Week 19 of the Premier League saw Chelsea once again race to victory, while most of the other top teams in the league also carried on their good run of form. Manchester City suffered a close but demoralising defeat against an impressive Liverpool team while Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United managed to keep their rich run of form going as they edged past Middlesbrough.
The bottom sides continued to struggle in the busiest period of the season with manger-less Swansea desperately looking for some kind of positive signs.
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#1 Chelsea equal Premier League record with a hard-fought win
Chelsea continued their exquisite run of form, recording their 13th consecutive win in a 4-2 win over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. The away side levelled proceedings twice before succumbing to the Blues’ attacking pressure. Willian grabbed a brace, while Diego Costa and Gary Cahill scored the other goals for the hosts. The league leaders showed exactly why they are being touted to lift the trophy at the end of the season by digging out yet another hard fought, yet deserving win.
The victory equalled the record set by Arsenal and Antonio Conte’s men are now only a win away from setting a new Premier League record but they will not find it easy as they travel to Tottenham in the next game week.
#2 Liverpool edge past City, while Red Devils extend impressive run
Georginio Wijnaldum scored the only goal of the game, as Liverpool saw off Manchester City at Anfield. The Sky Blues welcomed back Sergio Aguero after the Argentine missed the last four games through suspension but even he couldn’t help his side take anything from the game.
Despite both teams having a fair amount of chances, neither could breach the other’s defence after the goal. It was Pep Guardiola’s fourth defeat in the league this season, meaning they have now lost more times than any other of the top six teams. The Reds have managed to keep tabs on high-flying Chelsea with a fourth straight win, although they are still six points adrift of the top of the table.
Manchester United look back to their very best after claiming a fifth straight win in their home game against Middlesbrough. The Red Devils dominated possession throughout the match and looked the more likely to break the deadlock but it was the away team who drew first blood. Grant Leadbitter opened the scoring before Jose Mourinho’s side fought back to claim a 2-1 victory.
Antony Martial and Paul Pogba got on the scoresheet with two well-taken headers to ensure that the three points remained at Old Trafford. United are now only three points off neighbours Manchester City with a favourable set of fixtures to look forward to.
#3 Burnley and Bournemouth register convincing wins
Andre Gray smashed his first hat-trick of the season as Burnley thrashed Sunderland at Turf Moor. Ashley Barnes also netted from the spot in a convincing 4-1 victory. Jermaine Defoe who has been a shining light for Sunderland this season got on the scoresheet in what was nothing more than a consolation goal. The Black Cats have been very poor on the road this season and their struggles at Burnley showed extreme signs of their vulnerability at the back.
David Moyes will be looking to strengthen his squad with the January transfer window now open, in the hopes that his team can avoid relegation yet again.
Bournemouth took on relegation-threatened Swansea, on the back of two consecutive losses. The Cherries looked a confident outfit and a 3-0 result away from home reflected just that. Joshua King, Benik Afobe and Ryan Fraser netted for the visitors as they demolished the hapless Swans. The win moved Bournemouth into the top half of the table, level on points with Southampton. For Swansea, it only gets worse as they sit at the bottom of the table without a full-time manager.
#4 North London clubs begin 2017 with a bang
Arsenal looked to have gotten their season back on track after struggling in December. The Gunners beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at the Emirates, with Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi getting on the scoresheet. Giroud netted with an incredible scorpion kick to open the scoring, which also happened to be only his second start in the league this season.
The win lifted Arsene Wenger’s side into third position on the table ahead of Manchester City and nine points behind Chelsea. They will now travel to Bournemouth in a couple of days’ time in the hope they can carry on this run of wins.
Fellow north London rivals Tottenham also registered a win on New Year’s day as they beat Watford by four goals to one at Vicarage Road. Walter Mazzarri’s side are now winless in their last four although they are still eight points adrift of a relegation zone in 13th position. As for Spurs, they are now on a formidable run of four consecutive wins, ahead of their crunch tie against Chelsea next week.
#5 Leicester end the year on a high
It was meant to happen that Leicester City ended 2016 on a high note with a close 1-0-win over West Ham United. It had been a special year for the Foxes, as they lifted the Premier League title for the first time ever. Despite their tremendous achievement, the Champions have been well below par in the league this season.
They are currently struggling in 15th position, only six points clear of the bottom three. Claudio Ranieri's side have battled with consistency issues as well as defensive problems and a win and a clean sheet should do then a world of good. They will be hoping to carry on winning in January as they will face a hectic schedule in February with the Champions League knockout phase coming up.
