Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent weekend while enjoying the latest matches, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This weekend saw Liverpool and Chelsea play out another draw, Villa continue their excellent form under Emery, Moyes relieve the pressure while it grows on Lampard, Haaland became the quickest player to score four hattricks in the Premier League, while United and Arsenal played out a thriller.

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-20-preview-xozyogw

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was a 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: Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea

Result: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

In Klopp's 1,000th game as a manager it was Chelsea who started quicker, having a goal ruled out on three minutes when Silva hit the post from close range from a Gallagher corner, but the rebound goal by Havertz is ruled out by VAR as offside. Liverpool grew into the game from there, with Bajčetić setting Salah away with a lovely lofted pass but his cut back to Gakpo was struck over. Gakpo stole the ball off hall just outside the Chelsea box but also snatched at this effort. Havertz began to dominate up front for Chelsea, getting in behind but picking the wrong option both times as Liverpool struggled to deal with his movement. Gallagher got a snap shot off of 25 minutes as Chelsea began to create the better chances. Just after the half hour mark Badiashile got on the end of a Ziyech cross but headed it straight at Alisson. Another set-piece minutes later say Havertz win the header but head it well wide, but it showed once again the vulnerability of Liverpool at set-pieces. Liverpool began to build pressure towards the end of the half, with Salah mishitting the ball in the box from a Gakpo knockdown first of all, and Thiago seeing a shot from the edge of the box deflect comfortably for Kepa to save. Keita found Salah in the box in injury time, but the Egyptian King lifted his shot over. Konate almost caught Kepa out with a lofted ball right from the off in the second half, as Liverpool looked like they meant business. As Liverpool pressed Chelsea in Salah managed to keep the ball alive in the Chelsea box which resulted in a Keita shot, but it was blocked. Moments later a Bajčetić header across the box saw Gakpo head over from close range. Next it was Robertson to set up Gakpo in the box, but his effort was blocked, as Liverpool had upped the tempo and pinned Chelsea back. Mudryk, the £88.5m man, was brought on it in the 55th minute to spark some life into Chelsea as Liverpool were dominating the opening period of the second half. Ziyech made a lovely driving run through the Liverpool defence but fired off at the decisive moment. Just after the hour mark Liverpool brought on their own star man when Nunez replaced Keita. Mudryk used his twinkling toes to dance through the Liverpool defence but blasted the ball into the side netting, as Chelsea began to become more dominant in the second half. Approaching the 70th minute and Nunez won the ball back before playing in Gakpo on the turn, who saw his first time shot saved by Kepa. Ziyech delivered a lovely sweeping ball from the right for Mudryk but the new man cannot control it, with Trent Alexander-Arnold introduced for Milner soon after. Chelsea began to dominate, with Mudryk being involved in everything, but a break saw Nunez racing in against Thiago but his shot was saved. Chalobah is forced off with an injury with ten minutes to go as both sides make a raft of substitutions. Nunez made it to the end line from a Jones pass and his cutback found Alexander-Arnold, but the right back blasted the ball over the bar. It was end to end with chances for both sides but the final score was a fair reflection on a tight game with neither side showing enough to secure the win, and continues the results of last season where these sides drew every game including the two domestic Cup finals. Azpilicueta made his 500th player for Chelsea in this one, becoming the first overseas player to do so and the sixth over all. 

Predicted: Bournemouth 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Result: Bournemouth 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Anthony - Surridge

New striker Wood made his debut for Forest following his move from Newcastle during the week, while Ouattara made his first start for Bournemouth. Forest started the brighter, with Gibbs-White drawing a save from Neto before Yates had a headed goal disallowed on the 13th minute. The Cherries grew into the game, and Moore managed to direct a close-range header over from a Zemura cross. Undeterred, Anthony got his side the lead on 28th minutes when Ouattara made a driving run on the right before crossing the ball for Anthony to control before firing the ball part Hennessey. Zemura tested Forest plenty, first seeing an effort blocked on the line by Worrall, before crossing to Christie who headed just wide. Yates went off injured for Forest just before the break and was replaced by debutant Danilo. Cooper's side were struggling to find a way back into the game with Gibbs-White shooting straight at Neto in the Bournemouth goal. As time was running out, on 83 minutes Johnson worked space on the right and crossed for Surridge to poke home and break Bournemouth hearts. Bournemouth had not registered a top-flight goal or point since November 12th prior to this game, although the point leaves them in the relegation zone only by virtue of goal difference. As for Forest, they have now managed 8 points in their last 4 league games as their impressive run has seen them pull away from the drop zone.

