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 Arsenal drop points at home, Spurs get torn apart, a late comeback for Wolves, Newcastle drew once again, the Manchester clubs back to their best, and a Merseyside Derby which saw Liverpool looking back to their old selves.

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-23-preview-xddpgdn 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was an interesting week as I got 1/10 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea

Result: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea

Emerson - Joao Félix

A disappointing result for both sides here, as the reality is both needed the win to boost their poor seasons so far. Chelsea started brightly, and for a team who had not scored in over 3 hours of league games, they had two early goals ruled out. The first saw Felix having one ruled out for offside, although soon after he made up for that by getting on the end of Enzo's cross and turning the ball home on 16 minutes. Prior to all that however, West Ham lost star man Paqueta to a suspected dislocated shoulder. On 23 minutes it was Havertz turn to have a goal ruled out, as he skipped around Fabianski after a Mudryk through ball but Havertz was offside. On 26 minutes, and its was a former Chelsea man who levelled the game as Emerson got on the end of Bowens flick at the far post. Chelsea looked the more dangerous, as Madueke forced a save from Fabianski. In the second half the new attacking threat of Chelsea faded, as West Ham grew further into the game. James saw a free-kick flash wide while Havertz headed another wide, but it looked like West Ham had stolen the points late on when Soucek got on the end of the rebound after Rice saw his initial effort from a free kick saved. VAR ruled Rice had been offside though, and Chelsea were up in arms late on as Gallagher's effort struck the hand of Soucek in the box, but the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene. The second half saw no shots on target from either side, while this ended up being the third draw in a row for Chelsea in the league. Top four hopes are all but gone for Chelsea, while West Ham find themselves deep in the mix of the relegation battle. Potters side have now gone nine away games without a win in all competitions, and scored only their eight goal in their last twelve league matches.

Predicted: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

Result: Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

Trossard - Toney

For the second game running Arsenal have dropped points, and with their midweek clash with Man City coming up, this could be a massive change in how their season plays out. Brentford could have been ahead after five minutes when Toney beat Zinchenko and crossed for Henry who put the ball wide. Six minutes later and the Bees did have a goal, when Mbeumo got on the end of a Toney pass, but the whistle had already been blown and play was called back. Toney then missed his own chance as Brentford looked the better side, only being let down by their finishing. Ramsdale then saved from Toney and Mee saw a header blocked on its way in, as Arsenal began to slowly grow into the game. Martinelli volleyed narrowly over from a Xhaka knock down, but in the second half Arsenal brought more intensity to their game. Their goal game from substitute Trossard in the 66 minutes after they finally broke Brentford down, with the Belgian getting on the end of a low Saka cross to tap into from close range. The lead didn't last long however, as Brentford hit back through Toney on 74 minutes. The striker got on the end of the ball after a game of head tennis had ensued in the Arsenal box ending in Norgaard knocking it down and the striker applied the finish. VAR reviewed for a possible offside but the goal stood to the dismay of the home crowd. The end was far from over, and both sides had chances before the end, with VAR needing to review a possible penalty for Brentford but it was not to be. Arsenal held on but saw their lead only extend to six points with City still to play, and they face the reigning champions at home on Wednesday. As for Brentford, they have five wins and five draws in their previous ten and are looking more and more like serious contenders for a European place this season.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 0-2 Brighton

Result: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton

Tomkins - March

It has been four years since Brighton managed to win against Palace, and while form suggested they would end that run here, it was not to be. Palace have not won in all competitions since early November but Brighton struggled to break them down, with Guaita making some smart early saves from Mac Allister. Brighton dominated the midfield with Caicedo and Gross controlling the game with the World Cup winner, but it was Mitoma who should have gotten the opener. The winger saw an effort saved by Guaita, while Estupinan struck the bar. Mateta forced two blocks from Webster as Palace provided some threat in the opening half, but it was just after the hour when Brighton finally got their goal. Estupinan crossed from the right and with Mitchell unaware it allowed March to sneak in and apply the finish. Brighton continued to dominate and looked like they would add to their tally, causing the home fans to turn on their side. Vieira was facing a fourth defeat in six games before Tomkins dragged his side level on 69 minutes. It all came about from Brighton's own keeper, as Sanchez dropped a cross under no pressure to allow the defender to head home. Mac Allister headed wide and put a volley straight at Guaita as Brighton looked to press on and get a winner, but it was not to be and the points were shared. Vieria has seen his side endure a difficult time of late, and they are slipping closer and closer to the relegation places as the games go by, sitting seven points above the drop zone after the game. Brighton meanwhile missed the chance to close the gap on the top four as they look to push on under De Zebri and secure European football next season.

