Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
The Liverpool kit looked far too much like Fulham which was annoying for the first half. Palace’s defensive struggles were compounded by injuries and different formations which have led to 7 different combinations in the back three in seven games played which is not conducive to a cohesive defense. Palace was happy to sit off and counter as Liverpool expectedly had a majority of the ball. The first well worked move for Liverpool early on allowed Tsimikas to play in behind the rwb Munoz to Gakpo’s run who then played across perfectly to Diego Jota who got to the ball first and finished home with the outside of his right foot 0-1 (9’). Liverpool played with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mcallister as two number 8’s with Gravenberch sitting as the 6 which allowed them the majority of possession with Palace really unable to get any spell of possession or counter forward. The Palace midfield really struggled to keep up with 2 against the Liverpool 3. Gravenberch was able to turn in midfield far too many times allowing them to attack the defense continuously. It was a very underwhelming start from Palace, without Mateta’s hold up play there was no one to really allow Palace to get up the field which coincided with Liverpool working hard to press and win it back immediately after losing it. Their next real chance came in the 34th minute with Gravenberch and Salah combining well on the flank to get in behind before a low cross to the middle of the box found Jota who should have at least hit the target if not scored. Instead he fluffed his lines making minimal contact with the ball. Then Palace’s first shot on goal came in stoppage time of the first half with Lacroix playing a perfect ball splitting defenders to Sarr whose first touch slightly let him down but did allow a good low strike down to Alisson’s right that was saved comfortably. Despite having the majority of the ball and being in full control Liverpool weren’t very clinical in the final third with plenty of shots from outside the box that barely troubled Henderson or were well off target. The game was very slow paced which seemed to take out any sort of intensity in the match as Palace didn’t put a lot of pressure on the ball. Szoboszlai came on for Mcallister at the half. The second half continued just as the first left off with no real change from either side. Liverpool were looking to find more balls over the top with Salah getting in behind and forcing a save from Henderson from a possible offside situation. The next chance of the game came from a Liverpool freekick whipped in from right by Trent which found Jota six yards that he missed wide (62’). The first time Liverpool were caught by a good high press caused Granvenberch to lose the ball 30 yards from goal allowing a quick shot from Nketiah straight at Alisson (63’). The introduction of Mateta and Hughes in the 60th minute gave Palace that boost they needed, going more attacking and being more aggressive pushing to get higher up the pitch. Mateta seemed to finally give the Liverpool cb’s something to think about and caused some chaos. As the game wore on it was like Palace finally woke up and started to challenge Liverpool and actually try rather than accept that they would have to sit back. With how poor Liverpool were in the final third it made for a nervy end. With all that pressure Palace finally got their first clear chance of the match with Hughes winning the ball in the center of the pitch and playing Mateta through who drove at the only defender Van Dijk before playing to his left for Eze. With the defenders recovering and closing down quickly he took it on first time from just inside the box but could only hit it straight at Jaroslav who had just come in to replace the injured Alisson (84’). In the end Liverpool did just enough to see out the game after Palace left themselves too little time to get back into the game after really idling for the first 60 minutes.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Southampton have conceded 6 set piece goals this season with Arsenal having already scored on 3 thus far.
