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 Leicester sink further into relegation woes, Lampard not getting that new manager bounce at Chelsea, Villa march on under Emery, Newcastle are real contender for Champions League qualification, Haaland hit 30 league goals, while Anfield served up a classic.
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-30-preview-xnnmwnn?a=olejZqrzej
Week Predictions & Final Results
So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 1/10 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I only managed to predict 3/10 correctly in this round of games in what really was a strange weekend of results.
Predicted: Manchester United 1-1 Everton
Result: Manchester United 2-0 Everton
McTominay, Martial
United ended a three game winless run against Brentford during the week, and followed that up with a solid victory over struggling Everton here. It was all United from the off, and they could have had two goals in the opening twelve minutes as Pickford denied Rashford before Aaron Wan-Bissaka sliced wide when the goal was open. Everton were limited, but very wasteful when they did create, as Simms managed to drag a glorious chance wide of goal after he had drove through the United defence unopposed. Sabitzer and Antony proved no match for Pickford before Godfrey stopped the Brazilian scoring when De Gea had released him on a quick counter. On 36 minutes United finally made the break through as Sancho played in McTominay to score past Pickford at his near post. Another fine save from Pickford stopped Antony's curling effort before the break. Everton improved in the second half but rarely threatened the United goal as Fernandes and Wan-Bissaka forced more saves from Pickford. It was substitute Martial who wrapped up the win after Martinez and Rashford combined before the England man played Martial in to slot past Pickford on 71 minutes. Eriksen came on after his lengthy injury but United saw talisman Rashford being forced off injured. The win means United have managed to win 23 of their 28 home games in all competitions this season, their highest tally since the 2010/11 season. Everton meanwhile have won just one of their last 17 away Premier League games, and have not won away from Goodison in the league since they beat Southampton in October.
Predicted: Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Result: Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Traoré, Watkins
While Villa didn't get the fast start they hoped for, they could have been ahead on four minutes when Watkins dragged his strike wide of the far post. They struggled to find much rhythm after that and Forest stifled them at every opportunity. Injuries did not help either side, as Bailey was replaced by Traoré for the hosts and Freuler came on for Kouyate. Forest began to look more dangerous, as Gibbs-White failed to strike the ball in the box from Johnson's cut-back. Moreno's cross found its way to Traoré at the far post at the end of the half for Villa but the winger shot high over the crossbar. The second half was a different Villa, as on 48 minutes they got their opener. Traoré saw an initial effort saved by Navas, who pushed the ball out to Shelvey, but the midfielder played it straight back to Traoré who curled the ball into the far corner. Gibbs-White saw a shot deflected over as Forest looked for an instant response, before Danilo forced a save from Martinez. Niakhate got injured and with all their allotted subs used, Forest had to play on with ten men. They were cut open in the fifth minute of injury time as Ramsay played in Watkins, who turned and finished from close range to seal the three points. Villa are now unbeaten in seven league games and sit six points off Spurs with the same amount of games played. They have also scored in all seventeen league games since Emery took charge, and currently have Watkins on a scoring streak which sees him on 12 goals. As for Forest, they are winless in their last six league games away from home, and have failed to score in ten different away league fixtures this season.
Predicted: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle
Result: Brentford 1-2 Newcastle
Toney - Raya OG, Isak
Brentford looked determined from the off to atone for the lacklustre performance against Manchester United during the week, and they thought they were ahead on ten minutes. Pope had managed to save Jansson's header on the line and Toney was on hand to poke the ball home, but VAR ruled the striker had strayed offside in the build-up. Newcastle began to gain control of the game from there, but Schade managed to burst away with his lightning pace and Botman took him out to concede a penalty. For the first time in his Brentford career Toney did not convert from the spot as Pope saved his tame effort. At the end of the first half they got another chance, this time after Isak had caught Henry in the face with his boot. Although Toney looked hesitant, he stepped up and this time he converted his effort. Gordon and Wilson came on in the second half for Newcastle and straight away they showed more intensity. It took just nine minutes into the second half for Joelinton to wiggle around in the Brentford box, pick his spot, and see his effort go in off Raya. On 61 minutes Newcastle were ahead as Wilson squared for Isak and the unmarked forward curled his effort home. Wilson scored his own moments later but VAR ruled it out for handball, and from there Brentford pushed to get back into the game. They could have been level late on when Pope thwarted a close range Toney header, but that was as good as it got for them. Newcastle held on to move back into third and stake a huge claim in their bid to secure Champions League football for next year. Brentford meanwhile are not quite out of the European places race just yet, but their recent stutter has certainly hampered their chances but either way their season has been a huge success and one final push could see them secure some form of European Football next season.
