Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent weekend while enjoying the recent round of Premier League matches, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. Chelsea got their first win of the season, Postecoglou wins again, Arsenal faltered while City and United picked up wins, and Liverpool played a classic with Newcastle.
You can find the preview for this round of games here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/premier-league-202324-match-week-3-preview-xlgjnex
Week Predictions & Final Results
So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 1/10 correct scores this week with many predications just one goal off. In terms of match-winner/loser, I had an strong weekend where I managed to predict 5/10 correctly in this round of games.
Predicted: Chelsea 1-1 Luton
Result: Chelsea 3-0 Luton
Sterling x2, Jackson
An interesting stat was shared during this game which shoved Chelsea have spent £3 Billion since the summer of 1992, while Luton have spent £30 million. Pochettino got his first win in a game where a vibrant mood saw Sterling have an effort blocked by Lockyer before volleying straight at Kaminski. His third attempt, on 17 minutes, resulted in the opening goal after Chong sliced wide for Luton. Caicedo, Gallagher and Enzo all combined before Gusto found Sterling, and the Englishman beat Giles before scoring in the bottom corner. Chelsea were content with their lead at the break, but the second half saw Chilwell pass to Sterling when it looked easier to score. Jackson drew a block from Kaminski, who also saved from Enzo, while Giles saw an effort for Luton deflect off Gusto and was saved by Sanchez. On 68 minutes Sterling was found by Gusto to sweep home and double the lead, before on 75 minutes Sterling found Jackson to complete the win. It was the strikers first goal for the club and Pochettino was delighted he was off the mark. Luton meanwhile were applauded off for their efforts and Edwards was delighted with the fight his players put in.
Predicted: Bournemouth 1-3 Spurs
Result: Bournemouth 0-2 Spurs
Maddison, Kulusevski
In the heavy rain on the South Coast Spurs were in for a rough challenge from the off, but overcame early bruising blows to Romero, Udogie, and Maddison to take the lead on the 17th minute. Porro and Bissouma combined passes before the ball went to Sarr, who found Maddison's late run for a scuffed shot into the goal. It was his first for Spurs but he could have had a second moments later only for Neto to save. Sarr and Son both went close while Bournemouth ended the half strongly through Christie and Billing. After the break Solanke and Semenyo had efforts go close, while soon after Postecoglou took off Richarlison after another frustrating display by the Brazilian. Spurs second goal arrived on 63 minutes when Udogie got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Kulusevski to curl home. Maddison put an effort wide on 70 minutes and Perisic survived a VAR call for a shove on Aarons as Spurs held on for a win. This was Spurs first away clean sheet in the league in nine games and Kulusevski's first goal in twenty league games since January. The Cherries lost at home as they have conceded the opening goal in 25 Premier League games since last season, while Iraola has not seen one of his sides (Rayo Vallecano & Bournemouth) keep a clean sheet in 17 games in all competitions.
Predicted: Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Result: Arsenal 2-2 Fulham
Saka, Nketiah - Pereira, Palhinha
Arsenal were not at their best in their first games and once again it showed here. Saka's loose pass in the opening minute allowed Pereira to bend the ball past Ramsdale. Arsenal regained their composure and went close with Havertz before Jimenez stopped Martinelli and Odegaard saw a goal ruled out for offside just before the break. Jimenez almost got a second for Fulham with an overhead kick, and they continued to threaten after the break, but Tete gave away a penalty in the 70th minute to allow Saka to level the scores. Two minutes later and Nketiah put them ahead as he turned in Vieira's cross, although Bassey had been down and Arsenal had played on without putting the ball out. Bassey received a second yellow card for bringing down Nketiah in the 83rd minute to make things even more difficult for Fulham, but Palhinha managed to turn in from a corner in the 87th minute. The away fans were delighted at the final whistle with Arsenal forcing Diop to clear from under his own bar at the death, but it was a deserved and hard earned point. Arteta will need improvement and expressed his belief that Havertz will improve as time goes on. For now the Gooners are nowhere near their levels from last season, and time will tell whether or not they can find that level once again.
