Weekend Recap: Relegation and Title Races Take Shape
This weekend marked a significant moment in the relegation battle, with the promoted clubs all suffering defeats, each conceding four goals on their home turf. Wolves emerged as a notable exception, securing an away victory against Bournemouth, thereby creating a five-point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone. It’s hard to believe that any of the three clubs below them will muster even five more points this season.
At the top of the table, Arsenal squandered a golden opportunity to apply pressure on Liverpool by falling to West Ham at home. Mikel Arteta now seems fully focused on securing Champions League qualification. Liverpool, on the other hand, triumphed in what they had earmarked as their toughest match of the season back in August, comfortably defeating Manchester City. This current iteration of City is far from the formidable force they once were.
Once considered title contenders, Chelsea faced another setback, losing to Aston Villa. Enzo Maresca will be acutely aware that, at this point last year, Mauricio Pochettino was beginning to find his stride.
This Weekend’s Results
Friday, February 21
- Leicester 0-4 Brentford
Saturday, February 22
- Everton 2-2 Man Utd
- Bournemouth 0-1 Wolves
- Arsenal 0-1 West Ham
- Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace
- Ipswich 1-4 Tottenham
- Southampton 0-4 Brighton
- Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
Sunday, February 23
- Newcastle 4-3 Nott’m Forest
- Man City 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s remarkable tenure at Liverpool continues unabated. Even without naming a central striker and leaving three of their top five scorers on the bench, Liverpool dismantled a team they have been chasing for the better part of a decade. The football they displayed at times rivaled the fluidity of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side.
The resurgence of Mohamed Salah, a likely Ballon d’Or contender, adds to Liverpool’s potency. Slot’s tactical innovation, employing a 4-2-4 formation with two false nines, left City’s disjointed defense scrambling. Liverpool’s transitions from defense to attack were seamless, with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai orchestrating play from deeper positions. Salah and Luis Diaz stretched the game wide, creating vast spaces that Liverpool exploited with ruthless efficiency.
By Pete Hall
Read more: How Liverpool tore Man City apart – thanks to a Slot masterstroke
Arsenal
Arsenal’s search for a breakthrough against West Ham was encapsulated by David Raya’s unlikely sprint upfield for a corner in the dying moments, only to rush back after the clearance. Despite his impressive pace, the Gunners struggled to find the net, raising questions about their title aspirations. The decision to play a central midfielder as a striker for the entire match, alongside a center-back, resulted in a lack of attacking bite.
Recent heroics from Mikel Merino at Leicester seemed to evaporate just a week later against West Ham. Merino’s admission that he hadn’t played as a No. 9 since childhood became painfully evident as he failed to make an impact. While he can serve as an effective Plan B, relying on him as a starter highlighted Arsenal’s tactical deficiencies.
By Oliver Young-Myles
Nottingham Forest
For Nuno Espirito Santo, the mantra of “10 more minutes” echoed in his mind as Forest fell just short of salvaging a point from a game that could have been disastrous at halftime. After a flat and error-prone first half, Forest rallied impressively in the second, demonstrating the attacking flair that has made them contenders for European qualification.
Although their defensive solidity seemed compromised, the second half provided a blueprint for their future games. With forward players like Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Elliot Anderson given the freedom to attack, Forest looked dangerous. Establishing a more aggressive press and increased application in their play will be vital in their quest for a European Cup spot.
By Mark Douglas
Manchester City
After their Champions League exit, Manchester City faced another humiliating defeat, this time at the hands of Liverpool. It was a loss that confirmed their declining dominance in the Premier League and highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. Pep Guardiola’s frustrations were evident as errors mounted, with each mistake adding to the team’s woes.
City’s once-impenetrable confidence has now shifted to Liverpool, who played with a calm assurance and tactical discipline that City struggled to match.
By Kevin Garside
Newcastle
Newcastle’s clash against Nottingham Forest was a microcosm of their season. They showcased their attacking prowess for 30 minutes, only to make life difficult for themselves in the second half. Despite the victory, questions linger about the team’s consistency and ability to manage games effectively.
