English Premier League 2022/23 Season Discussion

[Amjid Javed]

Khair Mubarak.

We usually play well against City.

But I can guarantee we will give it all as we did today when Arsenal arrive at Anfield in April.

I always dread Liverpool away at Anfield, i think we will lose that game.

Liverpool are just to good at home in PL, even this season your home PL form has been execellent.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I always dread Liverpool away at Anfield, i think we will lose that game.

Liverpool are just to good at home in PL, even this season your home PL form has been execellent.

April 9th, Sunday at 4.30pm. Would you like me to get you a ticket for the Kop end?

We have been battering Arsenal for years now but the close defeat 3-2 at the Emirates will give us a huge motivation to set things right.

However if Arsenal score first, a win is possible. Reason being LFC have 3 matches in a space of a week! City away, Chelsea and Arsenal at home. Our players could be tired by the time you arrive.

But both teams will go fist to fist, both have something to play for.

 

[Amjid Javed]

April 9th, Sunday at 4.30pm. Would you like me to get you a ticket for the Kop end?

We have been battering Arsenal for years now but the close defeat 3-2 at the Emirates will give us a huge motivation to set things right.

However if Arsenal score first, a win is possible. Reason being LFC have 3 matches in a space of a week! City away, Chelsea and Arsenal at home. Our players could be tired by the time you arrive.

But both teams will go fist to fist, both have something to play for.

Best thing for liverpool would be to Beat City and Chelsea, then a tired draw vs Arsenal

 

[KingKhanWC]

Best thing for liverpool would be to Beat City and Chelsea, then a tired draw vs Arsenal

April will decide it for both teams imo.

Arsenal fixtures ..


6 matches this month. When you go to City and Chelsea, you could be very tired. This is when squad will come into play. Any injuries to Saka, Partey or Saliba will be devastating.


-
-
01.04. 15:00
Arsenal
Leeds
-
-
09.04. 16:30
Liverpool
Arsenal
-
-
16.04. 14:00
West Ham
Arsenal
-
-
21.04. 20:00
Arsenal
Southampton
-
-
26.04. 20:00
Man City
Arsenal
-
-
29.04. 17:30
Arsenal
Chelsea
-
-

-
-

 

[Amjid Javed]

April will decide it for both teams imo.

Arsenal fixtures ..


6 matches this month. When you go to City and Chelsea, you could be very tired. This is when squad will come into play. Any injuries to Saka, Partey or Saliba will be devastating.


-
-
01.04. 15:00
Arsenal
Leeds
-
-
09.04. 16:30
Liverpool
Arsenal
-
-
16.04. 14:00
West Ham
Arsenal
-
-
21.04. 20:00
Arsenal
Southampton
-
-
26.04. 20:00
Man City
Arsenal
-
-
29.04. 17:30
Arsenal
Chelsea
-
-

-
-

Yeah Arsenals 3 away games vs Liverpool, city and newcastle will decide the title.

 

[Saj]

Brentford's impressive Premier League season continued as they overcame west London derby rivals Fulham at the Gtech Community Stadium to keep their hopes of European football very much alive.

Bees' striker Ivan Toney was the talisman once more, making it 22 successes out of 22 from the penalty spot for Brentford as they closed to within three points of sixth-placed Newcastle United.

Toney is playing under a cloud as he faces a ban after accepting breaking Football Association betting rules, but he was outstanding here as Brentford secured a deserved three points.

Thomas Frank's side made a lightning start and could have scored three times even before Ethan Pinnock's shot deflected off Tim Ream to put Brentford ahead after only six minutes.

Fulham are having an outstanding season of their own, and they finally gained a foothold before drawing level six minutes before the break when Israel forward Manor Solomon continued his rich vein of form, heading in the rebound after Andreas Pereira's free-kick struck the post.

Brentford regained the momentum, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Toney hitting the woodwork with free-kicks, and were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty when Issa Diop fouled Christian Norgaard.

Toney, as is his custom, beat Bernd Leno with ease.

Mathias Jensen sealed the win from close range five minutes from time following good work by Kevin Schade with Carlos Vinicius' stoppage-time goal for Fulham nothing more than a consolation.

 

[Firebat]

The updated league table:

 

[Firebat]

On the whole the PL is getting stronger every year. Clubs like Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford, Fulham are scrapping for European spots alongside the lower performing Big 6 sides like Chelsea and Liverpool.

The money and talent (both players and managers) is increasing year on year.

 

[MenInG]

Today's games

 

[MenInG]

HALF-TIME
Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool

The whistle goes for half time and the hosts lead thanks to Phil Billing's goal.

Liverpool need another big second-half performance.

