Gameweek 23 would light up a dreary time of year as we edge a couple of weeks into the new decade. It would kick off with Spurs making the short journey north to face Watford at Vicarage Road. Manchester City would later face Crystal Palace as Norwich and Bournemouth met in a massive clash at the bottom. Newcastle would welcome Chelsea in the days late kick off, before Leicester travelled to Burnley. Manchester United would face Liverpool at Anfield to close out the weekends action. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…
Goalkeeper
Paulo Gazzaniga – Watford welcomed Spurs to Vicarage Road on Saturday as they looked to continue their quite superb form of recent weeks under the management of Nigel Pearson. They were awarded a second half penalty which may well have turned out to be the winner had skipper Troy Deeney not seen his weak effort saved by Paulo Gazzaniga. Spurs thought they had won it late on only for Hornets debutant Ignacio Pussetto to clear brilliantly off the goal line.
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk & Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool are getting closer to a first Premier League title with every passing week and knew that victory against Manchester United would see them extend their lead at the top of the league. They were delighted when Virgil van Dijk gave the Reds the lead early on, heading in from a corner. As United pushed for an equaliser late on Alisson would find Mo Salah, who charged through to net a second in the final seconds.
Federico Fernandez – Newcastle United sensed an opportunity to secure a result against a Chelsea side that have struggled in recent weeks in the Premier League. In a tight game Chelsea were repeatedly denied by Martin Dubravka in the Newcastle net. As time ticked on the Magpies started to sense the points were up for grabs, and they took them in the final seconds as Isaac Hayden headed home a winner that sparked wild scenes.
Midfielders
John Fleck – Arsenal welcomed Sheffield United to the Emirates on Saturday as they looked to exact their revenge after their defeat at Bramall Lane earlier in the season. They looked to be headed for three points after Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring on half time. However, the Blades wouldn’t go down without a fight and with ten minutes remaining they drew level courtesy of John Fleck, much to the delight of boss Chris Wilder and the travelling fans.
Adama Traoré – One of the standout players in the Premier League this season has been Adama Traoré, whose form for Wolves is the best we’ve seen since his arrival in England some years ago. He recorded two assists this weekend as he continues to put to bed accusations surrounding his end product. Traoré may well be glad he declined offers from the NFL in order to continue his career as a Premier League footballer.
Leandro Trossard – Brighton and Hove Albion welcomed Aston Villa to Sussex on Saturday afternoon looking to take three points against a side that have struggled since their return to the topflight after three seasons away. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the Seagulls, and he has provided moments of quality all season, even if he has struggled to find consistent form for Graham Potter’s side.
Jack Grealish – Captain of his boyhood club Aston Villa, Jack Grealish once again came up with the big moment late on for his side. As they trailed late on, a bouncing ball was played through to Grealish, who hammered a stunning half volley past Mat Ryan to spark scenes among the away fans. It’s a decent result for Villa and for Grealish, who continues to be linked with a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Ashley Westwood – Leicester City looked well on the way to yet another good win when Harvey Barnes scored a fine solo effort against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday. However, former Foxes striker Chris Wood would equalise from close range for the Clarets. Jamie Vardy would have the chance to put the away side back in front but was denied from the spot. It came back to haunt Brendan Rogers’ side as Ashley Westwood struck a late winner for the home side.
Forwards
Raul Jimenez – Wolverhampton Wanderers looked to be staring down the barrel when they found themselves 2-0 down against Southampton on Saturday. However, Nuno Santo’s side are used to coming from behind, and did so yet again to devastating effect as a brace from Raul Jimenez as well as another goal for Pedro Neto saw the away side in rapturous celebrations come the final whistle after a quite phenomenal display.
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City found themselves a goal down to Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday as they clung on to feint hopes of retaining the Premier League title. However, there’s always a way with Sergio Aguero on the pitch, and he looked to have won it he netted a late brace for the home side. However, Crystal Palace rallied and found a late goal of their own as Fernandinho put through his own net in injury time.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