Predicted: Leicester 0-2 Brighton

Result: Leicester 2-2 Brighton

Albrighton, Barnes - Mitoma, Ferguson

In form Brighton were looking for their third league victory in a row here as they visited struggling Leicester, and De Zerbi's team looked more than capable. They started brightly but it took until 24 minutes for them to muster a chance, which came from a corner and saw Van Hecke head over. They did manage to take the lead just before the half hour though mark when Mitoma cut in off the left and curled the ball into the top corner past Ward. However, just before the break Leicester got back into it completely against the run of play. While Brighton had looked good for their lead, the leveller came when Barnes broke down the left and saw his shot blocked before Tielemans saw his effort blocked by a defender. The ball landed kindly for Albrighton to convert the rebound and score from close range. The second half saw Leicester show more intent and just after the hour mark they managed to get into the lead. Thomas flicked the ball on from a corner and Barnes was on hand to turn the ball home. The Foxes fans were dreaming of a first home win in two months, however it was not to be. Estupinan crossed the ball in from the left with two minutes of normal time to play and Ferguson was left unmarked to head in off the post. The youngster has made a huge impact for Brighton of late, as the Irish teenager has now scored three goals and two assists in his five Premier League appearances, having only made six appearance in the league for Brighton overall since signing for them in 2021. Leicester have not won in their last five league games and have now conceded ten goals across those encounters, while Brighton have managed to score 26 goals in their 13 league games under De Zerbi.

Predicted: Southampton 2-3 Aston Villa

Result: Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa

Watkins

The Saints had seen an upturn in form of late, highlighted by wins in both Cups and a victory over relegation rivals Everton last time out in the league. However, their performance was similar to the previous Southampton, getting only one shot in the entire first half. It was a quite and unentertaining first half, with the best excitement coming when a drone managed to stop play for 9 minutes before the break. Villa had managed over 70% possession in the first half but were wasteful with their finishing, as Bazunu stood strong to everything he faced.  The best chances for Villa came when Ramsey shot straight at the keeper, and Bailey put the rebound over the bar. Walker-Peters did have the ball in the net for the Saints but it was ruled out for offside. The second half had more excitement, with Ward-Prowse scoring as his deflected shot looped over Martinez just after the hour mark. However, after reviewing the VAR monitor the referee chalked it off due to a foul on Ramsey by Elyounoussi. On 77 minutes Watkins was left unmarked in the area and he was found by Douglas Luiz’s inviting free-kick to nod the ball home and steal the three points for Villa. The result marked Southampton's fourth consecutive Premier League home defeat. As for Villa, they have now secured 13 points in their last six league games, meaning only only five teams have won more points since the Spaniard officially took over on November 1st 2022.

Predicted: West Ham 2-0 Everton

Result: West Ham 2-0 Everton

Bowen x2

Things have gone from bad to worse for Lampard, as his side have now scored just four goals in their last eight Premier League games. They only managed five shots over the entire match, although they did start this one brightly. Everton passed the ball with good composure although were lacking that cutting edge, as West Ham were content to play on the counter. Mina should have opened the scoring but he smashed the ball over from close range, and on 33 minutes the Hammers pounced. Zouma won the ball from an Emerson cross which allowed Bowen to prod the ball home and open the scoring. Moments later it was two as Antonio crossed from the right and the ball deflected straight to Bowen, who finished from close range. Lampard changed things at the break, including moving Iwobi out to right wing back, but the change made little impact. Emerson saw an effort get tipped onto the bar and Rice sent a shot just wide as West Ham continued to create the better chances. The Hammers held on for a comfortable win to relieve the pressure on Moyes. Both sides had been on a seven-game winless run, but it is Lampard's who continue that run and remain in the relegation zone. They are level on points with bottom side Southampton, only off the bottom thanks to the better goal difference. The Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri attended his first Everton game since October 2021 after being advised not to attend Goodison Park last weekend. As the Hammers fans sang "You're getting sacked in the morning" at Lampard, it seems only a matter of time before he is relieved of his position. Everton are in real trouble and the toxic atmosphere around the club is not helping matter, and they look increasingly likely to be relegated from the Premier League for the first time.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 1-2 Newcastle