 

[MenInG]

FT: Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool

The defeat means Liverpool's poor form on the road continues - just one win away from home so far in 2023.

They remain fifth with the opportunity to move above Tottenham into fourth not taken.

From thrashing Manchester United 7-0 last week to defeat today. That's the Premier League.

 

[MenInG]

 

[The_KING]

Chelsea are picking up some form under Potter.

It looks like Sean Dyche will keep Everton in the premier league. Had Everton sacked Frank the fraud earlier, they would comfortably be away from the relegation zone.

 

[MenInG]

Chelsea's mini-revival continued with a third victory in a row as they consigned struggling Leicester City to a fifth consecutive defeat.

Buoyed by their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea started brightly and Ben Chilwell volleyed in from a tight angle against his old club.

Chelsea's Joao Felix and Leicester's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hit the woodwork in the space of two minutes, then Felix had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.

Patson Daka rifled home an excellent equaliser after Ricardo Pereira won the ball off the dawdling Felix outside the box.

But Kai Havertz pounced six minutes into first-half injury time with an excellent dinked finish from Enzo Fernandez's clever aerial ball.

Mykhailo Mudryk thought he had his first goal for the Blues after the break but his effort was disallowed for offside.

Mateo Kovacic sealed the win as he volleyed in from Mudryk's header.

The sliding Foxes, who ended with 10 men following Wout Faes' late dismissal for a second booking, now just sit one point outside the relegation zone.

==

 

[MenInG]

Mohamed Salah's glaring penalty miss helped Bournemouth climb out of the relegation zone after an excellent win which damaged Liverpool's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The Reds were brought back down to earth after last week's 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United as the Cherries, who started the weekend bottom, did their survival chances a power of good.

Liverpool were punished for poor defending when the unmarked Philip Billing struck from eight yards for his sixth Premier League goal of the season after fine work by Dango Ouattara.

Virgil van Dijk had a header cleared off the line at 0-0 and substitute Diogo Jota was denied by Neto's fine save before Liverpool won a penalty when the Portugal forward's header was handled by Adam Smith.

But Salah, who became Liverpool's all-time top Premier League scorer with 129 goals last week, blazed the penalty wide much to the delight of Bournemouth's fans.

While the win ensured Bournemouth finished the day 17th, Jurgen Klopp's side missed the chance to go fourth for the first time this season after a lethargic display.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane scored twice in a comfortable victory over Nottingham Forest as Tottenham consolidated their place in the Premier League's top four and relieved some immediate pressure on manager Antonio Conte.

Liverpool's surprise defeat at Bournemouth earlier on Saturday means Spurs are six points clear of Jurgen Klopp's side in fourth and seven points above Newcastle, who have played three games fewer.

Kane broke the deadlock with a trademark header from Pedro Porro's delivery before netting his 20th league goal of the season from the penalty spot following Joe Worrall's foul on Richarlison.

The Brazil international - restored to the starting line-up after appearing to criticise Conte following Wednesday's goalless draw with AC Milan - thought he had given Spurs the lead after just three minutes, but the video assistant referee disallowed the goal for offside.

Son Heung-min increased Spurs' lead in the second half when he steered Richarlison's cross into the bottom corner, before Worrall pulled a goal back for Forest with a powerful header.

The visitors were denied a second consolation by Fraser Forster, who saved Andre Ayew's late penalty after Dejan Kulusevski's handball.

Forest stay 14th but their cushion over the bottom three has been cut to three points.

 

[MenInG]

Dwight McNeil's goal after 35 seconds earned Everton a priceless victory over Brentford and moved them out of the Premier League relegation places.

The Toffees started the day 18th but capitalised on teams around them failing to win, leaping two points and three places above the drop zone.

McNeil's delightful strike with the first attack of the game gave the hosts the perfect start, rasping a finish across goal which nestled into the far corner.

Buoyed by a vocal crowd, the home side were swarming all over the Bees and created much the better chances with Demarai Gray seeing a second goal ruled out for handball by VAR.

Brentford looked to salvage something from the game but were not at their best, Ethan Pinnock having a header cleared off the line by McNeil and Kevin Schade heading wide at the far post as their 12-match unbeaten run ended.

 

[Amjid Javed]

City lead 1-0 at Palace, Palace were just holding on so the goal was bound to come.

 

[Amjid Javed]

City win 1-0, Gap down to 2 points, Arsenal need to win tough game vs Fulham tomorrow now.

 

[MenInG]

Manchester City maintained the pressure on leaders Arsenal as the Premier League champions reduced the gap at the top to two points with a hard-fought victory over struggling Crystal Palace.

Pep Guardiola's side had to remain patient at Selhurst Park, but were eventually able to take their opportunity to edge closer to the Gunners, who visit London rivals Fulham on Sunday (14:00 GMT).

