home league victory since the same 4th of November round of matches and will be heading off to the Middle East for the Club World Cup and not playing in the league again until after Christmas.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-2 Fulham

Result: Newcastle 3-0 Fulham

Miley, Almirón, Burn 

Any chance of Fulham winning a third game by 5-0 was boosted when injury hit Newcastle had Schar pull up in the 11th minute with a hamstring injury. The drama did not stop there, as Jimenez jumped into the head of Longstaff in the 22nd minute. Thankfully there were no serious injuries but the striker saw his yellow then upgraded to a red by VAR. Newcastle looked to take advantage and Gordon saw an effort hit the underside of the bar. Fulham had their own threat on the counter as Iwobi had an effort stopped by Dubravka. Youngster Miley then came on as Joelinton was forced off injured on 36 minutes. The second half was more football focused and Newcastle found their rhythm in the 57th minute as Miley fired across Leno following plenty of Newcastle pressure. In the 64th minute Almirón doubled the score when Gordon played in Wilson, who was bundled over by Robinson but the ball fell for the Paraguayan to score. With nine minutes of normal time to play Burn got their third when he finished at the second attempt from a Guimaraes' cross. Wilson hit the post in injury time and Botman made his first appearance in three months as Newcastle look to move on from their Champions League elimination. Fulham meanwhile have been brought back down to earth following their recent excellent run, while Silva claimed the referee changed the game when Jimenez got his sending off.

Predicted: Burnley 1-1 Everton

Result: Burnley 0-2 Everton

Onana, Keane

The Toffees made it four wins in a row as Dyche made his first visit to Turf Moor since his sacking in April 2022 after ten years of managing the club. The game was a one-sided affair during the opening 45 minutes as Burnley's defence were far too open against their opponents. McNeil headed wide from Harrison's cross but in the 19th minute Trafford could do nothing as Onana rose above him to head in. In the 25th minute Everton doubled their lead when Tarkowski's header down fell for Keane to score at the second attempt. Everton were cruising as Burnley were lacking at set play defence. Godfrey was on hand to stop Amdouni just before the break and Burnley brought that attacking mantra into the second period. Foster tested Pickford while Garner's free-kick was saved by Trafford. Keane hit the woodwork from an acute angle near the hour mark as Everton looked to wrap things up, but Amdouni forced a saved from Pickford and Berge hit the woodwork as Burnley looked to force their way back into the game. Foster headed wide from Brownhill's free-kick late on but it was not to be as Everton held on for a huge victory. The Toffees are now the second best team on the road this season with 16 points, bettered only by Spurs with 18 points. Burnley have now managed to lose eight of their nine Premier League home games this season as Kompany's side continue to be outshone at the higher level.

Predicted: Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

Result: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Jesus, Havertz

Arsenal moved back to the top of the table as they stopped Brighton getting a fourth consecutive win at the Emirates. Arsenal dominated as Saka tormented Milner down the wing but his crossed didn't result in anything. Odegaard shot wide and Jesus wasted a number of chances as Brighton struggled to deal with the hosts. Martinelli then shot over from a Saka cutback before Saka fired over before the break. After the restart Arsenal continued where they left off and in the 53rd minute got their reward. Jesus was on hand to score after van Hecke only fliced on Saka's corner. Dunk had to clear a White header off the line while Odegaard, Havertz and Saka wasted other opportunities. Gross almost got one back but sent a Mitoma cutback just wide before Rice forced another save. Finally Arsenal got their second in the 87th minute when substitute Nketiah played in Havertz to score his fourth goal in seven games. The win ensured Arsenal moved back to the top of the table before Liverpool played United, with Arteta's side taking advantage of City dropping more points. Brighton meanwhile will know they put their energy into progressing in Europe and this was always going to be a tough ask.

Predicted: Brentford 0-2 Aston Villa

Result: Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa

Lewis-Potter - Alex Moreno, Watkins

The Bees were up against it here as Villa came into this game on back-to-back home wins against Manchester City and Arsenal and qualifying top of their Europa Conference League group in midweek. Damsgaard had the first effort of worth when he tested Martinez. Both Cash and Ramsey wasted good chances for Villa before Brentford made them pay just before the break. In the 45th minute Lewis-Potter was quickest at a corner to score. After the break Villa dominated possession but struggled when it came to creating chances. The Bees had the bigger threat as Wissa's header was saved by Martinez following a Damsgaard corner, The game changed when Mee got sent off for a high challenge on substitute Bailey, and six minutes later the sides were level. In the 77th minute it was Alex Moreno who headed in at the back post from Bailey's cross. It did not take long for Villa to find the winner as in the 85th minute Watkins was on hand to score as he headed in from Kamara's flick-on at a corner. Watkins celebrations infront of the Brentford fans, one of his former clubs, sparked a big melee and yellow cards for Konsa and Ghoddos. The tempers did not end there as Martinez managed to spark another brawl when he lifted Maupay off the ground. Emery sprinted down the line to calm things down but Kamara shoved Yarmolyuk in the neck to get a red card while Emery got a yellow. This feisty encounter saw Villa take the three points in a match which has seen Brentford now drop 17 points from winning positions. Villa meanwhile have won 25 Premier League games in 2023 making it the most ever top-flight wins for the club in their history.

