Gameweek 23 would see goals galore in the Premier League, as well as some interesting matches going into the later stages of the week. Chelsea hosted Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, as they looked to make up ground on Manchester’s United and City. Elsewhere, Spurs would face Everton at Wembley, with the Toffees big money signing from Turkey making a first start. The real big match of the week would take place on Sunday with Manchester City travelling to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 23 FPL Review…
Goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel – Chelsea started their home match against Leicester City as strong favourites, but were taken by surprise as the Foxes flew out of the blocks, and largely dominated what would be a frustrating match for both sides. In the end the sides would play out a stalemate, with both sides leaving disappointed with a point. It marked another match in which Alvaro Morata failed to find the net, with questions being asked recently regarding his ability to lead the line for the Blues. They have been linked with a big money move for West Ham’s Andy Carroll in this window.
Defenders
Jonny Evans and Craig Dawson – It was a day for the centre-backs at the Hawthorns on Saturday, as both scored to send Alan Pardew on his way to his first win as Baggies manager against Brighton and Hove Albion. Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans set the Baggies on their way when he headed home at the back post after Jay Rodriguez’s near post flick on. This came after four minutes. It took another fifty before Craig Dawson met Chris Brunt’s corner to power home a superb header. The victory leaves the Baggies just two points from safety in the Premier League.
Antonio Valencia – Manchester United know that of there’s any chance of competing for the title this season, there’s very few points that can be lost between now and the end of the season. They made no mistake as Stoke City arrived at Old Trafford on Monday night. Antonio Valencia opened the scoring when he cut inside before slamming into the corner with his weaker left foot. Anthony Martial doubled the lead with a curling effort from twenty yards, before Romelu Lukaku showed strength to hold off a defender before drilling home to end his own league drought. The Potters have recently appointed former Wolves, Villa and Norwich boss Paul Lambert as manager.
Midfielders
Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini – West Ham accomplished something that very few can boast in the Premier League this season by taking all three points away to a Huddersfield side that have been tough to beat at the John Smith’s stadium. A mix-up at the back saw Mark Noble slot in an opener, before Joe Lolley curled home a brilliant equaliser near half time. Just seconds into the second half when Marko Arnautovic restored the lead. He then set up Manuel Lanzini twice to add gloss to what is a very impressive victory for the Hammers, who look a different side under David Moyes of late.
James Ward-Prowse – There was late drama at Vicarage road as a controversial late equaliser denied Southampton all three points on Saturday afternoon. James Ward-Prowse opened the scoring for Saints when he passed brilliantly into the bottom corner. He would net yet again when he slotted past Heurelho Gomes low. Watford came back into the match when a looping ball found Andre Gray, who was able to nod into the roof of the net from close range. The controversy would come when Abdoulaye Doucoure used his hand the poke the ball past Alex McCarthy in injury time, leaving the Saints players and staff incensed.
Ilkay Gundogan – Liverpool and Manchester City would play out one of the games of the season as the Reds ended City’s unbeaten start to the season. Liverpool took the lead early when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hammered into the bottom corner from range. However, City levelled when Leroy Sane blasted home at the near post. However, Liverpool would hit back in style, with Roberto Firmino lobbing Ederson before Sadio Mane smashed a third into the top corner. Salah would lob Ederson again this time from range. The Reds would have to survive a late onslaught however, as goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva made it nervy for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Heung-Min Son – Spurs were in fine form as they hit a strong Everton side for four at Wembley on Saturday evening. Everton though they had the lead when Wayne Rooney converted from new-signing Cenk Tosun’s flick on. However, the flag was raised. Heung-Min Son opened the scoring when he converted from Serge Aurier’s brilliant cross. He would go on to assist twice in a match his side dominated. Son looks a different player to the one that arrived from Bayer Leverkusen a couple of years ago, with the South Korean becoming a key man for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Forwards
Harry Kane – England forward Harry Kane was on fire yet again as he netted a brace to sink Everton at Wembley on Saturday evening. His first would come after some good work from Heung-Min Son, who beat a couple before firing a low cross-shot across goal, which Kane would get a toe on to double his side’s lead. His second would come when he tapped past Jordan Pickford from Eric Dier’s delivery. Spurs would add gloss to the score line when some superb football saw Dele Alli flick the ball to Christian Erkisen, who slammed home past the helpless Pickford.
Callum Wilson – Arsenal saw themselves of a turnaround as Bournemouth came from behind to upstage the Gunners on Sunday afternoon. Hector Bellerin gave the Gunners a second half lead when he got in behind and saw his shot creep into the net off the bottom of Asmir Begovic’s outstretched arm. However, the Cherries hit back when Callum Wilson beat Petr Cech to a low delivery to prod into an empty net. Just minutes later they completed the turnaround when Wilson beat the offside trap, before finding Jordan Ibe to fire home his first Bournemouth goal, and what would prove to be the winner on the day.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