Erling Haaland settled the match from the penalty spot for his 28th goal of the campaign, stroking his 78th-minute spot-kick into the bottom corner after Michael Olise's late challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.

The visitors had been unable to capitalise on a purposeful start, which saw Rodri's first-time effort force Vicente Guaita into action and Jack Grealish pull a low shot wide after he darted into the penalty area.

Haaland, who scored his first Premier League hat-trick in the reverse fixture in August, went closest in the first half, but the league's top scorer remarkably failed to hit the target following Nathan Ake's pass into the six-yard box.

A previously shot-shy Palace pushed for a late equaliser against a retreating City, but it was to no avail as the hosts went on a record third successive league game without managing a shot on target.

The defeat extends Palace's concerning Premier League winless run to 10 matches - the longest in the division - and leaves Patrick Vieira's side just four points above the relegation places.

 

[Saj]

Keep an eye on Crystal Palace regarding the relegation zone.

Struggling badly and lost again today.

Only 4 points off the relegation zone.

 

[James]

My team Leeds are in 19th place, but they’ve had a couple of decent results against Southampton and Brighton & now find themselves only 4 points behind Crystal Palace in 12th(!) place.

It’s an incredibly tight relegation battle for the lower half of the table this season, which is likely to go down to the last day again.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal restored their five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League in outstanding fashion with a ruthless victory at Fulham.

Mikel Arteta's side responded to Manchester City's narrow victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday night by wrapping up this win by half-time as they opened up a 3-0 lead with a devastating attacking display.

Gabriel Martinelli had already had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside by VAR, before defender Gabriel headed in Leandro Trossard's corner after 21 minutes, the first of a trio of assists for the Belgian.

Trossard then crossed for Martinelli to beat the static Antonee Robinson to head home at the far post five minutes later, before providing the delivery for captain Martin Odegaard to snuff out any hope of a Fulham recovery with a cool finish of the highest class in first-half stoppage time.

Fulham mounted a belated threat after the break as Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale denied Bobby De Cordova-Reid, while Tosin Adarabioyo headed against the woodwork.

Arsenal, however, were always in control and Arteta was able to re-introduce influential striker Gabriel Jesus for the first time since he required knee surgery after being injured playing for Brazil against Cameroon at the World Cup for a 13-minute cameo.


==


Bottom club Southampton earned an important Premier League point by holding 10-man Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Casemiro was sent off after VAR intervention for a dangerous challenge on Carlos Alcaraz in the first half.

Both sides had chances - Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters and United's Bruno Fernandes hit the post, and James Ward-Prowse clipped the bar for Saints.

Southampton remain two points from safety, while United sit third.

==

West Ham earned a point against Aston Villa which saw David Moyes' struggling side move out of the Premier League relegation places on goal difference.

Villa striker Ollie Watkins continued his impressive form as he broke the deadlock with a 17th-minute header from left-back Alex Moreno's sublime cross for his sixth goal in seven games.

The lively Said Benrahma took his opportunity to respond for the hosts from the penalty spot nine minutes later, firing his spot-kick out of reach of World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez after Leon Bailey's foul on Lucas Paqueta.

Benrahma was the standout attacking threat on either side at London Stadium but the winger saw a powerful strike from distance tipped over by Martinez in the second half among his match-leading 10 shots on goal.

Denied again by Ashley Young's last-ditch block the Algeria international was unable to inspire the hosts to victory - although the point was enough to take West Ham above Bournemouth, who beat Liverpool on Saturday, to 17th in the standings.

Aston Villa, whose appeals for a penalty of their own were dismissed by the video assistant referee following Declan Rice's challenge on Emiliano Buendia, remain 11th.

 

[MenInG]

HT: Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

It remains a year to the day on Friday since a striker last scored a Premier League goal for Wolves, when Raul Jimenez netted in 4-0 win over Watford.

Wolves' record signing Fabio Silva, on loan at PSV Eindhoven, has scored a penalty today as they currently lead 4-2 against Cambuur.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Saj]

Tonight's results

 

[Bewal Express]

Palace are ATM the worst team in PL. Its going to end in tears for Viera

 

[Saj]

Palace are ATM the worst team in PL. Its going to end in tears for Viera

I can't even remember the last time they scored a goal.

I don't think they've won a game in the Premier League since December.

 

[Bewal Express]

I can't even remember the last time they scored a goal.

I don't think they've won a game in the Premier League since December.

And they don't look like scoring. Badly missing a controlling Midfielder like Gallagher

 

[Firebat]

Updated table:

 

[Firebat]

5 points between 12th and 20th

 

[daytrader]

Crystal Palace have sacked Patrick Vieira — he’s no longer the head coach after recent results.

