EPL week 30 Review: City, Chelsea, United draw as Liverpool leads table

The English Premier league (EPL) returned following the March international break and as expected with mouth-watering fixtures.

We saw a seven goals thriller between Newcastle and West ham, tactical battle between Arteta and his former boss, Pep Guardiola, Brentford’s last minute equaliser against United, Chelsea showing how poor they have performed this season in one game with a 2:2 draw against 10-men Burnley at home and Liverpool claiming top spot at the table with a dirty win.

The Reds won a tightly contested game against Brighton before their title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal played out a goalless draw to hand them a two-point lead at the top of the table.

Manchester City 0 vs Arsenal 0

The match between Manchester City and Arsenal was, of course, the most anticipated match of the weekend. In the league thus far, the two clubs have a combined 123 goals, yet they only managed three shots on target in the biggest game of the weekend.

Arsenal, however, would be more happy and satisfied getting a draw at Etihad stadium and City not so very considering who was at who was at home. This unsatisfactory result leaves them three points behind league leader Liverpool and one behind their last weekend’s opponents.

Liverpool 2 vs Brighton 1

Despite falling behind early against Brighton, Liverpool demonstrated both resilience and quality to win 2-1 on Sunday. The Reds know they cannot afford any mistakes as they pursue the Premier League trophy.

One thing is for sure and that is, Liverpool has Alexis Mac Allister to thank if the Premier league ends up at Anfield at the end of the season for his superb performance for Liverpool against former club Brighton which he capped up with am assist to Mohammed Salah to score the winner.

Brentford 1 vs Manchester United 1

This was an unacceptable level of performance from United away to a Brentford team that was in danger of going down and was lacking six players who could have improved their team. Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund did not play at their best.

Thomas Frank could only shake his head at the injustice of it all after the Bees had hit the woodwork four times and played United off the park. Kristoffer Ajer however tied the score in the 98th minute after Mason Mount had given the visitors the lead in the 96th minutes.

Newcastle 4 vs West Ham 3

Newcastle was up early on thanks to a penalty kick from Alexander Isak, but Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen helped West Ham come From behind and lead 3-1. Newcastle’s injury crisis continued with the losses of Lascelles, Livramento, and Almiron, they were given a chance to return to the game.

After being summoned to visit the pitch-side monitor by VAR, referee Rob Jones awarded Newcastle a penalty kick for a harsh call against Kalvin Phillips. Isak converted and made it 3-2, but Harvey Barnes—a replacement who entered the game only because fellow substitute Almiron was injured —won it. In the 90th minute, the English winger curled in a stunning goal to win it and throw St James’ Park into a frenzy. He had previously slotted home to make it 3-3.

Anthony Gordon who won the two penalties, was sent off moments later, but Newcastle managed to pull hold on and pull off the stunning comeback.

As they attempt to finish in the top six come late in the season, Eddie Howe’s team is now on 43 points. They are only one point below West Ham, who have lost their last five games.

Chelsea 2 vs Burnley 2

Despite Cole Palmer’s valiant efforts, Chelsea had to share the spoils (2-2) with 10-men Burnley. Throughout the match, the England international posed a threat and scored his 13th goal of the season, first converting a penalty and then adding another late in the match.

But his teammates let him down, as the relegation-threatened Clarets never gave up, drawing even twice to secure a crucial point from Stamford Bridge.

At just 21 years old, Palmer is already shouldering one of the biggest football club in the world, but he doesn’t have much support because Mudryk, Sterling, Jackson, and Gallagher are too inconsistent in their performances.

This will be a season to forget by the blues faithful. However, no one will soon forget that this was the season where Cole Palmer made his debut as one of the best young players in European football.

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