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 Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool all stumble while Brighton and Brentford keep defying the odds, Newcastle only managed a draw at home and Manchester City slipped up once again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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-21-preview-xmyweer 

 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was an bad weekend as I got 0/10 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/10 correctly in this round of games.

 

Predicted: Chelsea 2-2 Fulham

Result: Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

With their new superstars in the line up, including Enzo Fernandez and Mudryk, Chelsea failed to inspire confidence and have only managed seven goals in their last twelve league games. Enzo showed his quality from the off and what he will bring to this Chelsea side, with his range of passing and tackling while sitting just in front of the defence. Mitrovic was giving him plenty of grief, and at set pieces the Serbian looked most threatening, but Enzo and Chelsea held firm. Ziyech show wide from a lovely Enzo through ball, and just before the break Ziyech played a wonderful pass over the top for Havertz who hit it against the post. Pereira tested Kepa with a long-range effort for Fulham's best chance of the half, while Mudryk was less than impressive for Chelsea, giving the ball away and coming off second best in his duels, being replaced at the break by new man Madueke. Enzo tested Leno with a fierce long range effort after the break, while Palhinha shot over and Decordova-Reid testing Kepa, and William being involved all over in a fine display. As Chelsea upped the pressure late on Gallagher sent an effort just wide, and new striker Fofana took the ball around Bernd Leno but saw his effort blocked by Ream. In the end it was a draw, with Fulham taking four points against Chelsea this season in the league. As for Potter's side, the positives were the return of James and Chilwell, while Silva and Badiashile kept a third straight clean sheet, but the pressure will be mounting on this star studded side. Potter has only managed 20 points in his first 15 Premier League games, making him the third worst Premier League manager for Chelsea this early into their reign. Only in 1959-60 did Fulham (taking 3 points for a win) have more points secured after this many games in a top flight season.

 

Predicted: Everton 1-3 Arsenal

Result: Everton 1-0 Arsenal

Tarkowski

Arsenal came unstuck here as Everton benefitted from the new manager bounce, with Dyche seeing his team secure their first win of his tenure at a fired-up Goodison Park. The game kicked off with a plane flying overhead with a banner reading "League's worst run club #timetogoBill" but the crowd were roaring their side on nonetheless. It was a physical game, with Onana and Saka taking knocks before a series of Everton corners saw Saliba block from Tarkowski and Calvert-Lewin head wide. Arsenal had their chances, as Nketiah blasted over and Coady blocked Saka, while Calvert-Lewin nearly scored from an Onana low cross and Doucoure missed a free header. Calvert-Lewin wasted another good headed chance just before the break, and after half time Arsenal looked a different side as Odegaard just missed from a Nketiah cut back. On the hour mark however Everton got their reward, as Tarkowski was too strong for Odegaard at the back post to head home from a McNeil's corner. From there Arsenal never really managed to create anything of note, as Pickford saved from Trossard and both Saka and Trossard sent efforts wide. Their biggest shout was when Maupay collided with Gabriel in the box but there was no penalty given and Everton held on. The win was long overdue for Everton as they recorded their first league win since they beat Crystal Palace back in October. Arteta meanwhile has lost all three of his away matches against Everton in his managerial career, as they suffered their second league defeat of the season and opened the door for Man City to close the gap.

 

