Cutting-edge technology takes center stage as Matchweek 32 delivers high-scoring drama and sparks debate among fans and pundits.
The matchweek 32 of the Premier League has seen 9 out of 10 matches so far, deliver Premium level entertainment for viewers all over the world. 8 of the 9 matches delivered at least 2 goals, while 5 games saw at least 4 goals scored in the match.
The weekend began with an early kickoff between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. Crystal Palace raised into an early lead in the first half through Englishmen Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards.
Eze securing an easy finish after being played in by Daniel Munoz, and in the 22nd minute Richards heads home from a corner fizzed in by Adam Wharton to stun the Etihad. But just past the half hour mark, departing hero Kevin De Bruyne curled home a trademark finish from a free-kick to reduce the deficit.
Four minutes later, Omar Marmoush scored an easy finish to give the eagles a nervy finish to the first half. Quick goals from Kovacic and James McAtee in the second half further blew Crystal palace away, and another from youngstar O’Reily secured a memorable victory for Man City in front of their home fans.
The Premier League matchweek 32 goal rush saw 6 teams take on each other. Brighton and Hove Albion welcomed relegation candidates Leicester City to the American Express Stadium, as they played out a two all draw which further affected Brighton’s chances of qualifying for Europe.
Elsewhere, at The City Ground, Nottingham forest where stunned by a last minute winner from Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.
This result further piled pressure on Nottingham forest as they struggle to hold on to their spot following Man City’s resurgence, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa who defeated already relegated Southampton three nil, all competing for the five Champions League slots that has been awarded to the premier League.
Aston Villa also became the first team in the Premier League to have all three of their Substitutes score in a Premier League match, with Ollie Watkins, Donyell Mallen and John McGinn all scoring, as they cruised to a second half win over the Saints.
Arsenal and Brentford wrapped up saturday’s fixtures at the Emirates with Arteta rotating heavily with an eye out for their Champions League return leg in Madrid this Wednesday. The first half ended goalless with both teams threatening a few times.
Thomas Partey put Arsenal in front through a lightening quick counter-attack following a Brentford corner. With Arteta ringing the changes to keep his side fresh, Thomas Frank’s team levelled matters through Yoane Wissa, with Arsenal finishing the game with ten men due to Jorginho’s injury, the match ended in a draw killing Arsenal hopes of any comeback at all in the title race.
Super Sunday came with four fixtures, with three starting same time. Ipswich Town travelled to fifth placed Chelsea hoping to replicate their only home win this season again by beating Chelsea twice.
They did however run into a two goal first half lead, to leave Stamford Bridge stunned and the Chelsea players being booed off at half time.
Marc Cucurella pulled one back for Chelsea barely thirty seconds into the second half, as the mood at the Bridge lightened. Jadon Sancho brought Chelsea level in the 80th minute through a Cole Palmer assist following a Corner.
The match had a frantic end with chances for both teams in the dying minutes with Alex Palmer rescuing a precious point that doesn’t really do much for Ipswich Town. For Chelsea this was a disappointing result in the race for top four or top five.
Mohammed Salah became the player to have the most goal involvements in a Premier League season, as he laid on as assist for Luiz Diaz to score, taking him to 45 Goals and Assists this season. Liverpool stole it at the end through Van Dijk following an intense battle with West Ham at Anfield.
Andy Robertson’s own goal had pulled West Ham level in the 86th minute, but Liverpool quickly responded through their captain three minutes later, to make sure the points remained at Anfield.
It was yet another disappointing outing for Tottenham and their fans at the Molineux Stadium. They lost 4-2 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a win that makes it four wins in a row for Wolves and greatly helps their survival chances and further condemns Spurs down the Premier League table.
The highlight of the day was Man Utd’s visit to St. James Park to face Newcastle United. Newcastle in recent good after winning the Carabao Cup, welcomed a Man Utd team whom they haven’t beaten home and away in 80 years.
Sandro Tonali put the Magpies in front to continue his recent scoring run. Garnacho leveled matters just before the end of the first half, in a half United seemed to dominate at times. But a totally dominant second half from the hosts and some familiar defensive mistakes, saw them blow united out of the way to seal a 4-1 thumping, and ensure a double victory over United for the first time since 1980.
A brace from Harvey Barnes and a goal from Bruno Guimaraes after a defensive howler from stand in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saw United drop to 14th on the table.
The much talked about Semi-automated offside system made it debut in the league. It is yet to be seen if it will be adopted fully, but based on what was seen it sure helps reduce the lines drawn and the time spent on reviewing offside decisions.
