Liverpool and Chelsea 's surge into the FA Cup final took place alongside a typically unpredictable weekend of football in the Premier League
As Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel watched their sides blow Manchester City and Crystal Palace away respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United steal a march on Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for the elusive fourth position. The Portuguese ace’s hat trick against Norwich City sealed a vital three points in a poisonous, protest laden atmosphere at Old Trafford.
And his immense contribution could prove to be one of his most important in a United shirt as Arsenal and Tottenham succumbed to defeats against Southampton. Daily Mirror Football considers ten Premier League and FA Cup talking points from the weekend.
Advantage Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate’s powerful header and Sadio Mane’s brace saw the Reds hand Liverpool a crucial psychological advantage over Liverpool. While Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva both found the net to threaten an astounding comeback, the Reds more than merited the bragging rights on this occasion.
And it would be very hard to argue that Liverpool do not have the edge over the reigning champions. Neither sides could be separated during their explosive 2-2 draws at Anfield and the Etihad Stadium this campaign.
Liverpool have well and truly struck first blood, even if Guardiola and Klopp avoided such conversations. But as the end of the Premier League season, and a possible Champions League final clash, looms over the horizon, Klopp will likely be the more confident of the two managers heading into a fantastic finale.
Man City’s chinks in their armour
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The lasting effects of Manchester City ’s explosive clash with Atletico Madrid were well and truly felt at Wembley. While Grealish may have been able to cover up any clump of hair Stefan Savic potentially yanked from his head, the former Aston Villa captain’s Alice band could not make up for the injuries to Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne.
Unsurprisingly, Guardiola made seven changes from their exhausting clash at the Wanda Metropolitano. And this overhaul of the first eleven proved to be crucial, as a well-rested and fresh Liverpool side completely overwhelmed City’s technicians.
Klopp’s men pressed the life out of the Citizens and played through their defences with relative ease in an explosive first half of Premier League football. While Klopp said the opening period was up there with the best football he has seen from his side this season, the vast difference in quality was plain for all to see at Wembley.
Cristiano Ronaldo saves United…again
Ronaldo’s crucial hat-trick saw United record their first victory since the Portuguese ace found the net on three occasions against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite many dumping United’s problems at the doorstep of the former Real Madrid and Juventus ace, he is currently dragging United kicking and screaming.
The Red Devils are, somehow, well and truly back in the race for the top four, courtesy of Arsenal and Tottenham’s recent defeats to Southampton and Brighton. Only three points separate United from Antonio Conte’s Spurs side.
And with the race for the top four set to go to the wire, United will surely be reliant on the majestic marksman yet again.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s time to shine
Thomas Tuchel laid down the gauntlet for Ruben Loftus-Cheek after the Chelsea academy product’s magnificent performance against Crystal Palace. The England midfielder followed up eye-catching displays against Southampton and Real Madrid by hammering in the Blues’ crucial opening goal against the Eagles.
And after the former Palace loanee opened his goalscoring account for the Blues, Tuchel challenged the 26-year-old to finally fulfil the promise and potential that has been attributed under his name. “This is what he shows in training but this is not enough, he needs to show it on the pitch because he hides his talent and potential for a long time,” Tuchel said after the game.
“He's capable of producing performances that everyone sees, but is also capable of producing performances where he hides his quality “He showed that for many many years, this is the way to go and that's why for him it's step by step and to continue to grow in confidence.” With seven Premier League matches and an FA Cup Final to go, Loftus-Cheek could be a very important player for this season’s climax.
Conte’s haunted by ‘Spursy curse’
Just when it seemed Conte had finally clicked Tottenham into gear, the north Londoners so-called ‘Spursyness’ came back to haunt them. Despite the fact Tottenham came into the contest as the Premier League’s highest goal-scorers in 2022, they were remarkably blunt against Brighton’s resolute defence.
Graham Potter’s side fully deserved Leandro Trossard’s 90 th minute winner, as they outperformed and outworked Tottenham in every area off the field. The only positive for Conte and his side is that the top four remains in their hands – only just.
Arteta’s anguish
What a difference three games makes! Arsenal came into the international break in poll position to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2017.
However, a chastening 1-0 away defeat to Southampton means they have now lost three consecutive Premier League games for the second time this season. While Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster was the difference between the two sides, Arteta should be very worried about the north Londoners’ current predicament.
Up next, is an even more ominous trip to Stamford Bridge where they will meet a Chelsea side in good form. This clash against Tuchel’s men is surely a must win for the Gunners if they are to maintain their push for fourth position.
Europa League or nothing for the Hammers
West Ham United fans may have still been celebrating by the time a Sean Dyche-less Burnley came to east London. The Hammers’ magnificent 3-0 away victory against Lyon is one of the best performances in the club’s history, and one of the best from a Premier League side in Europa League competition.
But with plenty to fight for in the Premier League, David Moyes will likely be disappointed they could only muster a 1-1 draw against Burnley. Victory would have seen West Ham return to fifth position, where they would have only been three points away from fourth placed Tottenham.
Unfortunately for Moyes, any hopes of a top four finish could be dashed, if United, Arsenal and Tottenham all win their respective games in hand. This would mean West Ham’s only hopes of Champions League football would lie in the Europa League – roll on Eintracht Frankfurt.
Roll of the Dyche
In a shocking weekend of football, Dyche’s sacking from Burnley was one of the most surprising moments. Having promoted the Clarest to the Premier League on two occasions and kept them in the topflight since 2015, Dyche has entrenched himself as a relegation battle specialist.
But his shock ousting from Turf Moor means current captain Ben Mee has been left in temporary charge. Considering the dramatic events unfolding at the club, the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium could be considered a great result for Burnley.
The Clarets are only three points away from a woefully inconsistent Everton side to catch. Of course, this gap could be stretched to six points if Frank Lampard managed to guide the Toffees to victory against Leicester City – could Burnley be made to rue their decision to offload Dyche?
Bees more potent than Hornets
In the battle of the Bees and the Hornets, Brentford left it late to overcome a tumbling Watford side. And their stinging victory against Roy Hodgson’s side should be enough to secure their membership in the topflight.
Pontus Jansson’s last-minute winner at Vicarage Road sealed a third consecutive victory for Thomas Frank’s side. While Brentford are currently enjoying the best winning run in the Premier League, Watford suffered a club record tenth consecutive home defeat.
Hodgson will need all his experience and an awful lot of good fortune if he is to somehow guide Watford to Premier League survival. But with the Hornets currently buried six points deep beneath those dreaded dotted lines, it may already be too late for another Hodgson miracle.
Guimaraes vying for ‘best Bruno’ award
Bruno Guimaraes looks to have finally found his feet at Newcastle United. The Magpies marquee signing of the new era scored a vital brace for Eddie Howe’s side.
While his first goal will not be used on any highlight reels, his spectacular header in the 95 th minute looks to have well and truly secured Newcastle’s Premier League status. Despite being a defensive midfielder by trade, the former Lyon forward has chipped in with some vital goals at his new side.
In fact, Newcastle fans are so in love with the 24-year-old, that they have already labelled him as the ‘Best Bruno’ in the Premier League. Eat your heart out Bruno Fernandes!
