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Manchester United 0 – 0 Watford

Manchester United dropped two more points in their quest for a Champions League place as they were held at home by relegation-threatened Watford.

And the Red Devils left the field to boos after the goalless draw, despite dominating at Old Trafford.

United had 22 shots against Roy Hodgson’s side but the only time they found the net, Cristiano Ronaldo was offside.

Ronaldo also hit a post and struck team-mate Anthony Elanga with a goal-bound shot.

Elanga also failed to provide the finish to a flowing move, while Bruno Fernandes was unable to capitalise on two excellent first-half opportunities.

Watford might have scored themselves but Emmanuel Dennis’ effort lacked conviction and hit Raphael Varane before bouncing through to David de Gea.

Victory for the visitors would have been completely against the run of play, although the point nudges them a bit closer to the clubs just outside the relegation zone.

The game was preceded by a show of solidarity with Ukraine after the Russian invasion, with both teams standing behind a banner proclaiming ‘Peace’ in a number of different languages, including Russian and Ukrainian.

For United, it was another of those frustrating games interim manager Rangnick has complained about often during his short tenure.

The hosts created a succession of chances – and spurned the lot.

Ronaldo was the first culprit when he stuck a post. But Fernandes was the worst.

The Portuguese were on the end of a flowing move involving Elanga and Ronaldo but with only Ben Foster to beat, drove his shot straight at the Watford keeper.

Fernandes then turned a volley wide when he was picked out by Paul Pogba completely unmarked, in a central position with the goal at his mercy.

He was off target with a far-post header as well, although that incident was almost as noteworthy for the fact Ronaldo stayed on his feet when Foster came careering out of his goal when he surely would have had a decent penalty shout if he had gone down.

Instead, he went around his one-time United team-mate, before providing the cross Fernandes failed to convert.

The hosts fared no better in the second period, with Elanga getting on the end of a flowing move he started – but missing the target with his shot.

Ronaldo lent against a post almost in reflection as another chance went begging, before driving a shot straight into Elanga.

Substitute Jadon Sancho curled an effort over before Fernandes drove the final opportunity straight at Foster.

This result was nowhere close to being on the same scale as Watford’s 4-1 success in the reverse fixture that triggered the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, it will feel as though there is something more solid to build on.

Watford had gone 30 games without keeping a clean sheet when Roy Hodgson took over as manager – now they have three in six games, to go with the five points collected in the former England boss’ short time in charge.

Dennis spurned their best chance but Hodgson will be delighted Foster was not really stretched, with another former United player, Craig Cathcart, outstanding in the Hornets’ defence.

It might not be pretty but Hodgson will doubtless feel if his side can get to the period in the spring, when they play four fellow relegation candidates in the space of six games, they will give themselves a chance of survival.

It was Rangnick’s idea to stand behind the ‘Peace’ banner before kick-off.

The German, who was working in Russia for Lokomotiv Moscow before the call came from United in November, spoke eloquently about the unfolding situation in Ukraine on Friday.

It is clearly something Rangnick cares passionately about and he also wore a ‘No War’ badge on his coat.

Source – BBC Sport

26/02/2022
Crystal Palace 1 – 1 Burnley

Burnley took another step towards Premier League safety with a hard-fought point at Crystal Palace.

Jeffrey Schlupp gave Palace the perfect start, flicking in from Michael Olise’s inviting cross with the hosts going on to dominate the first period.

But Burnley, who had won their previous two top-flight games, levelled a minute after the break when Eagles captain Luka Milivojevic turned Aaron Lennon’s driven cross into his own goal.

The much-improved visitors also saw Wout Weghorst twice go close to scoring, with the Dutch forward seeing a header tipped over by home goalkeeper Jack Butland and having an effort disallowed for offside.

However, Palace had opportunities of their own to record a winner with Wilfried Zaha powering an effort straight at Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and then rattling the post moments later.

The result leaves Palace in 11th in the table, with Burnley in 18th, one point behind Everton and within touching distance of Leeds and Brentford having the benefit of games in hand on the latter two.

