THE title race heats up as two of the contenders carved out easy away wins to set the pace. The reigning champions displayed their customary late-season form with a comfortable victory at Selhurst Park while Arsenal recorded a statement win at the Amex Stadium.
All eyes will now shift to Old Trafford where Liverpool will try to regain the top spot in the Sunday night clash against bitter rivals Manchester United. FocusM looks at the talking points from Saturday’s fixtures.
Crystal Palace 2 v Manchester City 4
Arsenal and Liverpool supporters tuning in for the early kickoff would have been delighted to see the home side take an early lead via Jean-Phillipe Mateta. They would still be harbouring hopes of City dropping points as the teams went to dressing rooms all square during the break.
However, Manchester City came out roaring in the second period and displayed their title credentials by overpowering the Eagles. The gulf in class was apparent and too much for the home side to bridge, especially since the Eagles are still adapting to new coach Oliver Glassner’s tactical demands.
Brighton & Hove Albion 0 v Arsenal 3
This was a statement win and one that showed just how far Arsenal have progressed as a team since last season. Brighton won by the same scoreline at the Emirates last season, effectively ending the Gunners’ hopes of winning the title. Not this time, as the North London side showed steel and determination when out of possession and clinical finishing when presented with opportunities.
Mikale Arteta will be delighted with the professional manner in which his side dispatched a bogey team of theirs. Bayern Munich in Europe next, and given their current form, no one would be surprised if they make light work of Harry Kane and co.
Everton 1 v Burnley 0
Everton fans are bracing for bad news in the form of a second impending point deduction for financial irregularities. This makes it even more difficult for Sean Dyche to keep his players focused, as it seems it is becoming an exercise in futility. Somehow, the Toffees managed to grind out a precious home win against Dyche’s old team.
Burnley shot themselves in the foot with a goalkeeping error that gifted Everton the only goal of the game and Dara O’Shea collected a red card to ensure a home win. It was Everton’s first win in 14 attempts and Goodison Park faithful will still believe their team can avoid the drop.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 v West Ham United 2
This was a battle for a European spot next season and the away team can thank VAR for giving them all three points. Having gone behind to Paolo Sarabia penalty in the first half, the Hammers rallied to put in a much better performance in the second period. A Lucas Paqueta penalty drew the scores level before James Ward-Prowse gave the visitors the lead with a goal direct from a corner kick.
Wolves scored deep into injury time only for VAR to direct the referee to have a second look at a “subjective” offside call. Tawanda Chirewa was controversially adjudged to be impeding the goalkeeper’s vision while in an offside position, which left the Wolves bench livid with disbelief.
Fulham 0 v Newcastle 1
This was the proverbial smash-and-grab from the Geordies. It is that time of the season when grinding out the results is prioritised over finesse. Having been outplayed, outmanoeuvred and outmuscled by Fulham in the opening half hour, many of the travelling supporters would have been happy with a draw.
Yet as the Cottagers contrived to squander numerous chances, Bruno Guimaraes low shot in the 81st minute found the bottom corner of the Fulham net via an assist from Harvey Barnes. Newcastle hung on and this precious away win could well give them a lifeline in their hunt for a European berth for the next campaign.
Aston Villa 3 v Brentford 3
Aston Villa’s hopes of a top-four finish were dealt another significant blow as they dropped more points at home. After a heavy 1-4 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City in midweek, home fans would have been hoping for a better performance. They got it in the first half when Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
Inexplicably, Villa allowed Brentford to not only come back into the game but almost take all three points as they took the lead 3-2. Watkins was again Villa’s saviour when he nodded in the equaliser in the 80th minute. With Spurs having a game in hand, the momentum has shifted to North London in the pursuit of that final Champions League spot.
Luton Town 2 v Bournemouth 1
The battle for survival heated up as Luton pulled off a much needed win. It was another game of late drama as the home side overcame going behind and secured victory with a 90th-minute winner. The winning goal came courtesy of Carlton Morris via a cross from substitute Cauley Woodrow’s cross, which ensured that Kenilworth Road exploded in joy.
Bournemouth had dominated the first half and struck the woodwork twice, first when James Tavernier’s free-kick crashed back off a post, then again when Justin Kluivert hit the same upright with a low shot. But ultimately, the Hatters showed a greater desire to get maximum points, and their perseverance was rewarded. – April 7, 2024
All photos credited to The Guardian