Predicted: West Ham 1-1 Wolves

Result: West Ham 3-0 Wolves

Kudus x2, Bowen

The Hammers followed up their European exploits to put the new Wolves defence under pressure from the off. Bentley, in goal for the injured Sa, was tested early by a number of Bowen corners but the Wolves defence managed to survive until they 22nd minute. From their own corner Wolves could only watch as Dawson cleared for Paqueta, who in turn released Kudus to race away and score from a low shot. Cunha forced a save from Fabianski as Wolves look to get back into the game, but in the 32nd minute they conceded once again. Lemina cut out a pass before playing it to Paqueta, who found Kudus in space behind Toti. The Ghanian got past Dawson and got his second goal of the game. Bowen hit the post before the break as West Ham looked to close out the game, and although Wolves improved after the break it was West Ham in control. Before the hour mark a nice Wolves move saw Sarabia turn the ball in but VAR ruled it offside. Cunha fired over and Lemina puts some efforts wide before Paqueta got his third assist in the 74th minute. This time he combined with Bowen to release the Englishman in to score past Bentley. Coufal got a second yellow and his marching orders before the end of the match but West Ham held on for a first clean sheet since September. Wolves meanwhile will need some much improved performances going forward but O'Neil will be assured his side is up for the challenge.

Predicted: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United

Result: Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United

Liverpool's perfect home start to the season was ended as Manchester United managed to hold the Reds to a scoreless draw at Anfield. The biggest game of the weekend did not live up to it hype and United put in a much better performance compared to their 7-0 drubbing last season. Liverpool had their new stand partially open to have their biggest ever crowd at Anfield as 57,158 spectators witnessed the match. Klopps side had three corners within the first four minutes to pile pressure on United, but they held on by slowing the game down and thanks to Salah and Szoboszlai being wasteful with passes. Van Dijk forced a good save from Onana in Liverpool's best opening following an Alexander-Arnold corner. Konate wasted a similar chance by heading at the keeper as the sides went in level at the break. The second half saw Mainoo release Garnacho down the left but as he closed in on goal Alexander-Arnold got a strong tackle in. Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield and Gakpo came on but the Reds struggled to score, with Alexander-Arnold shotting into the side netting after a burst into the box. Hojlund managed a break and forced Alisson into a fine save in what could have been a winner for United on the counter. Diaz was just beaten to a Salah pass by Onana and Konate wasted a shooting chance from a corner as the Reds failed to score when Gomez hit the side netting and Gakpo headed over. Dalot was shown a red card in stoppage time for two quick-fire acts of dissent but Liverpool could not make the advantage count. Liverpool had 34 shots, their most in a Premier League game on record in which they failed to score. Onana completed the most passes of any Manchester United as he looked assured and a key cog in United's play, although he benefitted from some wasteful Liverpool shooting as he made eight saves.

Table After Match Day 17

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal are back on top with 39 points. Liverpool sit in second a points behind, with Villa in third on goal difference. City make up the top four but sit five points off the leaders. Spurs sit a point behind in fifth, with Newcastle in sixth on 29 points. A point behind them are Manchester United, with West Ham a point behind them and Brighton a further point back. Chelsea make up the bottom half on 22 points.

As for the bottom half, Sheffield United remain bottom with Burnley ahead only thanks to goal difference. Luton remain in the final relegation place with a point more, while Forest moved down to seventeenth and only five points above the dotted line. Everton are ahead of them with 16 points, while Palace sit a point above them. Bournemouth, Wolves and Brentford are all level on 19 points, while Fulham make up the bottom half on 21 points.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 17

1 — E. Haaland — Manchester City — 14 Goals
2 — M. Salah — Liverpool — 10 Goals
3— J. Bowen — West Ham United — 10 Goals
4 — Son — Tottenham Hotspur — 9 Goals
5 — O. Watkins — Aston Villa — 9 Goals
6 — D. Solanke — Bournemout — 9 Goals

+ 1 players on 8 Goals

Check out my 2023/24 Season 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 over the weekend.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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