Predicted: Aston Villa 3-1 Leicester

Result: Aston Villa 2-4 Leicester

Watkins, Souttar OG - Maddison, Iheanacho, Tetê, Praet

A first win since November saw Leicester take advantage of the gluttony of errors by Villa in this thrilling encounter. Villa had the perfect start however as on 9 minutes Watkins opened the scoring after being alert to the rebound once Buendia hit the bar. That lead lasted only three minutes as Villa began to create their own problems, as Kamara lost the ball from a short Martinez's pass. Iheanacho collected it after Dewsbury-Hall harried, and played the ball to Maddison to slot home. Watkins wasted a glorious chance before Bailey forced a stunning save from Ward and then Buendia hit the post as Villa pushed for a second. They regained their lead when Digne found Watkins just inside the area and his pass come shot deflected in off Souttar's outstretched foot on 32 minutes. Four minutes before the end of the half and Leicester were level again, this time Barnes crossing for Iheanacho to score with a diving header. In the second minute of first half stoppage time the Foxes took the lead as Iheanacho played a lovely through ball for Tetê to round Martinez and the Shakhtar Donetsk loanee slotted home. Iheanacho could have added his second early in the second half but wasted a one on one as he shot wide, while Ward had to make a superb stop and then could only watch on as Watkins glanced the ball just wide. Tetê put two efforts wide for the Foxes, and Coutinho thought he had equalised in the 71st minutes before it was ruled out for offside against Douglas Luiz. For all their attacking play it was another mistake which undid Villa's good work, as what looked a simple long ball forward was mis-controlled by Moreno, allowing Praet to burst into the area and score. Leicester's Souttar became the first player to score an own-goal on his Premier League debut since Diop in 2018. It was also only the second time Iheanacho got two assists in a Premier League game in his career. As for Villa, Emery admitted after the game that his side lost confidence after their first mistake which led to their downfall.

 

Predicted: Brentford 2-1 Southampton

Result: Brentford 3-0 Southampton

Mee, Mbeumo, Jensen

Frank's side go marching on as they secured a deserved win over Southampton. Brentford had all of the ball in the first half but their final pass and finishing let them down. While Southampton had looked dangerous on the break, it was Brentford who created the best chance of the opening half when Toney played a ball over the top for Wissa, who rounded Banuzu before smashing the ball off the bar. Ward-Prowse had seen his cross shot from the Brentford box fly wide while Toney and Mbeumo both saw half-chances in the box blocked in a game lacking clear finishes. Eventually that all changed as a Brentford short corner led to Mbuemo's right-footed cross finding the onrushing Mee and he headed home the opener on 41 minutes. Three minutes later the Bees doubled their lead as Mbeumo and Dasilva combined on the right before  releasing Wissa on the left. He squared for Mbeumo to tap home beyond the stranded Banuzu. The second half saw Jones bring on Sulemana and Onuachu for the Saints after the away fans had booed their side off at half time. Toney saw a close-range shot cleared off the line by Salisu for Brentford as they looked to build on their lead, while Walcott saw his own effort cleared off the line by Pinnock. It was Brentford who got their deserved third goal though, as Schade set up Henry, who crossed for Jensen to head home from close range on 80 minutes. The Saints fans sang anti-Jones songs as the game wound down to a close, with plenty of disdain aimed at the manager. Jones admitted in his post match interview that he had compromised his style in ways and would not be making that mistake again, while Frank was bullish after the game saying his side could beat Arsenal next week if they play to their best. Southampton have now lost four of their last five in the league, while Brentford have won four of their last five league encounter.

 

Predicted: Brighton 2-0 Bournemouth

Result: Brighton 1-0 Bournemouth

Mitoma

A late goal was needed by Brighton to secure the win here, but the Seagulls managed it and continue their impressive campaign which sees them in realistic contention for European football next season. Caicedo was welcomed back into the squad but had to settle for a place on the bench, as Brighton started brighter and Welbeck had a goal ruled out in the opening minutes. Mepham had a good chance for Bournemouth but could only hit the side netting as the away side made use of their new signings. Undav then had a myriad of chance which saw an effort blocked, saved, and then he hit the post when it looked like the Brighton striker would finally score. Ouattara thought he had a penalty after being brought down by Estupinan, but VAR waved it away to the fury of the Bournemouth bench. Welbeck then wasted a chance just before the break as Bournemouth held on, which led to a scrappier second half. Bournemouth look to counter and look a threat but were let down by Semenyo's decision making. Ouattara tested Sanchez as Bournemouth nearly got their goal, but in the 80th minute Brighton struck. Sarmiento played in a wonderful cross from the left an Mitoma was on hand to head into the top corner and steal the three points for the Seagulls. With 20 games played, Brighton already have ten wins and are on course for their best ever top flight campaign. The Cherries meanwhile have lost their last six away games and are now winless in their last eight matches across all competitions.

