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 comeback in style, City dismantle Newcastle, Southampton finally win, Brighton showed their style, Spurs unable to create a winning run, and a huge result in the North-West Derby between Liverpool and Manchester United.

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-26-preview-xgjwqgx 

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was one of those weekends as I got 0/10 in terms of correct scores this week. However, in terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Manchester City 3-2 Newcastle

Result: Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle

Foden, Silva

A huge result for Manchester City as they applied the early pressure on Arsenal, while Newcastle lost more ground in the race for top four. City were on the front foot from the off, with Gundogan heading onto the roof of the net from a Grealish cross immediately. On 15 minutes they got their goal, as Foden drove into the area and saw his deflected shot go flying past the returning Pope. Longstaff could have levelled the scores almost immediately, but Ake was on hand to block. Foden and Haaland both put the Newcastle defence under pressure, but it was Wilson who fluffed his lines just before the break when it looked easier to get a shot on goal. Newcastle started the second half brightly and a triple sub on the hour mark almost paid off immediately as Willock squared for Joelinton but the Brazilian just couldn't get to the ball. Isak then forced Ederson into action, but on 67 minutes it was a Manchester City sub who made the difference. Bernardo Silva latched onto Haaland's pass and finished with ease to score the 1,000th goal for Manchester City in the Premier League. Things got heated between Burn and Haaland after some rough treatment for Grealish, and the drama died down along with the goal mouth action from there. Newcastle will rue their missed chances, and their lack of converting chances may be what costs them their European ambitions this season. They also have Joelinton on a two match ban thanks to his yellow card. For City, Ederson got his 100th clean sheet in the league and Foden became the youngest player to reach 50 Premier League goal involvements for Manchester City.

Predicted: Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth

Result: Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth

Partey, White, Nelson - BIlling, Senesi

From what looked like dropped points Arsenal came back to win this game in emphatic style. It took just nine seconds for Bournemouth to open the scoring as a well-worked kick-off routine, which saw five players on the left but the ball went out to Ouattara on the right, who crossed for the unmarked Billing to score at the back post. Stunned, Arsenal tried to find their rhythm and Odegaard tested Neto from the edge of the area before the keeper saved from Saka's follow up. The pair tested him again but it was the Cherries with the next big chance, as Solanke played Billing in behind and squared for Ouattara only for Ramsdale to produce a wonderful save. Trossard was forced off and soon Arsenal saw two VAR calls for penalties go against them as a Mepham handball and challenge on Tomiyasu were not given. After the break Arsenal continued to dominate the match but it was Bournemouth who scored. Partey was caught napping at a corner, allowing Senesi to run across him and head the ball home on 57 minutes. Arsenal woke up from there and on 62 minutes pulled one back. Neto punched an Arsenal corner clear but Smith-Rowe was there to head the ball to the back post, where Partey applied the finish. Seven minutes later they had their equaliser as Nelson, who came on for Smith-Rowe, crossed for White to score his first ever Arsenal goal. Arsenal pushed on for a winner and Martinelli blazed over before Vieira saw a long-range shot also go over. Calls for handball against Senesi and Billing were waved away by VAR, and when it looked like Bournemouth had held on for a vital point Arsenal struck in the seventh minute of stoppage time as Nelson curled home into the far corner of the goal with the last kick of the game. The Arsenal fans went wild as their title bid continues, while Bournemouth were left downtrodden after their excellent start. Arsenal had 31 shots and over 80% possession in this one, and have now scored more 90th-minute winners than any other side in the Premier League this season. The Cherries meanwhile have lost three of their last four Premier League games in which they've led by 2+ goals as they one again failed to maintain their dominant start.

Predicted: Aston Villa 2-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Aston Villa 1-0 Crystal Palace

