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 the league reach its delayed halfway point and there were some interesting game to mark the occasion. The Manchester derby was full of VAR controversy, a heated North London Derby saw Arsenal continue to win, Liverpool look a lost side and Newcastle got back to winning ways.

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/premier-league-2223-match-week-19-preview-xddmepx

Week Predictions & Final Results

So in terms of the predicted scores, it was an interesting week as I got 1/11 correct scores this week. In terms of match-winner/loser, I managed to predict 5/11 correctly in this round of games.

Predicted: Fulham 2-1 Chelsea

Result: Fulham 2-1 Chelsea

Willian, Vinicius - Koulibaly

Quite the first game of this round, where Chelsea once more slipped up while also seeing new man Felix getting a red card on his debut. Fulham had only beaten Chelsea once in the previous 43 years and were tested early on as Felix created a good chance for Havertz. The loan signing was lively from the off and caused havoc for Fulham defenders, drawing two yellow cards from them early on. As the Cottagers finally began to get a grip in the game, they saw a penalty appeal waved away after the quarter hour mark. Chelsea had started the better but Decordova-Reid hit the bar for Fulham, and soon after they made the breakthrough on 25 minutes when Decordova-Reid nicked the ball from Hall on the right. His cross was headed on by Chalobah towards former Chelsea winger Willian, who took a shot which went in via a deflection from Chalobah. A proper derby feel came into the game, with chances at either end, as the home fans sang "Potter is getting sacked in the morning." It took two minutes into the second half for Chelsea to get level, as Koulibaly managed to finish off a rebound from a lovely Mount set piece which hit the post. Chelsea got on top in the game from there but Zakaria had to go off ten minutes into the second half with injury, and moments later Felix was sent off. The loanee lunged in on Tete and caught the Fulham right-back very high, earning him a straight red. Up until that moment he had been the best player on the pitch, but Chelsea still maintained their momentum and dominance in the tie. Substitutions gave Fulham more control, and on 73 minutes they regained the lead when Tete played the ball to Pereira on the right and the midfielder played a beautiful pass to Vinicius at the back post. The striker headed the ball home into the top corner to show Fulham they can cope without the power of Mitrovic up front with a goal the Serbian would be proud of. Fulham created more from there, with Willian looking instrumental, but it was Chelsea who came close with a Cucurella cross missing Havertz and Azpilicueta putting it wide at the far post, although the German was offside. Leno stood strong and ensured any remaining chances against him were kept out, as Fulham recorded another excellent result. The Cottagers put six points between themselves and Chelsea ahead of both sides playing another fixture each on Sunday. It was a debut to forget for Felix, who will serve a three match ban, while Potter's men cannot seem to find any form or rhythm to quell the rot in their performances.

Predicted: Aston Villa 3-1 Leeds

Result: Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds

Bailey, Buendía - Bamford

This game started at a lightning quick pace, and it only took three minutes for the first goal. A dangerous Leeds corner saw Villa clear and Young found Kamara with a beautiful chipped through ball. He brought the ball to the edge of the Leeds box and played it to Bailey on the right, who cut inside and finished into the top corner. Soon after new Villa man Moreno had to enter the game as Digne went off injured, all the while Leeds had struggled to click and find a way into the game. As the half went on Leeds grew into the match and began to put real pressure on Villa, who seemed happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. As Leeds began to dominate in their spirited effort, Rodrigo saw an effort cleared off the line by new man Moreno, while Martinez was called upon to make a fine save from Harrison who should have done better. In the second half it was all Leeds once again, pinning in the home side, but Buendía got his goal on 64 minutes when he headed home a rebound after Bailey's strike was parried by Meslier. VAR reviewed the goal and it was allowed to stand even though initially Buendía had looked offside. Only moments before Young had made an excellent sliding tackle to deny Leeds a chance to level the scores. Leeds kept pushing and in the 83rd minute finally scored, as Gnonto was too strong for Young and played a lovely ball into Bamford, who fired the ball into the back of the net. It made the end of the contest a nervy affair, as Villa could not make the most of counter attacking opportunities but held firm to deny Leeds a second goal. Villa have now secured their fourth win in six Premier League games under Unai Emery and moved level on points with Chelsea at the time of this result, with the Blues to play once again on Sunday. As for Leeds, boos could be heard from the away end throughout the match and when Marsch went to applaud his supports, and even though they deserved something for their efforts, it was another disappointing result to leave them without a win in seven games in all competitions.

Predicted: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City

Result: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City

Fernandes, Rashford - Grealish

City were poor from the off here, showing nerves and signs of pressure by giving the ball away multiple times, with Fernandes almost scoring early on after Silva misplaced a pass in midfield. Rashford managed to take the ball around Ederson after the half hour mark, but Walker got back to block on his goal-bound shot. Soon after Rashford was through again, this time hitting it straight at Ederson. City dominated the ball and possession but couldn't get the ball to Haaland, with a rash Walker effort their best chance of the half. The second half saw City take the ascendency, as substitute Grealish made an instant impact on the hour mark. He rose highest to head home a De Bruyne cross after the Belgian had made a great run down the right. It felt like City had the points wrapped up from there, cruising and controlling the game until a moment of scandal in the 78th minute. Casemiro played the ball through to Rashford who was offside by went towards the ball and even shielded it before Fernandes got on the ball and curled home from the edge of the area. City were outraged that VAR did not call if back even though the assistant referee flagged for offside against Rashford, and the excuses of "he didn't touch the ball" mean nothing when the rules state he interfered with play. Four minutes later and Old Trafford erupted as Garnacho's low cross reached Rashford who finished past Ederson. Stunned, City could do little about it but could certainly feel aggrieved by the officiating. This was the first time since 2013 that Man City have opened the scoring after half time and not gone on to win the game in the league. They also only managed one shot on target in the entire game, their joint lowest amount under Pep in the league. As for United, Garnacho became the youngest player to provide an assist in the Manchester derby.

Predicted: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Result: Brighton 3-0 Liverpool

March x2, Welbeck

Liverpool were without Nunez here and they were without any real purpose, as Klopp’s side were outplayed from the off and showing no signs of a team pushing to try get into those Champions League places. This game came on the back of a Cup draw to Wolves and a league defeat to Brentford, but it was De Zerbi’s side who should have been ahead in the first half, as March saw Alexander-Arnold block an early effort which had beaten Alisson but may have been going wide. Mitoma, Mac Allister, and Ferguson all missed chances from there, with Liverpool failing to get much of the ball and offering little in attack. Alisson looked to have fouled March to give away a penalty, but it was overruled for offside. A minute after the restart and Brighton were ahead, as Matip gave away possession and Mitoma played the ball into March for a tap in. Seven minutes later he got his second with a long range effort from the edge of the area which gave Alisson no chance. Liverpool struggled for chances, rarely testing Sanchez in the Brighton goal, and on 81 minutes the game was fully over. Welbeck got himself on the scoresheet with a classy finish, as he flicked the ball over Gomez before finishing past Alisson to resign Liverpool to back to back defeats in the league, after they had been on a four game winning run in the league before these games. Mac Allister and Caicedo ran the game from midfield, with Liverpool unable to cope and looking very disjointed in that area. It left their defence under too much pressure and their attack with little to work from. As for Brighton, De Zebri's side have now managed to score a remarkable 20 goals in their previous six games as the Italian has more than imposed his style after replacing Potter. The Seagulls fans will be quite satisfied, as they were famed for their 0-0 or 1-1 draws at home last season but are turning on the style these days.

Predicted: Everton 1-1 Southampton

Result: Everton 1-2 Southampton

Onana - Ward-Prowse x2

Prior to kick off the directors at Everton were advised not to attend Goodison Park due to "very real threats" against them. Turns out its a good thing they didn't, as Lampard's side allowed their control of the game to disappear. The Toffees looked the better team for most parts in the opening half, and on 39 minutes they got their deserved lead when Onana rose highest to score with a well-timed header from Gray's corner. The chants of 'Sack the board' didn't stop however, and became much louder throughout the second half due to Everton giving away their lead. Without even a minute on the clock, the creative maestro for the Saints, Ward-Prowse, got onto Adams' knockdown and side stepped Godfrey before slotting home past Pickford. Calvert-Lewin saw an effort hit the cross bar as Everton tried to regain their lead, but to little effect. As the second half wore on, it was Gordon who gave away needless foul on Che Adams 30 yards out on 78 minutes. Of all the teams not to give a free kick to, its Southampton. Up stepped Ward-Prowse to dispatch his 16th direct free-kick goal of his career and leave Pickford motionless, leaving him only two off the record of Beckham. Everton have now lost four in a row on home soil in the league for the first time since 1958. Southampton meanwhile put an end to a run of six straight league defeats and give manager Jones his first league win, which comes on the back of an impressive win in the Carabao Cup during the week over Man City. A dream week is how Jones described it, while for Lampard, it is becoming a nightmare as they slip into the relegation places, level on points with their bottom of the table opponents and only ahead on goal difference.

