We had a couple of potential season-defining results this weekend in the Premier League as a number of teams suffered hefty blows to their ambitions. We take a look at the biggest talking points from across the action in England’s top tier.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Brighton March on
The Seagulls continue to soar in the Premier League this term and are now up to seventh following their 3-0 win over Liverpool on Saturday. It was a deserved victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s men as they dominated the ball (61%), had more shots (16 to 6) and had almost double the xG of their visitors (1.94 to 1.05).
Solly March was the star of the show as he netted twice and assisted Danny Welbeck for his goal. His FotMob rating of 9.1 was truly deserved. The 28-year-old ran riot at the Amex, attempting four shots and creating four opportunities for teammates. He did it all on the day and was rewarded for such an eye-catching showing.
Red Devils Derby delight
It was a controversial Manchester derby as United came from behind to dent City’s title hopes.
The away side took the lead on the hour mark as Jack Grealish nodded home a Kevin de Bruyne cross. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the ball but United continued to look dangerous on the break.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hotly debated goal after Marcus Rashford, clearly in an offside position, raced onto a through ball. However, officials deemed the No.10 didn’t interfere with play as he didn’t touch the ball. With Ederson all at sea, Fernandes calmly passed the ball into the net.
Rashford then got on the scoresheet himself to continue his remarkable goalscoring run. While it might’ve felt like a smash and grab, United did have significantly more big chances (four to one) and had an xG of 1.72 to City’s 0.65.
They deserved the win.
Can a free-kick be as dangerous as a penalty?
They can be when James Ward-Prowse is on the pitch. The Southampton midfielder curled home yet another free-kick in the 2-1 win over Everton. He also netted the other goal for the Saints as they claimed all three points to put them level with the Toffees and West Ham United in the table.
It was a fairly even match ultimately decided by a moment of magic. It is something Everton could desperately do with right now with their last win coming in October.
Southampton, meanwhile, are showing signs of life under new boss Nathan Jones. This may have been their first win in the Premier League under him but across all competitions now, they are on a three-match winning streak.
Another clean sheet for Newcastle
They may have been fortunate but Eddie Howe’s side kept an 11th clean sheet of the season in the 1-0 win over Fulham. Nick Pope did have to pick the ball out of his net but Aleksandar Mitrović’s penalty was ruled out for a double touch. The Serbian powerhouse slipped when striking the ball and the ball struck his standing leg before looping into the goal.
You need that bit of luck though when you are battling for a top-four place. Newcastle deserved all three points too after peppering the Fulham goal for the entire match. Their xG haul of 2.36 was enough to win two matches. The hosts also had four times as many efforts as the visitors in what was a very one-sided game.
Newcastle are now just a point behind Manchester City and will fancy their chances of playing Champions League football next season.
Hugo Lloris costs Spurs…again
If you are to get anything against Arsenal this season you have to frustrate them. You can’t gift them a goal – which is exactly what Hugo Lloris did in the North London derby. With just 14 minutes on the clock, the Frenchman inexplicably parried Buyako Saka’s cross into his own net to give Arsenal the lead. From there, it was complete dominance from the Premier League leaders.
Top of Antonio Conte’s to-do list this summer is now likely to find a new goalkeeper. This is Lloris’ fourth error leading to a goal this season. Spurs are now five points behind Manchester United having played a game more.
(Images from IMAGO)
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