Three Talking Points From Gameweek 35
Here are three talking points that we can take from the Premier League’s Gameweek 35.
1. The relegation battle isn’t over yet
Aston Villa and Bournemouth both recorded unlikely but massive victories to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.
Both sides upped their games for two matches that they simply couldn’t afford to lose.
Bournemouth had the bigger challenge with a challenging game away to Champions League hopefuls Leicester City.
Leicester looked in cruise control before the break, 1-0 up and Schmeichel had rarely been threatened.
Few would have predicted what was to unfold in the second half.
Bournemouth produced the sort of football that they had, before this season, come accustomed to playing under the popular Eddie Howe.
They scored 4 second half goals, although they were helped by some poor Leicester defending and a silly red card from Soyuncu.
It was as essential for Villa to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, defeat would have left them on the verge of relegation. They played with their hearts against a Palace side safe from relegation and with little left to play for.
It was Trezeguet who was their hero on the day, scoring a brace, but it was an all-round impressive team performance.
The unfortunate truth for fans of both clubs is that they will both most likely still go down, they are still three points from safety with just three games to go and Watford in 17th are finding their feet too.
However, there is finally some hope for both sides, something they haven’t had for a while and something Norwich would dearly like to still have.
Bournemouth shocked The Foxes in a 4-1 thrashing. (via Getty Images)
2. Manchester City’s European ban being overturned means top four battle will go to the wire
In the same week in which all three sides vying for Champions League football dropped points, it was confirmed that Manchester City’s two-year European ban has been overturned, meaning that 5th place is no longer good enough for a Champions League spot.
Chelsea’s defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday opened the door for both Leicester and Manchester United but as Leicester blew that chance away in embarrassing style, United were also denied the chance to go 3rd by a last gasp equaliser from Southampton.
Those two results mean that it will most likely go down to Manchester United vs Leicester City to determine the final Champions League spot on the final day of the season.
Chelsea have the best run in out of the three sides, starting with a game tonight against relegated Norwich and they also avoid facing either of their top four rivals.
They do face two tough games though, none more so than Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield, which is followed by their last game of the campaign at home to European hopefuls Wolves.
The shock news of City’s European Ban being overturned means that the race for Top 4 just got even more exciting. (via Getty Images)
3. Spurs win London derby to give European boost
It was a much needed win for a Spurs team running out of steam in their bid for European football, they have looked weak at the back and lethargic going forward but if anything is going to give you a new lease of life, it’s with a win against bitter rivals Arsenal.
It was more than just three points, it was a Mourinho masterclass that rolled back the years and showcased to everyone that he still has that magic touch, even if it’s been fading in recent years.
It wasn’t a pretty performance but how many memorable Mourinho masterclasses have been pretty?
They didn’t play well; they saw little of the ball and were often wasteful when they did have it, but they took the big chances that came their way and defended in a way that Jose would have been proud of.
As for Arsenal, they have a long road to get back to what the club and the fans would deem to be acceptable and their hopes of European football next season are nearly over.
Going forward, Arteta could be the right man, it is widely known that Pep looked to him for advice in his time at Manchester City and that is really saying something.
He has a good footballing brain and appears to be willing to give opportunities to the youth, as we’ve seen Saka’s impressive breakthrough season continue under Arteta.
Sunday’s North London Derby win was massive for Mourinho’s Spurs. (via Getty Images)