As expected Arsenal were in control with the majority of possession forcing Southampton to sit deep. They were able to bundle away a few balls into the box and nearly got caught playing out yet again with a poor pass from Ramsdale that allowed Sterling through just losing his balance as he went in 1 on 1 vs Ramsdale (7’). Southampton were finally able to get into the Arsenal half 15 minutes in and had a spell of possession relieving the early onslaught. While Arsenal were able to continue to get into the box they weren’t able to create any clear chances or get any clear shots away with all the work for Ramsdale coming from corners. For all their possession in the final third Arsenal;s best chance came from Southampton getting caught high up the pitch and Arsenal breaking quickly with Sterling driving before cutting inside and having his goal bound shot blocked by the mass of recovering Southampton defenders (45’). For how fragile they had been at the back this season it was a remarkably stout defensive first half performance from Southampton holding Arsenal at bay relatively comfortably with the only real danger coming from when they themselves played out. Most of the play for Arsenal came down their right through Saka and as the half wore on he started to get double teamed making it even more difficult especially with the lack of creativity in midfield with only Jorginho and no Odegaard who was still out with injury. The most remarkable stat was that both sides had only 1 shot on goal each despite Arsenal having nearly 70% possession in the first half and Southampton only entering the opposition half with the ball one time. The second half started with Southampton coming out better with high pressure switching up the tactics from the first half which caught Arsenal on the backfoot. Allowing them to have more of the ball and get higher up the pitch. As they grew into the game early Arsenal got caught on the ball in transition allowing Fernandes to find Archer in behind who from the left side of the box drove inside on Saliba before finishing low into the bottom right hand corner past Raya’s left hand to give Southampton the shock 0-1 lead (55’). As the pressure ramped up a very poor giveaway in midfield by Downes minutes later allowed Saka to play to Havertz who at the top of the box moved it onto his left and smacked the inside of the left hand post and in to level the score 1-1 (58’). The game then started to open up as Arsenal made a triple attacking substitution and the urgency started to show. Southampton continued to play out but Arsenal’s press was much better with more intensity and far higher up the pitch which led to them being unable to get out and facing waves of pressure yet again in this match. The pressure payed off with Saka finally cutting inside for probably only the 3rd time in the match and playing a brilliant cross into the far post where a wide open crashing Martinelli brilliantly smashed home off the volley from a tight angle past a helpless Ramsdale 2-1 (68’). Arsenal really tightened the screw and were in full flow to get the two goals but as Southampton got forward Arsenal started to sit back and look to counter which gave Southampton the imperative and the ability to be far more dangerous in the final third. However, in the end Arsenal broke away late on with Havertz doing well to challenge in the air on the half way line causing chaos allowing Trossard to run at the Southampton defense before a bit of fortune allowed the ball to fall to the following up Saka on the right side of the box who smashed home to seal the match for the home side 3-1 (88’). In the end the scoreline represented what we thought would happen in the game but the actual match was very entertaining with Southampton really forcing Arsenal into top gear and creating an absorbing match. For how poor they had been on set pieces Southampton managed to not concede from a total of 13 Arsenal corners which was a near miracle in and of itself. An expected 3 points from Arsenal in an unexpected fashion while a much improved Southampton performance with no points to show yet again.
Brentford vs Wolves
Wolves’s woes at the back continued with yet another different defensive line at the back seven weeks in
Just as they had for the previous three weeks Brentford somehow managed to do it again scoring early this time 75 seconds in. The first possession of the ball for either side had Brentford move up the pitch with Collins playing the ball wide and crashing the box after drifting forward from cb and heading home at the front post from a perfect cross by Damsgard 1-0 (2’). Then just a minute later Brentford got down the right side yet again, this time Mbuemo found a perfect cross to the back post for a wide open Lewis-Potter who should have scored but could only head straight at the moving Johnstone (3’). Then Wolves with their first possession worked the ball around well with 20 year old Forbs on the right wing making his first start slipping through Semedo into the right side of the eighteen yard box due to some poor defending by Brentford. He then with all his experience calmly found the cutback to the penalty spot where Cunha dug it out well to curl it past Flekken first time to level the match 1-1 (4’).Very open eye catching match with both sides getting up and down the pitch into opposition boxes. Wolves looked very susceptible on set pieces into the box. On one of the balls into the box Wolves captain Lemina dragged down Collins from a corner with an arm around the neck and shoulder and at the next stoppage of play the referee got called to the monitor. Brentford were rightfully awarded the penalty and Mbuemo stepped up and slotted home to the bottom right 2-1 (20’). Brentford seemed to be in the ascendancy but the back and forth continued with Wolves winning the ball back on the edge of the Brentford box and Ait-Nouri playing a low bouncing ball across the box with Strand Larssen getting there first just before Pinnock and directing into the bottom right corner to level the score 2-2 (26’). However yet again, Brentford nearly straight from kickoff hit back immediately. Similar to their second goal this time on the opposite end of the pitch Wolves get caught trying to play out after a failed Brentford attack with Lemina playing a terrible pass allowing Mbeumo onto the ball. With the team then not in shape trying to win the ball back a simple couple of passes allowed Noregaard into the right side of the box with plenty of space and he finished calmly into the bottom left hand corner 3-2 (28’). The Wolves defense was just getting sliced through as Brentford continued to get into their box with Lewis Potter lofting a cross into the back post that Schade rose highest too. He seemed to not connect perfectly as Johnstone was able to save away with his foot in what should have been the 4th goal. Then off the ensuing corner the tallest player on the pitch Pinnock got a free header, probably