Continuation of the 29th day of the Premier League with an enticing program this Wednesday evening, since Arsenal and Manchester City, the two competitors for the title, were in action, respectively on the Brighton pitch and against Nottingham Forest at home. First with 5 points in advance (but a game more), the Gunners had the merit of making their task easier thanks to Saka, whose seemingly innocuous shot was deflected very slightly by Baleba. Enough to deceive Verbruggen and lead 1-0 in the 9th minute. However, Brighton, as often this season, was far from unworthy in the game and knew how to be threatening. Gabriel had to work, on a lob from Baleba or on a breakthrough from Mitoma, to protect Raya’s goals.
As in recent weeks, Arsenal struggled to create chances in the game and were content to leave the ball to their opponent. And Brighton clearly did not have the weapons, despite the good will of Georginio Rutter, aligned up front, to endanger the Gunners’ defense, although deprived of William Saliba. Final score 1-0. Meanwhile, Manchester City took longer than Arsenal to find the fault against Nottingham Forest and it was necessary to count on the Cherki-Semenyo duo to deceive the opposing wall. The Frenchman attracted 3 defenders before delivering a cross to the line which was perfectly taken by the Ghanaian. But Man City did not take shelter, and on Nottingham’s first foray into the opposing half, Gibbs-White scored a splendid goal with a malicious backheel after a header from Igor Jesus. From a corner, a specialty of rival Arsenal, Rodri immediately responded to Forest’s equalizer. But after Gibbs-White’s marvel, it was the other English international, Elliot Anderson, who stood out with a curling shot which deceived Donnarumma. The Citizens pushed very hard in stoppage time but the score no longer moved (2-2). This draw allows Arsenal to gain an additional 2 points lead.
Chelsea finds inspiration
A very important match was taking place at Villa Park. Very important because it is decisive in the race for Europe, and particularly interesting for PSG and LOSC, future opponents of the two clubs concerned. Aston Villa, in a bad spiral, welcomed Chelsea in search of points. Unai Emery’s men opened the scoring with a madjer from Douglas Luiz on a cross from Leon Bailey, two players who returned to the club in January. But in this very lively match, Chelsea was quick to come back to the score, thanks to João Pedro, on a caviar from Malo Gusto. The Brazilian striker doubled the lead at the end of the first period to give Chelsea the advantage, quite brilliant offensively but still feverish defensively.
After the break, Cole Palmer made the break, coming to punish Emiliano Martinez who had boxed, full axis, a cross coming from the right. Then João Pedro scored a hat-trick, with the help of Garnacho, who was very altruistic at the time. With João Pedro in great shape in recent weeks (author of 14 goals in the Premier League) and Cole Palmer who is gradually returning to his best level, Chelsea are back in 5th place from Liverpool and are within 3 points of their evening opponent in the standings, in the race for qualification for the Champions League.
Premier League standings here
The results of the evening:
- Brighton 0-1 Arsenal : Saka (9e)
- Man City 2-2 Nottingham Forest : Semenyo (31e), Rodri (62e) / Gibbs-White (56e), Anderson (76e)
- Aston Villa 1–4 Chelsea : Douglas Luiz (3e) / João Pedro (35e, 45+6e, 64e), Palmer (55e)
- Fulham 0–1 West Ham : Summerville (65e)
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– UPDATE
