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 week saw a shock defeat for Man City at home, strong wins for Arsenal, Liverpool, United and Newcastle, while more drama for Tottenham saw them come from behind to win once again.

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-15-preview-xyewmno

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was an bad week as I got 1/10 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 4/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Manchester City 3-0 Brentford

Result: Manchester City 1-2 Brentford

Foden - Toney x2

He may not have made the England World Cup squad but Ivan Toney showed the best possible response by getting the first and last goal in this contest. City could have been behind in the 4th minute when Onyeka burst through and Toney saw his effort saved, but Toney got his first on 16 minutes when Mee headed on a free-kick and Toney out-jumped Aymeric Laporte to flick the ball over the goalkeeper. Twice City thought they would get a penalty, first as VAR ruled Henry had handled the ball just outside the area, and the second when De Bruyne went down from a Henry challenge in the box. It took until first half stoppage time but Foden popped up to get his goal as he struck a half-volley home. The start of the second half saw Gundogan miss a clear chance and Haaland struggle to make an impact in the game. His return to the side could not inspire them to find the winning goal, and eventually it was Brentford who stole the show. In the eight minute of stoppage time, mainly added due to a knock for Laporte, Dasilva played a perfect pass across the six-yard box and Toney was there to finish it off. This result ended Manchester City's run of 20 games unbeaten at home in all competitions, having won each of the previous 16 games. Amazingly, this was the first away win of the season for Brentford, when enter the World Cup break on a high.

Predicted: Bournemouth 2-1 Everton

Result: Bournemouth 3-0 Everton

Tavernier, Moore, Anthony

Another massive win for the Cherries after they knocked Everton out of the Cup during the week, and there are big things to ponder for Lampard over the World Cup break. The first goal came on 18 minutes when Pickford was at fault, as he failed to hold on to a Solanke shot and Tavernier was on hand to apply the finish. The second goal arrived on 25 minutes with a lot of controversy attached to it. Tarkowski had gone done in his own box after a tussle with Solanke, and Billing dispossessed Patterson on the byline to force the save from Pickford. From there the ball was kept alive and Moore rose above Mykolenko to direct the ball into the roof of the net. Lampard was furious but the goal stood. Cook could have seen red for a two-footed challenge on Onana but retained his yellow as VAR decided he had got the ball. After the break Everton improved, with Gueye shooting over early on but soon after Pickford had to make quick saves from Solanke and Tavernier. Tarkowski headed over before Patterson volleyed off target but on 69 minutes Bournemouth got their third. Anthony ghosted in behind Iwobi to meet Lewis Cook's free-kick and head home to kill off this contest. It was a well deserved second win for Bournemouth over Everton in the space of a few days, and lead to the home fans chanting "Can we play you every week? You're not famous anymore". Lampard will need to do a lot of hard work with these players as since the start of last season they have earned fewer away points than any other ever-present side in the Premier League, with just 3 wins from 27 away games. 

Predicted: Liverpool 4-1 Southampton

Result: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Firmino, Nunez x2 - Adams 

The ruthless Liverpool of old was on display here, as they responded to everything the Saints could muster by scoring three goals in the first half and effectively ending the game in the first 45 minutes.  It was a frantic opening period, with Liverpool opening the scoring on six minutes as Firmino flicked in Robertson's free kick, before three minutes later Adams did the same from Ward-Prowse's cross at the other end to level the scores. The frantic start was a timely welcome for new Southampton manager Jones in the dugout, but he learnt the harsh reality of top-flight football as Liverpool took control of the game from there. Salah was denied a tap in by Banuzu but just after 20 minutes Nunez got his first. Elliott played a lovely ball over the top from the right and Nunez raced in to hit the ball into the far corner. Firmino then saw a close range effort of his own saved, before on 42 minutes Nunez got his second, this time meeting a Robertson cross to fire past the onrushing keeper. After the break both Salah and Firmino wasted good headed chances, but from there it was the Saints who had the better chances.  Alisson made three superb reflex saves to keep them out as Elyounoussi, Edozie, and Adams saw good chance go begging. Van Djik saw a header go narrowly wide from a corner late on as Liverpool held strong to claim the three points before the World Cup break. The two assists from Robertson today means he is now the Premier League joint top assisting defender in Premier League history with 53, tied with Leighton Baines. James Milner also came off the bench today to mark his 600th Premier League appearance, joining the elite club of only himself, Gareth Barry, Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard.

