Game week 26 started with a trip to the London stadium where one of four teams hoping to cement their place
Game week 26 started with a trip to the London stadium where one of four teams hoping to cement their place in next season’s prestigious UEFA Champions League faced high spenders Newcastle. Newcastle after their spending spree have been in good form coming into this encounter.
Former Arsenal player Joe Willock did the Gunners a favor with an equalizer to continue the Magpies incredible 6 matches unbeaten run. The draw sees West Ham stay on 5th behind Manchester United having played a game more. Newcastle are 17th with 22 points, four points clear of relegation. The Magpies are not out of the danger zone yet with Burnley with a few more games in hand. In the absence of Diogo Jota, January signing Luiz Diaz partnered with Salah and Mane to lead the Liverpool attacking line. The Reds were without fullbacks Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold for rotation reasons perhaps.
Liverpool had a better half compared to their opponents Norwich City but failed to take the lead. The first half ended goalless. Three minutes into the second half, Military Rashica gave Dean Smith’s side an early lead. With the Reds hoping to possibly catch Manchester City or atleast keep up with them in this title charge, a draw or loss was nothing good to write home about. 2 goals in a space of 4 minutes and Anfield was rocking again. Mane with a superbly timed overhead kick in the 64th minute to equalize. Not wanting to be kept out of the action, Salah was at the end of a long pass from Alisson to give them the lead. Luiz Diaz added the finishing touches,registering his first goal for Liverpool 9 minutes to the end of the game. The win would prove pivotal later on they would come to realize.
Burnley were the surprise winners of this game week. Sean Dyche’s team ran rampant in a 3 nil victory over Brighton. Goals from
Wout Weghorst, Josh Brownhill and Aaron Lennon sealed the victory. The win moves them off the bottom of the pile into 18th with two games in hand. Brighton are glued to the 9th position with 33 points to their name.
Not just Champions of Europe but now Champions of the World, Chelsea added to their impressive trophy cabinet after winning the Club World Cup. The win seals their dominance over London over the last decade.
The Blue’s were welcomed back home with a trip to Selhurst Park for a tasty London derby. The World Champions left it late to claim all three points. A much needed three points with more than 3 teams battling it out for the 4th spot, Chelsea would have to make sure to cement 3rd to avoid any late charge for that position.
Source: Ghana / Herosportgh.com / Maame Affanyi Abena
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