Premier League Week 22 Round-Up
Swansea ends Liverpool’s 12 months unbeaten streak at Anfield
Liverpool suffered a shock 3–2 defeat to the relegation-threatened Swansea City. Once again, it was the defense which proved to be their nemesis as some shocking piece of defending saw Swansea City scoring three goals, which proved too much for the reds.
Llorente opened the scoring for the Swans early in the first half. The tall centre-forward doubled the lead after five minutes with a thumping header from Tom Carroll’s cross. Roberto Firmino struck twice in the next 15 minutes to draw the host and set the stage for another Liverpool’s special comeback but instead, it was Sigurdson who struck the winner for the Swans with a calm close range finish in the 74th minute.
Liverpool has now lost to Burnley, Bournemouth and Swansea City. The nine points dropped might now prove too costly for the title-ambitious reds.
Chelsea extend lead to eight points
The Blues took advantage of their title rivals dropping points as moved eight points clear of the second positioned Arsenal after a hard fought 2–0 win over Hull City.
Diego Costa marked his comeback with a goal. The 28-year-old striker, who has been in scintillating form this season opened the scoring for Chelsea in the injury time of the first half before Cahill’s header sealed it for Antonio Conte’s men in the 80th minute.
Costa is now the joint top scorer with Sanchez with 15 goals.
Spurs fight back against City
Manchester City was left frustrated they were forced to a 2–2 draw after an absolute howler from the referee Andre Marriner. Goals from Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne gave the Citizens a commanding 2–0 lead before the in-form Deli Alli equalized got one back for Spurs in the 58th minute.
It was deja vu all again for Pep Guardiola’s men as they created a lot of chances but were unable to make them count.
Raheem Sterling had his shirt pulled by Kyle Walker in the 76th minute, which was a clear penalty. However, Andre Marriner ignored it and seconds later after the denied penalty appeal, Spurs equalized. It was bewilderment and fury at the Etihad Stadium for the home fans as Son equalized with a fine finish, completing a remarkable comeback.
Arsenal move second with a lucky win over Burnley
Ten-man Arsenal moved to second place, courtesy to Sanchez’s late penalty.
Shkodran Mustafi put the Gunners ahead with a header in the 59th minute before Andre Gray leveled things up for Burnley, dispatching a calm penalty in the 93rd minute.
But there was more drama to come.
A controversial decision from the referee handed Arsenal a penalty in the 98th minute. Alexis Sanchez showed nerves of steel as he chipped the penalty in the middle, securing three valuable points for the Gunners.
Wayne Rooney breaks record
Rooney rescued a point for the Red Devils after scoring a free-kick in the injury time. The goal marked Rooney’s 250th goal for United, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 249 goals. Mata’s own goal in the 19th minute gave Stoke the lead. It looked like the Potters will steal all the three points before Rooney curled in a wonderful free-kick in the 94th minute.
United are now unbeaten in their last 17 games, registering twelve wins and five draws in the process.
Other scores around the league
Leicester City struggles continued as the defending champions suffered an embarrassing 3–0 defeat to Southampton. Goals from Jay Rodriguez and James Ward Prowse gave Southampton a two-goal advantage before half-time. Dusan Tadic completed a comfortable win after scoring a penalty in the 86th minute. West Ham continued their winning streak in absence of Payet with a convincing 3–1 victory over Middlesbrough. Andy Carroll bagged a brace in the win for the hammers.
Everton edged Crystal Palace win a slender 1–0 scoreline, courtesy of Coleman’s late winner in the 87th minute. Bournemouth came from behind twice to steal a point against Watford in the 2–2 draw while West Brom cruised past Sunderland in the 2–0 win, piling more misery on Moyes’s men.