Predicted: Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Result: Fulham 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Willian, Soloman

Having been unbeaten so far in 2023 Nottingham came into this game in high spirits, but Fulham brought them back down to earth with a fine home performance, which included the home side hitting the post three times. To be fair to Forest their plans went out the window on seven minutes when both Boly and McKenna picked up injuries in the same move and had to be taken off. Fulham took advantage and Mitrovic saw a header go over the bar, but 17 minutes took the lead when Willian curling the ball home after a Pereira free kick had seen both Willian and Decordova-Reid have shots at goal. Scarpa, Felipe and Wood all had chances as Forest grew into the game, but it was Fulham who came closest next. Mitrovic saw an effort saved by Navas and then Decordova-Reid hit the crossbar from 25 yards out. The second half saw Fulham hit the woodwork twice more in quick succession, the first when Willian hit the outside of Navas' far post, and the second when Pereira's free-kick rattled the crossbar. Shelvey came on for Forest and they saw a host of chances go begging as Johnson saw a volley fly over and Dennis wasted two great chances. Tete made a break late on and fed Pereira, who laid the ball off for substitute Solomon to score on 88 minutes. It was another strong performance from Fulham who took advantage of those around them dropping points to secure themselves in the European places, while Forest lost for the first time in six games but are, for the moment, sitting comfortably away from the relegation places and Cooper's side look perfectly poised to avoid the drop this season.

Predicted: Leicester 1-3 Tottenham

Result: Leicester 4-1 Tottenham

Mendy, Maddison, Iheanacho, Barnes - Bentancur

A devastating result for Conte on his return to the Spurs dugout as he recuperated from an operation in Italy last weekend. They were at their best against City, but the Foxes were able to shred Spurs to pieces here. Spurs started brightly here and took the lead on 14 minutes when Bentancur finished from a corner, but that was as good as it got. On 23 minutes Leicester got themselves level, as Mendy smashed home from a clearance at a corner leaving stand in keeper Forster with no chance. Two minutes later and the Foxes were ahead, as Dier lost the ball and in a quick counter Maddison got in on goal to score. As Spurs looked to calm themselves and Leicester look defiant, in the fourth minute of first half stoppage time they added a third. Iheanacho scored with a strike from just outside the box as Dier stood off him. Rodgers will have been delighted and it was expected Conte would fire his side up for the second half, but that never materialised. It was Leicester who looked to have a fourth after Barnes fired across Forster from a tight angle but it was ruled out by VAR. Their fourth did arrive, and the goal Barnes performance deserved, came on 81 minutes when he struck into the bottom corner from 25 yards. It was a devastating result for Spurs, who have opened the door to all the sides below them to enter the race for fifth, and possibly even fourth. As for Leicester, it was their second league win in a row, and they have seven points from their last nine as they begin to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Predicted: Southampton 0-1 Wolves

Result: Southampton 1-2 Wolves

Alcaraz - Bednarek OG, Gomes

It seems like time is running out for Nathan Jones at Southampton, with his side suffering a late defeat as he walked straight down the tunnel at the final whistle. Southampton look out of sorts, and to make matters worse they had gone ahead here. It had been an intense first half, and it all came to a head on 25 minutes as Alcaraz opened the scoring with an effort which went in off the post after his first attempt was blocked. Two minutes later and Southampton should have been in dreamland, when Lemina was sent off for his second yellow for a a late challenge which was followed be dissent. The Saints should have been in control from there, but they were masters of their own downfall. The ever reliable Ward-Prowse twice decided to play short free kicks when an attempt on goal was always his better option. Their new players looked bright but with the sour mood in Southampton it was always going to be a tough challenge. Even with an extra man for just over an hour, it was Wolves who looked better. Traore came on at the break and offered that counter option, and on 72 minutes Wolves got their equaliser. Traore got the ball in the box and let off a shot, which Bednarek blocked on the line, but the ball got tangled in his feet and he put it into his own net. Wolves were not done however, as on 87 minutes Gomes let off a shot in the box which was blocked, but his second attempt went into the top right corner of the net to send the away fans wild. Boos rang out at full time as the Saints fans clearly are not impressed, sitting bottom of the table and have only managed one win in their last ten league games, with fifteen league defeats so far this season. It was announced on Sunday morning that Jones had been let go following 14 games in charge, as the Saints once again look for another man to take charge of the team. As for Wolves, Lopetegui had instilled a never give up attitude and they have now secured three wins in their previous five to climb out of the bottom three.

