Match week 23 proved to be a great week for the Premier League’s bottom five clubs as they all earned important points in their fight for top flight survival.
Hull City continued their good start under new boss Marco Silva as they came away with a point against Manchester United. The two sides, fresh from their EFL Cup semi-final encounter, failed to find the net at Old Trafford in the 0-0 draw.
Sunderland stayed within a point of the Tigers following a very credible draw of their own against Tottenham Hotspur. Once again, the two teams failed to find the net, despite Spurs having far more of the game’s best opportunities.
While the two bottom-placed sides drew, Crystal Palace and Swansea City earned vital victories against the two South Coast sides. The Eagles overcame AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium thanks to goals from Scott Dann and Christian Benteke, securing their first win since 3 December. Meanwhile, Swansea’s good start under Paul Clement continued as they defeated Southampton at home. Gylfi Sigurdsson netted the winner after Shane Long cancelled out Alfie Mawson’s early first half header.
Those results saw Leicester City sucked into the relegation battle as the current champions were beaten by Burnley. Despite a suspicion of handball, Sam Vokes’ late goal was awarded by the referee to condemn the Foxes to yet another defeat away from home.
Watford climbed seven points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a memorable win against Arsenal. Former Tottenham defender, Younes Kaboul, saw his deflected free-kick wrong foot Petr Cech and nestle in the net, before talisman Troy Deeney tapped home moments later. Gunners youngster Alex Iwobi reduced the deficit in the second half but the north Londoners’ title hopes took a huge dent.
The biggest game of the match week came at Anfield where Liverpool drew 1-1 with league leaders Chelsea. David Luiz’s free-kick put the Blues ahead but Georginio Wijnaldum’s second half header sealed a point for Jurgen klopp’s team. Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved a late Diego Costa penalty after the Spainish international appeared to dive in the box. Liverpool remain fourth following their bad January form, ten points behind Antonio Conte’s side.
West Ham United began life without Dimitri Payet with a demoralising 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side appear to finally be kicking back into gear after their poor form since October. Goals from Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Yaya Toure ensured the big win.
Peter Crouch netted his one-hundredth Premier League goal as Stoke City drew 1-1 with Everton. The target man put the Potters into a first half lead and responded to the landmark with his famous ‘robot’ dance celebration. However, Crouch and his side were forced to settle for a point when Seamus Coleman’s cut inside from the right and saw his effort deflect into the net via Ryan Shawcross.
Finally, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion also played out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium. James Morrison scored the opening goal for the Baggies against his former side just six minutes into the game, but the lead only lasted eleven minutes before Alvaro Negredo scored from the penalty spot.
