Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. This weekend saw a thumping for Chelsea as Potter visited his old side, Leicester being resilient but Man City always find a way, a late comeback for Spurs, Diego Costa well and truly is back, and Newcastle showing they mean business.

If you would like to check out the preview on this round of games it can be found here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1-sports/premier-league-2223-match-week-13-preview-xwyrywz?a=olejZqrzej

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was an interesting week as I got 0/10 correct scores this week, but in terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 6/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Leicester 2-3 Manchester City

Result: Leicester 0-1 Manchester City

De Bruyne

City dominated both possession and territory from the off in this one, as Leicester went with a fluid shape changing from a 3-4-3 to a 5-4-1 as they withstood their opponents for the opening half. Ward was rarely tested, making routine stops but nothing that looked like it could break a Leicester defence which had three clean sheets in their previous three games. After the break it all changed as City showed why they are they champions, upping their play to the next level and almost took the lead from the off as Rodri fired a low drive inches past the post. Just 4 minutes after the restart and Grealish won a free kick 25 yards out. Up stepped De Bruyne to hit a gorgeous strike over the wall in what is his seventh goal from outside box since start of last season. The match became more open from there, and Maddison's corner found Tielemans on the edge of the area, only for Ederson's outstretched hand to push the Belgian's first time volley onto the bar. The Foxes pushed on looking to get level but City managed to hold on, sending them top at the time with Arsenal not playing until the following day. City haven't conceded a first-half goal in any of their last eight Premier League fixtures, while the 35% possession was Leicester's lowest in a game this season.

Predicted: Bournemouth 0-1 Tottenham

Result: Bournemouth 2-3 Tottenham

Moore x2 - Sessegnon, Davies, Bentancur

An impressive comeback from Spurs saw them score in added time to secure the three points and put an end to the recent misery Conte has endured. Bournemouth had taken a shock lead on 22 minutes after Solanke released Tavernier down the right to set up Moore for an excellent finish into the bottom corner. Spurs could have been level just after the half hour mark when Sensi headed against his own post, but Spurs showed little else. The second half continued in simialr fashion, as on 49 minutes it was 2-0 and a second for Moore when he headed home from Smith's cross. That sparked Spurs into life, as on 57 minutes they got one back when Hojbjerg played a defence-splitting ball to release Sessegnon who scored off the post. Perisic, who came on for Royal, delivered a corner to the back post on 73 minutes for Davies to head home and level the scores. The final nail in the coffin came in the second minute of added time when Bentancur volleyed home from close range. Spurs avoided a fourth game in a row without a win, but they have conceded first in their previous three league games. Bournemouth have now conceded the most goals in the league this season, with 28 going into the back of their net.

Predicted: Brentford 2-0 Wolves

Result: Brentford 1-1 Wolves

Mee - Neves

This game was pretty open during the opening 45, with both sides figuring each other out after a lack of goals from either in the past couple of games. Podence had a shot saved by Raya when he should have done better, and Costa got on the end of Podence's cross at the near post but flashed a header wide. Wolves were looking threatening but Brentford upped their tempo and saw two good chances missed by Toney and Dasilva. The rythm was stopped though as injuries hit both teams, with Jensen replaced by Damsgaard after a repeated problem on his leg and Moutinho on for Nunes after he picked up a shoulder problem from a collision with Yoane. The first half ended with both sides failing to register a shot on target, but it all changed after the break. Five minutes in and Mee put Brentford ahead, as the defender produced a sensational acrobatic effort to score past Sa. Two minutes later and Wolves found the net, when Traore and Semedo combined on the right to feed Neves on the edge of the area for the Portuguese to finish past Raya. Wolves got the upper hand and both Podence and Costa passed up good chances, before Wissa headed wide for Brentford with a good opportunity. Toney had a good chance late on, but it was Costa who stole the show, albeit for all the wrong reasons. He earnt his first Premier League red card for an off-the-ball headbutt on Mee, which VAR assisted in awarding to dampen the away fans spirits. 

Predicted: Brighton 1-1 Chelsea

Result: Brighton 4-1 Chelsea

Trossard, Loftus-Cheek OG, Chalobah OG, Groß - Havertz

Potter suffered his first defeat as Chelsea manager, and it was against his old side. Amusingly, the home fans were signing "You're getting sacked in the morning" towards their old manager while also booing him, but the Brighton players really showed their class on the field. From the off Brighton looked the more threatening, with Thiago Silva needing to clear the ball off the line on 3 minutes. Two minutes later and Brighton were ahead, as Silva's poor pass bounced off Trossard and landed for Mitoma to race into the area and play the return for Trossard to score by lifting the ball over the onrushing Kepa. Less than ten minutes later it was two, as Brighton were on top with an array of corners, with March seeing his corner going in off Loftus-Cheek. Only then did Chelsea seem to wake up, as Gallagher saw his effort saved and Pulisic putting the rebound wide. Sterling then set up Gallagher with a delicious cross but Sanchez was equal to it. Caciedo skimmed the post for Brighton, and they finally got their third three minutes from the break as Estupinan crossed into the box and Chalobah poked the ball into his own net. Kepa, who took a knock before the break was replaced by Mendy, and Chelsea showed an excellent response after the break, getting on the score sheet after three minutes when Gallagher played in a cross for Havertz to head home. Sanchez had to keep out Mount's cross, as both sides continued to see chances. Mendy played a pass straight to Mitoma, who picked out Trossard, but his chip was saved. Despite Chelsea mainly dominating the second half it was Brighton who sealed the win with a goal two minutes into stoppage time. Enciso forced two saves from Mendy but Groß was on hand to force the ball into the net. It was the first time Brighton have ever beaten Chelsea in league football, as well as De Zerbi's first win as Seagulls manager. 

