Once again, we have new Premier League leaders. Matchday 17 wasn’t quite as filled with goals as we’ve become accustomed to but we still have a lot of moments to dissect from across a number of matches. So, here are the biggest talking points from across the weekend.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
The champions are on the ropes
When Rico Lewis calmly fired an effort past Dean Henderson just nine minutes into the second half to double Manchester City’s lead, the result appeared to be a formality.
Jack Grealish had put the hosts 1-0 up in the first half and City were in complete control, limiting Crystal Palace to an Expected Goals total of just 0.09 before the break.
In fact, Palace weren’t up to much after the break. Well, until the final stages of the match anyway. They had just three shots in the second half. The first arrived in the 76th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the back of the net. The second effort was in the 92nd minute and the final attempt came three minutes later, with Michael Olise firing home from the spot to stun the Etihad.
City have now won just one of their last six Premier League matches and find themselves five points off the pace.
Newcastle get back to winning ways
The Magpies welcomed an in-form Fulham side to St James’ Park on Saturday looking to end a three-match losing streak.
Marco Silva’s men had been in rampant form over recent weeks and would’ve fancied their chances against Newcastle. Their confidence would’ve taken a hit, however, when Raúl Jiménez was sent off after just 22 minutes.
Fulham held firm for close to an hour before Lewis Miley, who started the game on the bench, opened the scoring. Newcastle doubled their lead seven minutes later with Miguel Almirón bagging. The returning Dan Burn added a third to complete an important win for the under pressure Eddie Howe.
It was a deserved three points for the hosts. They dominated the game and had 71% possession while racking up an xG total of 3.51. It was all one-way traffic.
The win lifts Newcastle up to sixth in the Premier League, with results elsewhere going their way.
The Gunners return to the top
On paper, it should’ve been a difficult game for the Gunners. But it wasn’t.
Mikel Arteta’s side coasted past Brighton, registering a 2-0 win to climb back to the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal peppered the Seagulls, finishing the game having taken 26 shots, creating five big chances while amassing an xG total of 2.26.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz got onto the scoresheet at the Emirates with the pair finding goalscoring form over recent weeks.
As far as statement victories go in the Premier League, this is up there right now. Brighton concede goals but very rarely are they dominated in such a manner and few teams are able to limit Roberto De Zerbi’s side to just 50% possession.
The Gunners have leapfrogged Liverpool back into top spot ahead of their clash at Anfield next weekend.
Watkins haunts former club
For a period of time, it appeared as though Aston Villa’s bubble was going to burst. Unai Emery’s side defeated Manchester City and Arsenal in the space of a week but found themselves 1-0 down to Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
Keane Lewis-Potter scored his first goal for the Bees, and it was his only shot of the game.
Brentford looked to control the space while allowing Villa the possession. To an extent, it worked. Well, until it didn’t.
Àlex Moreno equalised for Villa with 13 minutes remaining. The goal arrived just five minutes after Ben Mee was sent off following a VAR intervention after a foul.
Ollie Watkins then continued his impressive run of form by scoring the winner against his former side to give Villa all three points. It was his ninth of the season.
Aston Villa are now level with Liverpool and just a point off the top. If results go their way next weekend, they could be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Manchester United frustrate Liverpool
Manchester United arrived at Anfield in torrid form. The watching world expected another 7-0 win for an in-form Liverpool side.
Instead they got a 0-0 draw.
Liverpool dominated with 69% possession and 34 shots to six but carved out just one big chance.
The Reds appeared to lack ideas and tried to force things when a more patient approach would’ve been better. They then failed to make the most of moments. The hosts will be disappointed by their showing. The Red Devils should be too, but a point at Anfield will paper over the fact they failed to really to do anything in a game they had to do something in after a week of poor results.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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