the 5th of the half for Brentford, but could only head over from 13 yards out. Brentford just looked free flowing in attack with Wolves having no real structure or backbone in defense. It didn’t help that they only had 1 dcm and a very small midfield at that. Wolves seemed to grow back into the game for the final 7 minutes finally catching Brentford a little gassed. However in stoppage time a corner from Brentford’s left mirrored the earlier corner with Pinnock yet again being wide open and heading back across the goal past a helpless Johnstone to more accurately represent the play of the first half 4-2 (45+2’). An enthralling first half that showed both sides weaknesses and the difference in level even amongst last year’s middle of the table clubs. Brentford should have had six in the first half. The second half Wolves came out trying to get more men forward knowing it would take a miracle to get something from the match. Brentford meanwhile were comfortable to let Wolves have the ball and sit back a little. The pace of the game did slow down as Brentford tried to just let it drift and not inject any pace or intensity as Wolves were not really dangerous. Even with sitting back all half the most dangerous opportunities came to Brentford when they came forward but they couldn’t put the ball away. Brentford looked like they were going to score from every single one of their 10 corners and Wolves were just awful in defense. Schade yet again this time onside got through 1v1 and hit it straight at Johnstone (74’). His all around play had been good since Wissa’s injury but time and time again he has fluffed his line at the critical moment and in the bigger matches it has and will come back to bite them. In the end after a very tepid second half a botched clearance by Johnstone fell straight to Damsgard 40 yards out who played to Lewis Potter who took on a man and played a cross that Carvalho tapped in 5-2 (90’). Off the ensuing kickoff Wolves got possession and Ait Nouri picked up the ball on the edge of the box after a bit of laziness from Brentford and drove towards the line before firing through the legs of Flekken who will be disappointed to concede that one 5-3 (90+3’). Mbuemo on the right wing provided a very different Brentford look and created an even more potent Brentford attack that looked unstoppable at home. For Wolves 1 win will change their whole outlook with another tough match against City next week after which their schedule becomes far easier.
Leicester vs Bournemouth
Very free flowing start with both sides high pressing and looking to play out. After a few early probing moves into Leicester’s box Bournemouth came away with nothing and Leicester’s brightest player to start the game punished them. Buonanotte played a simple 1 2 with Justin on the right hand touchline before driving into the box and leaving Senesi grasping at straws before cutting inside and finishing high into the net at the near post past Kepa who could do nothing 1-0 (16’). For how poor Leicester have looked all season in defense it was Bournemouth that seemed to be struggling. Their midfield felt nonexistent with the massive gaps between defense and attack and Leicester getting forward on the break with good opportunities. Bournemouth’s first real chance came from a corner on the left hand side where all the Leicester players were caught inside the six yard box and allowing Tavernier to glide into the box unmarked onto the penalty spot. The delivery was pinpoint to his foot but he managed to whiff on the ball completely when he should have atleast made connection and hit the target (27’). After weathering the Bournemouth storm of about 10 minutes a brilliantly worked move out from the back beating the Bournemouth press left Buonanotte in acres of space in front of the back line on the edge of center circle. He drove at the defense before playing Vardy in who was through 1v1 and completely shanked a left footed shot that should have made the game far more comfortable instead left the pressure on (35’). Despite the near equal possession Bournemouth struggled to create any clear chances with all their shots being closed down and blocked well once they got into the box while Leicester took 1 of the 2 they created and took a well deserved lead into the break. Ndidi being moved back into the defensive two in the place of Wiinks has seemed to give Leicester more stability and cover in front of the back 4 and allowed Ayew into the team who gave them additional quality in attack. Leicester remained unchanged while Kluivert was replaced for Outtara at the half not for really doing anything wrong but just not really getting into the match. Bournemouth got the first chance of the half with a freekick deep from the right flank that was perfectly curled between the defensive line on the eighteen and the goalkeeper. Zabarnyi did well to get between Faes and Okoli to get a free header from the penalty spot and beat the outstretched Hermansen but could only hit the post in their best chance of the match (50’). As Bournemouth high pressed, they won the ball off Buonanotte and Christie at the top of the box got the ball stuck under his feet but still forced Hermansen to make a solid save down to his right. Then off the ensuing corner with a stacked six yard box Outtara created some space right at the top of the six yard box and headed wide of the left post as Leicester were lucky to escape without conceding (53’). Bournemouth came out with intensity winning the ball back quickly as Leicester were content with sitting back but were just hanging on. Another free kick this time on the edge of the box on the left hand side was hit into the net by Cook but VAR ruled offside against Evanilson who may or may not have got a touch but did influence the play. While it was probably the right decision, it was very harsh against Bournemouth (66’). For how awful VAR normally is this is one where we can all accept that it was the right call. As Leicester continued to be pinned back, another move for Bournemouth ended up on the left side with Sinisterra, who inside the box got to the byline and chipped a slow looping ball towards the center of the six yard box. Outtara found himself open yet again and rose highest but from 3 yards out managed to hit the crossbar and not hit the open net in front of him (72’). As the game continued Bournemouth kept flooding more players forward and the normally fluid Leicester attack was stunted as they were unable to create anything on the counter. Their defense in the end did just enough blocking plenty of shots and riding their luck to max to secure their first win of the season. While for Bournemouth despite the 65% possession they didn’t make the right decisions in crucial moments and didn’t create enough when they got to the final third. Seemingly the motto of Leicester this season riding their luck taking their chances in attack and getting some really undeserved points.