Steve Parish: “It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made — but we’re now in a precarious league position, change is necessary”.

 

[Kianig89]

So with Vieira gone and Palace to face 8 relegation rivals in their last 10 games, Rafa Benitez seems the safest bet let's see

 

[Saj]

Newcastle's Alexander Isak scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest from the penalty spot to keep their hopes of a top-four finish firmly alive.

Isak, who had earlier cancelled out Emmanuel Dennis' opener in the first half, coolly placed his spot-kick into the right corner after Moussa Niakhate was penalised for handball in the box.

In an eventful encounter, Newcastle substitute Elliot Anderson thought he had made it 2-1 when he thumped in a header at the back post, only for it to be ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up.

Newcastle were on top for large spells and hit the crossbar twice in the first half, either side of a glorious chance fired over by Joe Willock from close range.

Forest's opener came against the run of play when Newcastle defender Sven Botman unforgivably gifted possession to Dennis, who smartly chipped it over the players standing guard on the goalline.

The visitors' pressure eventually paid off when Willock set-up Isak for a precise volley into the far corner on the stroke of half-time and the Swedish striker later delivered the winner to spark celebratory scenes in the away end in Nottingham.

The result leaves Newcastle just a point behind Tottenham in fifth - and still with a game in hand - while Forest remain two points above the relegation zone.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So with Vieira gone and Palace to face 8 relegation rivals in their last 10 games, Rafa Benitez seems the safest bet let's see

They will get Roy Hodgson back probably, very strange decision to sack manager after a tough run of games.

 

[Firebat]

They will get Roy Hodgson back probably, very strange decision to sack manager after a tough run of games.

Kompany put it well I think

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "It doesn't sit well with me. You've taken out a manager who is overachieving." <br><br>Vincent Kompany disagrees with the decision makers at Crystal Palace for sacking Patrick Vieira &#55358;&#56709; <a href="https://t.co/xq5EGduGgl">pic.twitter.com/xq5EGduGgl</a></p>— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1636706386020016132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Firebat]

Ellis Simms scored his first Everton goal to earn Sean Dyche's side a precious point as they came from behind twice to draw 2-2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after holding off a late Wolves fightback to win an enthralling game 4-2 at Molineux.

A late James Ward-Prowse penalty earned Southampton a deserved point in a thrilling encounter as they came from behind to draw 3-3 against Tottenham at St Mary's.

Leicester City gained a crucial point and ended their five-match losing run as Harvey Barnes netted a second-half equaliser at high-flying Brentford in the Premier League.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to a routine home victory over managerless Crystal Palace.

The Gunners, aiming to become champions for the first time since 2003-04, went ahead at Emirates Stadium through Gabriel Martinelli's left-footed strike - his sixth goal in six league matches.

Bukayo Saka doubled the lead when he collected Ben White's pass and curled an effort past 19-year-old goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

Granit Xhaka made it 3-0 with a first-time finish from Leandro Trossard's assist, before Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back from close range following a corner for Palace's first goal in five matches.

But the excellent Saka restored Arsenal's three-goal advantage with a guided finish from Kiernan Tierney's pull-back to seal the victory.

Arsenal have 69 points from 28 matches, with second-placed Manchester City, who beat Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, on 61 points having played a game less.

Palace sacked manager Patrick Vieira on Friday and have now not won in 13 games in all competitions and are only three points above the relegation zone.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Kompany put it well I think

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "It doesn't sit well with me. You've taken out a manager who is overachieving." <br><br>Vincent Kompany disagrees with the decision makers at Crystal Palace for sacking Patrick Vieira &#55358;&#56709; <a href="https://t.co/xq5EGduGgl">pic.twitter.com/xq5EGduGgl</a></p>— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1636706386020016132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

100% spot on. Palace now play all the teams in bottom half for the remaining fixtures left, I don't understand what palace owners expect when they have hardly invested in players on the pitch.

 

[MenInG]

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is facing a lengthy ban after the Football Association said its standard punishment for his sending off at Manchester United was "clearly insufficient".

The Serbian has been charged with violent and improper conduct after a straight red card for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat.

Manager Marco Silva has also been charged with abusive behaviour towards match officials.

Fulham boss Silva will also face an improper conduct charge for allegedly throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee.

And the club has landed an additional charge of failing to control its players in the Old Trafford encounter.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has called for Mitrovic, 28, to be given a 10-match ban, but manager Silva appealed for "fairness" for his frontman from the FA.

A player is typically suspended for three matches after being shown a straight red card for violent conduct, but that ban can be extended, depending on the circumstances.

Paolo di Canio was banned for 11 games in 1998 for shoving referee Paul Alcock when playing in a Premier League game for Sheffield Wednesday against Arsenal.

