We are officially past the halfway point in the 2019/2020 Premier League Season…..and so far its a runaway for Liverpool. In fact, most of the so called experts predict it’s over….there is no way Liverpool could lose their commanding lead and lose the title. Maybe, maybe not… I know I’ll keep watching and hoping they slip up a bit so the remaining teams can make it interesting and if not, congrats to them for dominating the most difficult;t league in sport. Liverpool just rolls along and is making it look so easy. There were a series of games early in the season where things just fell their way….late goals, late calls to allow PK’s to win games, extra time goals to win games, etc. Lately, they are just the better team. Pretty amazing that we are 19 games into the season for Liverpool and they have 18 wins and 1 draw. Let me write that again, they are undefeated and only 1 draw on the season….its really quite an accomplishment so far.
There were a few big games last weekend we pointed out.
Liverpool vs. Leicester City. In a #1 vs. #2 battle, there was a ton of hype, but Liverpool just squashed any thought that Leicester City would challenge them for the title. A complete wipe out 4-0. Liverpool extended their lead to 13 points with a game in hand…likely extending to 16 once they catch up on games played. 16 points, oh my.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal. In a top clash of London rivals, it was quite an exciting game. Arsenal, under a new coach and playing with a new found passion, controlled much of the first half. Chelsea, playing hot and cold the past month, had to make a change at 30 minutes to flip formations and the game flow. From there, Chelsea slowly took over but was struggling to put the ball in the net…..but then the last 10 minutes….for a Chelsea fan….maybe the most important 10 minutes of the season so far. A stunning comeback, aided by a few gaffes, but regardless, Chelsea break the hearts of Arsenal fans for the 2-1 late comeback win.
Match Week 19/20 Recap
- Three teams went undefeated the past two matches….Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton. Manchester United up to 5th in the table and Everton moving well clear of relegation from a few weeks back and mow sitting in 10th…new coach Carlo Ancelotti making a big difference for them.
- Chelsea had an important win. After a bad loss to Southampton, a big win against Arsenal keep them in 4th, 4 points clear of 5th.
- Manchester United, after a disappointing loss to Watford, rallied for back to back wins and again challenging for a top 4 spot.
- Three teams on a losing streak…West Ham, Newcastle United and Burnley.
Games of the week. Three games stand out in Match Week 20.
Manchester City vs. Everton. Both teams hot tight now. Can Everton take down a Top 4 club.
Liverpool vs. Sheffield United. Two top 10 teams.
Manchester United vs,. Arsenal. Arsenal was close to taking down Chelsea….can they find enough to get a win vs. Manchester United.
Race for the Top 4
- Liverpool 18-1-0. 55 Points and still undefeated, plus a game in hand.
- Leicester City 13-3-4 42 Points
- Manchester City 13-2-5 41 Points
- Chelsea 11-2-7 35 Points
- Manchester United 8-7-5 31 Points
- Tottenham 8-6-6 30 Points
Wolves, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Everton round out the Top 10.
The Relegation Zone
There are currently only 5 teams within 3 points of the relegation zone. Bottom teams are finding some key wins and climbing the table. Bournemouth and West Ham sit just outside the relegation zone at 19 and 20 points. The current bottom three include:
18. Aston Villa with 18 Points. 19. Watford with 16 points. 20. Norwich City with 13 points.
Goals of the Year
As we end the year, let me leave you with the top goals of the year. Named after Real Madrid forward for the 50’sand 60’s, the Puskas award is for the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year….the beautiful goal!!
For me….it’s Eden Hazard from Chelsea. It is an example of everything, speed, touch, control, dribbling, evading defenders….and scoring. What say you…who you got? Some pretty amazing goals for sure. Wow….what talent and skill.