The trend did continue with referees giving yellow cards for slide tackles even when they get all of the ball and it is infuriating as players are not allowed to defend and every time their is a slide tackle every player is shouting and screaming on the ground trying to make the referee and VAR give a red card for good hard tackles.
Manchester CIty vs Fulham
Fulham were very fortunate early on from their own goal kick with Leno trying to play a ball in the air to the left back that was woefully under hit straight to Bernardo Silva who tried to fire it into the feet of Haaland. Fulham got a foot in but the ball deflected and bounced towards the left hand side of the top of the box where Gundogan got a free volley from just inside the box that he fired wide of the right hand post (3’). Yet again this season a City opponent made an awful error in their own third that could have led to a goal. Then less than a minute later City worked the ball well down the left side with Haaland and Foden playing a one two that got Haaland in behind but running slightly away from goal and wide which forced him to shoot wide. Fulham defended in a 5-4-1 and at times a 5-3-2 with Jimenez and Traore sitting slightly higher, trying to clog up the middle of the field and force City wide. Fulham’s first chance came from a CIty corner that Leno came out to claim before rolling to Jimenez who played a brilliant outside the foot long ball towards Traore and the recovering Oscar Bobb. Traore did well to get past him as he was the wrong side of the ball and was in 1v1 vs Ederson at the top of the box. With Ederson at the penalty spot Traore couldn’t find the net with Ederson diving early the ball was hit so straight at him that his legs made the save (17’). Fulham were willing and able to get runners in behind showing a constant threat with CIty playing a high line. Foden was always the architect, constantly finding the space behind the midfield and in front of the defense who was worried about Haaland. The first moment of utter brilliance in the match came from Fulham after enduring the early onslaught and gaining some possession with Iwobi playing into Jimenez who on the edge of the six yard box facing the sideline no look back heeled the bouncing ball just over Akanji who was trying to shield for Ederson which allowed Periera to step in behind and smash home from 3 yards out 0-1 (26’). Then immediately after the kickoff City tried to push forward quickly but were caught out leading to a 3v2 counter attack down the right where City players were running back but not full sprinting which allowed Iwobi to turn and play the ball coming out towards him across inside the box towards Traore who from 9 yards out with Ederson coming out towards him somehow managed to sky it over the bar. At the very least you have to hit the target or force the onrushing Ederson to make a save from 9 yards out. Absolutely atrocious and pitiful from him when he should really have 2 and Wolves should be up by 3 but instead his lack of technical ability and quality in the final third let the team down and City off the hook. As expected City increased tempo and urgency and then had the luck fall their way after Fulham didn’t take advantage of their chances. A corner from their left hand side was whipped into the box with Jimenez and Diaz challenging for it but both missing the ball which then fittingly hit off the chest of Adama Traore and slowly bounced towards the top of the box where a waiting Kovacic smashed towards goal taking a deflection off of Anderson wrong footing Leno and taking it away from him which he might have saved 1-1 (32’). City were able to pin Fulham back in spells as they held on blocking shot after shot before having some spells of their own which was able to keep the crowd out and lower the pressure and intensity. In the end a far better half for Fulham who had their chances in the first 30 minutes and were better in the half but failed to make it a very difficult afternoon for City. They could have put the match possibly even out of reach of City but as expected would go on to rue those chances and inevitably lose. Interestingly Fulham were most dangerous from City’s corners on the break. No changes after a very entertaining first half. City came out with a higher and better press in defense. They started quickly as well after a cross into the box from the left hand side was controlled comfortably by Bernardo Silva who chested it down and laid it to the top of the box where Kovacic took a touch into the box and smashed past Leno whose outstretched dive to his right could only get the slightest of fingertips to it 2-1 (47’). With the lead City were very patient with the ball not forcing anything. Fulham were able to get on the counter yet again in a 3v2 but Traore chose to pass left to Jimenez when Periera had more space and Jimenez then cut inside to the top of the box forcing both defenders to commit but choosing to shoot rather than play to Periera who was screaming for the ball wide open in what would have been a goal to level it (53’). After that early shock Fulham were rigid in their defensive shape and work rate not allowing anything easy for City who were simultaneously content to not push too hard, wary of the counter attack. Then yet again Traore and Jimenez combined in their own half putting Traore in behind where he beat Kyle walker in a foot race and was through 1v1 against Ederson yet again where this time he took it with his left foot from the left side and struck it straight at Ederson yet again. He had all the space to go around him to level it but just panicked as he seems to always do (68’). Fulham then a few minutes later got a long spell of possession but couldn’t create anything in the final third and didn’t have more than 2 players in the box at any time so they didn’t put any crosses in either to test the