Best Games of Matchweek 14!

We had two enthralling games this weekend, with lots of drama packed into each one. Lets see what happened!

Burnley 2-1 Wolves

Turf Moor

December 21st, 2020

Burnley know coming into this game that a win would put them out of the relegation zone for Christmas. On the other hand, Wolves are looking to change their recent poor run of form, and leapfrog West Ham United.

Burnley was a well oiled machine. In order to counter the Wolves attack, they would need a very solid defense, something that they were lacking in previous games. Ben Mee and Charlie Taylor led the team at the back, and Nick Pope made some comfortable but necessary saves when needed. However, they can also thank their good fortune, because Wolves crashed the ball onto the Burnley woodwork a few times. However, goals are what define a game, and Burnley had the goods. 

The first Burnley goal came from a good cross by Taylor on an overlap. Ashley Barnes had a very tight angle on goal, but he managed to squeeze it in past Rui Patricio, who probably should have kept it out. The second goal came from a free kick from way outside the half. The ball was headed from Ben Mee to James Tarkowski inside the box, and the static Wolves defense couldn’t clear the ball when it came to Chris Wood, who smashed the ball into the net from one yard out. Sean Dyche’s team was simply able to grind it out on the day. Their attacking and defending were good enough to get past Wolves.

Wolves could have won the game, if they hadn’t taken so many risks. Incredibly, Nuno Esperito Santo included three new young players into the starting lineup. Now, I’m not against giving Premier League debuts to inexperienced players, but I do know that Burnley are a tough nut to crack, and experienced players are what is needed to pose a real threat to a defensively minded team. Wolves looked to counter Burnley after set pieces, as Burnley tended to bring lots of players high up the field for corners and free kicks. Wolves were unlucky in this, as many of their shots off the counter hit the post, were close to going in, or were saved by Nick Pope. 

Pedro Neto had the most chances for Wolves, but none of his shots were very threatening. Wolves’ defense, however, looked open and vulnerable. Wolves are known to have a resilient defence, so this was a huge surprise. For instance, the entire defence switched off as the ball was hit around the penalty box from player to player, leading to the second goal. However, not everything was bad for Wolves. Their record signing Fabio Silva scored his first goal late on, after being fouled in the box. His penalty kick was as cool as a cucumber, low and far into the goal. Still, there is lots to be done regarding Wolves’ consistency, which looks to be nonexistent at the moment. 

Sean Dyche knows how important this game turned out to be. They are now out of the relegation zone. Wolves will be disappointed knowing that they could have pulled off a win had they been more careful with their choices. 

Everton 2-1 Arsenal

Goodison Park

December 19th, 2020

Arsenal came into this game knowing that this game was a must-win. Their performances had been poor, and they needed a fresh start. Everton are enjoying a relatively good run; a win today will boost their confidence.

Arsenal were very poor for the entire game. Again, they had problems everywhere, both up front and at the back. The issue that is plaguing Arsenal at the moment is that they don’t have a captain at the back. David Luiz had recently come back after an injury, and was expected to lead the back three with his experience. Today he put up a simply average performance, looking slow and having a poor time directing his fellow center-backs. Rob Holding was to blame for the Everton opener, scoring a much-preventable own goal from Alex Iwobi’s cross. 

Up front, Arsenal looked to be out of ideas. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was out injured, having gone down during training--a massive blow for the Gunners. Arsenal’s only goal of the night was a penalty; Ainsley Maitland-Niles was fouled by Tom Davies in the box, and Nicolas Pepe converted. No matter their struggles, you would have expected someone with experience to step up, such as Willian. However, nobody had any desire to get an equalizer, even though they knew their team needed it. Now, Arsenal are in 15TH PLACE. If Mikel Arteta doesn’t get sacked soon, then the Gunners know that they could be in for a relegation battle.

Everton continued their fine run of form. Something that I really liked about their performance was their passing and link-up play. The Blues played many quickfire passes that allowed them to open up space and turn away from defenders. It wasn’t the attack that won them the game, however. The Toffees’ defense and midfield caused the most problems for the Gunners. Michael Kean and Ben Godfrey put up really solid performances today. The first goal for Everton came from a lot of good luck, as a cross from Alex Iwobi that was latched on to by Dominic-Calvert Lewin bounced off Holding and into the Gunners’ net. Replays show that Calvert-Lewin’s header would have gone wide, so Everton can count their lucky stars for that one. The second goal came on the stroke of half time, when a quality cross from Gylfi Sigurdosson was pounced on by Yerry Mina who made an excellent run, sending the ball high and into the near post from a tight angle. Everton can earn another three points next week when they visit a helpless Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

 An injury ridden Arsenal side still should have shown more effort in this game, and their terrible streak continues. Everton will face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, looking to prove that they can fight for some silverware.