Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. The fifth match week, which was the first midweek round this season, saw Chelsea slip up and lose more ground in their ambitions for a title race, Arsenal continue their 100% start, Haaland is really beginning to show why he is one of the worlds best, and Liverpool breaking Newcastle's hearts at the death.

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-5-preview-xlqzddl

Weekend Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, I got 1/10 correct this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 4/10 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brentford

Result: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brentford

Zaha - Wissa

For long periods this game seemed destined to end in a stalemate, similar to their two encounters last season. It took 18 minutes for a shot on target, with Schlupp making a run from deep in his own half up to the Brentford box before testing Raya for the first time. Olise helped Palace grow into the game with his impressive running, while Zaha saw his effort stopped by Hickey's goal-saving block. Into the second half and Palace continued to threaten, with Schlupp shooting straight at Raya and Olise curling an effort onto the post. Zaha finally broke the deadlock with a beautiful curling effort into the top corner just before the hour mark. This seemed to give Brentford the motivation they needed, as they came to life in the game. Substitue Wissa became their hero, with two minutes of normal time left he headed in the equaliser unmarked. Zaha gave a rousing interview afterwards, caliming his teammates need to do more, which was especially evident given they stopped posing a threat after his goal and Guehi was caught ball watching when Wissa scored the leveller. Zaha though has continued his impressive form, scoring six goals in their last seven games at Selhurst Park. Brentford meanwhile have now conceded in each of their last 19 away league games, the longest current run in the competition.

Predicted: Fulham 0-2 Brighton

Result: Fulham 2-1 Brighton

Mitrovic, Dunk OG - Mac Allister

Another excellent performance from Fulham saw them end Brighton's unbeaten start to the season. Fulham were impressive from the off and didnt give Brighton a moment of rest to gain a foothold or control in the game. Palhinha nearly opened the scoring on eight minutes when his flick was saved by Sanchez, and Potter ended up switching to a back three to sure things up. Gross' shot around the half hour mark was Brighton's first on target, and could have taken the lead when March headed wide seven minutes before the break. Three minutes after the restart and Fulham were ahead, as Mitrovic scored his 100th goal for the club when he arrived late at the back post to turn home Kebano's cross. Seven minutes later it was two, as Dunk scored an unfortunate own goal trying to deal with Pereira's cross. On the hour mark Brighton managed to get one back, when a VAR review spotted De Cordova-Reid's trip on Estupinan, allowing Mac Allister to clinically score the spot-kick. Brighton pushed on but Fulham controlled the situations well and finished the game with another three points. This was Brighton's first league defeat in ten games stretching back to last season. Lewis Dunk (6) is now only behind Richard Dunne (10), Martin Skrtel (7), Phil Jagielka (7) and Jamie Carragher (7) in Premier League own goals scored.

Predicted: Southampton 2-2 Chelsea

Result: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea

Lavia, Armstrong - Sterling

A lacklustre defensive display as Tuchel described his defenders as soft following their loss to Southampton. The Saints found themselves under pressure for the opening twenty minutes of the game, as Chelsea were sharp and resilient which led to them going ahead after Sterling finished a Mount pull back on 23 minutes. Southampton found their spark through the 18 year old Lavia, as Ward-Prowse's corner was poorly cleared by Azpilicueta to the edge of the box where the youngster controlled the ball before slamming an unstoppable drive into the net to level the game just before the half hour mark. Chelsea found themselves under pressure from there, and in injury time Southampton went ahead. Perraud picked out Armstrong in the box, who controlled the ball and let off a shot which took a slight deflection off Koulibaly on its way to goal. The second half saw Southampton twice denied by goal line clearances, the first from the shoulder of Cucurella before Silva flicked away another goal bound effort. Chelsea could not find any momentum and Southampton got their deserved win, with the only downside being Lavia going off injured after the hour mark. Chelsea meanwhile have now lost two league away games in a row for the first time under Thomas Tuchel.

Predicted: Leeds 3-1 Everton

Result: Leeds 1-1 Everton

Sinisterra - Gordon

Lampard has commented how Everton cannot afford to allow Gordon to leave, which has been more evident than ever after he scored again for the club. It was a goal from Everton's only shot on target in the first half on 17 minutes, a half in which Leeds had showed good early dominance in the game. Iwobi picked out Gordon's darting run with a through-ball and the young Englishman scored with a low shot under Meslier for his second goal in two games. Leeds pushed on but lost Rodrigo after a collision with Everton keeper Pickford, a huge blow after his goalscoring form of late. Gelhardt came on in his place and the youngster looked impressive, playing a role in their second half equaliser. He set Aaronson free with a delightful pass, with the American in turn setting up Sinisterra to score his second goal for the club on 55 minutes. Things got heated when Gordon and Kristensen went head to head as both players received yellow cards, and both benches kicked off also. Gray saw an effort ruled out by VAR for an offside, and Gelhardt saw his late effort saved by Pickford to ensure the teams shared the points. Everton continued their habit of dropping points from winning positions under Lampard, having now lost 13 points in that period. Leeds meanwhile have managed to earn 8 points from their last 4 home league matches, having only managed the same amount in their previous 11 before that.