 

Predicted: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace

Result: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

Fernandes, Rashford - Schlupp

United extended their winning run at Old Trafford here as they held on following a Casemiro red card to secure the three points. It took only five minutes for United to get their chance, as VAR alerted the referee of a blatant handball in the area, allowing Fernandes to dispatch his spot kick on 7 minutes to give United the lead. Weghorst saw a header saved and Fred sent an effort narrowly wide as United pushed on, as Palace began to grow into the game. However, the Eagles were wasteful with the ball and a 25-yard drive from Schlupp was the best they could produce in the first half. In the second half Palace looked a different side, creating chances and looking like their goal was coming, only to end up 2-0 down. United played with the ball around the edge of the Palace area before Shaw was played in to square it for Rashford to apply the finish on 62 minutes. United were cruising to three points but on 70 minutes Casemiro got himself an early bath for putting his hands around Hughes' neck during a 20-man melee, confirmed by VAR. Palace came alive from there, with Edouard letting off a warning shot, then Guehi headed straight at De Gea from a corner. Their goal did arrive on 76 minutes as Schlupp hooked Doucoure's wayward shot home. Eze then scuffed a chance wide as Ten Hag moved to a back five, but Palace pushed on. They should have been level when Olise cross was half-cleared by De Gea and allowed Mateta a free header at goal, only for it to go over. United held on to ensure they recorded their longest home win run in over a decade, while Palace will rue what could have been as they face further challenging fixtures in the weeks ahead.

 

Predicted: Wolves 2-2 Liverpool

Result: Wolves 3-0 Liverpool

Matip OG, Dawson, Neves

Another dark day for Liverpool and Klopp as his witnessed his side get torn apart, conceding two early and very sloppy goals to set the tone for defeat. The atmosphere spurred Wolves on from the off and Sarabia, on loan from PSG, lofted the ball in behind for Hwang, who cut the ball back and it deflected off Matip. From there it hit the far post and crept over the line on 5 minutes despite Alexander-Arnold and Allison's best efforts to keep it out. On 12 minutes it was two, as Neves' free kick found Cunha at the near post. His ball back landed for Kilman, and although his attempt was blocked, Dawson was on hand to fire the ball home. Liverpool clearly lacked intensity and Wolves might have had a third before the break had Nunes not been denied by Alisson after some sloppy play by Matip. Hwang was replaced by Traore towards the end of the first half, allowing Wolves to sit back in their shape for the second half and bring Liverpool onto them. Nunez tested Sa while Salah curled just wide, but they could not break down this stubborn Wolves defence. Wolves however found their magic moment on 71 minutes as Moutinho won the ball in his own half and found Traore. The winger played in Neves who scored from close range to end the contest. Wolves retained posession towards the end, somewhat toying with a confidence stricken and devoid Liverpool side. Klopp admitted his concern after the game, as they have lost three consecutive away Premier League games for the first time since April 2012. Their goals conceded in the opening five minutes of games this season is also the worst in the league with five conceded. As for Wolves, it was a huge win to ease their relegation fears and Lopetegui  has now seen his side win more of their last six Premier League games than they did in their first fifteen of the season. 

 

Predicted: Newcastle 2-0 West Ham

Result: Newcastle 1-1 West Ham

Wilson - Paqueta

Newcastle may have been patchy in the league of late, but following their qualification to the Carabao Cup final they started on fire here. Within a minute Willock scored, only to see it ruled out by VAR after the ball had gone out of play moments earlier. Undeterred, on 5 minutes Wilson opened the scoring as Longstaff threaded a ball into him and with plenty of space the striker scored. However, Newcastle seemed to settle down from there and really failed to test Fabinaski again for the remainder of the match. As the game ticked on West Ham grew into it and on 32 minutes Paqueta was on hand to get onto Rice’s corner and score. In doing so he ensured Pope did not become the first English goalkeeper to keep seven consecutive Premier League clean sheets. Just before the break Aguerd missed a great chance for West Ham as they pushed on, but Newcastle came back alive in the second half.  Saint-Maximin, making his first Premier League start since August, Wilson, and the introduction of £45m Gordon all went close for the hosts. West Ham held on, ensuring they are now on an unbeaten run of three games in all competitions. The result means Newcastle have now drawn four of their last five in the Premier League, having ten draws and ten wins from their 21 games so far. They have also struggled to get themselves on the scoresheet, with only two goals scored in their last five league games. However, them are still firmly in the race for the Champions League places and will hope to secure silverware come the end of the month.

