In the second matchday in a week, all eyes are on the race for the fourth and final spot in the Champions League. The team that made the biggest step forward in the race was the Wolverhampton Wolves with a victory over Tottenham. All others either made a move to the side or a step down in this week’s matches.
Manchester United (1) vs. Southampton (1)
It seems as though the same storyline keeps getting repeated for United each week. Manchester United with the early lead (Jaden Sancho), an opposition goal in the second half (Che Adams) and finally a draw as the final result.
Brentford (0) vs. Crystal Palace (0)
Position and chances went back-and-forth throughout the match but neither team could find the back of the goal. Both teams remain safely out of relegation but a series of negative outcomes could change that quickly.
Everton (3) vs. Leeds United (0)
Both squads needed the victory to either add or diminish the distance between each other. An early goal by Everton set the tone for the match. Séamus Coleman scored his goal of the season off a diving header to beat his defender to the ball. Another header by Michael Keane gave Everton a two-nil lead midway through the half. Finally, the playmaker on both the first two goals found a goal for himself at the end of the match. This victory gave Frank Lampard his first league victory as the manager of Everton after three chances.
Watford (0) vs. Brighton (2)
After three consecutive draws, Brighton are victorious against a lowly Watford squad. Neal Maupay broke the deadlock just before the end of the half, scoring a beautiful half-volley goal. At the end of the other half, Adam Webster scores the second goal for Brighton sealing their victory.
Norwich City (0) vs. Manchester City (4)
The top of the table team faces off against the bottom of the table team. It was quite easy to distinguish who was who during this match. Manchester City was dominant throughout putting the pressure on Norwich from the beginning. But, it wasn’t until the 31st minute that City found the back of the net. Once the flood gates were open, the goals kept on coming. Raheem Sterling started off the scoring and finished the match with a hat trick and Phil Foden joined in the party with one for himself.
Burnley (0) vs. Liverpool (1)
In a match where weather played a huge factor, Burnley managed to hold off a top-of-the-table team in Liverpool. Liverpool could only find the back of the goal in the 40th minute off a corner set-piece that Fabinho needed a second effort to score the goal.
Newcastle (1) vs. Aston Villa (0)
A critical victory needed by Newcastle to put distance between themselves and the relegation zone. One of their January acquisitions delivered it to them in style. A foul by Villa just outside the box gave Kieran Trippier the opportunity to double down on another brilliant free-kick. He found a gap in the wall that he was able to expose and score the only goal of the match.
Tottenham (0) vs. Wolves (2)
A match of two teams trying to find their way into a top-four spot in the table. Both squads riding a losing streak looking for an all-important victory. An early goal by Raúl Jiménez gave Wolves a critical early lead in the match. Another error by Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris gave Wolves their second goal of the match early in the first half and sealed their victory. The Spurs are reeling, losing three matches in a row and they look to be an almost insurmountable test against league-leading Manchester City in a week’s time.
Leicester City (2) vs. West Ham (2)
West Ham needed a victory on the night to push ahead of the teams that have matches in hand to remain in the race for the top four. They struck first with their hot goalscorer Jarrod Bowen. A penalty kick conceded by West Ham gave Leicester their equalizer before the half. Ricardo Pereira gave Leicester a lead in the early stages of the second half. In extra time, the Hammers found their equalizer to take a much-needed point.
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