PL Round 17 Summary: Brentford take on the big man again, Citizens keep pace with Arsenal

The 17th round of the Premier League was played on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Or rather, they were the 16th matches, as the seventh round in September was completely postponed after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. How did the first games after Christmas look?

Brentford vs. Tottenham 2: 2

Already the Spurs line-up without World Cup finalists Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero suggested that the visitors would have a tough time. Moreover, Brentford came out with high intensity and led 2: 0 after 50 minutes.

But then Tottenham started their traditional turnaround, only to equalise at 2-2. Harry Kane became the top scorer in Boxing Day history.

Leicester vs. Newcastle 0::3

Leicester put to rest an excellent November performance and without James Maddison they didn’t keep up. At half time it was decided, Newcastle were 3: 0 up and that’s how the game ended. A rampant attack against a struggling defence.

Southampton vs. Brighton 1::3

As in the previous three South Coast derbies, the home side did not win this one. Similar scenario to Leicester, Saints are plagued by defensive problems.

Solly March put the final nail in the coffin with a great shot from distance, sending the rivals to the bottom of the table. Brighton continue to dream of cups.

Everton vs. Wolverhampton 1::2

The game between perhaps the worst teams of the season in terms of play was decided by a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Julen Lopetegui won on his debut on the Wolves bench, Frank Lampard once again proved that he can’t work with a decent squad at all so far.

Crystal Palace vs. Fulham 0::3

The home side failed to take advantage of their opening opportunities, after conceding the first goal they were brought down by two red cards, the second one in particular being completely unnecessary. Fulham then finished the game against a weakened opponent.

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool 1::3

Ollie Watkins was biting at the tip of the Villans’ attack, but only got one goal. Darwin Nunez, on the other hand, burned three scoring chances. But he didn’t have to be sorry. Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson scored, while talented Stefan Bajetic also scored for the first time.

West Ham vs. Arsenal

West Ham led after the penalty goal, yet Arsenal had a winning energy all game. They turned the tide in the second half with three goals in the space of 15 minutes. One on the right side saw Vladimir Coufal fall behind, Tomas Soucek went off his game late on.

Chelsea vs. Bournemouth 2::0

Kai Havertz and Mason Mount crossed for each other’s goals, but Chelsea didn’t let Bournemouth get anything going. Graham Potter finally broke a five-game winless streak. It was about time.

Manchester United vs. Nottingham 3: 0

Nottingham didn’t play a bad game at all, but they were brought down by two first half errors, which the Red Devils, led by the brilliant Marcus Rashford, took advantage of. Fred added the insurance at the very end.

Leeds vs. Manchester City 1::3

The home goalkeeper Ilian Meslier kept the scoreless until the first half, but then his teammates did not finish the situation and Rodri opened the scoring. After the change of sides, Erling Haaland scored his 19th and 20th league goals, the fastest ever two dozen goals in Premier League history.

Source: Premier League