A few hours after De Bruyne against Leicester and Youri Tielemans, Romelu Lukaku took part in the attacking festival (26 goals) of the 19th day of the Premier League, which was shortened by several games because of Covid. In spite of the many misgivings expressed by many managers, the Premier League had stubbornly maintained the traditionally heavy schedule at the end of the year. However, the reality of the pandemic has removed three matches from matchday 19 and already two matches from matchday 20, which starts on Tuesday.
A crazy match at the Etihad
Manchester City was (a little) hot… Despite a four-goal lead, the English champion had to work hard to defeat Leicester (6-3). The Citizens gave the Foxes a lesson in soccer as they exploded into life in less than half an hour with goals from De Bruyne (5th), Mahrez (14th sp), Gündogan (21st) and Sterling (25th). But after the break, Leicester woke up and scored three goals through Maddison (55th), Lookman (59th) and Iheanacho (65th). Before Laporte (69th) and Sterling (87th) did the same. The leader has behaved like a boss!
Four in a row for Arsenal
Against the red lanterns, Arsenal had to do well. And the London club did not miss. Without mercy, the Gunners defeated Norwich (0-5). The team of Mikel Arteta was clearly on top of the game, with a rediscovered quality of play, and left no chance to the promoted team. Saka scored twice (6th, 67th), while Tierney (44th), Lacazette (84th sp) and Smith-Rowe (90th+1) added to the score. A victory, the fourth in a row, which allows Arsenal to strengthen its 4th place with 6 points ahead of Tottenham, which has however three games to play.
Tottenham has fun
Bad day for Patrick Vieira… Absent because of Covid-19, the French coach saw his Crystal Palace team being pulverized by Tottenham (3-0). Well launched thanks to two goals in a row from Kane (32nd) and Lucas (34th), Spurs were well helped by the expulsion for two cautions of Zaha (37th). With a numerical superiority, Antonio Conte’s team finally got the better of Son (74th). With this victory, the fourth in the last five games, Tottenham, which has 3 games to play, is clinging to a solid 5th place.
Chelsea does the job
Chelsea has been beaten in its last two Premier League games, but it was a tough win at Aston Villa (1-3). The Blues were greeted with a cold reception by an own goal from James (28th), but turned the game around thanks to two penalties from Jorginho (34th, 90th+3rd) and a goal from Lukaku (56th). A success that allows the European champion to come back to the level of Liverpool, 2nd, with nevertheless a game more. Thomas Tuchel’s team hangs on
West Ham let go
The London club, a serious candidate for qualification to the Champions League, conceded a second consecutive defeat against Southampton (2-3). In a generally balanced match, the Hammers were never in front as they were led three times by goals from Elyounoussi (8th), Ward-Prowse (61st sp) and Bednarek (70th). The two equalizers signed Antonio (49th) and Benrahme (65th) did not change anything for David Moyes’ team, 6th and distanced from the leading teams with this new underperformance.
Boxing Day results
- Manchester City 6-3 Leicester
- Norwich 0-5 Arsenal
- Tottenham 3-0 Crystal Palace
- West Ham 2-3 Southampton,
- Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
- Brighton 2-0 Brentford