Predicted: Fulham 1-1 West Ham
Result: Fulham 0-1 West Ham
Reed OG
Fulham have struggled immensely since their collapse against Manchester United in the FA Cup and that poor run continued here. Manager Marco Silva continued to watch from the stands as West Ham produced a resolute display against his side. Without Mitrovic Fulham had no focal point, and Carlos Vinicius fed off scraps but the home side failed to really test Fabianski in the Hammers goal. The winner in this one came from an unfortunate 23rd-minute first-half own goal when Bowen's low centre struck off the inside of Reed's heel before going into the goal. Fulham had their best chance when Pereira tried to round the keeper but was thwarted in his effort. It was an ugly game all around but Ings could have doubled his sides advantage in the second half when he latched onto Bowen's through ball but struck the ball right at Leno's head. Fulham dominated the ball and the few chances West Ham got they looked like they could have punished the hosts. As for Fulham, Adarabioyo headed into Fabianski's gloves before Cornet shot straight at Leno in stoppage time. The win eases the pressure on Moyes after his side were thrashed in midweek, and they have a Europa Conference League Quarter Final with Gent this week. They also managed their first away win in the league since August. As for Fulham, they looked like a side who know they have more than achieved what was required for the season and many may already have their minds on their holidays.
Predicted: Leicester 2-3 Bournemouth
Result: Leicester 0-1 Bournemouth
Billing
A massive result for Bournemouth in the battle against relegation, as the Foxes stumble in their post Rodgers era. Billing hit the post with a free kick in the opening five minutes to give a taste of what was to come, but it was actually Leicester who looked more dangerous in the opening part of the game. Vardy just missed Maddisons cross into the box when he likely would have scored, but from there it was Bournemouth who dominated in the midfield. Solanke shot wide when presented with a great opportunity, but five minutes before the break they went ahead. Maddison's back pass was ill advised, and Billing latched onto the ball before beating Iversen. Boos rang out around the King Power from disgruntled Leicester fans, and after the break the Foxes looked no better. Billing and Solanke caused all sorts of chaos but it was Mepham and Stephens who forced Iversen into a double save. He then had to react to stop Solanke from close range, but the introduction of Iheanacho and Daka sparked life back into the Foxes. They harried and Maddison had a long range effort saved, but soon after the Cherries regained control. Bournemouth slowed the game down to frustrate the hosts and saw the game out, with more boos around the King Power at full time. Leicester remain firmly in the relegation zone with seven defeats and a draw from their last eight league games. Owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was in attendance but will certainly have plenty to ponder as the most unlikely of Premier League winners are facing the prospect of relegation. As for Bournemouth, the win moves them three points clear of the bottom three and their three wins from their last five in the league is giving them the much needed boost to battle this dogged relegation fight.
Predicted: Tottenham 1-2 Brighton
Result: Tottenham 2-1 Brighton
Son, Kane - Dunk
10 79 -34
Two teams in the race for top four faced off here, with Brighton the in form side facing a disjointed Spurs outfit. This feisty game saw Stellini and De Zerbi clash before a ball had even been kicked, and once action got underway it took only ten minutes for a masterclass from Son to open the scoring. On the left hand side he drifted inside and curled a magnificant effort inside the far post to open the scoring and get his 100th Premier League goal for Spurs. He is the first Asian player to reach that landmark. Mitoma brought down Mac Allister's excellent pass on 17 minutes and fired home but it was ruled out by VAR for handball. Mac Allister and Caicedo forced Lloris into saves and on 34 minutes Dunk got Brighton level with a back post header from a corner. Brighton were in control in the second half, and nice link up between Welbeck and March seemed to have gotten them a second goal when a deflection off Mac Allister went past Lloris, but once again VAR ruled it out for handball. Spurs and Brighton coaching staff clashed in the dugouts as tempers flared, before Romero could have seen red had his flying challenge connected with Mitoma. Brighton pushed on and Hojbjerg trod on Mitoma but no penalty was given. With Spurs threatening on the counter, they got their reward on 79 minutes as a swift move up the pitch led to Kane scoring the winner. Spurs held on against the strength of Brighton and took a much needed win after conceding late goals in their recent encounters. With plenty of drama in the game, the win ensures Spurs are six points ahead of the Seagulls in the table, although Brighton do have two games in hand on Spurs and the race for fourth is far from certain.