Predicted: Bournemouth 0-2 Newcastle

Result: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle

Senesi - Almirón

A year ago the Geordies would have been delighted with this result, but this season expectations have been raised and another draw is seen as two points dropped. As Howe faced his former side, it was the Cherries who had the first meaningful chance. Solanke tested Pope from an Anthony cross, but the English keeper parried it wide. Newcastle peppered the Bournemouth box with corners from there, but the home side held firm. On the half hour mark Bournemouth went into a surprise lead, as new signings combined to score only their second league goal since games restarted in December. Traore's corner was flicked on by Ouattara, before Senesi poked home at the back post for his first goal for the club on 30 minutes. Newcastle, who had lost Wilson to injury before the game, then saw Willock go off with a thigh injury. New arrival Gordon came on and soon after Isak got Newcastle's first shot on goal just before half time. In the second minute of injury time the away side got their goal, as Saint-Maximin played in Longstaff who had a shot saved by Neto, but Almirón was in the right place to finish the rebound. Senesi went off early in the second half for Bournemouth with an injury, and Newcastle began to control the game. Bournemouth reacted by bringing on Tavernier and a host of stoppages seemed to dent the momentum the Magpies had been building. With 20 minutes to go Newcastle should have been ahead when Neto fumbled Saint-Maximin's shot, although he saved Longstaff's follow-up effort the ball landed for Gordon, but the £40m man put it wide from close range. Both Almirón and Saint-Maximin were forced off with injuries to add to Newcastle's woes, but they had Trippier to thank late on as his stopped Solanke's goal bound effort on the line to ensure a share of the points. Newcastle have now managed to draw in 11 games in the league this season, which could be detrimental in their top four ambitions come the end of the season as they missed the chance to move above Manchester United who did not play until the following day. Bournemouth meanwhile have only managed to win just one of their past 13 Premier League matches and remain in the bottom three.

Predicted: Leeds 2-2 Manchester United

Result: Leeds 0-2 Manchester United

Rashford, Garnacho

A late flurry saw United through in this one but it was Leeds who started the brighter. Summerville blasted over early on, as Leeds looked for a fast start similar to their meeting during the week. The home pushed and harried and made life difficult for United, and Summerville once again had a great chance towards the end of the first half but this time de Gea saved his effort. United had their own chances, with Wober's mistake at the back allowing Bruno a clear run in on goal but Meslier pulled off an excellent save. Leeds pushed on again in the second half, as Ayling and Summerville both went close but it was United who should have scored. Dalot took a powerful shot from the edge of the box and hit the crossbar, but they finally got their goal when Rashford rose highest to head home from Shaw's cross on 80 minutes. Garnacho added the icing to the cake on 85 minutes when the substitute scored a splendid goal. There could have been more, as United had the ball in the back of the net twice more through Rashford and Weghorst, but both were ruled out for offsides. A convincing win which saw United move into second at the time as City had not played, and open a gap over their top four challengers Newcastle. United could be considered in the title race, although there is still a long way to go. As for Leeds, it was a good performance from a side still without a manager and they can take heart going forward, although the remain just above the relegation zone for now.

