Greetings
In a league known for its consistently thrilling game weeks, another exciting round has unfolded. With each passing week, the overall picture becomes clearer. Now, let's delve into the takeaways from Gameweek 23 in the English Premier League.
So, without further ado, let's review what happened in Gameweek 23.
Everton vs Spurs Tottenham
In a Premier League showdown between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, Everton pulled off a nail-biting 2-2 draw thanks to a last-minute goal by Jarrad Branthwaite. Richarlison was the star for Everton, scoring twice, while Spurs got an early lead with a goal from Richarlison himself. Despite both teams giving their all, the match ended in a draw, giving Everton a much-needed point to climb out of the relegation zone. However, their joy was short-lived as other match results later pushed them back into the danger zone. Spurs, on the other hand, maintained their fourth-place position in the league standings.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Brighton & Hove Albion secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, marking their first Premier League win of 2024. Lewis Dunk opened the scoring early, and two quick goals further solidified Brighton's lead. Despite a brief comeback from Palace with a goal by Jean-Philippe Mateta, Joao Pedro's stunning strike sealed the win for Brighton. The match saw some early injuries and substitutions, including a debut for Palace's Daniel Munoz and unfortunate injuries for Michael Olise and Marc Guehi. Brighton's dominant performance, including a brilliant move leading to Joao Pedro's goal, propelled them to seventh place in the league standings, while Palace remained in 14th position.
Burnely vs Fulham
Burnley fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Fulham, thanks to substitute David Datro Fofana's late double at Turf Moor. Fulham initially took the lead through goals from Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz. Despite Burnley's struggles to break through Fulham's defense, Fofana's goals salvaged a crucial point for the Clarets in their battle against relegation. Burnley's late surge in the match saw them snatch a draw, leaving them in 19th place with 13 points, while Fulham moved to 12th place with 26 points.
Newcastle United vs Luton Town
Newcastle and Luton Town played out an exhilarating eight-goal draw at St James’ Park, with the Magpies staging a comeback from a two-goal deficit in the second half. Despite Sean Longstaff scoring twice early on for Newcastle, Luton responded through goals from Gabriel Osho and Ross Barkley. Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo then gave Luton a 4-2 lead, but quick goals from Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes saw Newcastle claw back to earn a share of the points. The match saw end-to-end action, with both teams showcasing attacking prowess. Newcastle drop to ninth place with 33 points, while Luton climb to 16th with 20 points before the day ended.
Sheffield United vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa delivered a resounding 5-0 victory against Sheffield United, with Ollie Watkins shining with a goal and two assists. Villa's goals came in a blistering 18-minute first-half spell, with John McGinn, Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Youri Tielemans finding the net, while Alex Moreno rounded off the victory in the second half. This win propelled Aston Villa back into the top four, two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. Despite Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder making five changes to his side, including Mason Holgate's debut, they couldn't stop Villa's onslaught. Watkins made history by becoming the first player this season to reach double figures in both goals and assists in the Premier League. The defeat leaves Sheffield United rooted to the bottom of the table, 10 points adrift of safety.
Bournmouth vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest secured a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth, with Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal cancelling out Justin Kluivert's opener. Bournemouth's Philip Billing was sent off late in the game, but Forest couldn't capitalize on the numerical advantage. Despite Forest's efforts, they had to settle for a point. Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities in the second half, resulting in a shared point. The draw sees Nottingham Forest move two points clear of the relegation zone, while Bournemouth maintains their 12th position in the league standings.
Chelsea vs Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers stunned Chelsea with a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge, fueled by Matheus Cunha's hat-trick. Despite Cole Palmer giving Chelsea the lead, Wolves turned the tide with a deflected goal from Cunha and an own goal by Axel Disasi. Cunha added two more goals in the second half, sealing a historic win for Wolves. Chelsea managed to score a consolation goal through Thiago Silva, but it wasn't enough to overcome Wolves' dominance. With this win, Wolves moved into 10th place, surpassing Chelsea in the league standings.
Manchester United vs Wolves
Manchester United secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham United, propelled by Alejandro Garnacho's double and a goal from Rasmus Hojlund on his 21st birthday. This win allowed Manchester United to climb above West Ham into sixth place in the Premier League standings.
Despite an early chance for West Ham, it was Hojlund who opened the scoring for Manchester United with a brilliant strike. Garnacho then extended the lead with a deflected effort before sealing his brace late in the game. West Ham had opportunities to score but couldn't find the back of the net. With this win, Manchester United continued their unbeaten start to 2024 and moved within eight points of fourth-placed Aston Villa, while West Ham sits two points behind in seventh place.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool at Emirates Stadium. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard propelled Arsenal to within two points of Liverpool at the top of the table. Despite Gabriel's own goal giving Liverpool a lifeline, Arsenal dominated large parts of the game. Liverpool's only goal came from an own goal by Gabriel, marking their second league defeat of the season. Arsenal's relentless attacking play and defensive solidity earned them a well-deserved win. With this victory, Arsenal closed the gap on Liverpool in the league standings.
Brentford vs Manchester City
Manchester City secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Brentford, thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Phil Foden. Despite Neal Maupay giving Brentford a surprise lead, Foden equalized just before halftime and went on to add two more goals in the second half. Brentford's goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, put up a stellar performance, making numerous saves to keep City at bay. However, Foden's clinical finishing proved decisive for City. With this win, Manchester City closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just two points. Brentford, on the other hand, continue to struggle, having lost seven of their last eight matches.