EPL 2018/19 Game Week 33

It ain't over yet. Just when you thought it was almost all over. Liverpool came back from the dead to beat Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield. The Reds dominated proceedings from the whistle especially with their marauding fullbacks and it was no surprise that Andrew Robertson delivered a gem of a cross from which Roberto Firmino planted a firm header into goal after he ghosted two defenders. Somehow, Tottenham dominated the second half and look more like the likely winner. This was when Harry Kane showed once again he has become the most completer player when he was fouled. With quick thinking, he quickly took the ball spun around and hit a glorious long pass to the feet of Kieran Trippier who has been running in on the right and that was quick thinking. Kane has done this many times now for both club and country adding to his arsenal of weapons. Trippier passed it to Erikssen who laid on for Lucas Moura to score. Virgil Van Dijk showed even more of his qualities when he was left with a two-on-one Moussa Sissoko ran at him with Son Heung-Min on the right wing. How calm was Van Dijk and how quick was his assessment and action. If Sissoko lay on that pass to Son it would surely have been a goal but Van Dijk decided to allow Sissoko to run through so he could not make that pass to Son which also meant forcing Sissoko to his left and when he blasted his shot over it was down to the genius of Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool was lucky to have gotten the 90th minute winning goal when Trent Alexander-Arnold hit a quick cross from the left after receiving the ball back after his corner kick was cleared. Salah planted a simple header towards goal and Lloris fumbled pushing the ball to Toby Alderweireld that led to the ball trickling into the net. Some would say that in life, you make your own luck with hard work, belief and never giving up when when chasing a lost cause. Others call it the hallmark of champions - winning when not playing well. Liverpool lived to fight another day which would be at Southampton. When Klopp took over three and a half years ago, the Reds wee languishing in eight with no Champions League. They quickly got into the Europa final only to be defeated by Sevilla. Soon they pulverised the rest of Europe to the final of the Champions League only to have lost to Real Madrid. Now they are still in the Champions League quarter-finals to meet Porto and are fighting tooth and nail in the Premier League. These are major improvements in a very short time. Last season, Manchester City led from mid-season till the end with little resistance from the rest. They have the finest squad ever assembled in the EPL and are firm favourites this season. They still are but the gap has been closed by Liverpool. Liverpool could go on to win every match till the end and still lose the title and they could also end up empty handed in the Champions League but they have a great manager and a solid team to compete and to build on. Liverpool have pressed on, kept on and fought on. Maybe, maybe the soccer Gods may just smile on them. 

Tottenham starts a new chapter in their history when they played their first match after a long delay at their new stadium when they hosted Crystal Palace and promptly returned to their winning way with Son Heung-Ming and Erikssen scoring putting them back on thrid with 64 points. Their London rival Arsenal have 63 points with a game in hand. With Callum Hudson Odoi, Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard, Chelsea had a smashing time in a 3-0 win over Brighton. Sarri need to unshackle his team who are also on 63 points. Manchester United are now in sixth with 61 points with Solskjaer finding out how hard it is having now lost three in four matches that the honeymoon was over. Can hey still make it to the top four?

Southampton v Liverpool - The in-form Saints lost narrowly to United (2-3 away), beaten Spurs (2-1 at home) and won at Brighton (1-0) and could be a potential banana skin for their visitors. It has been all down to Ralph Hassenhuttl, the Austrian Jurgen Klopp they say. Liverpool have not been on top of their game but are winning and some say these are hallmark of champions - winning when not playing well. The Reds have no kept a clean sheet in four matches in all competition and Southampton have scored seven in their last four. With six matches to go they can't afford any slip but to win every match as they still need City to drop points. There is something blocking Salah in his head and he has to ease out to recover his instincts while Allison seemed to be nervy when he played Spurs. Liverpool need a commanding display and enjoy the ride and not think of the "what if". Do not repeat the same mistakes like the Spurs game and the need to be more clinical. The last three times they have met Liverpool won 3-0 at Anfield and 2-0 at the St. Mary's. The Saints are not safe yet with 33 points in 16th. They can't hope to play not to loose or for a point. 1-3.

Bournemouth v Burnley  - Both sides are not burning bright. Though the Cherries are much better in the table, recent results are not encouraging while Burnley are not sure of survival and hovering just above relegation zone but in their last match surprised many with a 2-0 win over Wolves. AT the Vitality stadium, Bournemouth have clear advantage but you must expect Burnley to fight tooth and nail. 2-2.

Huddersfield v Leicester - The Terriers were the first to go down followed by Fulham. On the other hand, the Foxes are on their four-legged best and flourishing under Brendan Rodgers and are playing with a new vigour and attacking instincts. Huddersfield's flirtation in the premier league is now ending having scored only 18 goals and won three matches. Even as they play for their pride, it is unlikely for a win here against a revitalised Leicester City. James Maddison has been a great signing and Jamie Vardy is scoring freely again. An away win is not unlikely. 1-2.

Newcastle v Crystal Palace - The Magpies have lost some momentum but Palace have not been on fire either. At St. James Park, Newcastle will attack more. Palace are just a point ahead but also have a game in hand over Newcastle (13th and 14th). They are not entirely safe from relegation and still need points but both sides may play cautiously. A draw could be likely. 1-1.

Everton v Arsenal - The Toffees are back to their best with successive 2-0 wins over Chelsea and away to West Ham. Being on 10th position is not where they want to or should be. The Gunners kept clean sheets in their last three matches and defeated Manchester United (2-0), Rennes (3-0) and Newcastle (3-0) and that is quite impressive. They are already better off with their points this season than the entire last season. Both teams have some good momentum now and it would be interesting to see which will prevail. Aubameyang played only as a sub in the Newcastle match and is likely to return and also time for him to add to his tally of 17 goals. Everton could hold their own for sure but Arsenal may just sneak a win which is very important in their top four quest. 1-2.

Chelsea v West Ham - Chelsea has played 32 games and have 63 points. Arsenal too  have 63 points but a game in hand. Tottenham is leading by a point having also played 32 while United are two points behind. Chelsea cannot afford to drop more points. West Ham have improved under Pelligrini but have been inconsistent at best but this is a London Derby. Can they cause any upset or surprise here? Chelsea is looking good for a win here provided Sarri is less stubborn in his selection. 2-1.