Both teams came into this contest aiming to build upon excellent midweek results, Burnley having beaten Tottenham and Palace thrashing Watford.

However, while Burnley’s need for points is greater as they seek to climb out of the bottom three for the first time since 30 October – a task not helped by having suffered an 11-game winless run until mid-February – it was Palace who showed greater desire early on.

The hosts controlled the midfield and out wide and Michael Olise was the Clarets’ chief tormentor.

The 20-year-old tricked and teased Erik Pieters for most of the first period as the Burnley left-back and his team-mates struggled to contain the former Reading winger.

Olise twice went close to adding to the lead he played a central role in obtaining, flashing a deflected shot just over the bar and forcing Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope into a fine save.

The youngster had more shots (four) than any other home player and, with the exception of defender Joachim Andersen, more touches and he remained a threat until the closing stages.

Burnley arrived at Selhurst Park aiming for a third consecutive win in the top flight for the first time since April 2019.

And while they did not quite manage to achieve that, manager Sean Dyche will nonetheless have been delighted by his team’s response after the break to secure a seventh point from the last nine available.

Having looked sluggish at times, the Clarets began to play on the front foot and were clearly buoyed by their equaliser.

With Weghorst and Jay Rodriguez leading from the front, they hustled and harried Palace into mistakes and more than merited their draw.

Source – BBC Sport

26/02/2022
Brentford 0 – 2 Newcastle United

Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to action 259 days after suffering a cardiac arrest but could not prevent Newcastle from easing their relegation fears and increasing Brentford’s with a comfortable win.

Eriksen was given a standing ovation from fans and players on both sides when he emerged as a 52nd-minute substitute, completing a remarkable comeback after he collapsed playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in June.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank announced Eriksen would play some part but his introduction came in the toughest of circumstances, with the Bees two goals down and reduced to 10 men after Josh Dasilva’s early red card, confirmed by VAR, for a foul on Matt Targett.

Newcastle took full advantage to secure their fourth win in five games, with Joelinton scoring with a towering header from Ryan Fraser’s cross after 33 minutes and Joe Willock the beneficiary of Fabian Schar’s superb counter seconds before half-time.

Eriksen looked lively, if understandably a little rusty and over-eager, replacing fellow Dane Mathias Jensen, who came on as a substitute for him at Euro 2020.

The Premier League game was effectively over when Eriksen came on but what a wonderful sight it was to see this high-class midfielder playing again and back to full health.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United resurgence continues as they made it seven games unbeaten with a thoroughly professional and composed performance to cruise past Brentford.

Dasilva’s rash 11th-minute challenge on Targett presented them with the numerical advantage and they cashed in ruthlessly, with only the excellence of Brentford keeper David Raya preventing a far more emphatic victory margin.

Newcastle took control and never looked like relinquishing it as their growing confidence and quality barely gave Brentford a chance.

And the symbol of the renaissance was Joelinton, who was often derided as a £40m failure early in his Newcastle career but is now flourishing in a deeper role and revelling in his cult hero status with the Toon Army.

He is a player reborn and sent Newcastle on their way with a header from Fraser’s cross, powered low past Raya, who was helpless.

The Brazilian celebrated in flamboyant style, shrugging off his teammates to race the length of the field and celebrate wildly in front of Newcastle’s travelling fans tucked in a corner of the Brentford Community Stadium.

The chant “he’s Brazilian, he only cost £40m” rang out at regular intervals – ironic in that for so long he was regarded as an over-priced piece of business.

Newcastle’s £25m new boy Chris Wood is still struggling and yet to score. He should have stuck with a first-half header but the goals are coming from elsewhere and with Howe’s side now up to 14th in the table, the clouds that were gathering over Tyneside for so much of this season look to be rolling away.

It was all done without three of their most influential performers in Allan Saint-Maximin, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson – which all bodes well for Howe and his team.

In the wider context, this was a day about the return of Eriksen and it was a moment of real emotion and joy when he made his entrance early in the second half.

