Top four up for grabs, any takers?
In a weekend of footballing action that saw all eyes focused on all the teams competing for the exclusive top four positions, no one seized the opportunity. It was a schedule that could have potentially either confirmed your place in the top four or ruined any chance of it happening.
Well thanks to David De Gea it looks like Man United may be the first team out of the running. The united stopper was at fault during the game against fellow top four hopefuls Chelsea. Mata had earlier given United the lead against his former club after getting on the end of a good team build up.
United looked the better of the two sides in the opening exchanges and were looking good in the first half until De Gea’s blunder presented Chelsea with a chance. Alonso was the man to capitalise on the goal keeper’s error in the 43rd minute given Chelsea continued hope of a top four finish (it looks like De Gea may have cost United their champions league place next season, however the remaining games will be vital). The match ended 1-1 with everything to play for.
Tottenham on the other hand needed a victory at their new stadium against bitter London rivals West Ham to all but ensure a top four finish (provided the other results went their way). Well, whilst they did create chances it is clear that the players had one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi final encounter with Ajax.
Take nothing away from the Hammers, they turned up and did a job on Spurs. I had a feeling West Ham would be the first team to beat Spurs at their new ground. Thanks to Antonio’s goal in the 67th minute (not sure about the celebration though hahaha!!) the visitors ran away with a 1-0 win. Not to make excuses for Spurs but you can’t help but wonder had they had their fully fit first eleven it most likely would have been a different outcome.
I read in the newspaper that West Ham reckon they have provided the blueprint for Ajax on how to beat Spurs (alrightyyy thenn!!). I don’t think that game is anything to go by and it will be a totally different game against the boys from Amsterdam. Tottenham now need just a win to secure a top four finish and are best placed to achieve the feat amongst the other chasing pack.
Arsenal suffered a crushing defeat against Leicester and currently sit 5th in the table. The gunners now have slim hopes of qualifying for the champions league and may have to win the Europa League to guarantee a place in the champions league next season. Leicester won the game 3-0 thanks to a brace from Vardy (86, 90+5) and Tielemans effort in the 55th minute of play.
Manchester City still sit top of the pile after a hard fought 1-0 victory away to Burnley, whilst Liverpool battered Huddersfield 5-0 (Mane and Sane amongst the goals). It could go right down to the wire between the two clubs, however City still remain favourites.
CONGRATULATIONS to Raheem Sterling who won the PFA young player of the year and Virgil Van Dyke who won the PFA player of the year. Both players have had an amazing season and I personally would have given Sterling the best player award if it were down to me (but it’s not, so there you go!!!).
PFA player of the year Virgil Van Dyke!!!!!
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