Predicted: Crystal Palace 2-1 Southampton

Result: Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton

Edouard

It was all Palace from the off in this one, as Zaha shot narrowly wide and Edouard missed when trying to poke home. It set the tone going forward for the half as Eze pulled the strings, twice going close with low efforts. Palace thought they finally had the lead when Edouard clinically finished, but Olise was deemed offside in the build up. Soon after Zaha nicked in the win the ball off Lyanco, and played in on to Mitchell, who squared for Edouard to get his goal on 38 minutes. The second half saw a much improved effort from the Saints, as Adams wasted a one on one by shooting straight at the keeper. Soon after Armstrong hit the foot of the post, and Adams wasted another good chance. It wasnt to be as they put the pressure on Palace, who held on for the three points. Vieria has now overseen his side win three home league games in a row, the first time since May 2018. Southampton meanwhile have now suffered defeat on their three previous league visits to teams located in London.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-0 Aston Villa

Result: Newcastle 4-0 Aston Villa

Wilson x2, Joelinton, Almirón

The Toon army are flying high right now, and they will have real dreams of breaking the dominance of the top six this season. They brought Villa back down to earth here, at a stadium where Villa had not won at in over a decade. The majority of the first half was fairly even, with Villa holding off the attacking threat of Newcastle. Stoppages for injuries, including to Villa goalkeeper Martinez which saw him subbed off, stopped any flow and rhythm to the game. Almirón had forced a fine save from the only real chance of the first half, until in stoppage time when Young gave away a spot kick when his arm blocked Almirón's cross. Wilson stepped up and slotted home, in a manner that continued into the second half. Just 11 minutes into the second half and it was two, as Wilson placed a lovely shot into the inside of the far post. Villa collapsed from there, as three minutes later it was Joelinton's turn to score. Wilson and Willock tore through the Villa defence with Wilson seeing his shot saved, allowing the Brazilian to slot into the empty net. Another fine performance by Almirón saw him score once again, as on 67 minutes he drove inside from Wilson's pass and looped the ball over Olsen to make it four. Wilson could have made it five late on only to be denied by the woodwork, while Murphy was inches away from getting his own goal. Villa can look forward to new life as Unai Emery takes charge this week, pending a work permit, while Newcastle will be brimming with confidence as they sit comfortably in the top four. 

Predicted: Fulham 3-1 Everton

Result: Fulham 0-0 Everton

Anthing but a bore draw was on show here, as there was plenty of action even with the clinical final touch. Everton started bright, nearly scoring from the off when Mykolenko's cross found Gray but his shot was tipped over by Leno. From there Fulham came to life, forcing three fine saves from Pickford, from Willian's close range effort, Mitrovic's flick from a corner, and Reed's shot from the D. Calvert-Lewin then failed to get on the end of Gray's ball as the game opened up. The half ended with a spate of bookings and disgruntled managers for players not getting booked, but no goals. Silva, facing Everton for the first time since being sacked by them 3 years ago, was aggrieved by the lack of a penalty for Willian within the opening minutes of the second half after Gueye had appeared to foul the Brazilian. Mitrovic then headed wide from a Pereira cross, before Willian twice more tested Pickford. Calvert-Lewin rightly had a goal ruled out for offside as chances appeared for both sides, and while Fulham pushed on in search for a winner and putting Everton were under pressure, both sides held on to secure a hard earnt point. 

