EPL Game Week 38

Manchester City are in the driver's seat and are clear favourites now with a home match to go against West Ham and two points ahead of Liverpool . Only a major calamity could throw everything into disarray such as Big Sam and the Hammers pull out a setback of epic proportion. This is the beauty of the English game as evident in results and upset in recent weeks. Pelligrini's job is safe now thanks to Liverpool.

Liverpool were chasing a dream that just not so long ago looks like destiny. They are just a goal shy of the magic century which they could achieve after Newcastle's visit. Suarez is the EPL's top scorer equalling Alan Shearer's and Cristiano Ronaldo's 31 goal mark. He sets a new record if he scores against the Magpies. He was crowned the PFA's Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year but boy how he must have wept at the final whistle at Crystal Palace after Liverpool allowed a 3-0 lead to turn into a 3-3 draw. 

Liverpool were chasing a belief that they could overhaul City's goal difference. In reality it might have been easier to expect City to lose or be held in one of their next two matches. Who could blame them as they boasted the two most prolific scorers in Suarez (31) and Sturridge (21) goals. Their mistake actually started when they tried to chase a win at home to Chelsea.

Soccer romantics would agree what a season they have just had for their gallantry and swashbuckling style. Many Liverpool players were dejected when the game ended at Selhurst Park. How befitting it would have been if they were to crown their magnificent season at Anfield when Newcastle visit but alas the journey continues. Their belief became a fantasy but they crashed into reality. Suarez cried with his head buried in his jersey as Gerrard consoled him. This was because Liverpool knew what a team they had this season. When people come together, you must treasure the camaraderie as you may never pass this way again. 

Real Madrid may have their cheque book ready. Can you imagine Ronaldo and Gareth Bale tearing down the wings with Suarez in the middle? Suarez is not for sale? What about 100 million pounds? Europe will be an added distraction next season. New players will be added to strengthen and deepen the squad. Can they maintain the philosophy and team spirit? Some players may leave. Other top teams are sure to strengthen their squad too. It will get tougher. Can they continue the challenge? When the match with Palace ended, Liverpool have scored 99 goals but they have also conceded 49 goals. While the strike force were top notch outscoring everyone save for City their defence was the worst among 8 teams. 

Even Brazilian teams of the past (like in 1982) have now evolved. If you score two I will score four. Until Italy came along and knocked them out in the cold. Sometimes, beautiful attacking soccer does not pay. Everything is well at Liverpool. Attack is the best form of defence but the first thing they need is to overhaul the defence. It has been dodgy and they have been getting out of jail due to their potent strike force. The last time a team that played so greatly and admirably was Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan but missed the title. Therefore, Liverpool need to learn the art of defence. That was the difference this term.

Finally, full credit to Crystal Palace for making the EPL special even though they are safe and have nothing to fight for. Tony Pulis has done an incredible job. Kudos to them! With the EPL ending soon, weekends are never the same again. Fortunately, we are going to have the World Cup in June. Now, for the last for the road match:

Cardiff v Chelsea - Cardiff is down and out. They were not too bad in the beginning. Should they have kept Malky McKay instead of appointing Solskjaer? Chelsea's home draw against Norwich was in itself quite a shocker. Cardiff should now go out and enjoy themselves in their last match in the Premier League. You may never pass this way again. Chelsea had their own last home match last week. The long service conquerors like Terry, Lampard and Cole may be over soon. They should be going to have an overhaul if Mourinho is still around. Mourinho should take this opportunity to showcase other younger talents and more importantly to show how it looks like if they were to play more adventurous attacking soccer. 0-2. 

Fulham v Palace - Fulham have finally succumbed after many good seasons in the Premier League. Mohamed Al-Fayed sold them at the right time. Crystal Palace was hanging by a thread until Tony Pulis arrived. He transformed the team. They were the best among the lower half teams and Pulis could have been Manager of the Year for the rescue job. In all probability, Palace will sent Fulham back to the lower division with another win. 1-2.