Predicted: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Leicester

Result: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Leicester

Johnson x2

The first half lacked any real clear chances in this derby between the two East Midlands rivals, as Barnes put an effort wide for the Foxes in the best chance of the lot. It was wasteful and disjointed first half from both sides, with nerves clearly playing a part for both teams. In the second half Barnes once again, this time side-footing past the post early on in the half. Leicester were looking the more threatening, albeit with limited opportunities, but smart substitutions allowed Forest to turn up the pressure on the Foxes and it paid dividends. Surridge found Gibbs-White who played in Johnson on 56 minutes for the attacker to round Ward and slot the ball home. It was flagged offside, but VAR allowed the goal due to him being played onside by Faes' trailing leg. Leicester pushed forward to try find a goal, desperate to avoid another defeat, but in doing so allowed gaps to appear at the back. Surridge saw a header go wide, and on 84 minutes he lashed a second past Ward from a lovely Gibbs-White pass. Forest secured their first back to back wins in the league since their promotion as they looked to have clicked and are playing like a team. Leicester meanwhile are on a four game loosing streak in the league and have not managed a single point since the World Cup break, putting immense pressure back on Rodgers as they slip back into the relegation mix.

Predicted: Wolves 2-2 West Ham

Result: Wolves 1-0 West Ham

Podence

Lopetegui is making his mark at Wolves, and after getting a draw at Anfield in the FA Cup last weekend, his side secured a massive three points in the relegation battle here. However, it was West Ham, on a high of their own from their FA Cup win against Brentford, who came closest in a poor first half. Coufal saw an effort cleared off the line by Bueno after it had beaten Sa. The second half sparked life into the game however, as just three minutes in and Podence broke the deadlock. His finish came from a counter attack which saw the Portuguese forward score his fifth goal of the season as he scored from the edge of the area. On 75 minutes Neves could have made it two as his curling effort hit the bar, while substitute Raul Jimenez had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside. Moyes side could not come up with anything of worth to try and get back into the contest, as they failed to really test Sa in the Wolves net. Their away form is terrible and they have only managed six goals away from home all season. Wolves have now won two of their four Premier League games under new manager Julen Lopetegui, while West Ham are winless in eight Premier League away games.

Predicted: Brentford 3-0 Bournemouth

Result: Brentford 2-0 Bournemouth

Toney, Jensen

It was far from the most action packed or exciting first half of football on display, but that all changed when Wissa played a ball over the top for Toney to chase but Senesi panicked and pulled his shirt, giving the referee a decision to make. Neto dived the right way but it was not to be as Toney scored his 13th Premier League goal of the season and his his 21st successful spot-kick from 21 attempts. Billing had the best chance for the away side, as his driving effort was saved by Raya. Bournemouth had greater urgency in the second half, but Brentford continued to have the better chances as Norgaard and Mbeumo  both hit tame effort straight at Neto. Dembele almost made an impact for Bournemouth as a substitute when he Pinnock inside out before drawing an instinctive save from Raya, but with a quarter of an hour to go Brentford got their second. Dasilva played down the left before spotting Jensen on the edge of the box for a clinical right-foot finish. Bournemouth have now their last four Premier League matches without scoring a single goal, while Thomas Frank's are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League matches and have won four of their last five. Bournemouth also hold the record of joint most amount of gaols conceded in their first ten away games of a Premier League season, having seen 31 goals hit the back of their net.

Predicted: Chelsea 2-2 Crystal Palace

Result: Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

Havertz

A much needed win here for Chelsea after their awful recent form. Potter had just one win in eight games while Vieira had only one win in the previous six. It was an entertaining first half however, as neither side let nerves get the better of them and Guaita and Kepa very plenty busy. Chelsea started at full tempo but it was Palace who had the first real chance, with Mitchell’s close-range effort saved by Kepa after the keeper has misjudged a cross. Olise’s long range effort was the next to test Kepa, while Havertz and Hall wasted chances for Chelsea. Schlupp and Ziyech also both had efforts saved for their respective sides as the first half ended. The second half was less bad-tempered as the pressure began to show, but on 64 minutes Havertz popped up with the games only goal. He rose highest to head home after a short corner saw Ziyech swing the ball in from the left. It was just the German's second goal in ten games but was badly needed, and a series of yellow cards followed from there. Gallagher drew attention for simulation, while Doucoure saw a late effort saved by Kepa’s lunging save to extinguished any hope of earning a point. Potter praised the fans for getting his side over the line, as they celebrated having new mega signing Mudryk in the executive boxes. Palace meanhwhile will be disappointed but some worries will be creeping in after a third goalless display in five games.