With Alexander Isak’s two goals driving them to victory, Newcastle find themselves in a promising position in the league. However, with the watching eyes of their chairman on them, the pressure to deliver remains high.
By Mark Douglas
Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s recent performances have raised questions about their ability to remain competitive. A costly red card against Wolves left them vulnerable, and the absence of key players could impact their upcoming fixtures. Their struggles against bottom-half teams are becoming a disturbing trend, and the next few matches against Brighton, Tottenham, and Brentford will be critical.
Chelsea
Reece James’s experimentation in a defensive midfield role did not yield the desired results against Aston Villa. With a lack of depth on the bench, Chelsea’s tactical decisions are under scrutiny as they slide down the table. The team is in dire need of solutions, especially with their Champions League aspirations hanging by a thread.
By Michael Hincks
Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s impressive home record continues to grow, as they remain a formidable opponent at Villa Park. With strong performances against top teams, Villa’s depth in attacking options is becoming a significant asset. The team is poised to challenge for a top-five finish as they navigate the remainder of the season.
By Michael Hincks
Read more: The local lads leading Aston Villa’s bid to end 29 years of hurt
Brighton
Brighton appears to have navigated through a rough patch, with recent victories boosting their confidence. The return of Yasin Ayari to the midfield has been a breath of fresh air, and his partnership with Carlos Baleba could solidify their central area. The young duo offers technical prowess and resilience that may be crucial for Brighton’s push in the league.
Fulham
Fulham’s inconsistency remains a troubling trend. Marco Silva’s team has oscillated between impressive victories and disheartening defeats, leaving fans perplexed. The stark contrast between their performances indicates a deeper issue that needs addressing for a more stable campaign.
Brentford
Brentford’s remarkable turnaround in away form has been noteworthy, with a string of victories showcasing their attacking capabilities. The partnership of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa is proving to be a potent force, and Thomas Frank’s tactical adjustments have allowed the team to thrive in challenging environments.
Tottenham
Djed Spence’s development this season has been a silver lining for Tottenham amidst their struggles. His adaptability and improved performances have caught the eye, suggesting he could be a key player moving forward as the team seeks to rebuild.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s tactical fluidity under Oliver Glasner is making them a fascinating team to watch. The unconventional use of full-backs like Daniel Munoz adds an extra dimension to their attacking play, making them a threat in the final third while maintaining defensive solidity.
Everton
David Moyes’s return to Everton has brought renewed hope to a team fighting to avoid relegation. Moyes has revitalized the squad, leading them to impressive performances and results that have made Goodison Park a fortress once again.
By Pete Hall
Manchester United
Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal continue, with alarming statistics highlighting their attacking deficiencies. Despite a second-half resurgence, the team’s lack of creativity and clinical finishing remains a concern as they strive for consistency in their performances.
By Pete Hall
West Ham
Mohammed Kudus’s form has dipped in his second season, but recent signs suggest he may be rediscovering his best self under Graham Potter. His performance against Arsenal showcased his potential, and with continued development, he could become a pivotal player for West Ham.
By Oliver Young-Myles
Wolves
Wolves have shown remarkable improvement under Vitor Pereira, with a newfound defensive solidity propelling them toward safety. Matheus Cunha’s emergence as a key player has transformed the team’s fortunes, allowing them to compete effectively in the league.
Ipswich
The outlook for Ipswich Town remains bleak as they face the prospect of relegation back to the Championship. Despite spending heavily, their inability to defend has left them vulnerable, and questions about their recruitment strategies loom large.
Leicester
Leicester City’s season has spiraled into chaos, leading to calls for managerial changes. Fans are frustrated with the team’s performances and the failure to secure points in critical matches. The need for a decisive turnaround is urgent if they are to avoid relegation.
Southampton
Southampton’s dismal form continues, with defensive frailties leaving them exposed in matches. The lack of ambition and fight is evident, prompting concerns about their ability to survive in the Premier League as the season draws to a close.
