EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 25

Unexpected results are quite the norm. Except for Liverpool. Some quarters suggested that even Liverpool were tired towards the end of their match against Manchester United. That is why it is said the EPL is the toughest league where team can surprise, even the bottom teams can beat the top teams at times. Weren't you surprised when Bournemouth had Brighton beaten 3-1? Aston Villa beating Watford 2-1? Southampton winning 2-0 at Crystal Palace? And the biggest of all Manchester United defeated 0-2 at Old Trafford by Burnley.

Then how was it possible that Liverpool continued their march once again leaving it quite late to secure victory at the Molineux and now have a 16-point lead at the top. Some day the party has to end they say. How could they keep doing it? Luck? Or is luck something you make yourself? Jordan Henderson played a Captain's game with a goal and an assist and made his presence felt throughout and we all know that Adama Traore is a tricky customer and Raul Jimenez once again showed his quality by scoring. Sadio Mane's injury seemed to have affected them and Wolves smelled blood. There were several occasions Liverpool made mistakes, lost possession, has strayed passes as the home side pressed. There were times Andrew Robertson were caught and Traore is so fast, where Trent appeared not very good at defending then there are Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk making priceless intervention. VVD had one where he completely shielded the ball to get a goal-kick though Jonny had the advantage and he made it looked so simple. Where it matters, Alisson Becker rescued them. Mo Salah is to me sometimes a flop in decision making. If he were to reach Messi's stature, he has to work on that. He had two occasions where he could pass the ball to Alex Chamberlain and Minamino who were in better position to score but he chose to shoot even when he was dragged out to a difficult angle and losing his balance and when he was surrounded by three defenders and still shot into them. 

Some of you are thinking, I think Liverpool are going to lose this match or when there was six minutes left, you were thinking it would end up a draw. And then it happened. Salah was blocked but Henderson was quick to pick out Firmino who made no mistake when he cuts inside onto his left foot before he crashed home. That was the genius of Firmino as he caught the Wolves defence on the wrong foot. By next Wednesday, Liverpool will play their game in hand away to West Ham and if they win, will extend their lead to a massive 19 points.  Liverpool are no unbeaten in 40 league games winning 35 of them. There have been many setbacks in the journey but this team is special. They keep coming back. They keep finding a way. They have lost a Europa Final at first but they came back stronger only to lose a Champions League Final the next season. The following season they came back and won the Champions League but lost the Premier League title by a point with a record 97 points as Manchester City were very good. Most players, teams, managers or persons could have been left broken with those set backs  but they keep coming back. They offer not only joy to soccer fans but life lessons for all. 

Now that the Reds have played their game in hand away against West Ham and bagged another win (2-0), they have stretched their lead to a massive 19 points over nearest challenger Manchester City even without Sadio Mane. West Ham played a good game and once again Alisson Becker showed why he is probably the best goalkeeper in the world. He is always calm and assured. He does not seem to have to make difficult saves and though he has not much to do, his concentration and focus is always laser-like that was how he was called upon to save Liverpool at least twice in this match. Had the Hammers scored, the complexion of the game would change and made things more difficult. Origi who came in for the injured Mane played an important role when he was brought down and earned a penalty which Salah converted clinically and it was Salah again who sped off in a counter attack where he beautifully released the ball for Chamberlain who fended off a defender and broke through to score.  Another clean sheet and game over. 19 points clear with 14 games to go. 

Leicester City v Chelsea - Leicester suddenly could not win 3 in a row and lost 2 of them against Villa (1-1), Southampton (1-2) and Burnley (1-2) but they did come back storming West Ham 4-1. Chelsea led twice against Arsenal and yet ended up 2-2 but despite not very good results, Arsenal have been playing with some purpose and bite under Arteta. This match will be a further test for both who are currently 3rd and 4th with a difference of 8 points. Despite the injury to Vardy, Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez (2) and Ricardo Pereira found the net. Chelsea's draw after twice taking the lead meant that they could take the game to their opponents but faced the same old problem of getting hit back. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper has regressed so badly that he is causing Chelsea lost points. Tammy Abraham is probably out injured. If Vardy is fit, he will torment Kepa as he will be keen to add to his 17 goals. If Lampard can lead his men with a strong showing here, they will help silence their critics but Janie Vardy could be back and must be due a goal. A home win would put Leicester 11 points clear of 4th placed Chelsea but the Foxes were KOed by Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup despite being firm favourites. Chelsea are pretty good away and both sides are scoring so I would pick a high scoring draw. 2-2.