The whole ground rose to welcome the 30-year-old Dane and he was greeted warmly by players from both sides, happy to see this classy player and personality fit and healthy once more and doing what he loves.

He was swiftly into the action and showed some trademark touches, which will be crucial to Brentford’s fight against relegation once he is up to full speed.

And make no mistake, the Bees need him because they are sinking down the table after eight games without a win, looking like a side who have run out of momentum and energy after such a promising start to the season.

Dasilva’s early dismissal was a heavy blow but there was a lack of spark about Brentford’s response. The manner in which they were caught on the break by Schar for Willock’s crucial second smacked of naivety.

Eriksen’s presence prompted a response but Newcastle were never in serious trouble and he must somehow help them rediscover that early season inspiration, otherwise, a campaign that held so much hope will descend even further into a relegation scrap.

Source – BBC Sport

26/02/2022
Leeds United 0 – 4 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says Saturday’s emphatic win at Leeds “has to be a starting point” for his side as they inflicted another damaging blow to Leeds’ hopes of staving off Premier League relegation.

Spurs broke the deadlock after just ten minutes when Ryan Sessegnon broke clear down the left and delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Matt Doherty to sweep home.

Dejan Kulusevski drilled in the visitors’ second before Harry Kane’s composed finish made it 3-0 on the half-hour mark.

Son Heung-min compounded Leeds’ misery in the second half when he latched on to Kane’s ball over the top of the home defence and beat Illan Meslier with a smart finish.

“I have seen a desire and a will to fight in every moment of the game,” said Conte, who had questioned his future following Wednesday’s defeat by Burnley.

The Italian told BBC Match of the Day: “They fought during the game and it was good for me to see this.

“If we want to be competitive, try to improve and build something important, it is not enough to play football and enjoy football. You have to win, and to win you need to match good football with a great desire.”

“We had to put great desire and determination into every game from the start until the end, and today we saw this. My teams are not soft. My teams need to be strong.”

Robin Koch and Raphinha struck the woodwork for Leeds and Stuart Dallas should have scored a consolation prior to Spurs’ fourth, but the hosts rarely looked capable of forging a route back into the game as Spurs continued to carve out opportunities on the counter-attack.

The result lifts Tottenham to within four points of fourth-placed Manchester United, while Leeds remain three points above the bottom three. They could drop into the relegation zone if other results go against them on Saturday.

Bielsa insisted prior to Saturday’s game that he had no intention of walking out on the club, despite being “very worried” about his team’s poor recent form.

This latest defeat – which was almost embarrassingly one-sided in the first half – will do little to ease those concerns.

Tottenham carved Leeds open at will in the early stages, their 3-0 lead after just 27 minutes a fair representation of their dominance.

It could have been 4-0 just after the half-hour mark, but Sessegnon fired straight at Meslier’s legs from a tight angle.

Boos rang out around Elland Road at half-time, although the home fans continued to sing in support of their team in the second half – with the game as good as lost.

Leeds, predictably, had chances of their own, although the majority came after they had gone 3-0 down. Koch rattled the post with a side-footed effort in the first half, while Luke Ayling sent a header narrowly wide of the top corner as the hosts pushed for a goal back before the break.

Dallas should have got his team on the scoresheet after rounding Hugo Lloris before Raphinha was denied by the woodwork from a trademark free-kick.

Bielsa’s side has now conceded 60 league goals this season – five more than bottom club Norwich – and 20 in February alone. They are only the second team in Premier League history to ship three or more goals in five consecutive matches.

The Argentine says abandoning Leeds’ all-action style in favour of a more pragmatic approach is not an option, but it is hard to see the club arresting their dreadful form without a change of system.

Source – BBC

26/02/2022
Wolves 2 – 1 Leicester City

Wolves maintained their push for a European place as excellent goals from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence proved enough to beat Leicester in a thrilling Midlands derby at Molineux.

Neves put the hosts ahead after nine minutes as he applied a precise finish to Raul Jimenez’s lay-off from the edge of the area, to take it past an unsighted Kasper Schmeichel.