Predicted: Arsenal 1-2 Aston Villa

Result: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Jesus, Martinelli - Douglas Luiz

The Gunners managed to make it five wins from five against Villa, as a dejected Gerrard was left wondering what he needs to do to get his squad clicking. Villa were not at the races for the majority of the first half, allowing Arsenal to dominate proceedings. Martinez very much kept his side in the game, as Arteta watched Jesus, Gabriel, Odegaard and Saka all pass up scoring opportunities. It took until the half hour mark for Arsenal to open the scoring, as Xhaka saw his shot saved and Jesus finished the follow up. Gerrard will have been dismayed by what he saw, but thankfully there was improvement in the second half from Villa. They managed to level the match as Douglas Luiz scored directly from a corner for the second match in a row. Some contention surrounded it as Ramsdale felt he was impeded, but the ref let it stand. Three minutes later and Martinelli stole the win for Arsenal, as he turned home Saka's cross with less than quarter of an hour to play. Villa could have levelled once again as Bailey had a chance from a corner, but Arsenal held on and the maintained their 100% start to the campaign. Jesus now has three goals and three assists in his first five Arsenal games, a new record for the club. Villa meanwhile are facing four defeats from five so far and they play Manchester City next. Not the start Gerrard had hoped for and he will need a big effort from his players going forward if they are to pull away from the bottom half of the table.

Predicted: Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves

Result: Bournemouth 0-0 Wolves

Not the result either team or set of fans had hoped for, but not too unsurprising either given both these sides struggles so far this season. Bournemouth played their first match since Parker was dismissed, which seemed a bit quick on the trigger but that is the nature of the Premier League. Wolves will be the more disappointed of these two side, as they would have expected to claim the three points here. Jimenez and Podence both saw late efforts missed when it looked like they would steal the win, and Lage's side have yet to win in the league this season. They had plenty of possession but could not find a cutting edge, although there are positive signs as Nunes  struck the crossbar in the first half. The second half saw Bournemouth show more ambition and try to play their way into the game, but Wolves took control of the match again soon after. The point and the clean sheet will be morale boosting for Bournemouth after conceding nine last time out, but they will know that the odds of them remaining in the division are slim. Wolves meanwhile have three points after five game and will really need to kick on asap to mount any sort of push for another top half finish.

Predicted: Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Result: Manchester City 6-0 Nottingham Forest

Haaland x3, Cancelo, Alvarez x2

Another game, another Haaland hattrick. What more can be said about that man which has not been side already? Less than forty minutes into the first half and he had his three goals, with the first came on 12 minutes when he got to the ball first from Phil Foden's cross. The second arrived 11 minutes later as Henderson's pass out only managed to find Silva, with City working the ball into their striker who finished coolly after playing in Foden only for the ball to break back to the Norwegian. The third was a header on 38 minutes, as Haaland nodded in from a Stones knockdown. Forest had provided little in that first half, happy to defend deep but that was always dangerous against this side. Stones saw a goal ruled out after Haaland had set him up, and Lodi headed wide of the post for Forest's only real chance of the half. Five minutes into the second half and Cancelo finished with a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Alvarez, having struck the post earlier and making his full debut, got in on the goalscoring action in the 65th minute with a well deserved finish. With three minutes to go Alvarez got his second as he rifled a shot into the top corner with his left foot. Man City go marching on as Haaland has now scored nine league goals in five Premier League matches. Forest meanwhile will understand this game was always likely to go against them, and they can be happy with the fans strongly supporting them while at the same time its a learning curve playing opposition such as Man City.

Predicted: West Ham 2-3 Tottenham

Result: West Ham 1-1 Tottenham

Soucek - Kehrer OG

This game started brightly, with Spurs thinking they had won a penalty after only 11 minutes. A lengthy VAR review ended with it being overturend, as the ball had struck Cresswell in the head and not the arm. From there the game opened up, and Antionio struck the post with an excellent effort in the 22nd minute. Just after the half hour mark and Spurs opened the scoring, as Kulusevski drove forward and played the ball to Kane, who crossed towards Son in the box which made Kehrer turn the ball into his own net. The Hammers did not give up there, and after their win on the weekend they were determined to continue injecting life into their season. On 55 minutes up stepped Soucek to thunder home a long range effort past Lloris and level the scores. Moyes side were on top and looked the brightest from there, with new boy Paqueta coming on to make his debut and missing a great chance to win it. The last attack of the match saw Bowen play an effort across goal which begged for someone to finish it but unfortunately for West Ham there was nobody there. Both of these sides will be playing European Football from next week so this game is a good reflection of how busy the next two months will be for these sides with games every three days. 

