The English Premier League is continuously proving to be a competitive game where teams do not participate but compete. A number of bookmarkers have faced it rough of late because of attempting to predict the outcome of the games only to get it wrong. Brayz Media Sports desk presents to you the premier League review with 5 key things we noticed in the premier.
The review starts all the way from Manchester United and Leeds United encounter on Wednesday last week to the fun-filled weekend that saw a number of the big hitters such as Arsenal and Newcastle United drop points. We shall not talk about Klop’s Liverpool who was given more time to prepare for the Merseyside derby that is going to take place today Monday. The Reds will welcome relegation-threatened Everton at Anfield in a 23:00 EAT kick-off.
5 Talking Points from the Premier League Review
1. Manchester United avoids defeat in Leeds doubleheader.
Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United faced the tough task of facing their fierce rivals Leeds United two times a week. The first being on Wednesday and the second on Sunday. Fears were raised by the fact that Leeds had relieved their Coach Jesse March of his duties. Having been defeated by Aston villa’s new coach Unai Emery in his very first game, there was a belief history would repeat itself against Leeds.
However, the Red Devils avoided defeat in the Wednesday encounter as the game ended 2-2. United had conceded in just 55 seconds to make earlier fears seem real. In the second fixture on Sunday, Leeds seemed en route to grabbing a point from United again only to be frustrated by late goals from in-form Rashford (80 minutes) and talented rising star Garnacho ( 85 minutes).
2. Table leaders Arsenal drop points, Arteta blames VAR
Having lost surprisingly to relegation-threatened Everton 1-0 last week, the Gunners needed a quick response to show it was a one-off. Thus on Saturday as they welcomed unbeaten Brentford, it was only natural that they were leading 1-0 as new signing Leandro Trossard opened his Premier League account.
However, in the 76 minutes, Brentford’s Ivan Toney scored a controversial equalizer.
“ I just looked at it back and it is offside,” Arteta said. “ We‘ll be probably given an explanation later in the week but today we haven’t got any. “ he added.
The fact that Arsenal ended the game 1-1 means they are now only three points clear of Manchester City whom they face this Wednesday in a title-decider match. Whoever comes out on top may end up going with the EPL trophy.
3. João Felix provides hope for winless Chelsea
It was yet another draw for Chelsea after being held to goalless draws in the previous two games. This means Chelsea has drawn three consecutive games for the first time in the Premier League since February 2012 by then under Andre Villas-Boas.
Felix scored in the 16th minute to have the Blues hoping for a win after a long wait. David Moyes’s men had a different idea as Emerson scored an equalizer. However, Graham Potter slammed VAR for failing to award a penalty to Chelsea after Tomas Soucek had handled the ball in what Potter reoffered to as a “ save “. The result leaves Chelsea wallowing in the 9th position with 31 points.
4. Manchester City bounce back from Tottenham’s defeat to beat Aston Villa 3-1
It is a trying moment for Pep Guardiola’s City as they face struggles both on and off the pitch. The recent allegations of the clubbing committing 100 crimes/breaches against the English Premier League financial fair play rules have been the talk in the media. Their recent form on the pitch saw City beaten last week at White Hart lane.
The defending Champions put all this behind them as they cruised past Unai Emery’s Villa in a comfortable win albeit at the cost of Haaland getting an injury. This leaves the city only three points behind league leaders Arsenal whom they face on Wednesday. A win against Arsenal will have City back on the top of the table for the first time since August 2023.
5. Brighton and Brentford’s unbeaten runs are a cause for concern
At a time when teams in the top four such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are losing points, Brighton and Brentford are steadily climbing up. Stealthily to be exact. Not much talk is made about them but they have their eyes firmly fixed on European Football. Will they make it? That begs the question.
Over the weekend Brighton held Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw. Brentford had Ivan Toney to thank for their 1-1 draw against the league leaders Arsenal. This leaves Brighton in the 6 positions, four points and 2 games at hand behind fourth-placed Tottenham. Brentford is in the 8 positions with 34 points and one game at hand against seventh-placed Fulham.
