Tuesday 18th February 2025
Title nerves?
Both title challengers recorded wins to maintain the status quo at the top of the PL table but both looked far from convincing. Liverpool found themselves holding on against relegation fighting Wolverhampton Wanderers for the final 30 minutes at Anfield after the visitors had halved their half-time deficit just before the hour mark. It was a complete turn around from the first half where the Reds dominated and established a 2 goal advantage. Their celebrations at the final whistle told everything as they held onto the vital 3 points that restored the lead over Arsenal back to 7 points. The Gunners themselves struggled for 75 minutes against another side struggling against the drop, Leicester City, before substitute Mikel Merino scored twice to secure a victory when they looked like they were going to drop further points.
Nottingham Forest lost for the second time in 3 PL matches as they went down 2-1 away to Fulham to likely end any lingering title hopes they may have harboured. Despite the loss they stay 3rd with their focus turning to securing a top 4 finish and a return to CL football. Fulham moved up to 8th place as they maintain their challenge for European football themselves.
Manchester City are seemingly regaining form, their 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium being the most City-like performance for many matches, a hat-trick from new signing Omar Marmoush the icing on the cake. A disappointing defeat for the Magpies seeing them drop to 7th place.
AFC Bournemouth were expected to be more concerned with staying clear of the relegation battle but yet another victory, 3-1 away to bottom club Southampton, sees them up to 5th place and a real chance to qualify for the CL next season. Alongside Nottingham Forest they have shown it is possible to mix it with the big clubs. For the Saints, however, it was another poor day with relegation looking certain.
Brighton & Hove Albion have been up and down this season but two wins in 6 days over Chelsea in two different competitions was an excellent response to their 7-0 thumping at Forest two weeks ago and reignites their hopes of European football next season. As for the Blues it was another very poor performance without a single shot on target. Too many players under performing or simply looking disinterested. Not good signs at all for the west London club.
Aston Villa are their next opponents in a match between 2 sides going through a frustrating time. Villa dropped points at home to strugglers Ipswich Town at Villa Park in a 1-1 draw despite the visitors being reduced to 10 men before half-time with the score goalless. The Tractor Boys took the lead early in the second half but despite equalising shortly afterwards the Villains were unable to force victory as they dropped to 10th.
Everton look to be safe now after a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace made it 13 points from the previous 15 available to move them above their hosts. Quite a turn around under David Moyes as the Toffees look forward to playing PL football at their new stadium which looks spectacular.
Tottenham Hotspur took the honours in the battle of the underachievers at the Tottenham Stadium against Manchester United. James Maddison scored the only goal after just 13 minutes in a match of low quality. Spurs looked the better side and deserved the points with United frankly awful. Both are clear enough of the bottom three not to have any serious concerns but both look bereft of confidence, especially United. Both can still win trophies this season to redeem something but big summers ahead.
Premier League Prediction Competition 2024-25 – Session 6, Week 2 (of 5)
More modest scoring in week 2 of Session 6 which sees John lead both POTW and overall with one match to play. Tony sits second in both at this stage but all still involved.
Prizes are very modest currently due to modest entry. If anyone has friends, family, work colleagues etc… who may be interested in taking part, please pass on an invitation to them. More competitors means bigger prizes.
PLEASE INVITE ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART.
CONTACT ME AT… contact.sytykf@gmail.com
Season: 2024-25 - Match Week 25 - Results
Wednesday 12th February
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 2 - 2 | Liverpool |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 3 - 0 | Chelsea |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester City | 0 - 2 | Arsenal |
| Aston Villa | 1 - 1 | Ipswich Town |
| Fulham | 2 - 1 | Nottingham Forest |
| Manchester City | 4 - 0 | Newcastle United |
| Southampton | 1 - 3 | AFC Bournemouth |
| West Ham United | 0 - 1 | Brentford |
| Crystal Palace | 1 - 2 | Everton |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 2 - 1 | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 1 - 0 | Manchester United |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 19:30 | Liverpool |
Season: 2024-25 - Match Week 26 - Next Fixtures
Friday 21st February
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester City | 20:00 | Brentford |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 12:30 | Manchester United |
| AFC Bournemouth | 15:00 | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| Arsenal | 15:00 | West Ham United |
| Fulham | 15:00 | Crystal Palace |
| Ipswich Town | 15:00 | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Southampton | 15:00 | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Aston Villa | 17:30 | Chelsea |
| Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 14:00 | Nottingham Forest |
| Manchester City | 16:30 | Liverpool |
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