Then, after Ademola Lookman slid in ahead of Leander Dendoncker to turn home Marc Albrighton’s low cross from close range for the Foxes four minutes before the break, Podence struck Wolves’ second to seal the points.

In front of Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland, England hopeful Max Kilman carried the ball out of defence before setting Rayan Ait-Nouri away with a superb cross-field pass. Ait-Nouri fed Dendoncker, who in turn moved the ball to Podence, who took one touch before driving his shot into the bottom corner.

It was Wolves’ fifth win in six Premier League games in 2022 and puts them seventh – six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United – with two games in hand.

For Leicester, it was another disappointing day during a period where they have collected just two points from five games and been knocked out of the FA Cup by local rivals Nottingham Forest.

Source – BBCSport

20/02/2022
Leeds United 2 – 4 Manchester United

Manchester United survived a stirring Leeds United comeback at an emotional Elland Road to strengthen their position in the Premier League’s top four with a crucial victory.

In the first game in front of fans between the two old rivals at Elland Road since October 2003, they produced a fitting spectacle played out in a deluge and a predictably thunderous atmosphere.

Manchester United was in complete control at the break after captain Harry Maguire headed in Luke Shaw’s corner, and Bruno Fernandes did the same from Jadon Sancho’s cross right on half-time.

Leeds, however, mounted a superb revival and were level with two goals inside a minute as Rodrigo’s 53rd-minute cross drifted in behind keeper David de Gea, then substitute Raphinha sent Elland Road into raptures when he slid home a cross from Daniel James.

Manchester United gathered themselves, manager Ralf Rangnick made changes, and one of his substitutes produced the rewards as Fred drove in at Illan Meslier’s near post following more good work by Sancho with 20 minutes left – although Anthony Elanga was struck by objects thrown from the crowd amid the celebrations.

Elanga recovered to confirm Manchester United’s win with a composed finish two minutes from time from Fernandes’ pass.

Manchester United’s victory came in three phases – the control of the first half, the shock of Leeds United’s quick one-two, then the recovery to finally close out the victory they deserved.

This was always going to be a test of mettle and for a spell after the break when Leeds scored those two quick goals and were winning all the 50-50s in this most raucous of environments, it looked like they would not come through the examination unscathed.

Manchester United’s players looked shell-shocked at the turn of events that allowed Leeds, who looked deflated at half-time, to revive themselves and even threaten a victory that would have been the sweetest of all for the home fans, who made their dislike of the visitors clear before, during and after this game.

Manager Rangnick, however, deserves credit for the changes that restored Manchester United’s equilibrium, Fred coming on to put them back in front and another substitute, Elanga, snuffing out any hope Leeds had of a point with the fourth.

Manchester United will feel they deserved the win over the whole piece, but they were fragile at times and were rocking under Leeds attacks until Fred silenced the crowd, albeit temporarily.

There were unsavoury scenes when Elanga needed to be attended to after being hit by missiles thrown from the crowd following Fred’s goal, but he was able to regain his composure to such an extent that he struck the final blow in the closing moments.

Manchester United enjoyed their second win in a week, moving back into the top four, but will know they need to keep winning with Arsenal four points behind in sixth with three games in hand.

Leeds United demonstrated every facet of exactly what they are in another Elland Road thrill ride.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side can be called many things but never dull.

Leeds showed their defensive frailty in the first half when Diego Llorente failed miserably to mark Maguire at a corner, the situation not helped by keeper Meslier’s ‘in-out’ hokey-cokey that left him in no man’s land.

They were exposed again when Victor Lindelof strode out of defence to tee up Sancho for the perfect cross on to Fernandes’ head to send clouds of gloom over Elland Road, to accompany those depositing constant heavy rain on a pitch left carrying surface water.

What we saw then was the bold, attacking bravery that has made Leeds, under Bielsa, one of the most exciting teams to watch since their return to the Premier League.

They pulled the situation around but there was never a sense that they were in complete control, secure against an attacking counterpunch and so it proved as Manchester United inflicted further punishment.