line which allowed City to just sit in the block and endure it. They did nearly get carved open after Robinson got to the line and played a cross across the box that seemed to roll in slow motion landing in the center of the box to Jimenez who was there to seemingly smash home until a brilliant last minute block by Gvardiol to barely hold the line (76’). JIminez clearly believed he should have scored as he came off nearly immediately afterwards as Fulham made attacking subs for the final 15 minutes to try and get something from it. Despite growing into the game and having more of the ball as the game wore on, in the end City’s quality shone through as they made the most of their chances in the second half. A clearance from Ederson found Haaland on the half way line who laid off to Rico Lewis who played out to Doku all with no pressure or marking. Then Doku cut in from the left and smashed the ball that beat Leno for pace though he probably should have done better as it wasn’t that far from him 3-1 (82’). Then finally as a consolation Fulham worked a good move down the right and fired a cross the center of the box where Muniz was waiting with almost a 5 yard circle around him without defenders and took a touch then fired past Ederson with the help of a deflection off the thigh of John Stones 3-2 (88’). In the end City did enough to come away with the 3 points and were extremely lucky that Adama Traore is terrible in front of goal.
West Ham v Ipswich Town
The game was off to a quick start with West Ham’s first attack coming from an awful pass by Kalvin Phillips in the midfield allowing Soucek to play Bowen down the right flank who drove at the defense before playing a cross through the legs of the defender straight into the path of Antonio who calmly finished home inside 50 seconds punishing the mistake 1-0 (1’). Ipswich then spent the next few minutes on the front foot trying to counter back immediately and did so after a corner from Ipswich’s right went all the way through the box before Liam Delap latched onto it on the edge of the box and beating Paqueta before firing a shot at the near post that bounced just in front of Areola. It was poor from Paqueta to allow him to turn and then extremely poor from Areola to get beat on his front post by an average shot at best that he even got a hand to 1-1 (6’). When West Ham got forward early they were able to get into the box and work Muric while Ipswich struggled to get there and get shots off. Todibo looked very good bringing calm and stability to the back line as West Ham slowly started to increase their quality and pressure on Ipswich in the match. Ipswich’s best chance came from a freekick near West Ham’s goal line on the right side that was fired into a crowded six yard box that Greaves got a head to but could only steer wide (36’). Then West Ham worked their way up the pitch to the other side and Antonio found himself on the right wing and curled an absolute beauty of a cross that Muric came out for but completely misjudged. It then fell to Kudus in space on the back post who mistimed it completely and with the open goal could only hit the outside of the post (38’). Immediately from the following goal kick Ipswich tried to play out despite a full high press by West Ham man marking on the edge of the box and Muric played to Morsey who with a man on his back misplayed his pass straight to Paqueta. Paqueta then found Soucek who with all the flying bodies trying to block found an angle but had his shot cleared off the line by O Shea. Ipswich were hanging on testing their luck. Then finally right before the half they broke through with Emerson getting down the left flank and firing a cross that found the head of Antonio who headed it off the crossbar and down before the following up Kudus headed home to give West Ham the deserved 2-1 lead (43’). West Ham played seemingly their best half of the season thus far looking in full flow and like they were going to score at any moment. For Ipswich on the other hand they lacked the ability to connect from midfield to attack and constantly asked Delap to hold the ball up against 3 or 4 West Ham defenders which he struggled to do. Ipswich started the second half in possession and a goal kick that was hit long fell to Johnson who passed the bouncing ball back to Muric but instead of a normal pass played a high looping pass that Muric tried to control which he couldn’t do well with Antonio pressing him. With the pressure the clearance ricocheted away and fell straight to Bowen who drove at Kalvin Phillips from the right side into the box and cut inside before calmly slotting on the ground to the far post 3-1 (49’). Again it was Ipswich causing their own downfall as Muric could have done better but the initial ball from Johnson was terrible and would have been trouble for any keeper nevertheless one who isn’t great with his feet. The next best chance came for West Ham where Bowen drifted inside and from 35 yards out clipped a perfect ball over the back line that Kudus got to and got a slight touch to which forced a very good save from Muric (59’). As West Ham dropped their level, Ipswich were finally becoming threatening in the final third and a cross from Burns on the right found Delap on the back post who headed down and forced Areola into a decent save down to his right (65’). After all that work Ipswich got played through so easily with Bowen in down the right and playing a ball across the six yard box that a wide open Lucass Paqueta was able to tap in on the back post 4-1 (69’). The rest of the game fizzled out with West Ham slowing the pace down and both sides having half chances that neither took. Given West Ham’s form this should have been a very gettable fixture for Ipwsich but they were thoroughly outclassed on the day. Ipswich do have cause for concern as they only have 1 clean sheet thus far this season.
