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 finally win, City edge closer to the title, Wolves win the midlands derby, Liverpool overcame Brentford to close the gap on fourth as United and Newcastle both lost, while a huge win for Everton boosted their survival hopes and Leicester look down and out. 5

You can find the preview for this round of games here: https://www.publish0x.com/cryptogod-1/premier-league-2223-match-week-35-preview-xpzqmlv

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 0/10 correct scores in this goal filled weekend. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 3/10 correctly in this reduced round of games.

Predicted: Bournemouth 2-1 Chelsea

Result: Bournemouth 1-1 Chelsea

Viña - Gallagher, Badiashile, Joao Félix

Amazingly, Chelsea all but confirmed they will not be facing relegation this season after Lampard secured his first win since his return. The Cherries did start brighter with Lerma seeing a curling effort go just wide, but on nine minutes Chelsea were ahead. Chalobah found Kante, who in turn crossed for Gallagher to head home. It was only Chelsea's third goal in nine games, but on 21 minutes Bournemouth were back in it. Christie and Solanke produced some fine play to set up Viña, who curled the ball in from the edge of the area. O'Neil's side looked comfortable for the remainder of the half, while Chelsea looked short of ideas. Chelsea continued to control the ball in the second half but again were short of attacking intent. Ouattara's dangerous low cross was turned behind by Badiashile while Christie saw an effort go into the side netting for Bournemouth. Silva was lucky not to concede a penalty for a sliding challenge on Solanke, and with 11 minutes to go the Cherries should have taken the lead when Ouattara headed over after Lerma headed a Cook ball back across goal. In the 82nd minute Chelsea went back ahead as Badiashile connected with Ziyech's free kick and volleyed the ball home. Four minutes later Félix sealed the win with a first-time finish after Sterling burst into the area and laid the ball off for him. It was a solid result for Chelsea, but they will be under no illusions that they are still a long way off the top level they should be at. Lampard will be delighted, securing his first league win in 13 attempts. Bournemouth meanwhile will be disappointed and have now lost three of their previous four home league games, but with 39 points they should be safe come the end of the season.

Predicted: Manchester City 4-1 Leeds

Result: Manchester City 2-1 Leeds

Gündogan x2 - Rodrigo

Allardyce made a bold decision for his first game in charge, dropping out of form Meslier and replacing him between the sticks with Robles. He had his work cut out for him, as City bombarded the Leeds goal throughout the first half. Alvarez shot over and Robles saved from Haaland early on, City got their lead on 19 minutes when Mahrez cut the ball back for Gündogan to stroke home. Haaland then wasted a chance after a lovely pass from De Bruyne, but on 27 minutes City had their second. Mahrez cut inside and laid the ball off for Gündogan to get his second. McKennie always got one back but saw his header from a corner saved, before Haaland once again shot wide, this time due to him loosing his footing. Haaland manged to hit the bar and the outside of the post early in the second half, before Foden won a penalty after a foul by Struijk in the area. However, despite Guardiola wanted Haaland to take it, the Norwegian allowed Gündogan to step up. The German saw Robles save his effort onto the post and stop him scoring his first ever hattrick. A minute later, in the 85th minute, Leeds got one back as Rodrigo fired a shot in at the near post. However, the comeback was not to be and City held on for a vital win, to move themselves four points clear of Arsenal with both sides having played the same amount of games. With a big game against Madrid ahead, Pep will be eager to ensure his side keeps battling all the way in each competition as they go for a treble. Leeds meanwhile are running out of games to ensure their safety, and Allardyce will have plenty to ponder as they enter their final three matches.

