Matchweek 31 was another thrilling affair with the usual drama and goals. Both Liverpool and Manchester United got revenge for their humiliating defeats in the reverse fixtures, while West Ham continued to show their worth in this top-four race.
Matchweek 31 Roundup
Man City’s run halted
The early kick-off on Saturday saw 10-man Leeds pick up a dramatic win at Man City. The visitors took the lead through Stuart Dallas, but just two minutes later, had a man (Liam Cooper) sent off (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?). In the second half, everyone was expecting Man City to sieze initiative and score a handful. However, they could only manage a 75th-minute Ferran Torres equalizer. In stoppage time, Dallas with one last lung-bursting run, coolly slotted the ball between Ederson’s legs to seal the game. This was Guardiola’s third home defeat in the league this season. He has never lost as many in a single season in his entire managerial career.
Later, Liverpool and Chelsea picked up important wins in the race for Champion’s League. Out to seek revenge, a stoppage time winner from Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool a 2-1 home win against Aston Villa. This was the Reds’ first Anfield win of 2021. Chelsea turned up the style at Selhurst Park in a 4-1 stroll against Crystal Palace. Goals from Kai Havertz, Kurt Zouma and a brace from Christian Pulisic helped the Blues get back on track.
West Ham show top-four credentials
Both Liverpool and Chelsea temporarily occupied fourth spot after their wins, but it was West Ham who ended the matchweek in fourth. A nervy 3-2 win over an out-of-sorts Leicester was enough to see them regain fourth. The Hammers once again raced into a 3-0 lead, with Jesse Lingard being the catalyst yet again. But as has happened recently, they once again looked like throwing it away. Two goals from Kelechi Iheanacho set up a frantic finale but West Ham held on. Leicester were looking comfortable in third, but back-to-back defeats mean they are just two points above fifth-placed Chelsea.
In the weekend’s headline act, Manchester United, in typical fashion, came from behind to win at Spurs. Just moments after Edinson Cavani’s well worked goal was ruled out, Heung-Min Son gave Spurs the lead. In the second half, Fred equalized, and Cavani put the visitors ahead. Deep in stoppage time, Mason Greenwood sealed the gloss on yet another away win for Man Utd. They are now sitting pretty in second, seven points ahead of Leicester. Spurs meanwhile suffered a huge blow in their quest for top-four.
In Sunday’s late kick-off, Arsenal picked up a much needed win at Sheffield United. 3-0 the final score, Alexandre Lacazette’s brace and a Gabriel Martinelli strike condemned the hosts to another defeat. The Blades need to match or better Newcastle’s result next week, otherwise their relegation will be mathematically confirmed.
Fresh from stunning Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, West Brom picked up another three-goal win, this time at home. A 3-0 win against hapless Southampton moved the Baggies to within two points of Fulham, and eight behind Newcastle. The Magpies themselves picked up a crucial win on Sunday, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Burnley. Fulham have played a game more, and fell to a fourth-consecutive defeat at home to Wolves.
This is how the table looks after matchweek 31.