Everton vs Newcastle
Both teams came in riding high after their best results of the season with Everton getting their first win of the season and Newcastle holding the champions to a draw.
Everton came out well keeping the level high in a very even match early. The first chance of the match came for a Newcastle corner on the left hand side whipped in by Trippier that was flicked on at the front post and found Guimares at the back post 8 yards out that he managed to hit first time straight on goal. It beat Pickford but Ndiaye who was on the front post managed to stick his left leg out to divert it 90 degrees along the goal line and out for another corner (10’). As expected Newcastle had the majority of the ball with Everton looking to counter. Their first chance came that way after winning the ball deep in their half Ashley Young played one long ball down the line that Calvert Lewin latched onto and drove straight at the goal getting a shot off from the top of the box (15’). Everton showed real confidence that they hadn’t all season with lots of energy, high pressure and even crispness on the ball which led to a marginally offside goal on a ball in the box from the rb that Doucoure headed home. Newcastle steadily got into the box and to the byline but were unable to find the final pass. After not being able to get that final pass Newcastle were given a gift with Tarkowski throwing down Tonali in the box on a freekick even though the ball was far away. A penalty was awarded and of all people the former Toffee Antony Gordon stepped up to take it. Amongst the boo’s he struck it astonishingly poorly down to Pickford’s left who read or knew it so well he dived very early and the save ended being from the ball hitting his legs and away (35’). Very interesting choice for him to take it considering they are England and former Everton teammates so they know each other well. In the end a fairly even first half with Newcastle being slightly better and squandering their one chance from the spot. The second half started much more open with a lot more back and forth play which almost entirely benefited Newcastle who didn’t have to break through the entire Everton block. Their first chance came from a long diagonal switch by Trippier to Gordon who played Joelinton on the overlap who caught the entire Everton defense very deep inside the six yard box by cutting it back to Gordon who had a very good opportunity but was crowded out by the oncoming Guimares who skied his weak foot shot over the bar and knew he should have left it for Gordon (55’).It was a very positive looking Everton side as they continued to high press into the second half which is not something they do often. The tension and energy rose as the second half wore on with no real chances for either side and a perceived wronging by the home crowd and team for what they thought was a certain penalty though VAR correctly decided it wasn’t. Then as the game felt like it was at a standstill Newcastle got one last chance where the Everton defense got caught too wide and Gordon was played into the right hand side of the box 1v1 with Pickford but he fluffed his lines in the worst way possible skying the ball over the bar from 12 yards out (82’). The game was fully stretched out as both sides tired and Newcastle should probably have won it. In the end though they had the majority of the ball, all of the corners and most of the shots but neither side could provide that extra bit of quality to put them over the top and they shared the points.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Very cagey start with both sides being compact defensively not allowing much. Very slow paced by Villa possibly due to their massive midweek match against Bayern that required maximum effort. United themselves had a midweek match and both sides just lacked a little bit of energy and that little extra quality to fashion a chance. It was a very underwhelming first half between the two with no real enthusiasm or excitement and the only threats at goal being shots from outside the box by both sides that hardly troubled the keepers. Also yet another note of just how inconsistent the referees are especially with how much emphasis has been on kicking the ball away and preventing the restart. Digne kicked the ball away after the whistle and didn’t get a booking like we have seen all season. Also very poor set pieces from both sides but especially Villa from some promising positions. The second half followed the flow of the first with both sides content to play safe with Villa having the onus on them to get forward and score. They came out with a little more energy and got into the final third with more corners but were still poor, unable to really create anything. United’s first real chance other than a Rashford shot to start the half came from a free kick 30 yards out perfectly set up on the left side of the goal. Bruno Fernandes got it over the wall and smacked the crossbar (68’). Villa’s best chance came in stoppage time with a well worked play that led to a cross on the ground that managed to get through the entire box and land at the back post where Philogene on his weak foot was blocked by the mass of bodies recovering. It did feel like their only clear cut opportunity that they created but because the United team was already so deep in the box it was going to be hard to score. Then immediately off that Villa corner United were able to break with Garnacho down the right who had 2 players in the middle wide open but he couldn’t find the pass and had to settle for a corner (90+4’). This was one of the dullest and most uninspiring games I watched all season as United did not look at any moment like they were going to score and Villa just didn’t have the energy or quality to create anything while the United defense held firm. Crazy that Jonny Evans was the man of the match for United at 36 years old at cb clearly past his prime yet still embodying the Manchester United of old.