Predicted: Tottenham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Result: Tottenham 1-0 Crystal Palace

Kane

A slender win, but a big one for Spurs are they put an end to their poor recent run of form. They had been quite flat throughout the opening period though, as their only real chance came when Romero headed against the bar from a Porro corner. Palace looked organised, as a Hodgson team generally does, and Olise did provide a threat in testing the Spurs goal. However, in the first minute of first have stoppage time Spurs got their goal. Kane got his tenth headed goal of the season, and his 209th goal in the competition overall, after some nice work by Porro on the right. The goal moves Kane into second on the all time Premier League scoring charts. Zaha and Eze both had chances early in the second half, and Son provided a crucial interception to stop Olise running in on goal. Spurs took control again and both Porro and Son saw chances go begging, but Spurs held on for their first clean sheet in ten league games. Kane also managed to score his 100th home goal for Spurs in the Premier League, only the fourth player to ever do so after Rooney, Agüero, and Henry. Palace have now lost both of their recent away games, having managed to win their first two under Hodgson. With 40 points on the board, perhaps they are comfortable in the knowledge they have secured their status and will be happy to see out the season as they have little left to play for.

Predicted: Wolves 1-1 Aston Villa

Result: Wolves 1-0 Aston Villa

Gomes

It was an early goal that decided this derby, although it was Villa who looked brighter from the start. The first attack of the game for Wolves saw Neves cross from the right wing and Gomes was on hand to head it home. From there Villa took control, pushing themselves into the Wolves half, as Watkins saw a header saved by Sa and Buendia also had an effort saved. Lopetegui's side tested Villa, with Cunha shooting just over after beating the high line of Villa. In the second half things continued in a similar manner, as Villa pushed and Wolves countered. Diego Costa had an early second half shot saved by Martinez, and Villa also drew level Mings shot over the crossbar from six yards out. Villa pushed on and although Emery had produced one of the masterclasses of the season in turning around the fortunes of Villa, Lopetegui has done just as well considering Wolves were bottom of the league when he took over. They are now on 40 points and should be more than assured of their position in the division next season. Villa meanwhile seem to have fallen just short in their late push for European football, but Emery will have plenty of positives to build upon for next season. 

Predicted: Liverpool 3-1 Brentford

Result: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

Salah

The Reds continued their late push to try break into the top four with a narrow win at home over Brentford. They were dominant from the off, with a line-up that included Gakpo in midfield, they got their goal on 13 minutes when Fabinho picked out van Dijk in the box, who headed it back across goal for Salah to bundle the ball in. Alexander-Arnold ran the game from his midfield role, and played a lovely ball over the top which Nunez failed to finish when it should have been a goal. Mbuemo caused problems with his pace, and had a goal ruled out for a narrow offside after a lovely run in behind. Gakpo had an excellent chance from two yards out but the ball came at him too quick and the chance went begging, while Brentford failed to create any real clear chances for Mbuemo or Toney. While the game was a physical and tough affair, Liverpool saw out the clock and took the three points in what could easily have been a banana skin. Frank will be pleased with the performance of his side, but they managed just five shots all game which is their lowest in the league all season. Salah became the first Liverpool player in history to score in nine games at Anfield in a row, while also getting his 100th goal at the ground for the Reds. Alisson also made a landmark, securing his 100th clean sheet for the club and becoming the fourth quickest keeper in the clubs history to do so. Interestingly, Liverpool find themselves in with a shout of top four, albeit a very narrow one and all depending on United and / or Newcastle dropping points. Brentford meanwhile may have blown their chance of securing European football for next season, but the club has been moving in all the correct directions and will be delighted with how their second season in the top flight has panned out.

Predicted: Newcastle 2-2 Arsenal

Result: Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

Ødegaard, Schär OG

It was Newcastle who made the brighter start here, as Murphy saw an effort come back off the post in the second minute. Things got even worse for Arsenal soon after as Kiwior was judged to have blocked Guimaraes' shot with his hand in the area, but after a review the penalty was not given as the ball had deflected off his knee. While the home fans were still reeling, Ødegaard took advantage and fired a left-foot drive past Pope on 14 minutes. Against the run of play, that settled Arsenal and they began to take control of the game. Martinelli and Ødegaard both forced saves from Pope, while Saka was denied in a one-on-one. Early in the second half Isak hit the post with a header as Newcastle looked to get back into the game, while Schar's header was saved by Ramsdale. Martnelli saw an effort come off the top of the bar and while this game was end to end, it was Arsenal who struck next. On 71 minutes Martinelli's driven cross ricocheted past Pope off Schar and into the net to ensure Arsenal would retain their lead. Newcastle could find no way back into the game, leaving them still in the hunt for Champions League football but they will need to navigate their somewhat tricky fixtures ahead. As for Arsenal, they kept themselves on the coattails of Manchester City, albeit having played a game more and knowing they need Pep's side to slip up in two games between now and the end of the season to have any shot at the title. Arsenal also became only the third side to beat Newcastle in the league at St. James Park since he took charge, along with Liverpool twice, and Manchester City.

