It’s December, and Premier League’s customary busy schedule is in full swing. The matchweek 16 is over but there’s no respite for the teams, as there is another round of fixtures in midweek. The talking point for this week arguably has to be penalties. No less than five matches were decided by penalties, and total eight penalties were awarded in the nine matches that happened. Tottenham’s game with Brighton was postponed due to the covid outbreak in their squad.
Matchweek 16 Roundup
On Friday, Brentford edged out Watford 2-1 to move into the top half. The match set the tone for the weekend as Bryan Mbuemo’s 90 + 5’ penalty won the game for the Bees. Defeat leaves Claudio Ranieri’s Hornets just two points above the relegation place.
The three horses required penalties to get the job done
Saturday’s early kick-off saw Manchester City scrap past determined but undermanned Wolves. The visitors had to play the entire second half with 10 men, yet City required a Raheem Sterling penalty to get the win. It was Sterling’s 100th goal in the competition and cemented top spot for Pep Guardiola. Later that afternoon, all eyes were on Anfield as Steven Gerrard made an emotional return with Aston Villa.
Though the match ended in defeat, Gerrard can be proud of restricting division’s highest scorers to only one Mo Salah penalty goal. At Stamford Bridge, a tasty encounter between Chelsea and Leeds ended 3-2 in favour of the hosts. In what was a see-saw game, which saw three penalties awarded, the Blues edged it with the third penalty in stoppage time. The match ended with a brawl between the players that typifies the rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds United.
Manchester United completed the penalty saga in Saturday’s late kick-off. Norwich City put in a sturdy performance to keep out their illustrious visitors, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty in the 75th minute broke the Canaries’ resolve and continue Ralf Rangnick’s progress. As for Norwich, they stay rooted to the bottom.
Newcastle United suffer reality check
On Sunday, Leicester responded to midweek European disappointment by humbling Newcastle United. A 4-0 scoreline was fully deserved, though the scoring started with a penalty. But Leicester were fully deserving of the victory as they jumped into the top half. A tough run of fixtures lies ahead for Eddie Howe. January transfer window can’t come soon enough for the Magpies.
Crystal Palace rounded the matchweek with an impressive 3-1 win over Everton, inspired by Connor Gallagher’s brace. This was Patrick Vieira’s first win since early November and Palace’s first over Everton in 14 attempts.
The matchweek 17 starts on Tuesday, 14th December. Brentford vs Man United is the first fixture, while the top three have home games once again. There are some interesting games like Man City vs Leeds, Arsenal vs West Ham and Leicester vs Tottenham.