Hull v Everton - The Tigers have survived and Steve Bruce has done well. Hull have not won in three matches while Everton have lost their last two. Hull would be playing in the F.A. Cup final against Arsenal on 17 May. Everton will miss out from Europe like their Merseyside neighbour Liverpool who are likely to now miss out winning the title. When they previously met, Hull won only once and lost four times. There have been no drawn game but total goals scored were from 3 to 6 goals. Hull would like to thank their home fans but they have the F.A. Cup on their minds. 1-2.

This boy Ross Barkley should be on that England plane to Brazil. Watch: (Ross Barkley goal)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=713812778661316&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Liverpool v Newcastle - The Reds final match at Anfield. Do you remember that Cardiff hit three past them? They conceded 2 to City and were in danger before Coutinho struck and then Norwich nearly made a full comeback with 2 goals. Chelsea hit them for 2 and now Palace 3. In other words, they had a poor defence for a team chasing for honours and was all along carried by their strength in attack. Playing Newcastle at Anfield would have been the perfect place to be crowned champions but it was not to be. The Magpies after a string of losses have just beaten Cardiff 3-0. The visitors may get a goal here but Liverpool will sign off in style with the Kops singing YNWA a last time this season. Suarez will score to claim a new record. 3-1.

Watch : (Palace v Liverpool)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=715095641866363&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Man City v West Ham - Man City are in unstoppable mode right now. All they have to do is win at home against the Hammers. No betting man would place their money against it. A great calamity would befall the City of Manchester stadium if disaster struck and West Ham wins. They will then replace Liverpool in EPL history for choking. City have two key players that have been amazing in David Silva and especially Yaya Toure. 

Yaya Toure may look lanky and gangly but this man is unshakable, powerful, majestic, highly effective and the finest specimen of an athlete and footballer. He glides past opponents so gingerly and effortlessly, he creates goals and scores lots of them for a midfielder (20 this season). He has been instrumental for Man City and will play an important role against West Ham's Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble. Do not take the Hammers for granted as they have just beaten Tottenham 2-0. West Ham have never beaten City in five matches since 2012. City will celebrate in front of their fans. 3-1.

(Yaya Toure goal):

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=716133321762595&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

(Everton v Man City)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=713845928658001&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Norwich v Arsenal - It is the end of the road for the Canaries. They will join Cardiff and Fulham down one level as they will be hosting Arsenal. They did well to shock Chelsea 0-0 at Stamford Bridge but other than that have been dismal. Arsenal were back to winning ways remaining unbeaten for awhile and won their last four matches. They also have a poor record against the Gunners. Arsenal to take full points. 0-2.

Southampton v Man Utd - The Saints have an incredible season but their best players may be bought by the other teams especially Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw. Their past record against Man Utd were not good losing all but they held them 1-1 in October at Old Trafford and they are back to winning ways in their last two matches while Utd won when they hosted Hull. I believe Southampton will give their last burst here with a win for their fans. but I think it will end a draw. 2-2.

 

Sunderland v Swansea - Sunderland or the Black Cats have worked their voodoo. They have been the most impressive team in recent memory. Gus Poyet has worked his magic and deserve huge rewards. They have been quite hopeless then they went to Man City and drew 2-2 before going to Chelsea and won 2-1. They hosted Cardiff and thrashed them 4-0 and visited Old Trafford and won 1-0 and have just beaten WBA 2-0. They fully earned their keeps and deserved to be around! They will win another match in front of their fans. 2-1.

Tottenham v Villa - If there is any consolation for Spurs it would be to finish above Man Utd. As usual, their season promises much but then they fell flat. Tim Sherwood has done a good job to be fair. Villa have not beaten Spurs for longer than 2012 and do not look likely to change anything here.

WBA v Stoke - The battles between the two are always close with very few goals and in 2013 both matches were drawn 0-0. Stoke are the better side but WBA will celebrate their survival in front of their fans at the Hawthorns. 1-1.

These last two matches are where each team bid their fans farewell depending which match was their last home game. Liverpool will have additions and changes. Arsenal and Manchester City will have additions. Chelsea will be dismantled from a new base and have additions and Manchester United will probably be completely overhauled. This is where players say their good byes. This is where I will sign off and say my good bye. See you in August. 

Meantime, take a look at some of the best saves of the season:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=716165951759332&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater