As we are now in match week 23 of the 38-week Premier League season, each match means increasingly more, especially towards the top and bottom of the table. Despite more draws than not, this week of football (soccer in the US) was a joy to watch. Let’s jump into it!
Besides the exquisite finishes and world class quality of the Premier League, there are very few things that trump a frolicking manager after a massive win. This week, that was Mikel Arteta, the man responsible for Arsenal’s prosperous season thus far.
Five points clear of Arsenal on the leaderboard, Liverpool marched confidently into Emirates Stadium this past Sunday, looking to add three more points to their tally. As the whistle sounded the crowd could be heard chanting “Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal,” in full support of their team. The game, which had been advertised as “the most important one thus far,” was a crucial match for both sides. If Liverpool won, they would take a commanding lead in the table, abolishing Arsenal’s hopes of winning the trophy. If Arsenal won, the title race would get even more exciting.
Arsenal drew first blood in the 14th minute when Kai Havertz’s breakaway attempt was stopped by Liverpool’s Allison Becker just to be smashed into the back of the net by Bukayo Saka. With a one goal lead, Arsenal compounded their momentum and began chasing a second goal. However, the game was thrown for a loop when a toe-poke from Luis Dias (Liverpool) caught the hand of Gabriel, deflecting it into the goal: it was now 1-1 at the half.
In the second half, Liverpool started strongly, but fell behind 2-1 after a miscommunication between Allison and defender Virgil Van Dijk. As time ticked away, Liverpool began crumbling. Konate received a red card in the 88th minute, putting them down a man, and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard sealed the deal in the 91st minute with an individual effort down the left wing. The 3-1-win puts Arsenal two points behind Liverpool, with Man City three points behind them with two games in hand.
The game between Luton Town and Newcastle this weekend, though less important than the Liverpool-Arsenal game, was definitely the most entertaining. The entirety of the match was complete chaos, with back-and-forth opportunities and unpredictable, out-of-nowhere goals. Although Newcastle managed to tie the score and secure a point, Luton Town still scored four goals on one of the best defenses in the Premier League. Having had a phenomenal season a tier lower last year, Luton was invited up to the Premier League and is currently avoiding relegation. If they manage to stay above that threshold and remain in the league another year, they have an opportunity to move up in the table and solidify their spot in the world’s greatest football league.
The title race is heating up; I’d love to hear your predictions for who might win it all this season. Thank for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time!