Leeds and Bielsa cannot get midfield lynchpin Kalvin Phillips, main marksman Patrick Bamford and defender Liam Cooper back quick enough, just to ease those worries of dropping into relegation trouble.

They are five points off the relegation places with a trip to Liverpool on the horizon this week, so it will not get any easier for Bielsa and his players.

Source – BBCSport

20/02/2022
Manchester City 2 – 3 Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane’s stoppage-time goal gave Tottenham a stunning victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City in a chaotic finale at Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham have done it! Man City’s 15-game unbeaten run comes to an end in a dramatic fashion.

Man City came from behind twice to ultimately lose to the player they were so desperate to sign last August.

Man City’s lead over Liverpool will remain at just six points, with the two teams still to play and the Merseyside club with a game in hand.

Tottenham’s campaign for a fourth-place finish is very much alive.

Antonio Conte faces perhaps the most difficult task of his time at Spurs tonight as he bids to avoid losing his fourth Premier League game in a row.

A trip to champions and league leaders in Manchester City is surely the most daunting possible journey, particularly considering the defensive problems Tottenham have endured of late.

Still, Conte does have Eric Dier available once more and has talked up an exciting partnership between the England international and Cristian Romero.

For City, their demolition of Sporting CP in the Champions League was not quite enough for Pep Guardiola, who went as far as to suggest that some of his players underperformed despite the 5-0 victory in Portugal.

19/02/2022
Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Chelsea

Hakim Ziyech scored a last-minute winner as Chelsea edged past Crystal Palace on their return to Premier League action.

Thomas Tuchel’s side last played in the top flight almost a month ago when they defeated Tottenham, and have had a week’s rest since winning the Club World Cup last Saturday.

It looked like they would be frustrated by their hosts but Ziyech popped up at the back post to stroke in a delightful volley from Marcos Alonso’s cross.

Moroccan Ziyech had converted earlier in the second half when he swept home following Jack Butland’s save, but Romelu Lukaku was adjudged to be offside by VAR.

Vicente Guaita had made good saves in the first half from N’Golo Kante’s effort and Antonio Rudiger’s long-range thunderbolt before the Palace goalkeeper was taken off at half-time because of a knee injury.

The home side, meanwhile, did not have a single shot on target in the entire contest – both Michael Oliseh and Wilfried Zaha failing to work Edouard Mendy from promising positions.

Winners keep going until the very end, a quality illustrated perfectly by reigning world and European champions Chelsea at Selhurst Park as they scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute.

Up until that point, they had been finding it difficult to make inroads against a resolute Palace backline, with striker Lukaku particularly suffering.

Without injured wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Tuchel switched from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3 formation, but the Belgium international lacked any service and had just seven touches of the ball in the whole game.

Lukaku netted in both games at the Club World Cup but has now netted just once in the past eight games in domestic action and question marks remain about whether he fits into the Chelsea system.

He was involved in the disallowed goal on 75 minutes when a thumping shot was batted out for Ziyech to pounce on, but Lukaku failed to time his run and was caught offside.

His team-mates Kante and Rudiger did force Guaita into action in the first half and substitute Butland thought he was on the way to a clean sheet before Ziyech struck for his third consecutive Premier League game.

In the end, a stubborn display ended up being a disappointing day for Palace boss Patrick Vieira and there will be some concern after his side extended their winless run to six games in the league.

In-form Oliseh should have done better when he screwed wide in the first half and Zaha may be left feeling he could have netted too, but the Ivorian side-footed wide and flashed a shot across goal when searching for the equaliser in injury time.

Source – BBCSport

19/02/2022
Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – 3 Burnley

Burnley climbed off the bottom of the Premier League table after beating Brighton at the Amex Stadium for their first away win of the season.

Wout Weghorst opened his account for the Clarets and Josh Brownhill added a second before half-time. Aaron Lennon then made sure just over 20 minutes from time.

Brighton dominated possession but managed only one shot on target, and they were bullied by Dutchman Weghorst at the back, where they were missing the suspended Lewis Dunk and injured Adam Webster.

