Premier League wrap – Gameweek 8

Gameweek 8 proved to be the most difficult round to predict so far this season.  Arsenal broke their 12 game losing streak against Manchester City with a win at... Read more
Premier League wrap - Gameweek 8

Gameweek 8 proved to be the most difficult round to predict so far this season.  Arsenal broke their 12 game losing streak against Manchester City with a win at the Emirates while an added-time Scott Mctominay brace secured three points for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Luton Town kicked off the gameweek when they hosted an unbeaten Tottenham Hotspurs.  The first half was evenly matched with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.  Just before halftime Spurs were down to 10-men after Yves Bissouma was given a second yellow card for simulation.  The second half was more of the same.  Spurs dominated the possession and created decent chances.  Summer signing Micky van de Ven scored in the 52nd minute, converting a James Maddison corner.  Spurs came away 1-0 winners.

The MoneyMan, Oliver and Dylan all correctly predicted a Spurs victory, however they did believe there would be a few more goals.

Chelsea travelled North where they would face a resilient Burnley at Turf Moor.  Vincent Kompany’s side started off well, going a goal ahead in the 15th minute thanks to Wilson Odobert.  This is where the Clarets luck ended.   Just before halftime, an Ameen Al Dakhil own-goal ensured both sides went into the break on level terms.  The second 45 minutes was all Chelsea.  Cole Palmer scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues before Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson both got on the scoresheet.  Chelsea won 4-1.

Oliver correctly predicted a Chelsea win while The MoneyMan and Dylan both incorrectly predicted a 1-1 draw.

Everton and Bournemouth were both in dire need of points this weekend with both sides sitting in the relegation zone.  This was arguably Everton’s best offensive performance of the season.  James Garner put the Toffee’s in the lead in the 8th minute and half-an hour later new signing Jack Harrison doubled their lead.  The second half, Everton continued their dominance and increased their lead to three goals on the hour mark thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure.  Everton won 3-0.

The MoneyMan Correctly predicted an Everton win while Oliver and Dylan’s lack of respect towards Sean Dyche’s side fail to pay-off for just the second time this campaign.

Sheffield United’s defensive struggles continued when they travelled to London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.  An uninspiring first-half ended 0-0, the second half was where all the action occurred.  Bobby  De Cordova-Reid put the Cottagers a goal ahead in the 53rd minute.  15 minutes later an Antonee Robinson own goal brought the Blades level.  In the 76th minute the favour was repayed with a Wes Foderingham own goal putting Fulham back into the lead.  Willian sealed the win with a 92nd minute goal.  Fulham won 3-1.

The MoneyMan was spot-on with his prediction of a 3-1 Fulham win, while Oliver and Dylan both correctly backed a Fulham win.

Erik Ten Hag could feel the pressure after a string of bad results.  The Red Devils were in desperate need of a win against Brentford at Old Trafford.  The Bees started strong and managed to take the lead in the 26th minute after Mathias Jensen’s shot beat Andre Onana.  Manchester United dominated possession and managed 21 shots at goal but could not find the breakthrough.  Scott Mctominay came to the rescure, scoring an added-time brace to secure a much needed win for Ten Hag’s side. Manchester United won 2-1.

The MoneyMan once again predicted the correct result and scoreline.  Dylan correctly predicted a United win while Oliver incorrectly predicted a draw.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest played out the biggest stinker of the weekend. Both teams had periods of dominance throughout the 90 minutes, but neither could capitalize on their chances.  Just seven shots on target between both sides sums up the narrative of this game.  The final score was 0-0.

The MoneyMan, Oliver and Dylan all failed to see this one coming and incorrectly backed a Crystal Palace victory.

Brighton and Liverpool both came into gameweek 8 with a clear intention of returning to winning ways after dissapointing results in the previous round.  The Seagulls took the lead after a poor Virgil Van Dijk pass was intercepted by Simon Adingra, who shot past an out-of-position Alisson from range.  Liverpool struggled to get into the game with Brighton dominating possession and beginning to consistently create opportunities.  Just before halftime, a great Liverpool move was finished by Mohamed Salah to make it 1-1 in the 40th minute.  A few minutes later, Dominik Szoboszlai was taken down in the box and the Reds were subsequently awarded a penalty.  Salah stepped up once again and converted.  Liverpool were leading 2-1 at halftime.  The second half saw Liverpool take control and could have scored a third with Ryan Gravenberch hitting the crossbar.  In the 78th minute Brighton captain Lewis Dunk equalized.  The match ended 2-2, a fair result.

The MoneyMan, Oliver and Dylan all incorrectly backed a Liverpool win.

Newcastle United’s fine run of form would be put to the test against West Ham United at the London Stadium.  The Hammers went ahead in the 8th minute thanks to Tomas Soucek.  Newcastle struggled to get into a rhythm in the first half and went into the break a goal behind.  The second half saw the Magpies take control and a quick-fire brace from Aleksander Isak gave Eddie Howe’s side a 2-1 lead.  Mohamed Kudus came to the rescue for the Hammers, scoring an 89th minute equalizer to ensure the points were shared.  The final score was 2-2.

The MoneyMan, Oliver and Dylan all believed Newcastle would build on their midweek  Champions League result, incorrectly backing them to win at West Ham.

Wolves and Aston Villa both came into this round off the back of unexpected results.  Both teams could not make the breakthrough in the first half with the first 45 ending 0-0.  Wolves came out the blocks firing in the second half and managed to take the lead after a Hwang Hee-Chan goal.  Aston Villa responded instantly.  Spanish central defender Pau Torres scored his first ever Premier League goal to equalize.  Villa dominated the remainder of the game but could not get a winner.  Ollie Watkins hit the post in the 103rd minute but the game was destined to end as a draw.  The final score was 1-1.

Oliver correctly predicted this result and got the 1-1 score line spot-on.  The MoneyMan and Dylan both incorrectly predicted an Aston Villa win.

 

The biggest game of the season so far was Arsenal hosting Manchester City at the Emirates.  It was difficult to split the two sides throughout the 90 minutes.  Manchester City just edged Arsenal in possession but the Gunners looked more threatening in front of goal.  Erling Haaland really struggled with William Saliba.  The Frenchman pocketed last seasons golden boot winner, barely giving him an inch to work with.  Gabriel Martinelli scored the winnner in the 86th minute, a goal that could prove to be the most valuable of his career.  Arsenal have now ended a 12 game losing streak against City while Pep Guardiola’s side have lost two on the bounce.  Arsenal won 1-0.

The MoneyMan and Oliver incorrectly predicted a Manchester City win while Dylan’s 2-2 prediction was also wide of the mark.

 

Last weekend’s results were not great for our predictions and this round was not much better.  The MoneyMan and Oliver were both tied in first place with four correct results while Dylan only managed 3.  Oliver maintains his lead and now sits on 45, The MoneyMan is still in second with 43 and Dylan is in third with 39.

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