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Forest came in tied for the fewest shots on target allowed with City showing their defensive solidarity. As was expected Chelsea had the majority of the ball and came out well having waves of attack and getting into the Forest box. The shots they took were wayward and the final pass was missing early. Despite all the good play breaking lines Chelsea really struggled to create any clear cut chances and the frustration started to show on a lot of the players as Forest stood strong defensively. Defensively Chelsea were solid as Forest struggled to get out of their own half and all the long balls were dealt with well as they won the battles against Chris Wood. The last 5 minutes of the half the game started to open up with Chelsea getting the first chance after a miscontrol by Murillo allowing Madueke in behind to the touchline who cut it back to the penalty spot where Palmer connected with it but was partially blocked and the ball skidded through a bundle of bodies and hit the post and rolled on the line before being claimed by Sels (43’). Then Forest’s first real chance followed that with Yates connecting with a cross into the box that he was wide open for but was well blocked for a corner. The second half started with Forest matching Chelsea’s first half intensity making it a very back and forth game that started to get chippy with some fouls. Then Forest from nowhere got a free kick at the halfway line that was put into the box with Milenkovic nodding it down to Chris Wood who on the stretch directed it to the bottom right corner past the diving Sanchez to give them a shock 0-1 lead (48’). Chelsea were stunned and really on the back foot after going behind and Forest grew into the game. After holding on for a few minutes Chelsea recovered and started piling forward and got a fairly quick response as we have seen all season with Palmer coming into the middle picking the ball up and playing wide to Madueke. Madueke then cut inside and fired a shot towards the bottom left hand corner that went through a crowd of players giving Sels no chance to see it tying up the game 1-1 (57’). The game really livened up as the urgency picked up and the crowd got into it. Madueke then got a chance to give them the lead as the ball was played across the top of the box and you expect him to hit the target nut he skied over the bar. Forest were really on the back foot hanging on having clearly lost their shape and starting to tire. Then just to compile their suffering a ball from the opposition half was played backwards to Ward Prowse who missed the touch on the ball and with Nicholas Jackson running to latch onto it and go in behind 1v1 he decided to just leap and grab him with his hands to prevent the counter and take his second yellow to be sent off (77’). As Forest made subs and sat back in a 5-4 block Chelsea struggled to break them down until the 87th minute with Palmer getting 2 clear chances back to back from inside the 18 on his weaker right foot that forced Sels into a good double save. Then a slightly cynical trip by Neco Williams caused a massive commotion with Colwill trying to start a fight causing all the players to come together and completely stopping the game. It showed the clear immaturity of all the young Chelsea players who created a stoppage of all their momentum and allowed Forest to get a break to recoup and stall all the momentum. Due to that stoppage and a lengthy injury to Morgan Gibbs White there was an added 13 minutes of stoppage time. 3 minutes into it a cross from Pedro Neto found the head of Joao Felix from 10 yards out who should have scored but headed wide. Then from a Forest free kick in their own half Nico Williams won a header to Elanga who played it back to him in the Chelsea box through on goal vs Sanchez and should have scored but forced a fingertip save from Sanchez (95’). Then from that save Mudryk dribbled the entire length of the pitch down the left flank before playing an inch perfect cross to Nkunku who from 6 yards out with the entire goal to aim at somehow hit it straight at Sels and didn’t score. After defending nearly the remaining rest of extra time Jota Silva ran the length of the pitch before drawing a foul that would lead to a Forest corner. The corner was taken short on the right side to Aina who curled a cross into the box that found a wide open Jota whose header was spectacularly saved by Sanchez down to his right (90+13’).