Predicted: West Ham 1-1 Manchester United

Result: West Ham 1-0 Manchester United

Benrahma

An error by De Gea gifted this one to West Ham, although it was United who made the better start. They looked in control  but lacked accuracy when it came to shooting, as Fernandes and Antony put efforts wide. Eriksen shot over and Rashford hit the post as it looked inevitable they would score. However, West Ham took the lead in the 27th minute after Benrahma saw his tame effort go in beyond De Gea, who slipped at the wrong time when going to dive for the ball. It was the fourth error the Spaniard has made leading to a goal this season in all competitions. United tried to get back into it as Antony saw a long range effort hit the outside of the post, but West Ham were furious at half time to not get a penalty after Lindelof handballed in the box. West Ham pinned United back in the second half and had a gluttony of chances, with Rice running the show. Antonio had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled to have fouled De Gea in the process as United were hanging on for dear life. Soucek also had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. United did show some control late on in the game but Rashford and Martial saw efforts saved by Fabianski. The Hammers held on for a vital win which will likely ensure they remain in the division next season, and can now focus on their Europa Conference League Semi Final with AZ Alkmaar. United meanwhile have somehow allowed Liverpool, who are a point behind them, back into the top four race, although the Red Devils do have a game in hand. They can ill afford any more slip ups as Ten Hag looks to ensure they make it into the Champions League for next season.

Predicted: Fulham 1-2 Leicester

Result: Fulham 5-3 Leicester

Willian x2, Vinicius, Cairney x2 - Barnes x2, Maddison

This game began in the manner it meant to go on, as on 10 minutes the first goal arrived. Willian whipped in a free which deceived everybody and ended up in the far corner of the goal. Eight minutes later Fulham got their second as Vinicius ran through a lacklustre Leicester defence before slotting home, with the Foxes looking a mess. Fulham pushed on and controlled proceedings, with their third arriving on 44 minutes when Faes failed to clear properly and Cairney was on hand to score. Iversen had also been required to save two efforts from Reed, as Fulham could have been more ahead at the break. Leicester only managed one meaningful chance in the first half as Vardy saw an effort saved by Leno, but they looked brighter at the beginning of the second period. Barnes tested Leno but then on 51 minutes their defence went missing once again as Tete picked out Cairney, who took his time and placed his shot. Leicester did manage to get one back on 59 minutes as Barnes saw a deflected effort go in and soon after Vardy was dragged down by Leno to win a penalty. However, the Leicester stalwart missed his penalty and Fulham got their four goal lead back on 70 minutes as Willian a bent an effort from 25 yards out. Leicester looked done but Fulham got complacent, and on 81 minutes Maddison stepped up when Fulham gave away another penalty. This time the ball did hit the back of the net, and on 89 minutes veteran Duffy mistakenly gifted a goal to Barnes when his headed pass evaded Leno and left the goal wide open. However, it was too late for the Foxes to get back into the game, and have now lost 21 league games this season. With games against Liverpool and Newcastle ahead, their Premier League status is looking bleak. Fulham meanwhile managed their 14th league win of the season, and while Europe is as good as out of their reach, they can be delighted with their showing this campaign. 

