The top teams in Premier League were duking it out on Matchday 21. The day started with an incredible match between Arsenal and Man City at the Emirates. It took extra time for the Cityzens to claim their eleventh consecutive victory. The day ended with a showdown for the ages was between Chelsea and Liverpool. Both squads were looking to reign in the eleven-point gap between themselves and City. It was an exhilarating match that had the chances going back and forth. It ended in a very City-friendly way with a draw. Manchester City now carries a 10 point lead with 16 matches to go and the African Cup of Nations taking place this month.
Arsenal (1) vs. Manchester City (2)
Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking stoppage time loss to Manchester City. The Gunners struck first with a first half goal by Bukayo Saka. They looked to be in control until a penalty by Xhaka in the 55th minute. City was awarded a penalty kick that Riyad Mahrez scored. A red card was given to Gabriel, which left Arsenal down to ten men. The final dagger came with a 90+3’ goal by Rodri.
Watford (0) vs. Tottenham (1)
Tottenham continued their unbeaten streak under Conte with a victory over Watford. The Spurs out-chanced and maintained possession over Watford throughout the match but it was until stoppage time when Son Heung-min bent his free kick from the side of the box towards goal and Davinson Sanchez managed to get his head on the ball.
Crystal Palace (2) vs. West Ham (3)
West Ham was victorious in a game that looked easy but quickly turned into a nail bitter in stoppage time. The Hammers went out front three nil in the first half off goals by Michail Antonio and two by Manuel Lanzini. But, in the last fifteen minutes of the match, Crystal Palace scored twice and momentum shifted in the Eagles’ favor. In stoppage time, Crystal Palace could not find their equalizer. West Ham took an important victory that keeps them in the hunt for a top four spot in the table.
Brentford (2) vs. Aston Villa (1)
Brentford moved ahead of Aston Villa in the table with a victory over Steven Gerrard’s squad. Danny Ings put the Villans ahead in the sixteenth minute. Just before the half, Yoane Wissa scored a brilliant goal. Late in the second half, Mads Roeslev found himself at the right side of the goal with the ball, his first shot was denied by the keeper but he found his own rebound and made it count the second time.
Leeds (3) vs. Burnley (1)
Leeds extended their distance from the relegation zone with a victory over Burnley. It was a matchup between two bottom of the table teams. Burnley looked to get out of the relegation zone with a victory and Leeds wanted to distance themselves. Leeds scored just before the half to take the lead. Quickly in the second half, Maxwel Cornet scored to level the match. In the 77th minute, Stuart Dallas regained the lead for Leeds. In stoppage time, substitute Daniel James sealed the victory for Leeds.
Everton (2) vs. Brighton (3)
Brighton continued their positive stretch from the holidays to claim a victory over Everton. Everton did not play any of their fixtures during the holidays due to postponements caused by COVID-19. The lack of matchday experience showed when Brighton scored two goals in the first half. Everton found their legs in the second half when Anthony Gordon scored his first goal in the Premier League. Brighton regained their two goal lead when Alexis Mac Allister scored his second. Gordon seemed to think that whatever Mac Allister could do, he could do better. He scored his second goal, keeping the match close. But, they could not get close enough. Brighton took the victory and moved into the top ten.
Chelsea (2) vs. Liverpool (2)
In a brillant end-to-end match, the result was a draw. Liverpool showed that their lack of goals in their fixture against Leicester was a fluke. They came out swinging with two goals in the first twenty six minutes. The Stamford Bridge faithful were eerily quiet watching their team falling down the table. In the last few minutes before the half, the Blues had other thoughts. An unlikely goal scorer in Mateo Kovacic scored off a brilliant volley to start the comeback then four minutes later Christian Pulisic leveled the match just before the half. In the second half, it was all about the keepers. Both Édouard Mendy and Caoimhin Kelleher made their share of brilliant saves to keep their teams in it. The result of the match helps Man City to stay ten points clear of Chelsea in second.
Manchester United (0) vs. Wolves (1)
United dominance in the previous match may be considered a mirage after their defeat by the Wolves. The Wolves controlled the game in the first half, out chancing United with 14 shots on goal. The Red Devils seemed to have woken up in the second after the substitution of Bruno Fernandes. He hit the woodwork and took the free kick on Ronaldo’s disallowed goal. In the 82nd minute, Joao Moutinho took the misplaced Phil Jones header and caressed it into the bottom corner. After another disappointing performance, United is watching their season come apart at the seams. They are five points off fourth-place Arsenal with only one game in hand.
POSTPONED MATCHES
- Leicester City vs. Norwich City
- Southampton vs. Newcastle
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