"The standard punishment which would otherwise apply to Aleksandar Mitrovic for the sending-off offence of violent conduct that he committed towards the match referee is clearly insufficient," the FA said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

"In addition, Aleksandar Mitrovic's behaviour and/or language was allegedly improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening following his dismissal."

Fulham's 12-goal leading scorer had put his side in front against United early in the second half.

But he was dismissed in the 72nd minute after the hosts were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check that resulted in Brazil winger Willian also being sent off for a deliberate handball on the line.

Kavanagh also sent boss Silva to the stands for his actions on the touchline as the referee walked past him to view the pitchside monitor.

An FA statement read: "It's alleged that Marco Silva used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the match referee; that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official prior to his dismissal; and that he also used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures and/or behaviour towards the fourth official after being sent off.

"It's further alleged that in throwing a water bottle in the direction of the assistant referee that his behaviour was improper."

'More than 10-game ban needed', say refs
Former referees' chief Keith Hackett echoed Sutton's demand for a 10-game ban, while head of the Referees' Association Paul Field said Mitrovic should serve longer for pushing a referee - and even face carrying out community work.

"I hope it's more than 10 games," said Field, who hoped the FA would consider a punishment similar to the nine-month ban Manchester United's Eric Cantona received in 1995 for an attack on a fan at Crystal Palace.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "Why couldn't he go down to some of the pitches down in London?

"Turn up - there's no car parking space, there's no changing room, there's a cold cup of tea, it's pouring down with rain, the pitches are in poor condition, every player is looking to pull one over on you. And, with all of that, you get abused by the parents. So why not do that for six months?

"At an amateur level, a player is looking at about a year's ban - why doesn't that carry through to the professional game?

"Think about what Eric Cantona did nearly 30 years ago and he got nine months. I think they should put a really decent time on this."

Sutton expressed fears that children and players at grassroots level may repeat Mitrovic's behaviour - a point Field agreed with.

Grassroots referee Simon King also told BBC Radio 5 live there is "100%" a link between the behaviour fans see on the pitch and how players at grassroots level behave.

"I was stunned," he added. "The stalking and intimidation, having to be forcibly dragged away.

"My first thought was, what would have happened had he not been dragged away by his own team-mates? And I think some of the Manchester United players helped get him away from the referee.

"When he initially put his hands on him you cannot do that. It's quite frightening that happens at the top level."

King said he would "100%" support a lengthy ban for Mitrovic and added: "A statement needs to be made to everybody. If that was to happen at any level of football, the ban should be set. People should be aware beforehand."

 

[MenInG]

Premier League footballer has been questioned over another alleged sex attack after a third woman brought accusations against him.

The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was initially arrested over an alleged rape in June 2022 and was further arrested while in custody over alleged incidents in April and June 2021.

A third alleged victim, according to The Sun, has now come forward to claim she was sexually assaulted by the same player in Hertfordshire in February of last year.

The footballer is reported to have been questioned ‘for hours’ and was held under caution.

He had been due to answer police bail this month but this was extended for a third time until early July.

The club in question have not commented on the matter since releasing a statement, via The Athletic last August, which read: ‘We are aware of the allegations which are currently the subject of a police investigation.

‘We have confirmed that the player denies the allegations and is on police bail pending the outcome of their enquiries.

‘There have been no charges laid and the player can fulfil his professional commitments including permitted travel.

‘We take our commitments and responsibilities seriously and have followed our safeguarding policies and procedures.

‘We will keep this matter under close consideration and will review further if circumstances change.’

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...p&cvid=1c9e639b20274a06aa54e3461b235e7b&ei=11

 

[Kianig89]

Hopefully Brighton or Newcastle will make it to top 4 at the expense of Liverpool or Spurs, good luck to both aspirants

 

[MenInG]

With two months of the Premier League season left, it is set to be a tense battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

There are only four points separating Crystal Palace in 12th and bottom-of-the league Southampton.

It is the least amount of points between the teams 12th and 20th at this stage of the season in Premier League history.

Data specialists Nielsen's Gracenote has studied the stats and judged each team's chances of being relegated based on their remaining fixtures, giving them a percentage chance of survival.

Gracenote says 39 points will be enough to guarantee Premier League survival but BBC Sport wants to know how you think the fight to avoid the drop will go.

 

[MenInG]

High stakes once again in today's fixtures

 

[MenInG]

Could make a huge difference!

==

Team news - Haaland not in squad

Man City v Liverpool (12:30 BST)

Manchester City's top scorer Erling Haaland doesn't make the squad as he recovers from the groin injury he picked up in City's last match against Burnley before the international break.