Andersen OG

Villa secured back to back Premier League wins as they overcame Palace. It was Emery's side who dominated from the off, with Palace looking to counter and it almost worked for the away side as Zaha raced in behind the Villa defence to latch onto Eze's through ball before rounding Martinez and slotting into the empty net before VAR ruled it out for offside. It was a game of few chances from there, but on 27 minutes Villa took the lead. McGinn's pass found Cash and the fullbacks low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net when Andersen slid in to stop the ball reaching Watkins. Buendia's pass found Watkins free in the area before the break but the striker put his effort wide. After the break things got even worse for Palace as they struggled to find a way back into the game and were reduced to ten men just after the hour mark. Doucoure had been booked for a challenge which ended Boubacar Kamara's afternoon in the 56th minute and in the 62nd minute did similar to his replacement Chambers to earn his second yellow. Zaha did not give up and at one point managed to evade three defenders before shooting wide, but even he could not drag his side back into it. Guaita did well to keep out McGinn's shot from close range when Villa tried to double their advantage, and the midfielder wasted another great chance by taking too long to shoot. The win was Villa manager Unai Emery's 500th career league win and Villa have managed to score in all 12 of his Premier League games in charge. Palace meanwhile failed to have a shot on target for the fourth time in a Premier League match this season as they desperately lack a cutting edge upfront.

Predicted: Brighton 1-1 West Ham

Result: Brighton 4-0 West Ham

Mac Allister, Veltman, Mitoma, Welbeck

What a week for West Ham. They beat Forest 4-0 last weekend before being knocked out of the FA Cup by United thanks to some late goals, and now have been demolished by a 4-0 result themselves. It was Brighton who had the better start, and on 18 minutes took the lead after Bowen fouled Mitoma in the box, allowing Mac Allister to dispatch the resulting spot kick. Bowen could have levelled the score six minutes later but Steele stood strong to save when he went through one on one. The Hammers had been allowing Brighton to control the ball and hit them on the break, but the Seagulls upped the tempo after half time and West Ham had no answers. The second goal came on 51 minutes when Mac Allister flicked on from a corner and Veltman chested home. Brighton kept pinning West Ham back, clearly demonstrating De Zebri's dominant style, and on 69 minutes got their third. March played the ball out to Gross, who in turn fired the ball into the box for Mitoma to apply the finish. It didn't end there, as Welbeck came off the bench to curl home a fourth in the 89th minute to apply gloss to the score line and leave the home fans singing "We're all going on a European tour." Brighton posted an XG of 3.56, the third-highest total posted by any team this season. As for West Ham, there return to form against Forest last week seems like a distant past as they look to get back on track. Their European adventure last season seems like a distant memory and they are very much in a relegation battle.

Predicted: Chelsea 1-3 Leeds

Result: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds

Fofana

A big result here for under fire manager Potter as Chelsea secured a vital win over relegation threatened Leeds. After their winless run of six games, Chelsea dominated from the off here and their 3-4-3 formation caused Leeds plenty of problems. Sterling played Havertz in behind on 15 minutes only for Meslier to produce a superb save. Seven minutes later Sterling set up Felix but the Portuguese attacker hit the goal frame. Chilwell volleyed wide when he had time to control the ball as Chelsea struggled to make the breakthrough, but that all changed early in the second half. On 53 minutes Chilwell's out-swinging corner was headed home by Fofana. Leeds grew into the game from there, Rutter's deflected shot was saved by Kepa. Leeds became to control the ball once Felix and Sterling were withdrawn as Potter looked to strengthen up the midfield. They managed to survive the late Leeds dominance which included Meslier heading straight at Kepa in the dying moments. The win saw Chelsea secure only their second win in twelve games across all competitions in 2023. Potter is still under pressure but has at least relieved his side somewhat as they enter into their Champions League second leg tie against Dortmund. Leeds meanwhile have only managed six points away from home all season and have the the joint-fewest of any side on the road this campaign.

Predicted: Wolves 0-2 Tottenham

Result: Wolves 1-0 Tottenham

Traore

Spurs were on top of a lacklustre Wolves side from the off here. The home side had not won in their last three league games and looking prepared to play on the counter. Spurs took the invitation to take possession but their momentum was stifled by the stop-start nature of the first half. Diego Costa had to be taken off for Wolves due to a bad injury and the remained of the half was quiet until Porro took a free kick. He curled the ball over the wall and beyond Sa but saw his effort come crashing back off the bar. Wolves failed to have a single shot before half time and Lopetegui changed to a three at the back, bringing on Collins and Traore. Son saw an effort smash the underside of the bar in the opening stages of the second half, but Wolves improved from there. Semedo almost scored from close range and Neves forced two saves before Cunha missed a great opportunity. All their play paid off in the 82nd minute paid off as Jimenez's shot was parried by Forster before Traore got on the loose ball and finished off the underside of the crossbar. Spurs were shellshocked and after their midweek defeat to Sheffield United in the FA Cup could not muster an effort to try level the scores. Their European hopes are in real danger and the futures of Conte and Kane will likely both be up in the air come the summer. They will also be worried by the form of Son, who has one goal all season in the 21 Premier League games he has started. As for Wolves, they have climbed away from the relegation zone and the hiring of Lopetegui seems to have been an inspired one. 