Bournemouth v Aston Villa - The Cherries were so out of steam that few gave them a chance even at home against Brighton but they not only won but were leading 3-0 before the match ended 3-1 in their favour. This is a huge result provided they could continue in this manner. In 18th, they are still in danger. Villa themselves triumphed at home despite going down 0-1 to in-form Watford coming from behind to win 2-1 and climbed up to 16th. They also validated themselves with the EFL Cup win over Leicester with an away 1-1 draw and a home 2-1 win. Revival? The struggle for both is likely to continue but surely Villa will be inspired after defeating a very good Leicester side but then may be tired from Cup strain. With 14 matches to the season's end, there isn't much time. Bournemouth must not lose especially at home. 1-1.

Crystal Palace v Sheffield United - Crystal Palace were doing so well after holding Arsenal 1-1 and Manchester City 2-2 but then surprisingly crashed 0-2 at home to Southampton. Sheffield United lost 0-1 to City at home which just showed how good they are as they trailed Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves by just one point. This is likely a tight game but as good as Palace have been, the Blades know hoe to play to their strength consistently. Goalie Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United have been very good all season so they could even keep a clean sheet. I believe the Blades could grind out a narrow win as they have been good away all season. 0-1.

Liverpool v Southampton - Some said Liverpool are getting tired, others said they will get complacent and a few even said that holding clear with so many points ahead they can only get nervous. Naysayers everywhere. Then they will remind you of those 30 lost years. Liverpool have risen like a Phoenix from the ashes. Just when you were thinking that surely Wolves had them so the winning stops there with six minutes left and Roberto Firmino dashed all hopes of not only Wolves but the collective teams and people who have been hoping for them to slip. Southampton, like the other teams before and also after will give them a tough game. The Saints have been very good indeed but the Reds are making things look so easy. Sadio Mane limped out at the Molineux which is a concern as he has to miss at least two matches including this one. In his absence Divock Origi would be the likely replacement who himself has been a great talisman and he just confirmed that when he earned that penalty at West Ham. Liverpool need to win this to maintain their 19 point lead and there is no better place than to do it at Anfield in front of the Kops. Even Fabinho and Naby Keita made their cameo after returning from injury and youngster Curtis Jones was given an experience. As good as Southampton have been, it is hard not to think it's Liverpool win to maintain their perch with 19 points lead. 2-0.

Newcastle v Norwich - Newcastle are in 13th. Great job by Steve Bruce. The Magpies refused to be beaten in their last six games while the Canaries have actually improved as they have beaten Bournemouth and Burnley away and lost narrowly away to Spurs. In fact, earlier they have held Spurs 2-2 at Carrow Road. It will be tough to beat Newcastle here as Steve Bruce set up to give opponents little space and they have just signed Danny Rose from Spurs. It gets tougher from here as Norwich will host Liverpool next, visit Wolves, host Leicester then visit Sheffield United. You have to fear for them but they will give Newcastle a good fight. 2-1.

Watford v Everton - Watford were so good they were undefeated in 7 games winning 4 of them but suffered a setback when they lost at Villa leaving them in 19th. Then they were knocked out of the F.A. Cup by Tranmere (1-2). That is not a good sign. Everton dropped to 12th after being held 2-2 at home by Newcastle despite leading 2-0. Plenty of work for Carlo Ancelotti to do. Before that they were held 1-1 at West Ham. For the Hornets, Deulofeu, Doucoure, Sarr, Deeney Pereyra have been laying well. For the Toffees, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (its one person) has become their star and they have Richarlison and Moise Kean to trouble their host but the Toffees are still a work in progress by Ancelotti. Calvert-Lewin has been brilliant and their best player. Ancelotti has even said he could be a top striker in Europe but Everton as a team seemed not as balance. 2-2.