He's one of six changes to Pep Guardiola's side since their 6-0 FA Cup win with Ederson, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji all starting.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Ake, Gundogan, Rodri, Majrez, De Bruyne, Grealish, Alvarez.

Subs: Moreno, Walker, Phillips, Laporte, Silva, Gomez, Perrone Rodriguez, Palmer, Lewis.

Liverpool make two changes to the side that were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid 17 days ago.

James Milner and Darwin Nunez drop to the bench with Jordan Henderson and Harvey Ellliott coming into the side.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Elliott, Henderson, Fabinho, Gakpo, Jota, Salah.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Milner, Firmino, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tsimikas, Nunez, Arthur, Matip.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Liverpools performances for most of the season have been nothing short of disgraceful. All this hype about klopps golden era. Its time they proved thar today and beat Man city.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Think this game will prove to be pivotal, must win game for City but I think they will drop points and as a result this will make Arsenal heavy favourites for the league

 

[Amjid Javed]

Think this game will prove to be pivotal, must win game for City but I think they will drop points and as a result this will make Arsenal heavy favourites for the league

We need City to drop points today, as I can't see us getting anything at Anfield next week. Liverpool will have huge impact on title race in the next week or so.

 

[Amjid Javed]

All city for first 18 minutes of the game. Liverpool then score, smash and grab.

 

[Amjid Javed]

The way Liverpool are set up is to bypass midfield and counter attack, which with their front three will cause danger.

 

[Amjid Javed]

1-1 Alvarez, shocking defending by TAA *

 

[Amjid Javed]

Rodri should be sent off here, dirty little rat. How is that not a 2nd yellow card!

 

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpools performances for most of the season have been nothing short of disgraceful. All this hype about klopps golden era. Its time they proved thar today and beat Man city.

Inconsistent is the correct term.

You should put your house on beating us at Anfield if you truly believe this . But you don’t .& are just desperate for Liverpool to help your team .

Excellent match by both teams so far .

Could go either way . Poor from the ref, allowing fouls only stops football & causes bad behaviour.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Inconsistent is the correct term.

You should put your house on beating us at Anfield if you truly believe this . But you don’t .& are just desperate for Liverpool to help your team .

Excellent match by both teams so far .

Could go either way . Poor from the ref, allowing fouls only stops football & causes bad behaviour.

Liverpools home form at Anfield this season has been good, just 1 defeat. You have played City, United and Chelsea at home without conceding a goal at home. So I know it will be a tough game and our away record at Anfield is poor. Its called being realistic, not delusional.

We are top of the league on merit, if you take something here off City, I won't be complaining.

 

[Saj]

City ahead.

Liverpool asleep at the start of the second half.

 

[Amjid Javed]

KDB gives city lead straight into 2nd half

 

[Amjid Javed]

Pathetic stuff from Liverpool, they deserve to be in europa league if they perform like this.

 

[Saj]

1-0 down
3-1 up

Looks like City have got this in the bag against Liverpool.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Pathetic useless scousers, they should get use to be has been again from now on.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpools home form at Anfield this season has been good, just 1 defeat. You have played City, United and Chelsea at home without conceding a goal at home. So I know it will be a tough game and our away record at Anfield is poor. Its called being realistic, not delusional.

We are top of the league on merit, if you take something here off City, I won't be complaining.

5 points clear you shouldn’t need to stress about teams beating city , only a bottle job from here will lose you the league .

Game done , credit to city for coming out strong in 2nd half. Good win

 

[MenInG]

I Am depending on Salah! The power of Salah.

 

[MenInG]

Team news - Jesus in for Saka, four Leeds changes
Arsenal v Leeds (15:00 BST)

Mikel Arteta makes one change to the Arsenal side that defeated Crystal Palace before the international break.

Gabriel Jesus starts up front in place of Bukayo Saka, who drops to the bench.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka, Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli.

Subs: Turner, Tierney, Saka, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Nelson, Walters

Javi Gracia makes four alterations to the Leeds team that beat Wolves a fortnight ago.

Rasmus Kristensen, Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra all come in. Weston McKennie and Patrick Bamford drop to the bench, while Maximilian Wober and Wilfried Gnonto are sidelined through injury.

Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Kristensen, Struijk, Firpo, Harrison, Roca, Aaronson, Summerville, Sinisterra

Subs: Robles, Cooper, Bamford, Gyabi, Rodrigo, Rutter, McKennie, Greenwood, Gray

 

[Saj]

A few Liverpool players already on holiday.

A few of them seem like they don't care out there - arguing amongst themselves too.

Awful!

 

[Amjid Javed]

A few Liverpool players already on holiday.

A few of them seem like they don't care out there - arguing amongst themselves too.