Predicted: Southampton 2-2 Leicester

Result: Southampton 1-0 Leicester

Alcaraz

Few would have backed the Saints going into this one, myself included, but they moved off the bottom of the table by overcoming a struggling Leicester side. Southampton were winless in eight home league ties and their FA Cup defeat to Grimsby inspired Selles to make changes. Walcott got a rare start and he spurned a a half-chance early on after being found by Maitland-Niles. Iheanacho got on the end of a Maddison free-kick early on as Leicester created their own chance on twenty minutes but he headed wide. On the half hour mark Walcott's cross hit Castagne's hand and Southampton were awarded a penalty, but the ever reliable Ward-Prowse saw his spot kick saved, his second penalty miss this season. Five minutes later and Adams beat the offside trap to pick out Alcaraz who slotted the ball past Ward and give the Saints the lead. Alcaraz injured himself while celebrating but continued on until the 50th minute. The Foxes tried to get themselves back into the game by dominating the ball and Iheanacho saw another header go begging before firing over soon after. As much as Rodgers side created chances and controlled the match they could not find an equaliser, even in the dying moments when Souttar got past Banuzu in the Southampton goal and somehow managed to head the ball over via the bar. The win means the Saints have completed a league double over Leicester for the first time since 2007/08 in the Championship, and since 1986/87 in the top flight. Leicester meanwhile failed to have a shot on target, and after suffering the same last time out, have now gone back to back games without hitting the target for the first time since they returned to the Premier League in 2014. Southampton won at home for only the second time this season, meaning their 9 home points is the lowest of any side. However, Ward-Prowse made history by appearing in his 330th Premier League game for the Saints and beating the previous record of 219 by Jason Dodd.

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Everton

Result: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Everton

Johnson x2 - Gray, Doucouré

With all the pressure on Everton going into this one the Toffees started the bright of the two sides, and on right minutes they got their reward as McNeil was fouled by Shelvey. Gray stepped up and converted to give Everton the perfect start after sending Navas the wrong way. Forest came alive from there and on 19 minutes got themselves level after piling pressure onto Everton. Gibbs-White saw his shot pushed away by Pickford but Johnson was alive to it and tucked the rebound home. Forest looked likely to score next as they piled on the pressure but it was Everton who regained the lead on 29 minutes. Tarkowski won the header from a set piece and Doucouré was on hand to steer the knock down into the net via his close range header. Suddenly Everton were dominating the game and Navas has to save from both McNeil and Gray before the break. Things heated up after the break with plenty of confrontations and fouls, killing any chance of either side building some momentum. The Toffees looked comfortable and like they would see out the result when in the 77th minute Yates found space down the right and pulled it back to the unmarked Johnson. He sent a lovely shot in the far corner to send the crowd wild as Forest drew level and continued their excellent home form. He could have won it in the final minute but sent an effort just wide from a tight angle. Everton are winless in their last nine Premier League games away from home while Forest are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games.

