By Sam McGuire
Matchday 26 altered how lots of people seen this marketing campaign. Arsenal may’ve reduce Liverpool’s lead on the high to simply 5 factors however now discover themselves 11 factors off the tempo. Newcastle seemed rocked after their 4-0 loss to Manchester Metropolis final weekend however at the moment are degree on factors with the reigning champions and little question feeling bullish a few high 4 end.
This mid-week spherical of fixtures has thrown up some intriguing match-ups that would have massive scale ramifications for the rest of the marketing campaign. Let’s check out what and why.
The battle for a European place is heating up
A couple of weeks in the past, after their 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, it seemed as if Brighton must accept a mid-table place after a disappointing marketing campaign beneath new supervisor Fabian Hürzeler.
Nevertheless, back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Southampton have fully remodeled the outlook on the season. Rapidly, the Seagulls have racked up 40 factors and are simply 4 factors behind fourth-placed Manchester Metropolis.
A Champions League spot could be a stretch however there’s no purpose they couldn’t declare a European place.
Bournemouth had been one of many type sides within the Premier League, happening a 12-match unbeaten run throughout all competitions earlier than their 2-0 loss to league leaders Liverpool. They bounced again, beating Southampton, earlier than a 1-0 loss to relegation threatened Wolves on Saturday.
They’re now simply three factors forward of their Tuesday night time hosts. One other loss may see them end the week in as little as eighth place, an enormous blow to Andoni Iraola and his gamers. A win, although, may see them, momentarily at the very least, declare a spot within the high 4.
It is a should not lose conflict for each side.
Arsenal must be trying over their shoulders
Within the blink of an eye fixed, Arsenal have gone from being the hunter to being the hunted.
The loss towards West Ham United on Saturday, coupled with Liverpool’s win over Manchester Metropolis, means Mikel Arteta’s aspect are 11 factors off the tempo, albeit with a recreation in hand.
Just some days in the past, Arsenal followers had been plotting the sport during which they’d be capable of leapfrog Liverpool into high spot. Now they’re trying over their shoulder and questioning whether or not Nottingham Forest may displace them in second place.
The Gunners have a six level lead over Forest however the two groups face off on the Metropolis Floor on Wednesday night.
Arsenal are struggling offensively with so many attackers out injured. Mikel Merino spearheaded the assault towards the Hammers in a recreation the hosts struggled to create something of actual be aware, ending the sport with an Anticipated Objectives whole of simply 1.22 regardless of having 20 efforts.
Forest misplaced final day out, falling to a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. They’ve now misplaced two on the bounce within the Premier League however they’ll nonetheless assume they’ll take one thing from this recreation towards the Gunners. Nuno Espírito Santo’s males have solely misplaced twice at house all season and have the fifth finest house report within the English top-flight.
Actually, if Forest wish to be taking part in European soccer subsequent season, they’re going to must wrestle again some momentum ASAP and a win over Arsenal does simply that.
The Spurs hoodoo
Spurs made it consecutive wins within the Premier League with a 4-1 hammering of Ipswich City. They’re now twelfth within the desk and the stress has eased on Ange Postecoglou. For now at the very least.
They face an out of kinds Manchester Metropolis aspect on Wednesday.
The reigning champions misplaced 2-0 to Liverpool on the Etihad simply days after crashing out of the Champions League. They might end Matchday 27 in as little as eighth if outcomes don’t go their means.
Erling Haaland could be again after lacking the sport towards the leaders however that may not be sufficient for them to get again on monitor. He’s not precisely been at his ominous finest this time period, has he?
And Metropolis don’t have the very best report on the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. They’ve performed eight matches there in all competitions and received on simply two events, shedding six instances. They’ve scored simply 4 objectives and conceded on 9 events. Within the league, they’ve one win of their 5 clashes.
If Spurs sustain their hoodoo over Pep Guardiola’s males, Metropolis may very well be in bother. The title is already gone. Their high 4 place may very well be at risk regardless of that huge funding in January.
A shootout for the Golden Boot at Anfield
Mohamed Salah is the very best participant within the Premier League this season. He’s a shoo-in for each single particular person award. He leads the best way for objectives (25) and assists (16). The three-time Golden Boot winner has at the very least one objective involvement in his final eight outings for the Reds throughout all competitions.
He added to his haul on Sunday with a objective and an help towards Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad.
Within the race for the Golden Boot, he’s six away from his nearest rivals – Haaland and Alexander Isak. On Wednesday night, Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield.
Isak may look a little bit off the required run fee to topple Salah within the race for the Premier League’s high goalscorer however he’s been shifting up the desk over latest weeks. He’s scored doubles in three of his final six outings within the English top-flight.
If he retains on chipping away with two objectives right here and there, issues are going to get so much tighter within the race for the Golden Boot. Outscoring Salah at Anfield on Wednesday night time will get him off to a superb begin.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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