Weekend Round Up

Weekend Round Up

I am going to start doing a quick weekend round up of the games that went ahead. I know it’s very basic content and that this sort of post gets thrown around the internet every weekend in one ruse or another but for me it’s an easy way of catching up on any football I have missed for starters, finding little bits of information that I may have missed over the weekend and also it’s a good excuse for some writing practice for me.

Writing is the same as any skill learnt over time and requires practice so this sort of post will offer me a small chance to get some extra writing in on top of the other posts I am going to do. It also gives a chance to stay up to date with all the clubs around the premier league and not just the ones I am following.

Let us get started…

Never back the early KO is a cry heard round most pubs come 2:30 when most people’s bets are already over. Not this Saturday though, Liverpool went into the game off the back a few defeats and needing a win for personal pride instead of for the premier league title challenge. After losing there unbeaten streak, going behind in the first leg of the champions league and losing to Chelsea, the home fans were expecting nothing more than a victory. Callum Wilson put the visitors ahead in some what controversial circumstances however Liverpool remained composed and Salah became the firsts Liverpool player to score 20+ goals in 3 consecutive seasons since Michael Owen. A VVD interception on the half way line and a through ball to Mane was enough to give them the lead going into half time. No more goals in the second half but a goal line clearance from MOTM Milner was enough to secure Liverpool the win. The hosts will hope this is some much need momentum gong into their champions league second leg with Atheltico Madrid.

Onto a London derby, a 78th minute VAR assisted goal from Alexander Lacazette was enough to seal the tie for the Gunners. A somewhat wasteful West Ham side defended and attacked well but as has been the case on numerous times this season getting the ball across the line was the issue. The goal itself was originally flagged offside but after a check by VAR is was awarded. Both sides had chances and Arsenals Leno was regarded as the best player on the pitch. Arsenal are now 8 games unbeaten which is a significant step in the right direction, with Arteta making steady progress. West Ham sit 16th and on 27 points with 2 other club hovering around the relegation zone. A corner will need to be turned if survival is on the agenda.

Another London derby next with Crystal Palace vs Watford. A brilliant strike on 28 minutes was enough to give palace there third consecutive 1-0 win. Jordon Ayew fired into the top corner for his 8th goal of the season, finding some form in recent weeks which is proving excellent for palace who are showing they are becoming a difficult team to break down. Watford will have hoped for a better result after such a dominant display against Liverpool however it was not to be and the 3 points last week are proving to be exceptionally valuable given they are only above the relegation zone by goal difference. Palace continue plodding on with mid-table this year looking likely.

Onto this season surprise package Sheffield United against Norwich. The blades make it 10 points from 12 in the last 4 games with another clean sheet to add to the many of this season. The fans will have Henderson to thank for helping the side to 3 points this Saturday with 3 saves late on to help his side to victory. Billy sharps 36 minute header was all that separated the two sides and left the blades with genuine European hopes for the end of the season. Norwich on the other hand are left rock bottom of the premier league needing a little bit of a miracle to avoid relegation this year.

Down to the south coast for Southampton against Newcastle where an early sending off for the hosts made life difficult. Allen Saint-Maxiin ended Newcastle’s’ current goal drought which Southampton’s Alex McCarthy bravely tried to deny. His triple save will be one of the highlights of the weekend but unfortunately that wasn’t enough to earn the Saints a draw. This was a proper mid table clash, Newcastle are now 8 points above relegation which should be enough with the way the bottom clubs are playing and Saints 7 points clear but needing to get back to winning ways to assure there safety.

It was a bore draw at Molineux but the point moves Wolves 5th in the premier league. With only one shot on target in each half but drawing routine saves from the goalkeepers. Brighton are still yet to win in 2020 and are now only two points above the relegation zone. Wolves missed a chance to go 4th but to not play well and still not get beat isn’t always a bad thing.

The late KO saw Burnley host Tottenham were a score draw saw both sides leave with a point. Sean Dyche had some strong words about VAR when Chris Wood was denied a penalty after staying on his feet after being fouled. A Chris Wood goal however and a Dele Ali penalty were all that stood between the sides. Spurs are still looking for a solution to their current striker problems but it doesn’t seem Ali up top is going to do that. Spurs look like they may struggle to make top 4 with Burnley sitting pretty in mid table.

Sundays early KO saw a wonderful display by Chelsea team needing another big performance, a 4-0 rout of Everton with 18 year old Billy Gilmore producing another MOTM award on his full premier league debut. Goals from Mount, Pedro, Willian and Giroud saw them well past Everton who struggled against Chelsea’s high tempo. Everton had been in from up to now but didn’t have enough to compete with the Chelsea side that showed up. This was a typical game where Chelsea’s found form and Everton seemed sluggish compared to there recent self.

The Manchester derby provided us with Sunday night entertainment and it didn’t disappoint. Goalkeeping errors led to both goals for United leaving City still miles behind Liverpool and having an uncharacteristic season of mistakes and lack of intensity. This shouldn’t take away the result from United mind who completed the league double over City for the first time since Sir Alex retired. Ederson will be seen as the one at fault for both goals, the first you could argue was unlucky and the second a good finish but ultimately the two mistakes cost two gaols which was enough to settle the tie. Bruno Fernandez with another good performance will keep fans wondering just how good he could become.

The final game of gameweek 29 saw Leicester take on Aston Villa. Villa needed a result and Renia’s goalkeeping left a lot to be desired for Barnes first goal, excellent footwork and finish but it will go down as a goalkeeping error. Up step Jamie Vardy at half time, one penalty and one solo effort saw him prove he is fit from any injury niggles. Harvey Barnes grabs himself a second with 5 minutes left and rightly so was the best player on the park. This keeps the Foxes pushing City for second place. Aston Villa are going to need a master turn around in the final games to drag themselves out of the bottom 3, however with only 5 points separating as many teams there is all to play for.

That sums up this weeks football with lots to talk about! I’d love to here your opinions! Until next time!