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Crystal Palace

Result: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace

Gibbs-White

It was a lacklustre performance from Palace which saw them lose out here, with their main man Zaha failing to deliver as he has so often done this season. It was Zaha who kicked his penalty wide after being dragged down in the box by Worrall in the first half. While Palace had been the better of the two sides in the opening half, that was their only real notable chance of scoring. They were outplayed by an improved Forest side in the second half and the hosts grabbing a deserved winner nine minutes into the restart when Gibbs-White turned home a rebound after Guaita had denied Johnson. It was checked by VAR and given as Forest maintained their lead for the rest of the encounter. Palace struggled to create and Vieira will be worried by this showing, although maybe some players have their mind elsewhere with the World Cup coming up. Lingard had a great chance for Forest to double their lead but could not connect with Johnson's cross, as the home side are now undefeated in five matches at the City Ground. It was a missed opportunity for Palace who could have won three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since June 2020.

Predicted: Tottenham 3-1 Leeds

Result: Tottenham 4-3 Leeds

Kane, Davies, Bentancur x2 - Summerville, Rodrigo x2

A stunning comeback here saw Spurs take all the points after Leeds had three times gone into the lead. Spurs conceded the first goal in a game for the eight time in a row when Summerville scampered behind Eric Dier to finish past Hugo Lloris after 10 minutes. Kulusevski posed the biggest threat for Spurs, but it but was Kane who hammered home a leveller after 25 minutes. It didn't stop Marsch's side though, who kept going forward at every opportunity, as Aaronson was the driving force. It was two minutes before half time when a recycled corner fell for Rodrigo to half volleyed his finish past Lloris and restore their lead. The second half was just as action packed, as six minutes in Davies was on hand to fire home after Kane had seen his effort blocked. Leeds regained control of the match and pinned Tottenham back, getting their reward on 78 minutes. Rodrigo scored a brilliant finish into the top corner after Bentancur had wanted a foul in midfield but Leeds played on. The Spurs man got his revenge for what he felt was injustice, as he made it 3-3 when firing home via a deflection off Ayling before the crowd roared Spurs straight back onto the attack from kick off, where Kulusevski caused chaos in the Leeds defence before picking out Bentacur to seal the winning goal. Spurs have scored 10 goals from corners in the Premier League this season and have recorded an impressive  31 goals in 15 games in the Premier League overall. Leeds meanwhile saw Summerville and Rodrigo became the first pair of teammates to both score in four consecutive Premier League games for a specific team.

Predicted: West Ham 2-2 Leicester 

Result: West Ham 0-2 Leicester 

Maddison, Barnes

While the result was another excellent one for Leicester in their recent upturn in form, it was the sight of Maddison going off after 22 minutes which had all England fans worried.  "He's fine, just precautionary really. A little bit of soreness on the side of his knee. He's ok" according to manager Brendan Rodgers. It was Maddison who got things going for the Foxes as he scored after 8 minutes, as Dewsbury-Hall crossed into the area and the ball was helped onto the England International by Daka. Amartey nearly added another after a fine run after twenty minutes, and soon after Maddison went down clutching his lower leg. West Ham grew into the contest after that, with Benrahma and Paqueta missing chances. Bowen was played through before cutting the ball back for Soucek to hammer home before the break but it was ruled out for offside. The Foxes got a penalty before the break after Dawson's clumsy foul on Daka inside the area, and after VAR review, Tielemans saw his spot kick saved. West Ham continued to probe for the equaliser in the second half, with Rice picking out Paqueta in their best chance but his fizzing cross found nobody. Soon after Leicester doubled their advantage as Perez drove through the middle before picking out Barnes in behind to score beneath Fabianski. West Ham have now suffered nine defeats in their first 15 league games this season, while Tielemans failed to score with a penalty for the first time in eight attempts for Leicester in all competitions.

Predicted: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

Result: Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea

Willock 

Another massive result for Howe's side as they ensured they will sit in third place on Christmas Day, compared to languishing at the bottom of the table at the same time last season. It was a very tepid first half, with the best chances of both sides seeing Almiron volley over at one end and Broja force a routine save at the other. The second half saw Newcastle begin with more urgency, as they smelt blood, but it was Pope who had to make a sprawling save in the 65th minute to deny Gallagher's curling shot. Two minutes later and Newcastle were ahead, as Almiron embarked on a jinxing run before finding Willock who applied the finish with a first-time shot. Koulibaly did himself no favours in the move with a half hearted challenge on Almiron. In what was a tense and nervous ending, tempers were heated and faired as Chelsea searching in vain for a goal and Newcastle fought tooth and nail to hang on. Howe's side have now amassed 30 points this term, a total they did not reach until March last season, sitting only two points behind Man City. Newcastle have now won five consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2014 and they are unbeaten in 10 league games for the first time since 2011. As for Chelsea, Potter is their first manager to lose three league games in a row since Mourinho in November 2015, who lost his job soon after.