Predicted: Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
Result: Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
Nunes
It was far from the return Lampard had been hoping for in his second spell as Chelsea manager, albeit as an interim one until the end of the campaign this time around. The game lacked quality in the first half, with Wolves looking stronger but without any real cutting edge in the final third. In the opening 25 minutes there were 12 corners alone, as neither side could take control of the game. That all changed on 31 minutes, as Koulibaly flicked a cross away with his head only for Nunes to strike it first time into the top corner with a sensational effort, and his first league goal for the club. While Chelsea had the far superior side on paper, they struggled in front of goal and it was former striker Diego Costa who forced Kepa into a save as Wolves kept probing. Havertz did little to inspire confidence up front, although should have scored from a James cross right after the break. Felix's volley struck Nunes in the arm within the box but there was no penalty given, and James sent a free kick skyward as the frustration grew. Aubameyang came on with twenty minutes to go and sent a header wide under pressure as Wolves saw the game out with relative ease and pulled away from the relegation zone. Chelsea have now lost seven away games this season, their most since 2000/01 season. Of their thirteen shots, Chelsea only managed to hit the target once all game. Wolves have closed the gap on Chelsea to a mere eight points and considering the Blues woeful form, it is not inconceivable that Wolves could aim to move above them within the standing before the end of the season. For now, Lampard has plenty to ponder, and his side face the difficult task of a Champions League Quarter Final against Real Madrid during the week before hosting Brighton next weekend.
Predicted: Southampton 1-5 Manchester City
Result: Southampton 1-4 Manchester City
Mara - Haaland x2, Grealish, Alvarez
The first half display from City would not have filled many with hope, as they lacked rhythm in a similar fashion to their Carabao Cup defeat against Southampton. Southampton showed why they are bottom of the league as they failed to make the most of a wasteful City, with Sulemana curling wide on 44 minutes their best chance of the half. A minute later and City took their chance, as De Bruyne played a ball from the left which Haaland headed home. It was the seventh time De Bruyne assisted Haaland in the league this season, and marked the 100th Manchester City assist for De Bruyne in all competitions. Gundogan fired wide early in the second half as City pressed on, and the impressive Grealish got his goal on 58 minutes as his sharp effort was initially saved by Banuzu but the rebound was finished. Grealish then wove his way into the area before crossing to Haaland on 68 minutes, with the striker finishing with an overhead kick. He was subbed off soon after for Alvarez, and Southampton momentarily got themselves back into it as Djenepo got past two defender before playing in Mara to score on 72 minutes. Three minutes later and City restored their three goal advantage when Walker-Peters brought down De Bruyne in the box and Alvarez finished from the penalty spot. This was the fourth game this season in the league where Southampton conceded four or more goals, and they are beginning to look adrift at the bottom of the table. As for City, Haaland became the third player to reach 30 goals in his debut season in the Premier League, along with Andrew Cole and Kevin Phillips. Grealish has also looked a new man since the World Cup, getting 4 goals and 6 assists in 15 Premier League games. Only Haaland, with 14 goal involvements, has more in that time.
Predicted: Leeds 1-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Leeds 1-5 Crystal Palace
Bamford - Guehi, Ayew x2, Eze, Edouard
The Hodgson effect is truly taking place at Palace, with the Eagles recording another win to push themselves six points clear of the relegation places. Leeds made a bright start here, with Palace struggling and Leeds having 10 shots in the opening half. On three minutes a poor clearance from Guehi saw Sinisterra shooting just wide. Johnstone made seven saves to keep Palace in it, with Sinisterra and Aaronson seeing efforts saved but on 20 minutes Bamford managed to head home his 50th goal for the club from Aaronson's out swinging corner. Palace continued to struggle in open play but Schlupp and Ayew wasted chances from set pieces. In the first minute of first half stoppage time that changed as Palace drew level when Guehi reacted quickest to Schlupp's initial contact from Olise's free kick. Palace came out of the blocks in the second half and Olise was their star man, getting three assists from their next four goals. The first was on 53 minutes when he set up Ayew for a headed goal, before two minutes later he played in Eze to slot home. His third assist came on 69 minutes when Olise broke from his own half before playing in Edouard on the left and the striker powered his effort home. With Leeds having completely collapsed and a fluid attacking display from Palace, it was only one side who would score next. On 77 minutes Hughes saw his tame shot tricked through to Ayew who applied the finish for his second of the game. It was the first time this season Palace managed to win without Zaha in the line up and they are showing they can cope without their star man. As for Leeds, they face a crucial month ahead and find themselves just two points above the relegation zone.