 

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leeds 

Result: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Leeds 

Johnson

The away side dominated for the opening quarter of an hour in this one, with Leeds ensuring Forest could not even get out of their own half. Sinisterra had the best chance on goal from an Adams ball, but new Forest keeper Navas (yes the former Real Madird and PSG one) was equal to it. That led to Forest making their first attack and it led to their goal on 14 minutes. Johnson earning a free-kick from Struijk and from the ensuing Gibbs-White's delivery Johnson found the bottom corner of the net. From there Leeds went back to dominating, with Sinisterra wasting another great chance. Gnoto and Ayling twice tested Navas but the keeper stood strong. Changes at the break saw Forest stronger in the second half and allowed Leeds less dominance, as Gibbs-White tested Meslier with a header and Williams fired over. Sinisterra fired another effort straight at Navas for Leeds as they huffed and puffed but could not find a way to score. Forest kept their threat and Surridge curled an effort over, with Summerville firing over for Leeds in stoppage time to ensure they got nothing for their efforts. Forest have now managed three wins in their previous four, shooting them up the table and making the decision to not only back Cooper, but extend his contract earlier this season, look a masterstroke. As for Leeds, they sit dangerously close to relegation with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three as they have failed to win in the league since early November, back before the World Cup break.

 

Predicted: Tottenham 1-3 Manchester City

Result: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City

Kane 

A record breaking goal by Kane saw him become Spurs all time top goal scorer, and in the process he reached 200 Premier League goals quicker than even Alan Shearer managed. While City were dominating the ball in the opening period, it was Spurs who looked threatening on the counter. It only took until the 15th minute for Kane to break Greaves record as Spurs top scorer with 267 goals, when Rodri lost the ball on the edge of his own box, allowing  Hojbjerg to set up Kane for a first-time finish. Kane almost doubled the score from a set piece, while Mahrez smashed the crossbar just before half time. De Bruyne, starting on the bench, came on in the second half as the game became stretched. Spurs still looked the bigger threat, as Haaland was unable to get into the game. Kane passed up two chances just before the hour mark, and a long range strike from Alvarez was as close as City came. Romero got his second yellow card with three minutes left to encourage City on, but it was too late for them to impact the game. City have now lost all five of their games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the ground is certainly the bogey stadium for Pep and his side. They also passed up the opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal with the league leaders having lost to Everton the day before. As for Spurs and Conte, this was only their second league win in their last five but boosts their hopes and getting a top four spot as they sit four points off Newcastle.

 

 

Form Table

As an interesting stat which has come to my attention, thank to Football Daily, here is a look at the form table since the beginning of 2023. Not happy reading for Liverpool fans unfortunately.

 

 

Table After Match Day 21

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal remain on top despite dropping points, as City failed to close the gap. United are now three points off City in third, with Newcastle a further two points behind in fourth. A gap to fifth sees Spurs four points off the top four, with Brighton, Brentford and Fulham battling it out for sixth and seventh. The remainder of the top half sees Chelsea and Liverpool languishing in ninth and tenth, a point between them, and ten point off fourth. Liverpool do have a game in hand against the majority of the teams above them, but as shown above, form is against them, and that game in hand is away against Chelsea.

As for the bottom half, Southampton remain bottom with Bournemouth and Everton just above them in the bottom three. Leeds are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, with West Ham a further point ahead. Wolves and Leicester both got decent wins on the weekend and put a bit of daylight between themselves and the drop zone, but they are still only one or two bad results away from being dragged back into the bottom three. Forest have managed to build a healthy gap and sit level on points with Palace, with Villa making up the the of the bottom half and sitting only a point off Liverpool in tenth.

 

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 21

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 25 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 17 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 13 Goals
4 - A. Mitrovic -Fulham - 11 Goals
5 - Rodrigo - Leeds - 10 Goals 
6 - M. Rashford - Manchester United - 10 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.

 

 

** I first published this article on Medium on the 5th of February 2023, which can be found here: https://medium.com/@1r3n9project/premier-league-22-23-match-week-21-review-87f3f16fd788?source=friends_link&sk=e21fe90eb7d7fe9342a7752181c158dc **

 

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