Awful!

Klopp needs to be sacked, mediocre team. God knows why players like Bellingham want to join such a mediocre team.

Liverpool fans deserve these humiliations

 

[Saj]

Manchester City maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal by shrugging off the absence of the injured Erling Haaland to outclass Liverpool with a magnificent display at Etihad Stadium.

City's 42-goal striker was ruled out with a groin injury, but Pep Guardiola's reigning champions demonstrated their all-round strength by coming from a goal down against a Liverpool side who have made life so difficult for them in the past, to run out convincing winners.

Liverpool caught City with a counter-attack after 17 minutes to take the lead, Diogo Jota making the break before Mohamed Salah applied a thumping finish.

City responded in devastating fashion with the outstanding Jack Grealish, who made a crucial intervention on Salah when Liverpool had the chance to double their lead, crossing for Julian Alvarez to equalise after 27 minutes.

Alvarez was the creator as City went ahead 53 seconds after the break, his raking pass finding Riyad Mahrez, who crossed for Kevin de Bruyne to slide home from close range.

John Stones delivered a masterclass in an unaccustomed role which saw him advance into midfield but also drop back into defence when required, and with City in total control Ilkay Gundogan added the third after a goalmouth skirmish.

Grealish deserved a goal and it duly arrived in the 74th minute when he timed his arrival perfectly to turn in De Bruyne's cross as Liverpool ended beaten and bedraggled.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United: Gabriel Jesus scores twice as Gunners restore eight-point lead

Gabriel Jesus scored his first Arsenal goals since October as the Gunners restored their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a comfortable win over Leeds.

Second-placed Manchester City's victory at home to Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime had cut the gap to five points, but Jesus's first-half penalty - awarded for Luke Ayling's mistimed challenge on the Brazilian - put Mikel Arteta's side in front just after the half-hour mark.

Leeds had created the better opportunities in the opening half hour of the contest, with Rasmus Kristensen, Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison all testing home keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

But they fell further behind two minutes into the second half when Ben White converted Gabriel Martinelli's low cross via the underside of the crossbar.

Arsenal dominated from that moment on and Jesus - recalled to the side in place of Bukayo Saka - made it 3-0 with a clinical first-time finish from Leandro Trossard's drilled cross.

Rasmus Kristensen's pulled a goal back for Leeds via a heavy deflection off Oleksandr Zinchenko, but Granit Xhaka's late header from Martin Odegaard's delivery completed the scoring with six minutes remaining.

The defeat leaves Javi Gracia's team hovering a point above the relegation zone with 10 games of the campaign left to play.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Crystal Palace snatched a late victory over fellow strugglers Leicester City as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored deep into stoppage time on Roy Hodgson's return.

Palace were dominant and recorded 20 shots by the break, the highest total of any Premier League side since 2015, but struggled to find the breakthrough.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness shortly into the second half when substitute Ricardo Pereira unleashed a well-struck effort after being teed up by Timothy Castagne.

But Leicester's lead was cut short and Palace equalised only three minutes later as an Eberechi Eze free-kick ricocheted off the crossbar and deflecting in off the back of Daniel Iversen.

Palace captain Wilfried Zaha was forced off in the first half after pulling up with a groin injury.

The hosts won in dramatic fashion as Mateta turned his marker before slotting a low Jordan Ayew ball past Iversen.

Palace now sit five points clear of the drop zone in 12th, with Leicester one point adrift of safety in 18th.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Bournemouth leapt out of the Premier League relegation zone as goals from Marcus Tavernier and Dominic Solanke in a second-half turnaround helped them beat Fulham at Vitality Stadium.

Solanke bundled home the hosts' winner in the 79th minute, scoring his first league goal since November.

Earlier, substitute Tavernier had struck a stunning, curling equaliser into the top corner.

Fulham had taken the lead through Andreas Pereira's side-footed effort in the 16th minute.

Bournemouth's win moved them up to 15th in the Premier League table, one point clear of the relegation zone, having started the day in 19th.

Fulham stayed ninth as their European qualification hopes suffered a blow.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Daniel Podence scored a late equaliser as Wolves held Nottingham Forest to a draw at the City Ground.

Podence fired home his sixth goal of the season by opening up his body and curling past Keylor Navas.

Brennan Johnson, who did not join Wales for international duty because of a groin injury, had put Forest ahead in the first half.

Johnson finished from the tightest of angles - and through the legs of Jose Sa - after getting on the end of Danilo's ball.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Brighton 3-3 Brentford: Alexis Mac Allister penalty earns hosts point in six-goal thriller

Alexis Mac Allister scored a last-minute penalty as Brighton fought back three times against Brentford to earn a point in a breathless Premier League encounter at Amex Stadium.

