With just six round of games to go, although some teams have played less, the 2020/2021 premier league season is now at the business end.
Last weekend’s round of games delivered a couple of interesting results, which could have an impact on how the teams end up in the final standings.
And in its usual tradition, Freshports review some of the matches played last weekend.
Chelsea Bounce Back: The Blues suffered their first defeat under Thomas Tuchel against West Brom, but they put that loss behind them with a comprehensive victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The pressure was on Chelsea to pick up the maximum after losing their place in the top four. Tuchel’s men dealt with the pressure perfectly as a brace from Christian Pulisic and Kurt Zouma’s header gave them a 3-1 win over the Eagles.
Although they are still outside the top four, the win puts them in contention.
West Ham Keep Defying The Odds: The Hammers were the beneficiaries of Chelsea loss to West Brom as they overtook the Blues on the table.
And it appears they won’t give up that spot after they beat another top-four rival Leicester at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham raced into a three-goal lead courtesy of a first half brace from the man of the moment Jesse Lingard and a second-half strike from Jarrod Bowen.
In-form Kelechi Iheanacho also scored a brace to spark hopes of a Leicester comeback, but West Ham held on for a vital win. The result keeps David Moyes men in fourth place, but more importantly, one point behind Leicester and two ahead of Chelsea.
And with just six games left, West Ham are edging closer towards a historic finish.
Liverpool Stay In Touch: Liverpool cannot mathematically defend their title anymore, but they are still in with a chance to qualify for the champions league.
It’s been a disappointing season for the Reds, but they seem to have regained their form in recent weeks. Having lost their six games at home in the league, it was the seventh time lucky for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they finally won at Anfield for the first time this year.
However, it was not without a scare. Aston Villa were the latest team to visit Anfield, and they took the lead on Saturday through Ollie Watkins.
It looked like history was going to repeat itself when Roberto Firmino’s strike was cancelled by VAR. But Liverpool levelled the scores minutes after the break through Mo Salah.
Liverpool were unable to find the winner until Trent Alexander Arnold fired in a superb winner in the first minute of added time. It was a much-needed win as it keeps them just three points behind fourth place.
And with the team on the brink of a champions league exit, it’s important they keep winning in the league if they want to play in Europe’s biggest club competition next season.
Mourinho Under Huge Pressure: Tottenham Hotspur embarrassing exit in the Europa League round of 16 meant the pressure is on Jose Mourinho to deliver champions league football.
But the Portuguese’s future is now in question after Spurs suffered a home loss to Manchester United. The result leaves Spurs six points behind West Ham and are now outsiders for the top four.
Mourinho’s future and Spurs season now rely on the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City later this month.
City Suffer A Shock Loss: Manchester City are 11 points clear at the top, but they suffered a shocking loss to Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium.
Leeds played most of the game with ten men after Liam Cooper was sent off. But Marcelo Bielsa’s men still went ahead to stun the champions-elect courtesy of a Stuart Dallas brace.
Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola’s men are still expected to win their third league title in four years.