Predicted: Liverpool 3-0 Leeds

Result: Liverpool 1-2 Leeds

Salah - Rodrigo, Summerville

It was a fast opening here, as Liverpool and Salah were nearly gifted the lead by Leeds, only to do the opposite and allow Leeds to take the lead on 4 minutes. Gomez played a blind pass back to his keeper as Alisson slipped at the wrong moment to allow Rodrigo to score into the empty net. Liverpool were level ten minutes later, as Alexander-Arnold crossed to the other side of the box, with Robertson collecting it and playing it back into the middle for Salah to apply a cool finish. Aaronson thought he had restored the lead just after 20 minutes when his header crashed off the bar. Nunez failed to get the ball out from under his feet and Rodrigo failed to beat Alisson when set clear by Aaronson before the break. The second half started well for the Reds, with Thiago playing a lovely ball into Nunez who just couldn't control it, before moments later Nunez played a teasing ball towards Salah which Meslier cut it out. Leeds managed to put some pressure on Liverpool but couldn't really muster any chances. Henderson and Jones came on and almost instantly Liverpool had a chance with Nunez doing a clever dummy to allow Robertson a fierce shot which was saved just after the hour mark. On 67 minutes it looked like Nunez would score after Salah stole the ball from Cooper and played the striker in, but Meslier stood strong to save. From there Liverpool applied the pressure, with a series of corners but nothing coming from them. Nunez forced a great save from Meslier on 78 minutes with a long range effort, with Leeds breaking from the resulting corner and only for an awful touch by Bamford he was in to score. As Liverpool pressed on it was Leeds to struck, with Summerville scoring on 89 minutes after the ball is played in from the left and Bamford somehow lays it off before its struck into the far corner of the net. The result means Liverpool have now won 4, drawn 4, and lost 4 of their opening 12 games of the season, and Van Djik has lost his record of 70 games at Anfield in the league without defeat. For Marsch it is a much needed confidence boost to his side after their recent run of defeats.

Predicted: Arsenal 3-1 Nottingham Forest

Result: Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest

Martinelli, Nelson x2, Partey, Ødegaard

The Gunners got back to winning ways with an emphatic victory at home here, as Forest were helpless against the league leaders. They started bright and fast and were ahead within 5 minutes, when Saka crossed for Martinelli to head home. Arsenal continued to cause Forest problems, with Jesus shooting over the bar and Martinelli seeing an effort blocked on the line. The downside saw Saka have to come off with a muscle injury, which saw Nelson come on in his place. Forest held on for the rest of the half and began to show some belief, but four minutes into the second half they were two down. Nelson saw his initial shot parried by Henderson but manage to tuck home the follow up, for his first goal in the league since July 2020. His second came only three minutes later when he got on the end of a Jesus cross to flick it into the net. With Arsenal flying, the match was over as a contest on 57 minutes when Partey scored with a beautiful long-range strike. Arsenal did not let their foot off the pedal, and continued to threaten the belated Forest side. Ødegaard got his goal on 78 minutes after recieveing a Jesus pass and delaying his shot before shooting high into the net. Jesus had two golden opportunities late on to get in on the scoring but Henderson saved when one on one and missing from two yards out following a Vieira corner. The win sends Arsenal back top of the table, while Forest are brought back to reality after their win over Liverpool last weekend.

Predicted: Manchester United 2-1 West Ham

Result: Manchester United 1-0 West Ham

Rashford

It took the 100th goal of Rashford for United to secure all three points here, he became the 22nd player to score 100 goals for the club. Amazingly, United have also extended their record of featuring a homegrown player in every matchday squad for the past 85 years. It wasnt an easy game though, as United struggled early on and West Ham grew into the game. Benrahma and Bowen enjoyed space as United's defence was haphazard, but failed to really test De Gea. Eriksen linked up well with Bruno on 38 minutes before the Dane crossed into the box for Rashford to head home the opening goal. Rashford had another good chance early in the second half but shot wide, and from there United began to sit back and invite the pressure from the away side. Dalot was to thank for keeping the Hammers out, while Ronaldo wasted three chances in three second-half minutes to double the advantage. Antonio came on and gave West Ham added presence but Dawson shot over from distance and Benrahma saw his shot saved by De Gea on the second attempt. Zouma almost scored six minutes from time with a neat flick but a stunning save from De Gea kept his sides lead intact. Fred missed the chance to put the game to bed as he headed against the frame of the goal, and both Bowen and Rice were denied by Maguire and De Gea in added time. It was Rashford's seventh headed goal for United which won them this one as United have now won 11 of their last 15 games in all competitions. West Ham meanwhile have managed to lose 11 away Premier League games in 2022.

Table After Match Day 13

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal continue to lead the way with a two point lead over Man City. Spurs and Newcastle make up the top four, while United, Chelsea, and Fulham occupy the remaining European places. Liverpool have dropped to 9th and are 8 points off the top four, while Brighton will have real hopes of challenging for a European spot. Palace make up the top half of the table.

As for the bottom half, Forest, Wolves, and Leicester make up the bottom three. Southampton, Villa, and Leeds are all a mere point above the relegation zone with Bournemouth a further point ahead of them. West Ham, Everton, and Brentford will also be keeping an eye over their should as only 4 points separate 11th from 18th.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 13

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 17 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 10 Goals
3 - A. Mitrovic - Fulham - 9 Goals
4 - I. Toney- Brentford - 8 Goals
5 - M. Almirón - Newcastle - 7 Goals   
6 - L. Trossard - Brighton - 7 Goals

+ 5 players on 6 goals

Check out my 2022/23 Season Preview and Predictions here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction

Also check out my review of the group draw and prediction of the Champions League for this season here: Champions League 2022/23 Prediction

I hope you enjoyed the matches this weekend. We will be back again next weekend for the next round of fixtures. Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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