Thomas Frank's Brentford side took the lead twice in a frantic first half but were pegged back, before Ethan Pinnock scored what looked to be the winner four minutes after the break.

But Brighton were awarded a late spot-kick after Aaron Hickey blocked Deniz Undav's goalbound shot with his arm. Referee Michael Oliver awarded the penalty after viewing the incident on the pitchside screen and Mac Allister nervelessly converted in the 90th minute.

Brighton had looked sharp in the early stages but it was the visitors who struck first when Pontus Jansson, making his first start since 1 October, got across the front post to power in a header from Mathias Jensen's cross in the 10th minute.

The equaliser 11 minutes later was as simple as it was effective, Kaoru Mitoma racing on to goalkeeper Jason Steele's long ball over the top for Brighton and calmly lifting it over the onrushing David Raya.

The Bees were back in front within 90 seconds as Bryan Mbeumo flicked the ball to Ivan Toney and the England striker lashed in his 17th league goal of the campaign.

Roberto de Zerbi's Seagulls equalised on 28 minutes as Solly March lifted a cross to the back post where Danny Welbeck nodded in from close range.

After an exciting but frenetic first 45 minutes, the second half began in much the same way as Brentford went in front for the third time when Pinnock arrived unmarked at the far post to stab in Mbeumo's free-kick.

Brighton poured forward in search of a third equaliser with Lewis Dunk heading over their best opportunity before the goal finally came via the spot.

The home side felt they should have had another penalty in stoppage time when March's cross struck the arm of Hickey but this time the video assistant referee did not intervene and the teams were left to settle for a point apiece.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery masterminded another victory away from home with a composed display against Chelsea to increase pressure on Blues boss Graham Potter.

Ollie Watkins opened the scoring from a Marc Cucurella blunder at Stamford Bridge, latching on to the Chelsea defender's backwards header to poke home, before John McGinn's second-half rocket put the game out of reach for the home side.

It was a familiar tale for Chelsea, who squandered chance after chance as Villa exploited their weakness on the counter-attack.

It is the Villans fifth win on the road since Emery took over in October and means they have now picked up 16 points away from home, a tally equalled only by Manchester City in that time.

All 10 of Chelsea's victories this season have come against bottom-half opposition but this loss means they drop into 11th themselves while Villa move up to ninth, one point off Liverpool in eighth.

 

[MenInG]

Current points table - AFC ahead by the usual 8 points margin...

 

[MenInG]

HALF-TIME
West Ham 1-0 Southampton

It has been very low on quality, but at this stage of the season, with the predicament these two are in, points are all that matter.

As it stands, West Ham are picking up a precious three.

 

[Saj]

West Ham gained a crucial win over Southampton in the Premier League's congested relegation scrap to lift themselves out of the bottom three and leave their opponents at the foot of the table.

Nayef Aguerd guided home an precise first-half header from Thilo Kehrer's free-kick, although the goal was only awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside.

Until deep into the second half, when Gavin Bazunu turned away Said Benrahma's goalbound free-kick, it was the Hammers' only effort on target.

However, for large parts, Southampton were ineffective.

Lukasz Fabianski did make a couple of routine saves to deny Romeo Lavia and Carlos Alcaraz but the nearest they came was in the final minutes when £18m forward Paul Onuachu, who is still to score since joining the club from Genk in January, headed against the bar.

Victory lifted West Ham to 14th. Ruben Selles, meanwhile, faces a difficult week, knowing six of the other eight teams in the relegation fight play at least once - and many twice - before his Southampton side play again.

 

[Saj]

Newcastle have been brilliant against Man Utd.

It could have been 4 or 5-0.

Man Utd absolutely dreadful once again.

 

[Saj]

Newcastle United leapfrogged Manchester United into third place in the Premier League table after avenging their Carabao Cup final defeat against the Red Devils.

The Magpies produced a magnificent display to leave their opponents without a win - or a goal - in their past three top-flight games.

Newcastle were thwarted by David de Gea's excellent first-half double save, the Spaniard showing quick reactions to deny Joe Willock from close after clawing away Alexander Isak's header.

Willock wasted another glorious chance after finishing wildly but the former Arsenal midfielder was in the right place to nod home the opener after Bruno Guimaraes' cross was headed across goal by Allan Saint-Maximin.

Manchester United, who failed to register an attempt on target in the first half, have not tasted victory in the Premier League since ending their six-year trophy drought at Wembley in February.

Wout Weghorst fired an early chance into the side netting but the Red Devils were second best to a Newcastle side that showed more urgency.

The hosts deservedly doubled their lead in the 88th minute with a well-placed header by substitute Callum Wilson.

 

[MenInG]