🔬 The Debrief as Chelsea beat the champions, Man Utd lose, Newcastle draw
There have been 4 Premier League video games immediately, because the race for Champions League qualification as soon as once more was the one present on the town.
Here’s what we made from all of it.
What occurred? 📝
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On their first outing as champions, Liverpool have been afforded a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge earlier than falling to a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea. Whereas the outcome was not essential for the Reds, it was completely important for the Blues of their push for Champions League soccer.
The win drew them degree on factors and aim distinction with fourth-placed Newcastle, who wanted a late Alexander Isak penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw in opposition to Brighton on the Amex Stadium.
Elsewhere, Brentford’s push for European soccer continued with an exhilarating 4-3 win over a closely rotated Manchester United on the GTech Stadium. Mason Mount had given United the lead with simply his second aim for the membership – each have come away to the Bees – however Thomas Frank’s aspect roared again with objectives from Kevin Schade (2) and Yoane Wissa, in addition to an own-goal from Luke Shaw.
Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo put some respect on the scoreline, nevertheless it was one other league loss for Ruben Amorim, who undoubtedly is totally centered on successful the Europa League.
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That is the identical state of affairs for Ange Postecoglou, who noticed his Spurs aspect draw 1-1 on the solely non-relegated aspect under them, West Ham, in a tepid London derby.
Wilson Odobert had given the guests the lead however Jarrod Bowen’s aim ensured it was honours even.
Participant of the day 🔥
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110 days. That is how lengthy Cole Palmer needed to anticipate a Chelsea aim after the primary dry patch of his sensible time with the Blues.
His second of catharsis got here proper on the finish of the 3-1 win over the champions and rounded off a unbelievable show from the 22-year-old, who performed a key position in every part good about his aspect.
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It was his pretty little bit of motion that led to Pedro Neto teeing up Enzo Fernández for the opener inside three minutes, and it was his weaving dribble that bamboozled Kostas Tsimikas and precipitated additional chaos within the Liverpool field resulting in a comical personal aim from Virgil van Dijk.
After the sport, Palmer confirmed a unique aspect to his character, outlining that whereas it was a troublesome interval for him it gave him extra motivation. He additionally put the boot in on social media trolls, which is able to solely endear him additional to many soccer followers.
A participant of his high quality needs to be enjoying Champions League soccer, and a efficiency like immediately suggests he’s totally centered on making {that a} actuality.
Stat of the Day 📊
He is undoubtedly the most effective striker the Magpies have had since their best ever, and now has the stats to show it.
What this implies 🤔
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As talked about, Newcastle and Chelsea at the moment are degree on factors and aim distinction, and simply so occur to be enjoying each other at St. James’ Park subsequent Sunday because the race for Champions League soccer goes to the wire.
Brentford’s win sees them leapfrog each Fulham and Brighton into ninth, they usually stay in with a fantastic probability of securing European soccer for the primary time of their historical past.
As for United, Spurs, and West Ham, they continue to be in fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth respectively as their horrid league seasons wait to be put out of their distress.
What they stated 🗣️
Arne Slot had no regrets about enjoying a few of his squad gamers regardless of the loss, which was not too shocking given the probably days of title celebrations.
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“They should play these video games as a result of they’ve educated so arduous this season. Each time they did so properly in order that’s why I feel they deserved to play this sport.”
We do not decide them solely on this sport, we decide them daily on the coaching floor and within the moments that they play for us.”
Enzo Maresca was delighted together with his aspect’s efficiency, and their latest successful kind.
“Essential three factors, particularly at this stage within the season. This workforce [Liverpool] confirmed why they’re so good. They compelled us to defend deep which we do not like,” he stated.
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“I am very impressed with the gamers since we began [working with them]. They’re doing superb. They will perceive that if we end high 5, everybody thinks they’ve been unbelievable. I’m very impressed with all of them.”
Isak’s late aim retains Newcastle in pole place for a top-five end, and Eddie Howe is aware of the purpose could possibly be important.
“Once you’re 1-0 down it’s a must to be glad about the purpose. We’re actually stronger with it than with out it. I felt that months again (that the race can be tight). We have high quality groups combating for a large prize. We simply hope we’re in there.”
Thomas Frank was delighted together with his aspect’s win over Manchester United and feels European soccer is inside their grasp.
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“I feel we positively have momentum. The final 13 we have had a very good run of video games, there is a stream of enjoying properly. We have to maintain that up. The subsequent one is an important sport and that is Ipswich away.”
What’s subsequent? 👀
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Monday sees a mammoth conflict for Nottingham Forest away to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace, earlier than a full set of video games subsequent weekend.
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