Week 27/28 is almost in the books, just one game that was postponed will need to be played to finish off Week 27 and have everyone complete thru Week 28. We are back to midweek games so things are moving a bit quicker again. 10 Games left and things are getting pretty exciting at all levels of the premier League.
I think we can now say the battle for the Premier League crown is a two horse race; Liverpool vs. Manchester City. Only 1 point separates the two teams and there are 10 games to play. It is wide open. Manchester City has come into form and looks like they are ready to pounce on any mis-steps by Liverpool. Liverpool was feeling a bit of pressure in recent week, having given up a pretty good lead, but then they demolished Watford, a Top 10 team, 5-0. They seem like they are ready to hold on. It is going to be fun to watch the weekly ebb and flow of points. To bad they don’t play each other anymore, but still plenty of tough opponents for both along the last 10.
As well, the race for the Top 4 and qualification for Champions League is going to be a real battle. Tottenham have have faltered and lost the past two weeks. There are now 4 teams within 5 points of 3rd and 4th. Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. Two will make Top 4 and Champions League and two will be very disappointed. The game of the Week 28 was Tottenham vs. Chelsea and it gave us a few great moments.
I would like to say Chelsea had the most amazing moment of the game, but in reality it was Tottenham…but for all the wrong reasons. I think the OG will go down as one of the All Time Top 10. Really incredible how it went down. A goal kick…a header into space…a defender tracking the ball back towards his goal, but never looking up at his Goal Keeper…and then in a moment he will never live down, Kevin Trippier passes the ball back to the GK. But he is not there, he has come out to play the ball. The pass slides past the GK, almost in slow motion as it heads for the net. Stunned silence from Tottenham, pure joy from Chelsea. Pedro had a nice goal and Higuain almost hits the net so a well deserved 2-0 win for Chelsea.
The other massive game from Week 27 was Manchester United vs. Liverpool. As sometimes happens in big games, a 0-0 draw, but still a few nice moments. A goal called off for offsides always gets fans going. Check it out. Injuries, offsides and almost goals were the theme of the day.
The first Trophy of the year was passed out as well last weekend, The League Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea. The game had very few shots, no goals, but did NOT lack for drama. OT and then a PK shoot out won by Man City. But the real story was how Chelsea having been embarrassed by Manchester City just two weeks ago, 6-0, outplayed and probably deserved to win in regulation. As well, the story is something I have never seen in all my years watching soccer. A player refused to be substituted, Chelsea GK, Kepa. The drama and craziness during a 5-minute span was gut wrenching. He wouldn’t leave. The coach went berserk. He had gone down twice with injury concerns, and the coach wanted him replaced. Kepa just would not leave, claiming he was good to go. A sub was on the touch line ready to come in….just crazy. The coach, Sarri, was hot! Check it out. I don’t know the language, but it doesn’t matter! You get the idea! Never seen it, might not ever see it again, what the heck Kepa…what were you thinking!
No draws this week. that doesn’t happen very often. Winners over the past week include:
Manchester City 1-0 over West Ham.
Liverpool crushes Watford 5-0.
Manchester United 3-1 over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal 5-1 whooping of Bournemouth.
Southampton 2-0 over Fulham.
Newcastle 2-0 over Burnley.
Leicester City 2-1 over Brighton.
Everton 3-0 win over Cardiff City.
Huddersfield with a big win over Wolverhampton 1-0.
Race for the Title & Champions League Top 4
Win-Loss-Tie
1- Liverpool 21-1-6 69 Points.
2- Manchester City 22-4-2. 68 Points.
3- Tottenham 20-8-0 60 Points. Back to Back losses…ouch!
4-Arsenal 17-6-5 56 Points.
5-Manchester United 16-5-7 555 Points.
6-Chelsea 16-6-5 53 Points. Have only played 27, a game behind , so a win puts them 4th or 5th.
Wolves, Watford, Everton and West Ham United round out the Top 10.
Relegation Zone
There are now only 3 teams within 3 points of the 18th position and fighting to stay up. Brighton (27), Southampton (27), sit just outside the 18th spot and are hanging on to the Premier League. The new bottom three:
18. Cardiff City 7-17-4. 25 Points
19. Fulham 4-19-5. 17 Points.
20. Huddersfield 3-20-5. 14 Points.
Unless something changes quickly, Huddersfield is toast! Fulham is about to be toast, but that 18th and last spot, man, that will be interesting.
Match Week 29 Preview
Game of the Week. #3 Tottenham vs. #4 Arsenal. A really big game for both clubs. A classic North London Derby with major implications. Could
Tottenham really lose three games in a row and be in danger of dropping out of the Top 4. Can Arsenal really break their long spell of mediocrity and earn Top 4 spot. It should be a really good game!
Get ready for an exciting finish to the season. 10 games to go.