Predicted: Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace
Result: Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace
Schade - Andersen
The Bees were the stronger side from the off here, but struggled to break down the Palace defence. Edouard broke clear on the break in the games first real chance Pinnock denied him with a block. Wissa headed over but soon Brentford made the breakthrough. Norgaard played Schade in down the left on 18 minutes before firing past Johnstone. Ayew and Eze has efforts before the break for Palace, while Wissa and Collins saw headers go over at the other end. After the break Eze was on the ball more having moved to the flank, and Palace looked more threatening. Edouard's free-kick was palmed over by Flekken on 68 minutes and Lerma's header was saved from the resulting corner before Ayew had an effort blocked on the line. On 76 minutes Ayew clipped a ball to Andersen down the right and the defender managed to beat Flekken in the goal. Ayew put an effort wide late on when he could have won it, but a share of the points was deserved in the end. Both Hodgson and Frank will be happy with the result and performance of their sides, as they both look to build on impressive work last season.
Predicted: Everton 1-1 Wolves
Result: Everton 0-1 Wolves
Kalajdzic
Both these sides knew the implications of this game, being a six pointer of two relegation contenders in August. Both had lost their opening games and Danjuma, making his first Toffees, forced the first save. Tarkowski hit the side netting and Danjuma put a Patterson cross wide. Wolves meanwhile struggled and failed to have a shot on target in the opening half. In the second half Fabio Silva saw his goal ruled out for offside on 57 minutes after he headed home Pedro Neto's cross. Silva then wasted another chance after a mix-up between Jordan Pickford and Tarkowski. Then Pickford made a super save from Neto's deflected free-kick. From there Sa stopped Doucoure's downward header at the far post. Doucoure then had a goal ruled out by offside on 78 minutes, Substitute Kalajdzic then headed home from Neto's cross on 87 minutes to steal the point for Wolves. Not since since 1990-91 have Everton lost their opening three league games of a season. Wolves meanwhile managed to make it three consecutive away league wins against Everton for the very first time.
Predicted: Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Result: Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Eriksen, Casemiro, Fernandes - Awoniyi, Boly
United have been slow in their opening games so far this season, and Forest took full advantage here. They took the lead in the 2nd minute when Awoniyi raced through with Rashford chasing him and he sat Onana down before finishing. Two minutes later and Gibbs-White's right-wing corner was headed in by Boly under some very slack defending. Rashford found Eriksen on 17 minutes to get one back but Casemiro wasted a chance to draw level. Forest had their own chances but Awoyini blocked his own shot and Gibbs-White wasted passes found their targets. The second half saw Casemiro score in the 52nd minute after Fernandes and Rashford linked up. Worrall was sent off in the 67th minute for hauling down Fernandes, before Danilo gave away a penalty for a lunge on Rashford in the 76th minute. Up stepped Fernandes to put United ahead and the Red Devils held on for the win. It showed the weakness in the United defence as it was the earlies they had ever been 2-0 down in the Premier League, inside three minutes and 47 seconds. Awoyini has now scored in seven consecutive games in the league, becoming the first African to do so and first Forest player ever.
Predicted: Brighton 3-1 West Ham
Result: Brighton 1-3 West Ham
Groß - Ward-Prowse, Bowen, Antonio
West Ham looked rejuvenated since their win over Chelsea last weekend, and its a far cry since they lost 4-0 in a demoralising game back in April. It took 19 minutes for the Hammers to go ahead when Ward-Prowse finished an Antonio cross at the second attempt. West Ham then made sure to maintain a solid structure to frustrate and deny the goal threat of Brighton while providing their own attacking threat. It was after the break that the game came alive, as Ferguson tested Areola before West Ham countered on 58 minutes through Benrahma who found Bowen sprinting 82 yards to collect his pass and finish coolly. On 63 minutes they got their third as Antonio beat Webster for pace and power before a fine finish. On the 81st minute Groß scored to lift the home fans, but West Ham and Areola stood firm. Dunk and Ferguson had chances but the Hammers took the three points and moved above Brighton in the table. After the excellent opening games for Brighton this will be a knockdown but De Zerbi will make the most of it.