Predicted: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

Result: Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United

Gakpo x2, Nunez x2, Salah x2, Firmino

Nobody could have foreseen this hammering for United at Anfield given both these sides recent form, but Liverpool tore the Carabao Cup holders apart here with six second half goals. A record score for this fixture and Salah becoming the highest Premier League goal scorer for Liverpool in the process, it was a sensational effort from Liverpool. The home side started with more intensity with Salah and Robertson causing some problems. They lacked clear cut chances and it was United with the better chances as Fernandes headed wide and Rashford struck a tame effort. Casemiro had a headed goal rightly ruled out for offside and soon they would come to rue those misses. Robertson played Gakpo in with a lovely pass through the United defence before the Dutch attacker cut inside to finish into the far corner on 43 minutes. United very much felt like they were still in the game at the start of the second half but that did not last long. On 47 minutes a Salah cross came back off Shaw for Elliott to whip a cross in and Nunez headed home from close range. The third goal came on 50 minutes as Salah absolutely destroyed Martinez, leaving him in a tangle before sitting him down and sliding the ball into the onrushing Gakpo, who lifted it over De Gea into the far corner in style. Liverpool were flying now at three up and United seemed disjointed. The fourth arrived from a Nunez break away after a United corner as the ball landed at Salah and his smashed it into the roof of De Gea's net on 66 minutes. United were stunned and Liverpool smelt blood. While United could barely muster a chance, bar Rashford being offside and another where he went too wide and hit the side netting, Liverpool were breaking and playing at lightning pace. Nunez got his second with another header on 75 minutes as both he and Gakpo were substituted off soon after. On 83 minutes pinball in the box resulted in Salah having an easy tap in to get his brace and beat Robbie Folwer's Premier League goal scoring record for Liverpool. As if that was not enough, Firmino, who announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, came on and scored in the 88th minute after being played in and putting the ball beyond De Gea from a tight angle. The win leaves Liverpool within three points of fourth place Spurs with a game in hand, while United are closer to the top four race than they are to the title as Ten Hag will have plenty to ponder after this defeat. His comments of Anfield is the same as any other stadium in the build up to the match has come back to haunt him, as this was the largest ever winning margin home or away for either side in this fixture. Liverpool also have five clean sheets in their last five league games.

Predicted: Brentford 2-1 Fulham

Result: Brentford 3-2 Fulham

Pinnock, Toney, Jensen - Soloma, Vinícius

In the unexpected battle for European places, it was Brentford who took the early lead here. The Bees were by far the brighter side from the outset with Toney and Mbeumo missing chances but on six minutes Pinnock made one count. Hickey's sliced shot arrived to him in the box and his shot took a huge deflection off Ream, leaving Leno with no chance and nestling into the back of the net. Mbeumo grazed the post from a free-kick soon after as Brentford pushed on, but Fulham composed themselves and began to control the ball. They did little of note with it however, as Toney almost scored when his free-kick hit the bar. Fulham managed to get the leveller via their own set piece, as a Pereira free-kick hit the woodwork and Solomon was on hand to head home the rebound on 39 minutes. Controversy came before the break as Brentford felt Lukic should have seen a second yellow for a foul on Wissa. Fulham looked strong after the break, as Pereira misfired a volley from close range but it was all in vain as Diop fouled Norgaard in the box, allowing Toney to score from the spot in the 53rd minute. Toney almost caught Leno out with an audacious halfway line shot, but it was thanks to substitute Schade they got their third. In the 85th minute he went around Leno before pulling the ball back for Jensen to score. When it seemed like Brentford were easing to a win, in the ninth minute of added time Fulham got one back. Vinícius was alert to a parried Pereira and applied the finish, but it was too late as the final whistle came soon after. Brentford have scored more set piece goals than any other side in the Premier League this season with 17, while Toney scored his 22nd penalty for Brentford and maintained his 100% record from the spot for the Bees. As for Fulham, they conceded as many goals in this game as they had in their previous six away games in the Premier League.

Table After Match Day 26

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal maintain their five point lead over Manchester City thanks to their stunning late win. United remain third after their heavy loss, with Spurs four points behind and Liverpool climbing up to be only three points off fourth with a game in hand over Spurs. Newcastle sit a point behind the Reds with their own game in hand, while Fulham make up the European places. Behind them Brighton and Brentford are a single point off seventh with multiple games in hand, meaning the race for Europe is wide open. Chelsea make up the top half but they are eleven points off fourth with a game in hand.

As for the bottom half, Southampton moved off the bottom with their win, replaced by Bournemouth on goal difference. Everton make up the bottom three after their draw, while Leeds remain just out of the relegation zone on goal difference. A point ahead of them is West Ham with Leicester a further point ahead. Forest are four points clear of the drop while Wolves and Palace are both five points clear. Villa make up the bottom half, sitting a comfortable 12 points clear of relegation and level on points with tenth placed Chelsea.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 26

1 - E. Haaland - Manchester City - 27 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 18 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 15 Goals
4 - M. Rashford - Manchester United - 14 Goals
5 - A. Mitrović -Fulham - 11 Goals
6 - G. Martinelli - Arsenal - 11 Goals
7 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 11 Goals 

+ 3 players on 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.

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