EPL MATCHDAY 20 ROUNDUP: SURREAL FOOTBALL

Written by: Floyd Nkanyane

In another pulsating weekend of Premier League action, several crucial matches have reshaped the title race and intensified battles across the table. From Manchester City’s emphatic victory to Liverpool’s dramatic draw with Manchester United, here’s  a quick look at the key developments.

Liverpool Held in Anfield Thriller

The headline fixture of the weekend saw Liverpool and Manchester United play out an enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield. Despite dominating the expected goals (2.87 to 1.03), Liverpool couldn’t convert their superiority into three points. After a goalless first half, Martinez broke the deadlock for United, only for Gakpo to equalize. Salah’s penalty seemed to have won it for Liverpool before Diallo’s late intervention secured a point for the visitors. The result, while maintaining Liverpool’s unbeaten home record, means they couldn’t extend their lead over Arsenal to eight points.

City Show Their Class

Manchester City delivered a statement performance with a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United. An unfortunate Coufal own goal set the tone before Erling Haaland’s double and Foden’s strike put the game beyond doubt. Despite Füllkrug’s consolation goal, City’s dominance was clear, though the expected goals (2.03 – 1.19) suggested West Ham created decent opportunities. The victory marked City’s first back-to-back Premier League wins since October, keeping them in the title conversation.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dented

Arsenal’s championship aspirations suffered a significant setback in a 1-1 draw at Brighton. Young talent Ethan Nwaneri’s early goal was canceled out by João Pedro’s penalty. The statistics favored Brighton (xG: 1.56 vs 0.84), leaving Arsenal five points behind Liverpool, who also have one game in hand. Brighton’s resilience was evident as they extended their unbeaten run, albeit through four consecutive draws.

Newcastle’s Impressive Run Continues

Newcastle United continued their resurgence with a crucial 2-1 victory at Tottenham, marking their fifth consecutive Premier League win. After Solanke’s early opener, quick responses from Gordon and Isak secured the points. Notably, Isak’s goal marked his seventh consecutive Premier League match with a goal, joining Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and Joe Willock in the club’s record books.

Other Key Results

Crystal Palace held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw, extending the Blues’ winless run to four games

Aston Villa maintained their impressive home form with a 2-1 victory over struggling Leicester City

Fulham and Ipswich played out an entertaining 2-2 draw featuring three penalties

Impact on the Table

The weekend’s results have significant implications across the table. Liverpool maintain their lead but missed an opportunity to create more breathing space. Arsenal’s draw and City’s win keep the title race intriguing, while Newcastle’s victory consolidates their fifth position. At the bottom, Leicester’s struggles continue as they remain in 19th place.

Form Watch

Newcastle United: Showing championship form with five straight wins

Chelsea: Concerning slide continues with four games without victory

Brighton: Resilient but winless in eight, though drawing regularly

Leicester City: Deep in trouble after five consecutive defeats

Aston Villa: Impressive home record extends to 10 games unbeaten

As the Premier League enters a crucial phase of the winter season, the title race remains delicately poised, with Liverpool holding the advantage but facing pressure from both Arsenal and Chelsea . The match day concludes with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting former manager Nuno Espirito Santo and his red troops from Nottingham tonight at the Molinuex.

Matchday 20 of 38

Monday 6th January

Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Nottingham Forest at Molineux

Sunday 5th January

Fulham 2 , Ipswich Town 2 at Full time

Liverpool 2 , Manchester United 2 at Full time

Saturday 4th January

Tottenham Hotspur 1 , Newcastle United 2 at Full time

AFC Bournemouth 1 , Everton 0 at Full time

Aston Villa 2 , Leicester City 1 at Full time

Crystal Palace 1 , Chelsea 1 at Full time

Manchester City 4 , West Ham United 1 at Full time

Southampton 0 , Brentford 5 at Full time

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 , Arsenal 1 at Full time