Predicted: Burnley 1-3 Aston Villa
Result: Burnley 1-3 Aston Villa
Foster - Cash x2, Diaby
It was another big win for Villa as it only took Cash 8 minutes to get his first goal as he slid in to poke home Watkins' cross. He got his second on 20 minutes when Cash laid the ball off for Diaby on the right before smashing home the resulting cross. Cash then went for a spectacular volley but his effort was blocked, and Watkins had an effort saved by Trafford. Olsen in the Villa goal had little to do in the opening half, but after the break Gudmundsson headed the ball back into the back on 47 minutes and Foster was on hand to score. Olsen denied Delcroix a debut goal from a corner, but on 61 minutes McGinn played in Digne, who found Diaby at the back post to make it three. Watkins was denied by Trafford soon after as Villa should have gotten another, Zaniolo almost scored on his debut with a deflected effort. Cash shot wide late on and Zaniolo flashed a powerful effort just over, but it was a comfortable win for Villa in the end. After their tough opener against Newcastle, Villa have bounced back and will secure their place in the Conference League group stage on Thursday. Burnley meanwhile have plenty to do under Kompany as they are still without a point on the board, but have played only twice so far.
Predicted: Sheffield United 0-4 Manchester City
Result: Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester City
Bogle - Haaland, Rodri
City were without Pep as Lillo stepped into his role, and City saw Ake have a goal ruled out early on as Rodri had been offside in the build-up. Foderingham saved an Alvarez effort from close range, but soon after City won a penalty. The ball hit Egan in the arm, but Haaland hit the post with his spot kick. The fans were growing in belief as Sheffield United made it to half time at 0-0. After the break Haaland missed another effort from a Walker cross, and saw Foderingham another chance. On 63 minutes things changed as Grealish managed to pick out Haaland at the back post for the striker to score. However, on 85 minutes Sheffield United drew level when Walkers made a silly attempt at a backheel, and then Sheffield attacked down the right and Bogle beat Ederson. The joy did not last long as a missed Haaland header allowed Foden to tee up Rodri to score on 88 minutes and steal the points with an effort into the top corner. Ahmedhodzic almost got a late equaliser in stoppage time but it was not to be as City maintained their perfect start. United are still without a point as they are struggling in the top flight but have plenty of time to turn things around.
Predicted: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Result: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
Gordon - Nunez x2
Newcastle have not beaten Liverpool since December 2015, although it looked like that would change here. Alexander-Arnold seemed lucky not to get a second yellow for a push early on, and in the 25th minute he failed to control a pass. This allowed Gordon to run through and score past Alisson. Two minutes later things got worse as Van Dijk made a bad tackle on Isak and got sent off. Almiron saw an effort come off the post and Alisson palmed away, but Newcastle struggled to find a second. Liverpool sensed they could get back into this and on came record signing Nunez, who produced his finest moments since signing. The ball was not controlled by Botman in the 81st minute which allowed Nunez to pounce, and he raced in to fire low past Pope. In the third minute of injury time Salah played a beautiful ball for Nunez to run in behind and score the winner. The win means Klopp has 11 wins in a row over Howe, which is a new league record, while also winning with ten men for the second game in a row. Newcastle have work to do if they are to ensure they are regular top four contenders, having recently lost to Manchester City. Liverpool were the only side to beat them twice last season, and have managed to secure the first win between this sides. Howe's assistant should possibly refrain for antagonising Liverpool again.
Table After Match Day 3
A look at the top half of the table and Manchester City lead the way with a perfect record, followed by West Ham, Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal on 7 points. Below them are Brighton, Villa, and United on 6 points. Brentford and Chelsea make up the top half.
As for the bottom half, and Everton are bottom of the table. Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United all have 0 points. Above them are Bournemouth with a point, then Wolves, Forest, and Newcastle with 3 points. Fulham and Palace make up the bottom half.
Top Goal scorers After Match Day 3
1 — B. Mbuemo — Brentford — 3 Goals
2 — S. March — Brighton — 3 Goals
3 — T. Awoniyi — Nottingham Forest — 3 Goals
4 — E. Haaland — Manchester City — 3 Goals
5 — A. Isak — Newcastle — 2 Goals
6 — L. Diaz — Liverpool — 2 Goals
7 — Y. Wissa — Brentford — 2 Goals
+ 11 players on 2 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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