The race for the title has begun. Four teams are separated by six points, with Arsenal leading and City lagging behind. Little was expected of them, but the Birmingham villains have risen to third place in the Premier League, led by Basque coach Unai Emery. Wednesday’s breakthrough against Pep Guardiola’s team (1-0) gives Aston Villa options to fight for the title as well. Leaders Arsenal now come to Villa Park, in a match that will gather all expectations. These are the 5 most notable matches of matchday 16.
1
Crystal Palace-Liverpool
Saturday, 1:30 pm (DAZN)
Jurgen Klopp’s aversion to lunchtime hours is well known. Superstition or not, Liverpool have stumbled in that area many times. The visit to Selhurst Park came to the ‘reds’ at a good moment in the game, once again fighting for the title, which also coincided with the ‘eagles’ crisis of results. A threat Roy Hodgson has already received whistles from the fans, which is not very suitable: “They are spoiled,” he said after the defeat at Bournemouth (0-2). I hope they have enough empathy to stick with us when times are tough, like now. Yesterday he apologized. “I felt it
boo myself,” he said in self-criticism.
2
Aston Villa-Arsenal
Saturday, 6:30 pm (DAZN)
No team has ever dominated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, as Aston Villa did in Wednesday’s win (1-0). Apart from handcuffing the reigning champions, who were only allowed two shots on goal for the ‘villains’, the power shown by Unai Emery’s team gives them a chance to fight for the title. The calendar gives him the chance to show it against Arsenal, at a Villa Park that will be hotter than ever. Aston Villa wear the
record 14 consecutive victories at their stadium, a challenge for the Premier League leader.
3
Everton-Chelsea
Sunday, 3:00 pm (DAZN)
A high-pressure atmosphere at Goodison Park after a 10-point penalty was handed to the Toffees for their financial irregularities. Sean Dyche managed to motivate his players to react immediately, with a fighting spirit that gave them six points to two
match, also defeated Newcastle (3-0). Given the defensive problems presented by Pochettino’s Chelsea, the Blues’ visit to Liverpool will allow no more mistakes to be made. In his favour, the lively Conor Gallagher, who was suspended against United, could return. Everton’s pace will not let up and they will be the most uncomfortable rivals possible.
4
Luton Town-Manchester City
Sunday, 3:00 pm (DAZN)
The beloved Kenilworth Road awaits City, always an uncomfortable visit for the big teams. In its small stadium, which Rob Edwards wants to turn into a fortress, Luton Town have based their chances of continuing in the Premier. Liverpool did not win (1-1) and Arsenal was saved by a goal from Declan Rice, in the limit of injury time (3-4). It was a warning for Guardiola’s City, stuck in a crisis of results and far from its best level. Get four
battles without winning. Pep Guardiola, who will make up for Spanish Rodri, compared City to “a spoiled cat”. “Maybe I need that challenge – he said yesterday – to show that I am a good coach, to help the players overcome that situation.”
5
Tottenham-Newcastle
Sunday, 5:30 pm (DAZN)
After being the revelation team in the first half of the championship, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have gone five games without a win. It is not a crisis of play, but of results, because the level of Tottenham’s attack, generating scoring opportunities, has not declined, but their
Rivals were able to exploit their defensive concessions. Due to injuries, he suffered the loss of Micki van de Ven and James Maddison, two of his pillars. The same thing is happening in Newcastle, which has been plagued by casualties. Eddie Howe’s ‘magpies’ arrive in London needing to clean up the bad image they gave during their visit to Goodison Park. Everton beat them (3-0).
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
