Premier League - Saturday Summarised
A short overview of Saturday’s Premier League Results - Gameweek 31
Everton 1-1 Arsenal
The Premier League title appears all but sealed with Arsenal being held to a 1-1 draw against Everton. In a game which saw Arsenal make several changes ahead of their Tuesday night tie with Real Madrid, Leandro Trossard fired the Gunners ahead with a left footed low strike into the far corner, made by Raheem Sterling.
Everton responded early in the second half via Ndiaye from the penalty spot following a decision to award Everton a penalty after Lewis Skelly was alleged to have pulled down Jack Harrison in what appeared to be a soft decision.
The Draw leaves Arsenal 11 points adrift of Liverpool having played a game more.
Ipswich 1-2 Wolves
Another result which appears to have led to another forgone conclusion was Ipswich against Wolves. The Tractor Boys now seem destined for relegation as today’s result leaves them 12 adrift of Wolves.
Ipswich started well and got their reward when Liam Delap turned home O’Shea’s header from close range. The first half also saw a bizzare moment when Ipswich goalkeeper Palmer let a backpass slip under his foot, he was able to claw the ball off the line but conceded a freekick inside the six yard box. Wolves would fail to convert however
Wolves were unlucky to be behind at half time having seen two efforts cleared off the line. Their equaliser would come after 72 minutes when Sarabia’s shot just about had the power to trickle past Palmer. Only one team looked like winning the game from there and they did. In form striker Strand Larsen turning a rebound home for his 4th goal in 3 games. Surely there is no way back for Ipswich from here.
Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa continued their late push for a Champions League place ahead of their huge Champions League Quarter Final clash with PSG on Wednesday.
The damage was done inside 15 minutes with goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen putting them in a commanding position. Forest showed moments of danger on the break with Elanga almost recreating his mid-week heroics, dragging a shot just wide following a mazy dribble.
Jota Silva would pull one back just shy of the hour mark, initially appearing to impede his own teammate, his decision to take the shot on himself was clearly justified. Both sides had chances throughout the second half. Brazilian Centre Back Murillo came close with a spectacular long range effort which bounced off the crossbar. Villa ultimately would hold on and claim a vital three points. Forest will finish the gameweek in 3rd regardless.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Brighton
A lively afternoon at Selhurst Park for derby day saw a remarkable three red cards awarded. Mateta’s rocket smashed Palace into an early lead following Eze’s through ball. Veteran Striker Danny Welbeck equalised in the first half following a well worked move, turning home Minteh’s cross.
Full back Muñoz would restore Palace’s lead in the second half after his shot deflected off Estupiñán and beyond the reach of Verbruggen into the far left corner. But that’s when the fun began. Substitute Eddie Nketiah, who was booked for simulation minutes earlier, caught Van Hecke late and was shown a second yellow. Palace would then be reduced to nine men as skipper Guéhi was also shown a second yellow for a very similar offence. Van Hecke himself was then sent off late on, again for a second yellow, Brighton could not capitalise on the numerical advantage. Crystal Palace move to within 4 points of their rivals with a game in hand as their impressive second half of the season continues.
West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth
Two sides in poor form and looking to respond to mid-week disappointment. Bournemouth were first to strike through Evanilson, the forward tapped home from close range after a poor error from Areola, who should’ve held a simple first effort. West Ham failed to create a shot on target in the first half and were quick to make changes at Half Time and early in the Second Half.
The changes would pay dividends, summer signing Niclas Füllkrug powerfully headed home Ward-Prowse’s corner to bring the scores level. Soon after West Ham would go ahead through some good work from Kudus down the wing, his cross was headed home superbly by Bowen, ending his temporary home goal drought. Bournemouth did respond however, Brooks floated the ball into the penalty area and Evanilson again was on hand to turn in Huijsen’s flick on from 3 yards out. The result leaves both sides winless in their last four as the season begins to drift out.
My Goal of the Day:
My goal of the day has to be Mateta vs Brighton. What a way to start a derby match, the pass from Eze is beautifully simple and effective whilst the finish on his weaker left foot by Mateta from just inside the area oozed confidence and class from a man having a terrific season, this was goal number 13 in the league.
My Talking Point of the Day:
I know what you’re thinking… typical Arsenal fan, but I cannot get away from the penalty incident being the talking point today. The contact between Lewis Skelly and Harrison to me starts outside of the box and would question what contact, if any, was enough to bring the Everton man down in the box. I was amazed this was not overturned.