Result: Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle

Palace were stubborn in this one as Newcastle made it a one sided game in the first half. Joelinton, Burn, Wilson and Isak were wasteful as they saw the majority of their effort go straight at Guaita in the Palace goal. The first of these came from a Trippier corner, as Burn shot straight at Guaita. Joelinton then twice saw Guaita make two excellent saves, while Almiron had an excellent chance after good work from Willock but blasted the ball into the side netting. Palace created their own chances, as Zaha couldn't get himself in the right way to shoot, before Richards headed over from the resulting corner. After the break it was all Newcastle once again, as Wilson's close-range free header went straight to Guaita. Joelinton shot from 20 years but it was straight at the keeper, and when Palace had to withdraw Zaha from injury it seemed like only one side would go on to score. However, Palace created possible the best chance of the game when a high ball into Edouard created havoc before the ball found Mateta. He sent a driving shot towards the top corner and Pope had to stretch to keep the ball out in a save of the season contender. With time ticking on, both Isak and Schar headed straight at Guaita from close-range. Saint-Maximin could have won it in injury time when his close-range strike was deflected wide. Newcastle now have three goalless draws in their last four league games, and will likely need to invest in another attacker following the sale of Wood to Nottingham Forest. Palace meanwhile have yet to win in the league in 2023, but back to back draws sees them remain clear of the relegation dogfight for now.

Predicted: Leeds 0-3 Brentford

Result: Leeds 0-0 Brentford

Two sides in contrasting fortune met here, as Leeds looked to pull away from the relegation places while Brentford looked to break into the top six places. Leeds had only won two of their previous sixteen in the league and they did their best here to add another victory but were frustrated by Brentford. It was the visitors who made the better chances in the first half while Leeds took the ascendency in the second half. Raya in goal for Brentford had much more to do, as he was tested by Rodrigo, Aaronson, and even had to make a decisive save from Gnonto's second-half effort to keep the scores level. Leeds managed six shots on target while Brentford could not muster a single effort to test Meisler in the Leeds goal. It was a game lacking in real quality although when Bamford came on for Leeds he almost set up the winner when he played in Sinisterra a few minutes from time, but the substitute got the ball caught under his feet and was crowded out. Roerslev almost snuck it for Brentford in the dying moments as he fired into the side-netting at the far post. All in all Brentford's backline proved too stubborn while the lack of cutting edge from Leeds sees them only one point from the relegation places. Brentford meanwhile stay above the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea and are currently very much in the race for the European places.

Predicted: Manchester City 3-1 Wolves

Result: Manchester City 3-0 Wolves

Haaland x3

In less than an hour on the field Haaland got his fourth Premier League hattrick, and in doing so overtook the joint golden boot tally of Salah and Son from last season. However most of the first half was one to forget, as Wolves did their best to disrupt and stifle Man City's rhythm. The champions struggled to impact the game and the words of Pep from during the week, where he criticised the lack of fire from his players, were ringing true. However that all changed on 40 minutes, when De Bruyne played a lovely ball for Haaland to head home. From there City never looked back, as Grealish saw a penalty appeal denied and a shot cleared off the line just before half time. In the second half things continued the same, with Haaland getting his second on 50 minutes. This time it was from the penalty spot as Neves had tripped Gundogan inside the penalty box and Haaland took care of business. Three minutes later and he had his hattrick, this time from a Wolves error. Sa managed to somehow give the ball straight to Mahrez and he played it for Haaland to score the easiest goal of the day. On the hour mark Haaland was withdrawn but City continued to dominate, creating chances which Haaland likely would have finished had he been on the field. Wolves offered little and did their best to stem the home side, with Lopetegui having made three subs at the break to no avail. They will now have a break before their next game due to being knocked out of the FA Cup, and Lopetegui will likely use this time to fine tune his team and any more potential signings. As for Pep's side, they are burning hot and cold this season and the debate over Haaland will continue, but as long as he produces the goods and gets his goals, City will be happy with him. He has scored 18 goals in just 11 Premier League home games meaning he has overtaken Aguero's record from 2011-12 when the Argentine scored  at the Etihad.

