EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 36

Just three more matches and the season is over. Game Week 35 threw out some expected and unexpected results beginning with the Hammers' 4-0 away win over Norwich. I expected the Hammers to win but not by 4-0 and nobody would have expected Antonio to score 4 times. Must be surely the first time in a long while someone got 4 in match match. Michail Antonio is strong, fast and powerful. He just needed the right chance created. Newcastle started very well but could not survive Watford's two penalty goals 30 minutes apart and lost 1-2. 

Liverpool had 71% possession, took 23 shots to Burnley's 6, created 19 chances but ended 1-1. Burnley played well especially the heroics of their goalkeeper Nick Pope. This man should be playing for England and give Jordan Pickford more than a run for the money. Andy Robertson scored a brilliant headed goal but he should have been awarded a penalty but the referee didn't even use VAR. Burnley's goal was also offside but it was awarded. So Liverpool's 100% victory at Anfield for such a long time has ended. They have 3 more games to overtake City's record of a 100 points in a season and need 3 wins to equal Juventus's record of 102 points in a season. They now have 9, leading 2nd placed City by 21 points currently. It is good to win the title and win it early but with 7 games to go even if you are committed your psyche will be somehow different. 

Sheffield United are truly back to their best and every Premier League team especially those newly promoted should take a leaf from them. No stars, plenty of good old fashioned team work and team spirit. The 3-0 beating of Chelsea with only 24% possession and 7th in the table was a solid reference. This upset threatened Chelsea's position. Brighton crashed 0-5 at home to Manchester City. Nobody plays better football than City and Guardiola's boys could prise open any team like opening a can of sardines. This is why for me they are the team to beat next season and will be favourites for the title especially if they were banned from the Champions League as they will focus only on the Premier League. 

Wolves' recent stumble is over. A comfortable 3-0 home win over Everton at the Molineux have boosted their morale but Everton have left Carlo Ancelotti fuming. Aston Villa surprised with a 2-0 home win over a very poor Crystal Palace that have lost so many matches by now. In the London Derby match of the week, Jose Mourinho could breathe a little as Spurs came back from a goal down to win 2-1 and overtook Arsenal by 2 points in 8th in a drab game.

Manchester United fans rubbing their hands in glee was brought back down to earth a little when Southampton held the most in-form team 2-2 at Old Trafford keeping them in 5th level on points with Leicester on goal difference 34 points form the top. Between now and the end, 3rd and 4th place will see a big battle in the last few weeks of the season.

Chelsea v Norwich - Chelsea had a hard 0-3 fall to Sheffield United. Their redemption has been made easier by hosting a Norwich side that has been confirmed relegated by the 0-4 hammering by West Ham at Carrow Road. You must expect Chelsea to ace this one and remained 3rd. 3-0 to Chelsea.

Burnley v Wolves - Burnley did well to steal a point at Anfield and their 10th place is credit to the players and manager Sean Dyche but Wolves are back with a vengeance in that 3-0 win over Everton. Burnley will be tough as nails but WOlves will not succumb. 1-1.

Manchester City v Bournemouth - City are the greatest goal scorers with 91 goals now after the 5-0 away win over Brighton. Guardiola's water polo play is still working wonders. Bournemouth would be dead meat we thought but they did their own thing and came away with a home 4-1 win over Leicester. However, City will be too strong meaning the Cherries are in grave danger of slipping away. 3-1.

Newcastle v Spurs - Newcastle have now lost twice in as many. Spurs went up to 8th just 2 points above Arsenal. There was a time a Spurs win here was expected. Not anymore and they have to work very hard for it. I think they will get it not by too much but only just. 1-2.

Arsenal v Liverpool - Like Chelsea, the Gunners defence has issues as you saw how Son stole that goal. Liverpool are not as pumped out now or as clinical so Arsenal may be able to get something here. However, as an attacking side in their DNA and playing at the Emirates, it makes it easier for the Reds to exploit them to find space. It could be a draw but Liverpool will press high and create chances. If they are not wasteful and convert them they could win. 1-2.

Everton v Aston Villa - Carlo Ancelotti must be fuming mad for that 0-3 defeat to Wolves. Everton in 11th is not good enough but he came late and has to redo things. Villa looks a goner but redeemed themselves with a surprise 2-0 win over Palace but still left them in 19th with 30 points. Needless to say, they have to win all 3 matches left and hope others falter. We must expect the Toffees to sweeten Goodison Park and roar back. 2-1.

Leicester City v Sheffield United - Leicester were left in their ruins in that 1-4 mauling by Bournemouth. Totally unexpected even if you consider the Foxes have not been playing well after lockdown. They are one of the most suffered lot. I can imagine I will be playing like them with poor results when I return to golf. From a clear lead in 3rd to now 4th a point behind Chelsea and level with United. Nothing than a win is required to stave off the competition as it has gotten so tight like N95 mask. At the other end, Sheffield United have quickly improved nd the 3-0 trouncing was a warning shot. The Blades are in an amazing 7th and must have Europe in mind. Jamie Vardy is back to scoring regularly again and heading the top scorers chart with 23 goals. If Leicester can hold and Vardy adds on they should win at home. 2-1.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Palace is among the most suffered lot after lockdown. They have lost everything and gone down to 14th - safe but nothing to look forward to so it is a lucky tie for the Red Devils. But Palace have at times shock teams like City and Liverpool. Then again United have greater aspiration for Champions League qualification so will have more motivation. I propose a comfortable win for the visitors provided Harry Maguire do not go and mark his own player again during a corner set piece like he did against Southampton. 0-2.

Southampton v Brighton - The Saints to win. Essentially a very good team all along. Fell flat along the way and along came Ralph Hassenhuttl to make them good again. Unbeaten in four with half of them wins and hosting a Brighton side that seemed to have lost their way. 2-1.

West Ham v Watford - Note that both are level on 34 points and the Hammers are 16th by virtue of goal difference. West Ham's 4-0 hammering of Norwich away was impressive but then it was Norwich. Watford found a winner against Newcastle and got the chance to fight again. After losing all the Hornets have won twice. A battle to the end with Antonio scoring again.  2-2.