Predicted: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

Result: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

Ødegaard x2

It was a game which saw top face bottom here, and Wolves frustrated the Gunners in a goalless first half at Molineux as new boss Julen Lopetegui watched on from the stands. Things could have gone very different if Wolves had been awarded a penalty, when it looked like Saliba had fouled Guedes in the box but nothing was given. Prior to that Jesus had an early effort ruled out for offside and Sa tipped Saka's deflected cross over, while Xhaka was taken off with illness on 15 minutes and Wolves remained potent on the counter. Jesus wasted two chances before the end of the half but did clip the top of the Wolves crossbar. Guedes pounced on Saliba's blind pass only to see his shot deflect past the post as Wolves finished the half strong, but in the second half Ødegaard opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Jesus played Vieira in behind and his fizzed low cross into the box was finished off by the Norwegian, with Saka running in to finish it if Ødegaard had not got to the ball first. Martinelli was denied by Sa with 15 minutes to go but Ødegaard rifled the rebound into the bottom corner to secure the three points as Arsenal will now remain on top at Christmas. As for Wolves, they will stay bottom of the table meaning Lopetegui will have a tough task on his hands. Arsenal are also the only side to have scored in every Premier League game this season while conceding the lowest in the league, 11, and securing the joint-most clean sheets with 7.

Predicted: Brighton 3-2 Aston Villa

Result: Brighton 1-2 Aston Villa

Mac Allister - Ings x2

Another big win for Villa since Emery took charge, and an early goal was no surprise between these sides with their league high of goals in the opening 15 minutes between them. It was in the opening minute that Brighton took the lead, as Luiz was caught napping in possession by Mac Allister who went in on goal and finished past Martinez. It did not deter Villa, who were level on 20 minutes when Buendia threaded a quality ball through for McGinn, who got to it before Dunk, and won a penalty off the defenders challenge. Ings stepped up and netted his 100th career league goal. Brighton were flat in their attacking play, allowing Villa to restrict them to just two shots in the first half. In the second half it took nine minutes for Villa to take the lead, as a looping Buendia header came back off the post and in the next phase Luiz robbed Mac Allister to release Ings in the box. The striker weaved his way past Dunk before his low strike deflected past Sanchez. From there it was a case of strong defensive play from Villa as they held off the attacking threat of Brighton, earning seven yellow cards in the process. Colwill saw his header from 10 years go off target in the best chance for Brighton, but it was not to be for the Seagulls. Ings has managed to score four goals in four Premier League games since Steven Gerrard lest his position as manager. De Zerbi has now lost four of his eight game in charge of Brighton, while drawing and winning two apiece in the other games.

Predicted: Fulham 2-2 Manchester United

Result: Fulham 1-2 Manchester United

James - Eriksen, Garnacho

It was a game that saw Fulham start the better of the two side, with the lack of Dalot at right back meaning Malacia, who was playing out of position, was targeted and often saw success for Fulham down his side. However, the Cottagers were lacking that final pass, meaning they could not capitalise on their fine work. It was on 14 minutes when United pounced, as Casemiro nicked the ball off Cairney before Eriksen started the attack which he finished off from Bruno's cross. De Gea was kept busy with the Fulham attacks, but he met everything thrown at him. Martial wasted good efforts for United, while Eriksen wasted a chance to score a second for United. In the second half United picked up where they left off but could not finish any of their chances. Just after the hour mark substitute James equaliser when his finished off from Cairney's centre. United struggled to regain a foothold in the game and Fulham had opportunitites to take the lead, but it was Garnacho who had the final say late in added time. He had been lively on the left once he came on and finished low from Eriksen's pass to seal the three points. The win sees United just three points off top four with a game in hand, while Fulham remain in the top half heading into the World Cup break.

Table After Match Day 15

A look at the top half of the table and another strong performance from Arsenal means they sit comfortably at the top of the table, five points ahead of Man City. Newcastle and Spurs make up the top four, with United and Liverpool chasing behind. Brighton and Chelsea both fell off the pace as they lost, while Fulham and Brentford make up the top half.

As for the bottom half, Wolves sit bottom of the table with Southampton just ahead of them. Forest have climbed into 18th and are a single point behind Everton and West Ham. Leeds are a mere point ahead of them while Bournemouth are three clear of the drop. Above them Leicester, Villa and Palace make up the bottom half.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 15

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 18 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 12 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 10 Goals
4 - A. Mitrovic - Fulham - 9 Goals
5 - Rodrigo - Leeds - 9 Goals   
6 - M. Almirón - Newcastle - 8 Goals

+ 4 players on 7 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 and the final result of the Champions League along with how my predictions worked out can be found  here: Champions League 22/23 Groups

You can find my updated predictions after the Round of 16 Champions League draw here: Champions League 22/23 Round of 16 Draw & Prediction

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

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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