It was another gripping weekend of Premier League football, filled with last-minute goals, important wins and drama. We take a look at the winners and losers from the weekend. Bet on the Premier League here.
Winners
Arsenal and Manchester United in the Top 4 Race.
Despite a nervy second half, Manchester United sealed the win over Brighton at Old Trafford to keep their top four ambitions alive. Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba continued with their terrific form scoring the goals for the Red Devils in the first half. Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny’s first half goals were enough for Arsenal to beat Chelsea at the Emirates. The Gunners sealed the win against a Chelsea team who really never looked like scoring. United and Arsenal are now just three points off of the top four and will look to keep the pressure on the Blues in the coming weeks.
Southampton and Newcastle in the Relegation fight
Since Austrian boss Ralph Hasenhuttl took over in December, the Saints have been rejuvenated. They have now won four out of the last eight games which is a good return considering they won only three out of 22 games under Mark Hughes. The Saints deservedly beat a toothless Everton team to move three points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile Newcastle United registered a crucial win over Cardiff City to bring an end to a five-game winless run whilst getting them out of relegation zone.
Over 2.5 Goals
Match Week 23 started with a thriller at Molineux where hosts Wolves beat 2015/2016 Premier League champions Leicester 4-3. Diogo Jota’s injury time winning goal also completed his hat-trick. League leaders Liverpool and Crystal Palace also played a cracker at Anfield. Seven goals were scored here and while the Eagles hinted that they could pull off another giant-killing performance after going ahead in the first period, the Reds roared back in the second half scoring four goals to put the result beyond doubt. Over 2.5 Goals were recorded in another five matches capping off an entertaining weekend.
Losers
Marco Silva
It was another defeat for the Everton boss away to a resurgent Southampton side. The Toffees have only two wins in their last five games and the loss at St. Mary’s was a blow to their top six hopes. Lack of a regular striker has haunted them throughout this season and despite Richarlison’s nine-goal return, he struggled to carry the team’s attack over the weekend. With tough games coming up, the under-fire Portuguese will be aiming for a quick turnaround when they face rock bottom Huddersfield Town next week.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s six-point lead in the top four was cut to three after they suffered defeat at the Emirates at the hands of local rival Arsenal. The Blues were once again lifeless in attack as demonstrated by their only attempt on goal which came in the 82nd minute from left-back Marcos Alonso. As usual the visitors dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut goal scoring opportunities. With pressure from a resurgent Manchester United and the Gunners, Maurizio Sarri’s men must improve their performances to hold on to the fourth spot or risk being overtaken.
Huddersfield Town and Fulham
It was another crushing defeat for bottom-placed team Huddersfield Town who were soundly beaten by a magnificent Manchester City. With only two wins this season, the Terriers are desperately in need of points if they want to stay in the Premier League. Time is running out for them with another tough game coming up against Everton. Given the team is ten points from safety, a new manager will have a mammoth task of keeping them up this season.
It was no better for Fulham who felt the heartbreak of losing in the final minute of the game to Tottenham on Sunday. The Cottagers are now seven points off safety.