Premier League Update: GW27 | OneFootball

Tuesday, Feb 25

Brighton & Hove Albion 2 – 1 Bournemouth

Since their 7 – 0 shellacking by Forest on Feb. 1, the Seagulls have gone on an absolute tear with four straight wins (two of them back-to-back over Chelsea). That’s how you bounce back from a humbling moment. Bournemouth are less impressive, with only two wins and three losses, including one last week to their upcoming FA Cup opponent: Wolverhampton.

Crystal Palace 4 – 1 Aston Villa

Oh my goodness. I got so many texts and messages in the aftermath of this game, all of them expressing surprise at the result. Really? Surprise? Palace have been one of the best squads since Christmas, and if not for a hiccup or two would be in the top ten. Think I’m bragging?

Meanwhile, Villa continue to be the masters of inconsistency. Wouldn’t it be a kicker if they won the Champions League? Just spitballin’.

Wolverhampton 1 – 2 Fulham

It’s hard to believe that Fulham have four wins out of their last five. But stats don’t lie. Wolverhampton are that club that JUST isn’t quite good, but still manages to be stubborn and competitive enough to make it difficult.

Chelsea 4 – 0 Southampton

Southampton are so bad they even made Chelsea look good today.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

Brentford 1 – 1 Everton

Well that was a brave move by Joanne Wissa to launch himself towards the ball in the final minute of the first half knowing that he’d probably get clobbered. His second was called back for a marginal offsides.Jake O’Brien got his first goal for the Toffees with a lovely header, but the story of the night is how Beto squandered three one-on-one breaks against the keeper. Everton have seven wins in their last eight since Moyes was appointed.

Manchester United 3 – 2 Ipswich Town

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! What a total fustercluck Manchester United are. That mix-up in the first five minutes between Patrick Dorgu and Onana gave Jaden Philogene a tap-in. Even their response was an own goal off Ispwich captain Sam Morsy’s head (I’ll grudgingly admit the Fernades cross was quality). Man U’s second goal by Matthius de Ligt was reflective of Ipswich’s rotten luck, their keeper having made two fine saves seconds before. Dorgu’s night got worse when he went studs up into Hutchinson right before halftime, earning himself a straight red. Ipswich then got their equalizer after Jaden’s hopeful effort skipped off the wet surface and past a stagnant Man U line.

All this in the first half.

In any fair universe, Ipswich would have capitalized on the momentum and embarrassed Man U at Old Trafford. But true to their moniker, the Red Devils have a deal with Satan. Harry Maguire’s broad dam of a forehead put the hosts up less than two minutes into the half, and the Tractor Boys just got stuck in the mud. It boggles the mind.

Nottingham Forest 0 – 0 Arsenal

Sheesh. What a disappointment this game turned out to be. So much potential was squandered. Arsenal have taken 33 shots in the past two games. Three were on target, and zero have hit the net. You’re not a title contender when you play like that.Forest, with an unconvincing win in the FA Cup, two draws, a loss, will head into Round 5 with a question mark over their heads.

Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 1 Manchester City

That first goal was a throwback to vintage City. Constructed from the backfield by four long passes, Jeremy Doku then did a little shuffle and delivered a perfect pass to an unmarked Haaland who had slipped in front of the defender. Lovely.

The rest of the game was uneventful, but what a crazy final few minutes… Haaland appeared to score in the 95th minute only to have VAR get involved. Amidst the ensuing confusion it came to light that the referee had never allowed the goal, deeming the ball came into contact with Haaland’s arm. VAR could only advise going with the original call. In the next minute, Spurs nearly had an equalizing goal, only for Pape Sarr’s header to clear the bar.

Liverpool 2 – 0 Newcastle United

In a shock, Alexander Isak was not named to the squad due to a groin injury. In a non-shock, Liverpool were once again methodical, efficient and ultimately ruthless in this 2 – 0 win. Had Isak been on the other end of the 40th effort Callum Wilson pulled wide, this game might have changed trajectory. Liverpool only need seven wins in their next ten to clinch the title.