West Ham v Brighton - The Hammers are in grave danger of dropping out from the Premier League in 17th position with 23 points which put them level with 19th place Watford and 18th place Bournemouth as they are just one and two goals better in difference. Brighton is two places and two points higher. So this is gong to be some battle. I thought West Ham played well against Liverpool especially Declan Rice but Liverpool though not at their best were just too good and burst their Bubbles. This could be a tight game but one I believe West Ham will prevail. 2-1.

Manchester United v Wolves - Manchester United crumbled so badly when they lost 0-2 at home to Burnley. I have actually predicted a small win for them and this was their first home defeat to Burnley in 57 years. They have just played Wolves recently in the F.A. Cup drawing 0-0 away and won 1-0 at home in the replay. In the reverse tie at the Molineux they drew 1-1. The Red Devils have fired blanks against Burnley and Liverpool and with their best player Marcus Rashford out they must be concerned but despite Wolves being such a good team, Wolves have just won once in their last five outings ( 2 defeats were due to Liverpool). United scored freely in the F. A. Cup against Tranmere and made an impression in a 1-0 away win over City in the EFL Cup but still crashed out having lost the first match 1-3 at home. They have just signed the excellent Bruno Fernandes for a hefty 55m Euros and may have to pay 10m more later. Wolves are one of the most difficult teams to play. They have beaten City twice. Wolves have only been beaten once by United in their last six meetings. Both are level on points but United are under tremendous pressure. I can't see United beating Wolves here and Wolves have the players and a team that could win here. Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore are both in fine form. New signing Bruno Fernandes could feature but is he ready for the English League so soon? It depends on which United turn up - the one that beat City or the one that lost to Watford? Wolves are good enough to pull off a win. 1-2.

Burnley v Arsenal - The Clarets had two incredible wins, 2-1 at  home to Leicester and then even better 2-0 away against Manchester United but they crashed at home to Norwich in the F.A. Cup. The Gunners have not won in the league since that impressive win over Manchester United (2-0) and had 3 draws before finally winning by beating Bournemouth away (2-1) in the F.A. Cup.  That does not sound like good news to Arsenal but in Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners have a real talent despite his tender age. Some say he plays like Ronaldo, the original Brazilian Ronaldo who is certainly one of the best strikers the world has ever seen for he was unplayable. Burnley are a mixed bag. They have beaten Leicester and Manchester United in a row and lost to Norwich at home. The Gunners have just signed 1.93 m Spanish center back Pablo Mari and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be back after serving suspension. Arsenal have defensive issues to resolve but have the goods for goals. 1-2.

Tottenham v Manchester City - Tottenham have not won since Boxing Day but have just beaten Norwich 2-1 at home. The stats also do not look good with 51% possession, had 14 shots to Norwich's 12. Now they are hosting a hurt City side who won 6 matches with only a blip against Palace (2-2). Sergio Aguero has been in superb form. He has 6 goals in 3 matches and could probably be the top scorer anytime soon. Without Harry Kane, Spurs have been looking limp. They have stamped out the losses but still lack the cutting edge and with their most creative player Christian Eriksen sold to Inter Milan how will they make more goals? Well, in comes S. Bergwijn, the Dutchman who was once reported to be of interest to Liverpool and a hosts of clubs for his speed and wizardry but why would Mourinho want him? To play defensively? City are still a goal machine and will score. So Spurs must match them with firepower to have any chance. Son Heung Min's form has become patchy but he is their best weapon. City have won in their last two visits. Jose Mourinho looks clueless at the moment and Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus are scoring for fun but they were halted at home to Manchester United and were defeated 0-1 in the 2nd leg of the EFL Cup semi. Maybe, Mourinho does see a chance here to kill them off but without Kane and Eriksen they are not firing. City cannot afford to drop a single point as they are already 19 points behind Liverpool. Going all out to win shall expose them and Mourinho will have a plan for the sucker punch but Spurs are sadly a pale shadow of themselves. City may have Aymeric Laporte back. CIty are good to win. 1-2.