Predicted: Brighton 3-1 Everton

Result: Brighton 1-5 Everton

Mac Allister - Doucouré x2, Steele, McNeil x2

It took Everton just 33 seconds to open the scoring here, with Doucouré as Calvert-Lewin spun Dunk before playing him in for a close range finish. The second arrived from the same player, this time on 29 minutes, when Calvert-Lewin and McNeil combined before the winger crossed in with Doucouré scoring with a volley. Brighton looked dead on their feet, no surprise given their hectic schedule, and on 35 minutes a McNeil cross managed to go in off the back of Steele. While Brighton did well to hold onto the ball, they failed to test Pickford and Everton nearly had a fourth before the break when Garners shot was blocked by Dunk. De Zebri made four changes at the break and they tested Pickford early in the second half through Marsh. Ferguson then had an effort tipped over as Brighton began to apply the pressure, but once again a counter undid them. Iwobi intercepted a poor Marsh pass and played in McNeil, who rounded Steele before scoring on 76 minutes. Brighton did manage to pull one back through Mac Allister three minutes later, but in the sixth minute of injury time as Onana found McNeil who smashed the ball home to make it five. This was Everton's first away win in the league since they beat Southampton in October and a huge boost to their survival bid. As for Brighton, they are now likely out of the running for Champions League places, but are still in with a shout of finish in a European spot if they can regroup and find their form, and energy, once more.

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Southampton

Result: Nottingham Forest 4-3 Southampton

Awoniyi x2, Gibbs-White, Danilo - Alcaraz, Lyanco, Ward-Prowse

Southampton started better here, with Forest showing the nerves as Adams had an early chance blocked by Danilo. However the home side settled and managed to take the lead on 18 minutes when Johnson raced on Danilo's pass and squared the ball for Awoniyi to score. Three minutes later they doubled their lead, as Danilo managed to force the ball onto Awonyi to score his second. While the home crowd were delighted, Southampton looked dejected, but on 25 minutes they got on back. A poor pass by Gibbs-White fell to Armstrong, who played it in for Alcaraz to score. Southampton came into life from there and threw all they had at their hosts. However the spaces at the back left the door open for Forest, and on 44 minutes Johnson won a penalty when Maitland-Niles caught him. Up stepped Gibbs-White to strike the spot kick home. In the second half Southampton dragged themselves back into it on 51 minutes as Lyanco headed in from a Ward-Prowse corner. The nerves were back for Forest, but they held firm and on 73 minutes Gibbs-White's clever touch laid the ball off for Danilo to restore their two goal lead. Felipe then had a goal disallowed for offside in this hectic game, and in the sixth minute of stoppage time Southampton got one back as Ward-Prowse scored from the spot after Surridge clipped Lavia inside the box. Forest held on for dear life with the clock going over 100 minutes, but finally Forest secured their win. The tricky trees will have full belief they can remain in the division now, but Southampton are without a win in ten and all but relegated at this stage.

Table After Match Day 35

A look at the top half of the table and City lead the way, a point ahead of Arsenal having played a game less. From there the table has completely changed in the last week, with the top four race wide open. Newcastle are third on 65 points, United fourth on 63 points, and Liverpool in fifth having played a game more on 62 points. It seems any two of those three could end in the top four this season. Spurs sit in sixth five points behind, with Brighton seventh and two points behind Spurs, although they have two games in hand. Villa are eight and a point behind, with Brentford and Fulham making up the top half.

As for the bottom half of the table, Southampton remain bottom and six points adrift of Leeds and Leicester. Just above the drop zone in seventeenth is Everton, now two points clear of the drop. Forest are a point ahead of them, with West Ham another four points ahead. Bournemouth are all but safe on 39 points, with Wolves and Palace a point ahead of them. Chelsea make up the bottom half and are six points off tenth placed Fulham, but have a game in hand.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 35

1 — E. Haaland — Manchester City — 35 Goals
2 — H Kane — Tottenham — 26 Goals
3 — I. Toney — Brentford — 20 Goals
4 — M. Salah — Liverpool — 19 Goals
5 — M. Rashford — Manchester United — 16 Goals
6 — G. Martinelli — Arsenal — 15 Goals
7 — C. Wilson — Newcastle — 15 Goals
8 — M. Ødegaard — Arsenal — 15 Goals
9 — O. Watkins — Aston Villa — 14 Goal
10 — B. Saka — Arsenal — 13 Goals
11 — Rodrigo — Leeds United — 12 Goals
12 — A. Mitrović — Fulham — 11 Goals
13 — M. Almirón — Newcastle — 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.

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