In the end the second half was an absolute spectacle to be seen with both sides having multiple chances to win it but surrounded by fouls, a red card, a fight and a raucous atmosphere. In the end it was a brilliant point for Forest who held on with ten men for over 30 minutes and maintained a defensive record tied for second with Arsenal only conceding six goals this season. Meanwhile for Chelsea a very disappointing draw where they couldn’t take their chances and let their emotions get the better of them in a game that they should have locked up. The growth under Maresca will continue with such a young squad they will have their ups and downs and this is one of them, with the immense amount of talent they have they really need a leader and not a group of immature youngsters who constantly complain and lose their cool.
Brighton vs Tottenham
Literally from the kickoff Tottenham won the ball and within two passes Werner was in behind. But as is usual with Werner all he had to do was square it to Johnson but with his left foot he managed to mess it up and let Brighton off the hook. Then a minute later Kulusevski picked it up on the right wing at the half way line and drove down the pitch at Lews Dunk before cutting inside and getting his shot blocked. Then a perfectly timed run in behind the Brighton high line by Maddison was found by Romero but he took a second too long allowing the ball to bounce a second time which led to Webster getting back for the block (4’). Tottenham had the majority of the ball early and found success with balls over the top which led to the Brighton line sitting a little deeper than they normally would. Brighton normally are second highest in terms of possession but today 20 minutes in they have given it away cheaply and quickly when they had it. Then seemingly the runs in behind Kadioglu down Tottenham’s right seemed to have led to a goal but Porro was marginally offside (22’). Less than a minute later after that let down Brighton got caught trying to dribble out this time Rutter, which allowed a quick two passes from Maddison to Solanke who then played in Johnson behind the high line of Brighton between the two center backs. Johnson then took it first time on this weaker left foot and slotted low to Verbruggen’s right 0-1 (23’). Kulusevski really caused problems floating around different areas of the pitch, always getting open. Brighton finally started to work themselves into the game with their second real attack which came from Baleba turning Maddison well in midfield before finding a switch to Mitoma who played a perfect ball in behind the defense with outside of his foot. Welbeck got on the end of it and should have scored but scuffed it wide (32’). As Brighton grew back into the game a simple incisive ball forward from Porro to Solanke who turned and found Werner in behind which forced two Brighton players to commit before laying off back to Maddison on the top of the box who didn’t get a clean connection and almost passed the ball towards the far right hand corner. Verbruggen should have done much better as he dove over the ball as it was bouncing and skidded off the wet surface 0-2 (37’). Brighton found their own success going forward down their left with Mitoma and Kadioglu putting in good crosses against a frail Tottenham aerial defense. Then Tottenham yet again broke the Brighton press and one through ball in behind the high line allowed Johnson in behind who should have put the game away but skied over from the right side 10 yards out. Estupinan came on for Kadioglu at the half. From nothing starting the second half Mitoma put in a hopeful cross that Udogie absolutely messed up and let fall to Minteh who from 8 yards out made no mistake and smashed home 1-2 (48’). Brighton were much better in the second half with that little extra energy and class on the ball. That turned into a well worked play getting through the Tottenham defense with ease allowing Rutter to smash home after beating two Spurs defenders 2-2 (58’). The game started to open up with more space for both sides but Brighton having all the confidence. Then the frail Tottenham defense yet again were the masters of their own downfall. Rutter off a throw-in surrounded by three Spurs defenders managed to get to the line and put a cross into a wide open Welbeck to head home completing the comeback 3-2 (66’). Tottenham just don’t seem to have willingness to defend and with the midfield in front of them that bombs forward and doesn’t have any grit they get left wide open quite often. It did kind of show that Tottenham played midweek on Thursday as they just didn’t seem to quite have the same energy levels that Brighton did. Werner was still just as awful in the final third with no end product to the point that I expect him to always mess up and miss. When they do get down the line Tottenham almost never put an early ball into the box leaving Solanke with no real service. They struggled to create anything and looked tired and uninspired in the second half. I can’t even recall Solanke getting more than a couple touches in the entire second half.
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