Predicted: Newcastle 4-1 Fulham

Result: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham

Isak

The St James' Park atmosphere was not going to get the better of Fulham here, as they started brightly in this one. Longstaff had a chance early on but Diop was alert and got back to block any chance, as the Cottagers had control in the game. Newcastle grew into it from there however, as Wilson headed straight at Leno, but they had concerns when Bruno Guimaraes appeared to roll his ankle and looked uneasy for the remainder of the half. Leno twice kept out strikes from Wilson and at the break Bruno left the field in tears, unable to continue for the second half. After the break Wilson headed wide from a Trippier corner before Schar's powerful free-kick hit the upright. A foul by Trippier on Decordova-Reid in the box allowed Mitrovic to convert a penalty in the 68th minutes, but controversy followed. He slipped and somehow hit the ball twice while taking the spot kick, doing so illegally, and the goal was ruled out. Very tough and harsh on Fulham, and while it looked like the game was heading for a scoreless draw, in the 89th minute Isak got the winner. as he headed home after Wilson had headed the ball back across the goal. It had been a cagy affair, but Newcastle made sure it was not to be a third straight 0-0 draw in the league. As for Fulham, they were incensed that Burn did not get a red card for his challenge on Pereira in the penalty area soon before the foul by Trippier for the penalty. Fulham also saw their five game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end here.

Predicted: Tottenham 3-1 Arsenal 

Result: Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal 

Lloris (OG),  Ødegaard

The North London Derby was, as expected, a fiery affair. Arsenal were dominant from the start and Nketiah tested Lloris from close range early on after the keeper had been caught on the ball in his own box by Martinelli. A second blunder less than 10 minutes later however saw Lloris divert Saka's cross  from a Partey's ball over the top into his own net to open the scoring on 14 minutes. Arsenal continued to pin Spurs back, although Ramsdale was forced into a fine save by Son before Ødegaard forced a save from Lloris and Partey hit a volley against the post. Ødegaard got his goal soon after as on 36 minutes he led the charge upfield and scored his 8th league goal of the season with a clinical drive into the bottom corner. Kane saw a header saved just before the break, and in the second half Spurs started brightly. Ramsdale was on hand to stop Kane and also a Sessegnon effort. Kulusevski sent a curling effort just wide, but soon after Arsenal took control of the game once more. They did not dominate in the same way they had in the first half, but they managed the rest of the second half intelligently. A dampener in the clash was when Ramsdale appeared to be kicked by a supporter after the final whistle and a brawl nearly broke out amongst the players. Arsenal completed a league double over Tottenham for the first time since the 2013-14 season, while Spurs have conceded 2+ goals in five consecutive home league games for the first time since August 1992. It was also the third error in the league this season by Lloris which has led to a goal being conceded. 

Table After Match Day 19

A look at the top half of the table and Arsenal now have an 8 point lead over Man City in second, who are only a point clear of Newcastle and United who are level on points to make up the top four. Spurs are now 5 points off top 4, with Fulham and Brighton completeing the European places. Brentford, Liverpool, and Chelsea make up the top half of the table.

As for the bottom half, Southampton remain bottom with Everton and West Ham having slipped down and level all three are level on points in the relegation zone. Bournemouth are a point clear, with Wolves, Leicester, and Leeds a point ahead of them. Forest are five points clear of the drop now in 13th, while Palace are comfortable in 12th and Villa ten points clear of danger in 11th.

Top Goal scorers After Match Day 19

1 - E. Haaland - Man City - 21 Goals
2 - H Kane - Tottenham - 15 Goals
3 - I. Toney - Brentford - 13 Goals
4 - A. Mitrovic -Fulham - 11 Goals
5 - Rodrigo — Leeds — 10 Goals 
6 - M. Almirón - Newcastle - 9 Goals

+ 2 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

I hope you enjoyed the matches this week. We will be back again next weekend for the next round of league fixtures.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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** I first published this article on Medium on the 15th of January 2023, which can be read here: https://medium.com/@1r3n9project/premier-league-22-23-match-week-19-review-655ec3a418c4  **