Chelsea registered yet another win and another clean sheet to ensure they ended 2016 at the top of the table. All of the top seven teams in the league claimed wins this week, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham winning convincingly.
Also read: 10 things we learned from Gameweek 18
West Ham and Burnley were the only teams in the bottom half of the table to win in Gameweek 18, as the struggles at the bottom of the table continued. The week also saw another managerial departure with Bob Bradley being sacked, while former England manager Sam Allardyce took charge of his first game as Crystal Palace manager.
#1 Chelsea close in on Premier League record
Chelsea comfortably brushed aside a brave Bournemouth side at Stamford Bridge by three goals to nil. Eden Hazard showed exactly why he is considered amongst the very best players in the word, with another outstanding performance that was capped off with a goal. Pedro also continued his fine form this season by bagging a brace.
The Blues are a win away from equalling a Premier League record of 13 straight wins, that was set by Arsenal nearly 15 years ago. Antonio Conte’s side also registered yet another clean sheet and look unstoppable at the moment. They still remain six points clear of second-placed Liverpool but have a much less hectic schedule in January.
Chelsea will host Stoke City next in what is expected to be a very winnable fixture for the Blues.
#2 Manchester City and Liverpool keep the pace
Manchester City have managed to put together a decent run of form in recent weeks, winning all of their last three games. The Sky Blues were once again without Sergio Aguero, who served the final match of a four-game suspension but still managed an impressive 3-0 win away Hull City. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure have been in good touch in recent weeks and they need to be if City are to keep pace with Chelsea.
Liverpool also ran away comfortable victors in their home game against Stoke City. Despite going a goal down early in the match, the Reds fought back to claim all three points and retain second position in the league. Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge got on the scoresheet, while Giannelli Imbula’s own goal summed up a disastrous night for the Potters.
Along with Man City, Jurgen Klopp’s side have also won each of their last three games, while Tottenham also boast an identical record.
#3 Zlatan helps extend fine run for Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored for the third game running to take his tally to 12 goals in the league, only one behind leading scorer Diego Costa. The Red Devils have now won four on the trot and remain unbeaten in their last nine.
The Swedish striker has been instrumental in his side’s upturn in form, with six goals in his last six games. He has also assisted three goals in his last three games, making his first season in English football an extremely impressive one.
Jose Mourinho’s team thumped relegation contenders Sunderland 3-1, with some outstanding goals on show at Old Trafford. Fabio Borini netted the equaliser with a cracking volley but it was Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal that stole the show. The Armenian scored with an outrageous scorpion kick effort to double his team’s lead.
Many claim that the midfielder’s effort is already a strong contender for goal of the season and it is hard to imagine why not. Despite the impressive run, United remain in sixth position, with all the teams above them also claiming vital wins.
#4 Bob Bradley pays the price for heavy defeat
After just over 80 days in charge of Swansea, Bob Bradley was shown the door by the Welsh outfit. Bradley was at the helm for only 11 games but two wins and two draws were not enough to secure his job for long.
The Swans were thrashed 4-1 by a rejuvenated West Ham side, who have now won all of their last three games. Defending has been a major concern for Swansea this season, especially after losing their captain and experienced centre-back Ashley Williams to Everton.
Bradley was unfortunate not to be given the liberty to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, with many claiming the sack came too early. It is the second time this season that Swansea will be in the market for a new manager.
Former Welsh international Ryan Giggs is considered to be among the favourites to replace the American, even though the decorated midfielder has relatively no experience in management.
#5 Arsenal and Everton also claim important wins
Arsenal hosted West Brom on the back of back-to-back losses in the league. The Gunners looked set for more disappointment as the visitors defended with resilience and looked set to see out a goalless draw.
Olivier Giroud started only his first league game of the season and Arsene Wenger’s faith in his striker paid off when the Frenchman grabbed a late winner. Anything less than a win would have taken Arsenal out of the top four and Wenger will be overjoyed that his side managed to keep pace with the leaders.
Everton’s visit to the home of the reigning Champions ended in victory for the Toffees, lifting them to seventh in the league. It also meant that all of the top seven teams in the league won in Gameweek 18.
Goals from Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku were enough to down Leicester City at The King Power Stadium, leaving the Foxes only three points clear of a relegation place. The title holders continued their poor run of form and have now only won one of their last nine games in the league.
A look at the results:
Watford 1-1 Crystal PalaceArsenal 1-0 West BromBurnley 1-0 MiddlesbroughChelsea 3-0 BournemouthLeicester City 0-2 EvertonManchester United 3-1 SunderlandSwansea City 1-4 West Ham UnitedHull City 0-3 Manchester CityLiverpool 4-1 Stoke CitySouthampton 1-4 Tottenham