Predicted: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
Result: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
Salah, Firmino - Martinelli, Jesus
Arsenal caused all sorts of problems for Liverpool in the first half, racing into a two goal lead within thirty minutes. It took all of eight minutes for Arsenal to open the scoring, as Saka's run caused panic before a block / deflection off Van Dijk allowed Martinelli in to poke the ball past Alisson. Zinchenko forced Alisson into a save and Jesus put an effort over as Arsenal dominated, but Robertson did see an effort go wide at the other end. Arsenal managed to double their lead on 28 minutes when Jesus rose unmarked in the Liverpool box to head home Martinelli's cross. Liverpool were outplayed and looked at a loss in the opening 40 minutes, but a clash between Xhaka and Alexander-Arnold seemed to spark life into the team and the home crowd. On 42 minutes Jones and Robertson combined, with the Scotsman seeing his low cross into the box turned into the path of Salah by Henderson, and the Egyptian scored. Jota save an effort saved before the break and Henderson fired the rebound over as Arsenal held on. After the half time whistle went a bizzare incident, where the linesman Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Robertson ended up with the leftback being booked, and it has been reported that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) body will investigate. The second half saw Liverpool start strong, winning a penalty seven minutes in as Jota was fouled by Holding. However, similar to his penalty against Bournemouth, Salah put this one low and just wide of the post. It did not stop the Reds as they pushed on and looked like the Liverpool of old, while Arsenal seemed to wilt. Arsenal were employing time delaying tactics of going down whenever Liverpool built up a head of steam, but it did little to deter their opponents. Nunez was played in by a Salah and Firmino combination but his tame effort was stopped by Ramsdale, while as Liverpool pushed and pushed they found the leveller. Alexander-Arnold did Zinchenko on the right byline and crossed a deep effort for Firmino to jump highest and head home in the 87th minute, getting his eleventh goal against Arsenal. In the dying moments Konate had the clearest chance to win it for Liverpool, but seemed caught in two minds and tried to stomach the ball in, which allowed Ramsdale to claw it off the line. Liverpool have only lost one of their last 37 Premier League games at Anfield and conceded their first league goals of 2023 at home in this game. Arsenal secured their first point in the league at Anfield in seven seasons, but they are ten games without a win at Anfield in the league. They have games away to Manchester City and Newcastle, while also playing Chelsea at home, meaning this title race is far from certain yet.
You can see the Robertson incident in the clip below.
Table After Match Day 30
A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal are still top by six points, but second place City have a game in hand. Newcastle are third, level on points with fourth place United. Spurs are three points behind having played a game more, with Villa in sixth and Brighton a point behind them in seventh, albeit with two games in hand. Liverpool remain in eight with Brentford in ninth and Fulham making up the top half in tenth.
As for the bottom half of the table, Southampton remain bottom with Leicester two points ahead of them. Forest make up the bottom three, two points ahead of Leicester, and level on points with Everton. Leeds are in 16th just two points above the relegation zone, while Bournemouth and West Ham are a further point ahead in a very tight relegation battle. Wolves sit just one point above them and four over the bottom three, while Palace are comfortably two points ahead of Wolves and six above the relegation places. Chelsea make up the bottom half and are the only side outside the top ten who are not considered in the relegation battle.
Top Goal scorers After Match Day 30
1 - E. Haaland - Manchester City - 30 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 23 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 18 Goals
4 - M. Rashford - Manchester United - 15 Goals
5 - G. Martinelli - Arsenal - 14 Goals
6 - M. Salah - Liverpool - 13 Goals
7 - O. Watkins - Aston Villa - 12 Goals
8 - B. Saka - Arsenal - 12 Goals
9 - M. Almirón - Newcastle - 11 Goals
10 - Rodrigo - Leeds United - 11 Goals
11 - A. Mitrović - Fulham - 11 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 posted this story on Medium on the 9th of April 2023, which can be found here: https://medium.com/@1r3n9project/premier-league-22-23-match-week-30-review-5db6e20d9171?sk=e6b7e6f6f448570a186c3b9e1660ec03 **
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