Predicted: Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa

Result: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa

Rodri, Gündogan, Mahrez - Watkins

After a week which saw Manchester City being alleged to have broken over 100 Premier League rules in the last decade and Pep coming out in a defiant defence of the club, their players did the talking where it mattered most. Their fans booed the Premier League anthem before the match, and flew flag in the crowd depicting the strength of the clubs lawyers. It took 4 minutes for the home side to score, as Rodri finished at the near post from Mahrez's corner. He set up Gündogan soon after but the German saw his shot saved, while Grealish also went close twice as City dominated the game. On 39 minutes Gündogan got his goal after Haaland got to a loose Chambers ball first, wriggled by his man and played the ball across goal for the second. The third goal came on the stroke of half time as Grealish won a penalty off Ramsey, albeit from the slightest of touches. Mahrez stepped up after some debate among the players and made it three. Dias and Haaland were taken off at the break, with injury concerns over the striker after a collision with Martinez. The second half continued in a similar fashion, as Rodri saw an effort saved but Villa grew into the game and got one back just after the hour mark. Silva lost the ball in his own half, allowing Douglas Luiz to release Watkins who finished past Ederson. Alvarez saw an effort blocked on the line and Mahrez put another great chance over the bar as City looked to restore their three goal lead, while Duran and Coutinho had chances for the away side. Man City looked shaky at the back and will have a huge test against Arsenal during the week, but a solid win saw them through. As for Villa, Watkins scored in three successive Premier League games for the first time in his career but it wasn't enough here.

Predicted: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Result: Liverpool 2-0 Everton

Salah, Gakpo

The Reds looked a different side from previous weeks as they dominated against their local rivals, scoring either side of after time to give themselves a dominant position in the match. Liverpool were quicker to the second balls, in a scrappy game there seemed first to everything. Liverpool had all the shots and touches in the oppositions box but struggled to really threaten anything concrete, but it was building. As for Everton, the biggest piece of action Alisson had to deal with in the first half was when Onana slid in chasing a ball and seemed to catch the goalkeeper, although the Brazilian got up fine from it. Matip also had a shaky moment which saw him miss the ball and allow Simms, who started ahead of Maupay, in on goal but the young attacker took too long to get his shot off. The first goal was reminiscent of Liverpool of old, as they broke from an Everton corner. The Toffees had hit the post as Tarkowski climbed highest, but Nunez and Salah played themselves neatly out allowing Nunez to burst away at pace, and cross for Salah to poke the ball home past the stranded Pickford on 36 minutes. The second half saw Gakpo grab his first Liverpool goal on 49 minutes, as Robertson broke on the counter and the ball made its way across to Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman drilled a low cross across the box and Coady leaves it, unaware that Gakpo is stealing in at the back post for a tap in. Liverpool were in their stride from here as Everton struggled to create much, as Liverpool looked dangerous on the break. Nunez had two efforts on goal, the first as Salah set him up in the box and the attacker hitting it straight at Pickford. The second when Gakpo showed a lovely turn of pace but Nunez's curling shot went just wide of the far post. With 20 minutes to go Liverpool brought Jota on for Nunez, making his first appearance since mid October, and adding more firepower to the Reds attack. With ten minutes to go Firmino also came on for Firmino who had been out injured. In the final ten minutes Everton seemed to grow into the game more, but a break from a Bajcetic after a great interception led to Salah getting blocked by Tarkowski just before he could shoot in the box. Things all got heated as the subs warming up got involved after an altercation between Pickford and Robertson which resulted in a yellow for each. Salah had a great chance soon after as he skipped away from a challenge but saw his effort saved, as the temperature raised in Anfield and the crowd were riled up. Liverpool got their first win in the league of 2023 and their first league goals since Oxlade-Chamberlain scored against Brentford on the 2nd of January. As for Everton, the honeymoon period of Dyche is over and there is a lot of work for them to do, having lost four of their league games in 2023 so far.

Table After Match Day 23

A look at the top half of the table and Manchester City have closed the gap on Arsenal, while United sit comfortable in third. Newcastle make up the top four with Spurs languishing two points behind, followed by Brighton, Fulham and Brentford. Two of the two six make up the final places in the top half, as struggling Liverpool and Chelsea have a lot to do if they want to secure European football next season.

As for the bottom half, Villa are pushing to break into the top ten, with out of form Palace just behind. Leicester, Forest, and Wolves are all below them and for now have a healthy gap to the bottom three, but West Ham and Leeds are hovering just above the relegation zone. Everton and Bournemouth are level on points, with Southampton three points behind and propping up the table.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 23

1 - E. Haaland - Manchester City - 25 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 17 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 14 Goals
4 - M. Rashford - Manchester United - 12 Goals
5 - A. Mitrović -Fulham - 11 Goals
6 - Rodrigo - Leeds - 10 Goals 
7 - M. Almirón - Newcastle - 10 Goals 
8 - J. Maddison - Leicester - 9 Goals

+ 4 players on 8 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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