What We Learned this Weekend
Ten Premier League games kept us busy and entertained this weekend, and there are a lot of important talking points following all this action.
Liverpool only managed a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium on Saturday to virtually guarantee that Klopp will be leaving Merseyside with just the League Cup winners medal in his final season.
Both remaining title challengers collected 3 points, with Arsenal’s away win in the North London Derby certainly more entertaining than Manchester City’s business-like performance against Nottingham Forest.
At the other end of the table, Sheffield United’s heavy loss at St. James’ Park confirmed their place in the Championship next season, while Everton beat Brentford 1-0 to ensure their Premier League status.
So what did we find out this weekend?
Arsenal and City Still Headed for Photo-Finish
While the Gunners threatened to throw away a 3-goal lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they just about managed to cling onto the 3 points in the end.
City disposed of Forest 2-0 and now sit 1 point behind Arsenal, having played one less game. Arsenal do boast a better goal difference than City, but will it be enough? The Sky Blues must drop points in order for Arteta’s team to win their first Premier League title in 20 years.
Everyone expects this to go all the way to matchday 38.
Toffees Are Safe for Another Year
While Sean Dyche enjoys the excitement around Goodison Park, it’s hard to forget that Everton have been threatened with relegation for a third season in a row now.
Sure, enjoying the safety is fine, but something needs to change for the blue side of Liverpool if they are to stop this cycle of close encounters with the drop.
Newcastle Refuse to Give Up on European Spots
While it would have been quite a shock to see Sheffield United come away with any positive result from the north-east, the manner in which Newcastle defeated them makes us think that the Magpies will make at least the Europa Conference League next season.
Powered by Alexander Isak, probably the most in-form striker in the division, they came back from a goal down to win 5-1, while also condemning the Blades to Championship football next season.
Manchester United Continue to Run Hot and Cold
In what has been a theme this season, the Red Devils just can not find any consistency. Their latest result, a 1-1 home draw against Burnley, did not even surprise us too much.
What did catch us off-guard was Antony scoring his first EPL goal of the season. After 34 games.
Is that a good return for a player who cost £85 million? We say no. But it points to the struggles that United have had this season.
Liverpool Are Down and Out
A 2-2 draw away to West Ham is not a terrible result when looked at in a vacuum. But given the troubles Liverpool have had over the last 4 weeks or so, it’s a crushing blow to whatever little hope there still was to win the league.
Klopp and Salah also got into a heated argument on the touchline, bringing more attention to the issues the team has during the charismatic German’s final month in charge.
The incoming Arne Slot has plenty of things to think about.
Where Do Bournemouth Go From Here?
This season, probably nowhere.
But their 3-0 win against Brighton brought them a Premier League points’ record for the club (48). This victory, coming after a 1-0 away win to Wolves in midweek, probably leaves their fans thinking that next season could see them challenge for a UEFA Europa Conference League spot.
DOMINANT Cherries victory to SMASH Premier League points record | AFC Bournemouth 3-0 Brighton
Seeing the improvements under Andoni Iraola, and the possibility of a couple of smart transfers this summer, we think they might just be in the conversation.
Leicester Secure Promotion
While not exactly Premier League news just yet, we could not skip mentioning the Foxes coming back to the big time after a season in the Championship. The King Power Stadium will be hosting the biggest teams in the land once more.
Leeds’ loss against QPR ensured that Leicester will be a Premier League team again come August, and we are excited to see what the odds will be for them winning the title. Oh, and to see Jamie Vardy strut his stuff again!
Aston Villa Make Life Difficult for Themselves
In a home game against Chelsea, Villa only managed a 2-2 draw after leading 2-0 at half-time.
While 4th spot is still in their hands, the Villans could have been in a more comfortable position if they held on Saturday evening. Right now they are 7 points ahead of Spurs with 2 more games played.
Will Unai Emery’s team hold their nerve and play Champions League football next season? We think so.
Relegation Struggle Will Entertain Until the End
As things stand, it is very tight around the drop zone, with Nottingham Forest (17th), Luton (18th) and Burnley (19th) being separated by only 2 points.
With only 3 games left to play for each of them, and Brenford 9 points ahead of Forest, it promises to be a very hard fought battle to avoid the places under the dreaded line.
All eyes will be on Turf Moor on May 19th, as Burnley take on Nottingham Forest. This game will probably decide who goes down with Sheffield United.