Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you all and I hope you had a great Christmas. The Premier League just got a little hotter and we may actually have a competitive title race on our hands (haven’t seen that for a few years). It is safe to say that Manchester City’s Christmas blues are behind them as Pep Guardiola’s team closed the gap at the top to just four points. I know what you’re thinking, four points is still a significant difference. However, in a league were the lower teams have the potential to beat more prominent teams, anything is possible.
Manchester City played host to current table leaders Liverpool in what could be a defining moment in an already amazing season for the Reds. Liverpool started the game well and attacked as they have done all season, with pace and creativity. Mane’s effort hit the post having been put through on goal by Salah resulting in a last ditch clearance by John Stones. It looked like the game would go Liverpool’s way based on their earlier dominance.
However it was City who got the breakthrough thanks to fit again striker Aguero on the 40th minute whose goal sent the home supporters into a frenzy. City’s belief and confidence grew from that moment on wards. The second half was largely dominated by City although they conceded a goal as Firmino equalised for Liverpool. That wasn’t enough unfortunately to keep City at bay and Sane ensured City would gain all 3 points after he netted in the 72nd minute.
The results between City and Liverpool definitely benefits Tottenham’s agenda of winning the coveted title. Spurs made light work of Cardiff City away with a 3 goal victory over the home side leaving Pochettino’s men 6 points adrift of the leaders. Goals from Kane, Eriksen and Son meant Spurs would start 2019 off with a bang.
There are many pundits and commentators who believe it’s a two horse race between Manchester City and Liverpool. However, with greater consistency and more belief, Tottenham shouldn’t be ruled out just yet and am sure they still have plenty to offer going forward. Remember this is a Spurs side who made zero signings in the summer and based on their limited resources alone are able to deliver (come on you Spurs).
Elsewhere, Manchester United and the all dancing Pogba seem to be fully rejuvenated under interim Manager Solskjaer. The red devils won their 4th game on the bounce after another convincing display against Newcastle away. Pogba and Matic marshaled the midfield whilst Rashford and Martial created havoc further afield. Goals from Lukaku and Rashford gave United a well deserved 2-0 victory (Mourinho is quickly becoming a thing of the past at Old Trafford).
Also, Bournemouth and Watford entertained neutrals with a 6 goal thriller with the game being tied at 3-3. Chelsea will view their goalless draw against Southampton as points dropped in the race for a top four finish (it won’t be easy this year). Crystal Palace beat Wolves 2-0 and move further away from the drop zone after goals from Ayew and captain Milivojevic. Arsenal won 4-1 against Fulham and Leicester beat Everton 1-0 ( Jamie Vardy grabbing the winner in that game).
6 goal thriller!!!!
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