Predicted: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United

Result: Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United

Nketiah x2, Martinez - Rashford, Saka

The two most in form teams in the league faced off here, as they produced a pulsating contest reminiscent of both their former glory days. Arsenal applied the early pressure, but it was United who opened the scoring on 17 minutes when Rashford got the ball midway inside Arsenal's half before nutmegging Partey and hitting a 25-yard drive into the bottom corner. Arsenal did not let it dampen them, as seven minutes later they were level. Nketiah got on the end of a Xhaka left wing cross to head home at the far post. Both sides went close from there, and the rest of the half flew by with neither managing to beat the opposition keeper. The second half started in similar fashion and on 53 minutes it was Saka who turned into the hero. He drifted in from the right hand side before unleashing a beautiful shot which curled through the bodies and beyond De Gea in the bottom corner of the net. Six minutes later and United were level this time, as Ramsdale palmed a corner straight out for Martinez to loop a header over Gabriel on the line and into the net. Arsenal kept pushing, bringing on Trossard for his debut. and got their reward in the 90th minute. VAR reviewed and reviewed but the goal was given after the post and De Gea had kept Saka out before Nketiah touched home Martin Odegaard's mishit shot to sent the home fans wild. Arsenal are now five points clear of City with a game in hand, having gotten an amazing 50 points at the halfway mark of the season. They have plenty of tough tests ahead but now unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League games. United meanwhile have failed to win in any of their last five away games against Arsenal. 

Predicted: Fulham 2-1 Tottenham

Result: Fulham 0-1 Tottenham

Kane

Kick off was delayed by 18 minutes due to rail issues, and when the game did kick off it was played at a frantic pace as Fulham dominated. The Cottagers pinned Spurs back in their own half, only slowly beginning to play their way into the game. Fulham failed to make the most of their dominance as Decordova-Reid and Reed tested Lloris while Mitrovic put a header narrowly wide. From there, Davies shot over from Hojbjerg's low cross and Royal forced a save from Leno. Son had a late tackle on Tete and avoided a red card, leaving Fulham feeling aggrieved as he played a key role in the Spurs goal. Hojbjerg played the ball into Son, who turned and played it into the path of Kane. He swivelled away from Ream and drove a shot into the far corner for his 199th Premier League goal in first half stoppage time. After the break Kane headed the ball too close to Leno when he should have gotten a second, and Spurs defended resolutely while keeping the hosts at bay in a second half devoid of any great chances. Mitrovic did threaten for Fulham on occasion, but he sent one effort wide and another header over the bar, with Solomon  also forcing Lloris in a save with a curling effort. Spurs held on and secured the three points after their back-to-back losses against Arsenal and City, giving life to their top four hopes. Kane's goal moved him level with Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time leading scorer on 266 career goal for the club. As for Fulham, they have lost 13 of their last 15 Premier League games against Spurs.

Table After Match Day 20

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal remain comfortably on top after their win over United. City are chasing in second and five points behind having played a game more, while Newcastle and United sit level on points in third and fourth. Spurs closed the gap to fourth down to three points with their win, while the gap between sixth and tenth, containing Brighton, Fulham, Brentford, Liverpool, and Chelsea, is just two points.

As for the bottom half, Southampton, Everton, and Bournemouth make up the bottom three, with Wolves only out of it on goal difference. West Ham, Leeds, and Leicester are a point further ahead of them, while Forest have opened a gap and will feel safe for now. Palace and Villa complete the bottom half.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 20

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 25 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 16 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 13 Goals
4 - A. Mitrovic -Fulham - 11 Goals
5 - Rodrigo - Leeds - 10 Goals 

+ 2 players on 9 goals

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

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

Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the review of the weekends matches.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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