The Premier League is set to enter into a short and sweet “winter break” of sorts in the next few days so instead of looking ahead to a parade of fixtures this weekend, we can only look back on what’s been and gone. English football’s top tier continues to throw surprise after surprise at us and with four months of the campaign still left to go, we can’t imagine it’ll be slowing down any time soon.
Today, we’re going to offer up some praise to five clubs who have earned the right to pat themselves on the back this week.
If you fancy putting down some bets on any of the teams listed, or any of the other sides in the top flight for that matter, head on over to our betting page.
Norwich 3-0 Watford
Norwich City were told by many that there was no chance of them surviving this season after just a handful of games had been played but now, they find themselves outside the bottom three with some real momentum on their side. The Canaries are beginning to discover their identity and if they can keep this up, they’re in with a legitimate shot at maintaining their place in the Premier League – perhaps at the expense of Watford.
Southampton 1-1 Manchester City
Southampton took the lead early on against Manchester City and really did hold onto it with everything they had. Sure, they ultimately couldn’t hold off the reigning champions, but that doesn’t mean they failed. City kept pushing and prodding in the hope of finding a winner but they just couldn’t do it, largely due to the fantastic resilience showcased by a Saints side who had something to prove.
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
Chelsea fans have become pretty used to winning against Tottenham Hotspur this season, with the Blues’ victory on Sunday making it 4-0 to them in the series for 2021/22. Still, you’re only as good as your last performance and Thomas Tuchel knew that his team were at risk of being dragged back into the top four battle if they didn’t make a statement. They won, and they did so comfortably, which is all you can ask against a defensive-minded Spurs.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool
It’s going to be bizarre in the eyes of many that we’ve put Crystal Palace on this list, given that they fell to a 3-1 loss to Liverpool. Alas, we would argue that two of Liverpool’s three goals shouldn’t have stood, with VAR’s intervention giving Jurgen Klopp’s men a huge helping hand. The Eagles, meanwhile, can be proud of the way in which they fought back into the game against one of Europe’s elite.
Manchester United 1-0 West Ham
Manchester United looked like they were heading down the path of yet another disappointing afternoon at the office at Old Trafford. Of course, what they didn’t realise was that ‘Fergie time’ is something that’ll forever be embedded into the roots of that football club regardless of who is in charge. Marcus Rashford was the man to tuck the ball home after nice work from Edinson Cavani, vaulting the Red Devils back into the top four in the process.
