Gameweek 36 would see us into the final three rounds of Premier League fixtures for the 2018/19 season. While some have seen their fate sealed already, others have it all to play for. Watford hosted Wolves in a massive game at Vicarage Road for the final European place. City would push for consecutive titles as they travelled to Burnley, after Liverpool had hosted Huddersfield Town. Brighton faced a massive test against Newcastle United at the AMEX as they looked to secure their place in the league for next season. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…
Goalkeeper
Sergio Rico – Fulham have had very little to shout about this season. They had however secured a couple of wins since their relegation was confirmed and were set to host a Cardiff side that desperately needed something if they were to make a go of Premier League survival upon their return to the top flight. However, Neil Warnock’s men would fall short. In the end, the match would be decided by a moment of sheer brilliance from Ryan Babel, who received the ball on the edge of the box and whipped a stunning effort into the top left corner.
Defenders
Andy Robertson & Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool’s full-backs have been a massive reason for their side’s success over the past couple of seasons. Andy Robertson has been one of the shrewdest buys the Reds have made in recent seasons, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a brilliant find from the club’s own youth system. While both are strong defenders, it’s undoubtedly their attacking contributions that set them above other full-backs in the league. They were both on great form as their side dismantled Huddersfield Town.
Cyrus Christie – Fulham have somewhat of a rebuilding job in summer. Having spent vast sums of money on players who have failed to cut the mustard means that they will face an immediate return to the Championship. It remains to be seen whether the West London side will be able to shift some of the more expensive acquisitions from the wage bill. Scott Parker has secured some good results in recent weeks, but the club will be looking to trim the fat from a squad that will almost definitely have to be reduced ahead of next season.
Ricardo Pereira – It’s been a fine first season in English football for Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City, who has slotted into a range of positions for the Foxes on the way to a possible European finish. Having featured at both right back and right midfield at points this season, his drive and energy has made him somewhat of a key player in a Leicester side that could really go places in the long run. The ability combined with the youth and drive within Brendan Rogers side could see a vastly improved season next time out.
Marcos Alonso – Chelsea have enjoyed a poor season; despite the fact they may will still end up with a Champions League place at the end of it. One of the players often accused of not pulling his weight is Spanish wing back Marcos Alonso. The former Bolton and Sunderland man enjoyed a flying start to his Blues career, although his reputation among Blues fans seems to have taken somewhat of a nosedive over the past couple of seasons. He did however manage a goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a 1-1 draw.
Midfielders
Mo Salah & Sadio Mané – Two regulars in the review, Sadio Mané and Mo Salah were in fine form as their side tore Huddersfield Town apart at Anfield on Friday night. The Reds led after a minute as Naby Keita screwed a shot in off the post. Goals from Mané and then Salah saw Jurgen Klopp’s side go in at half time with a three-goal lead. The two forwards would strike again in the second period to secure a confident 5-0 win. Liverpool know that any kind of slip now would make winning the title virtually impossible.
Diogo Jota – Wolves faced Watford in one of the biggest games of their season at Vicarage Road on Saturday. In a cagey affair the sides looked to be going into the interval with level scores until Raul Jimenez broke the deadlock, much to the delight of the travelling faithful. Andre Gray did, however, restore parity quickly in the second half. In a match the Hornets could not afford to lose the unthinkable happened as Ben Foster rushed out to claim a cross, allowing Diogo Jota to fire home a priceless winner, sparking scenes among the away fans.
Forwards
Callum Wilson – It’s been another strong Premier League season for Callum Wilson, how despite his regular injury problems always seems to get his name on the scoresheet where AFC Bournemouth are involved. He netted a brace as his side edged to a 3-3 draw with fellow South coast side Southampton at St. Mary’s. It remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe’s side will be able to hold onto not only Wilson, but fellow Cherries star Ryan Fraser as well. There has been much interest in the Scot, but it remains to be seen where he’ll be come August.
Jamie Vardy – Always the man on the big occasions, Jamie Vardy stepped up against Arsenal at the King Power on Sunday afternoon. After Ainsley Maitland-Niles was sent off in the first half Leicester were much the better side and broke the deadlock on the hour through loanee Youri Tielemans. They would leave it late to double their lead, doing so through former England international Vardy. He wasn’t finished there, though, as he added his second and his side’s third deep into injury time to complete a quite impressive victory for the Foxes.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