Predicted: Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle

Result: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

Firmino, Carvalho - Isak

After their mauling of Bournemouth, Liverpool showed their less than desirable side in this game once again, that is for about 97 minutes. For the eight time in nine matches, the Reds conceded first. With the last kick of the game Liverpool stole the points, although they had looked off the pace for lots of the encounter. Klopp started the same eleven which destroyed Bournemouth 9-0 last weekend, but it far from the same game here. Newcastle were the better side in the first half, with Liverpool controlling the ball but not creating any shots on target. Newcastle managed to get into the lead when Isak was played in by Longstaff and produced a sublime finish. In the second half Liverpool managed to get level when Firmino finished first time from a Salah layoff to continue the Brazilians excellent form, but it was the Newcastle delaying tactics which were the most notable point. They were constantly down injured or kicking the ball away from a free kick before it could be taken, infuriating the Liverpool players and staff. The ref added on five minutes of injury time at the end with the match still level, and from a corner and then pingpong in the box youngster Carvalho managed to lash the ball into the roof of the net with the final kick of the game and send the home side wild. It might not have been vintage from Liverpool but they will be delighted with another win. As for Newcastle, while understandable with their stars Saint-Maximin, Bruno, and Wilson missing through injury, it was still not something we like to see in the Premier League with so much time wasting.

Its not often I insert other people's Media into my Premier League Reviews but after seeing the backlash of other fans on social media, I felt it was appropriate to share this video which shows the time wasting from Newcastle and why the game ended at 97 minutes instead of the 95, including the minute and a half during injury time where Pope was down. https://twitter.com/AnfieldRd96/status/1565307592397684736?s=20&t=PPWdXpllqXtI9XnMcfqEsw

Predicted: Leicester 2-2 Manchester United

Result: Leicester 0-1 Manchester United

Sancho

The Foxes failed to turn up for this one, as they rarely threatened United throughout the encounter. It took United 23 minutes to open the scoring and they retained that lead from there, but it was the manner of the goal which will have Rodgers most worried. It all stemmed from a Leicester goal kick, as Ward launched the ball forward where it was won by Dalot. He was able to pick out Bruno amongst the misshapen Leicester defence and the ball was quickly played forward to Rashford. The Englishman turned and slipped in Sancho, who took the ball around Ward and slotted into the net. The Foxes didn't have a single touch of the ball in the United box during the first 45, but improved during the second half. James Maddison forced David de Gea into flying save from a 25-yard free-kick, but that was as good as it got for the home side. Casemiro and Ronaldo both came on but the match was already won to compound another miserable evening for Leicester. That makes it three wins in a row now for Ten Hag as United seem to be finding their feet under the new manager, and another clean sheet. Interestingly, Leicester have lost their last two home league games, which is as many as they had in their previous 14 at the King Power Stadium. Also to note this was the first time since 2005 that Ronaldo started three games in a row on the bench, as Ten Hag clearly sees him as an impact player for now.

Table After Match Day 5

A look at the top half of the table and after the fifth round of fixtures we are seeing a much more defined top half of the league. The regular faces are back amongst the top six, with only Chelsea outside of it and Brighton sitting pretty in fourth instead. Liverpool and United have climbed the league after their slow starts, and Arsenal remain 100% in their matches so far. Its also interesting to note how United are the only side in the top 8 with a negative goal difference, and its clear to see how the likes of Man City and Liverpool will be looking to add to their high scoring goal tallies this season.

As for the bottom half, Leicester sit rooted to the bottom with only one point to show for their efforts. Rodgers will need to get his team going and fast, while Villa and Wolves have also had slow starts to the season. Everton will also be hoping to push away from the relegation zone and not spend the season in another fight for their top flight status.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 5

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 9 Goals
2 - A. Mitrovic - Fulham - 5 Goals
3 - Rodrigo - Leeds United - 4 Goals
4 - H Kane - Tottenham - 4 Goals
5 - W. Zaha - Crystal Palace - 4 Goals   

Check out my 2022/23 Season Preview and Predictions here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction

Also check out my review of the group draw and prediction of the Champions League for this season here: Champions League 2022/23 Prediction

I hope you enjoyed this round of midweek games. We will be back again next weekend with the next round of fixtures. Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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