A fast start almost saw Burnley take the lead when Connor Roberts spotted Robert Sanchez off his line and curled an effort off the bar.

Their purpose and energy were rewarded soon afterwards, when Weghorst fired home from Roberts’ low right-hand cross, giving Sanchez no chance.

It took until 10 minutes before half-time for Brighton to manage an effort on goal, and Shane Duffy’s strike was held easily by Nick Pope. Adam Lallana headed wide from Tariq Lamptey’s cross moments later.

Weghorst turned provider with the break looming, laying on for Brownhill, whose tame effort was deflected in off Joel Veltman.

The frustration continued for the hosts after the break, Neal Maupay shooting wide from another Lamptey cross.

Soon after, Lennon made it 3-0 after combining with Jay Rodriguez, who came on for the injured Maxwel Cornet, before firing into the top corner to round off a brilliant day for the Clarets.

Sean Dyche’s men are five points behind 17th-placed Newcastle but have two games in hand. Brighton is ninth.

Dutch international Weghorst has made a really positive start to life at Burnley after his January move from Wolfsburg, and he was the difference on the south coast.

Against a weakened Brighton backline, without their first-choice centre-backs, he made a nuisance of himself all afternoon, but everything started with a fine finish for his goal.

His lay-off for Brownhill showed his technical ability as well as his physical presence, and there is now a real chance that a difficult season at Turf Moor may be about to turn.

Injury to his strike partner Cornet was a blow, but he has offered real hope.

Dunk and Webster were badly missed, but Brighton fell into old habits at the other end. They had 69% of the ball but failed to make it count, with Maupay cutting a frustrated figure upfront.

Keeping Lamptey relatively quiet on his return to Brighton’s starting XI was huge for Burnley, but there was a general lack of intensity in Graham Potter’s side’s play from the start. They let Burnley take the early initiative and ultimately paid for it.

Source – BBCSport

19/02/2022
Aston Villa 0 – 1 Watford

Emmanuel Dennis’ late header gave Roy Hodgson his first goal and first win as Watford boss, and earned the Hornets a valuable win at Aston Villa.

Villa dominated proceedings but Watford grabbed all three points when Dennis powered home Ismaila Sarr’s 78th-minute cross after an opportunistic counter-attack.

It ended the visitors’ four-game goal drought and saw them move up to 18th in the table, four points from safety.

The defeat for Villa means Steven Gerrard’s side are now winless in seven of their past eight matches.

Incredibly, Watford’s last six Premier League away wins have now come under six different managers.

The Hornets’ managerial merry-go-round has been well reported, and new boss Hodgson already seemed under pressure coming into this fixture after collecting just one point from an available nine since taking charge in January.

As the game went on, Watford was on course to drop to the bottom of the league table with results going against them elsewhere and looked set to equal a club record of five consecutive games without a goal.

Nine Premier League wins for Roy Hodgson against Aston Villa – it’s his best record against any side he’s faced in the division.
Hodgson became the first manager to win a Premier League game against a specific opponent with six different clubs
The Hornets soaked up plenty of Villa pressure and twice went close through Dennis and Moussa Sissoko on the break.

Sarr, starting his first match since winning the Africa Cup of nations with Senegal, created the winner, chipping the ball up for Dennis to nod in.

The Hornets held on for their first victory in 12 matches, since beating Manchester United 4-1 in November.

Sloppy Villa slip to another defeat
Having started his reign at Aston Villa with four wins from six matches, Gerrard has now seen his side lose four of their past eight. The Villains are closer to the relegation zone than they are to a place in Europe.

The hosts were the better side throughout and should have gone in front in the 34th minute when Danny Ings struck the base of the right post when clean through after a good move from Emi Buendia.

They continued to create half-chances, with Phillipe Coutinho curling a looping effort onto the roof of the net midway through the second half. But once they fell behind, the opportunities dried up.

Despite coming into this fixture as one of three teams to have scored in every home game this season, Villa failed to find a leveller, and stay 12th in the table.

They will face Brighton & Hove Albion next Saturday, while Watford will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Source – BBCSport

19/02/2022