Gameweek 36 took us one set of matches closer to the climax of the 2017/18 Premier League. There’s still a lot to be decided, especially as the survival battle heats up. Southampton, Swansea, Huddersfield, West Ham and Brighton are all looking nervously at their fixture list ahead of their final three matches of the season. Southampton hosted Bournemouth in Saturdays most important match. Huddersfield hosted Everton, while Swansea faced Chelsea at the Bet365 stadium. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 36 FPL Review…
Goalkeeper
Mathew Ryan – Brighton and Hove Albion travelled to Turf Moor to face a Burnley side that had all but assured European qualification for next season. However, Sean Dyche isn’t one to revel in his side’s achievements, and Chris Hughton’s side knew they would have to be at their best to take anything against a Clarets side with a reputation for strong home form. Australian international Mat Ryan was in form for the Seagulls, who know that another win from their final three matches will likely be enough to secure survival.
Defenders
Patrick van Aanholt & Mamadou Sakho – Crystal Palace looked to be back in a relegation scrap after some patchy form of late. They hosted Leicester City on Saturday and stunned the Foxes with a resounding win. When James McArthur backheeled the ball through, Wilfried Zaha hammered the ball into the roof of the net. The two combined again, this time with McArthur netting for the Eagles. A red card for Marc Albrighton looked to have put the match to bed for Palace, although they weren’t finished yet…
Leighton Baines – Huddersfield Town went into their match against Everton at the John Smith’s stadium knowing that they were running out of chances to pick up points before the end of the season. David Wagner’s side huffed and puffed but were unable to avoid recording a 2-0 loss against Sam Allardyce’s side. The result sees the Terriers hovering ominously just three points clear of the drop zone. They also have the worst goal difference of the sides around them, meaning that unless they start securing results fast, they may be making an immediate return to the Championship.
Kieran Trippier – Spurs faced Watford in a clash that Mauricio Pochettino’s were strong favourites to win. They opened the scoring when Watford’s goalkeeper fumbled an easy catch, allowing Christian Eriksen to prod the ball into the path of Dele Alli, who slotted into an open net. The Hornets didn’t lie down though and were unlucky not to be level at the break after missing a host of chances, the best of which fell to Andre Gray. They doubled the advantage and killed the game when Trippier crossed for Harry Kane to convert.
Midfielders
Dusan Tadic – Southampton went into their South coast clash with AFC Bournemouth knowing that they would need a win if they were to get back within touching distance of safety. Their remaining matches include trips to Everton and Swansea, as well as a clash with Champions Manchester City on the final day. Their next two matches will likely decide whether they will return to the Championship after a long spell in the top flight. They will be looking for big performances from the likes of Dusan Tadic, who netted a brace as they secured a 2-1 win against the Cherries.
Wilfried Zaha & James McArthur – Crystal Palace were 2-0 up against a ten-man Leicester side as they entered the final ten minutes. However, Roy Hodgson’s side wouldn’t sit on their lead, and added a third through Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Attacking full-back Patrick van Aanholt added a fourth, before Christian Benteke netted his third goal of the season from the penalty spot. The win will likely see Palace safe for another season, and in some style too. Fans of the Eagles have hailed the difference that the former England boss has made.
Raheem Sterling – Manchester City faced West Ham United as they continue to hunt down several records in the Premier League. These include most points and most wins in a season, which is testament to the season that Pep Guardiola’s side have had. They faced West Ham as the Hammers look anxiously over their shoulder towards the drop zone. City showed no mercy at the London stadium, and opened the scoring when Leroy Sané’s long range effort deflected off the head on Patrice Evra.
Idrissa Gueye – Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye is regularly considered one of the best outside of the top six sides. He was on target as Everton dispatched Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s stadium. They took the lead when Cenk Tosun met Theo Walcott’s ball to open the scoring. As time wore on, Huddersfield became more desperate for a goal, and were punished as they threw more players forward. The Toffees put the game to bed when Gueye drilled past Jonas Lossl from Leighton Baines’ ball.
Forwards
Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City doubled their advantage away at West Ham when Pablo Zabaleta put through his own net against his former side. However, West Ham looked to have found a way back into the match as Aaron Cresswell pulled a goal back. But, City aren’t a side to be phased by such an event, and just eight minutes into the second half Gabriel Jesus netted a third, taking a hit from the ‘keeper on the way through. Fernandinho added a fourth after another ten minutes to compound the Hammers’ misery.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
