The Best Games of Matchweek Nineteen!

Leicester 2–0 Chelsea 

Leicster come into this game knowing that if they win they can temporarily go to the top of the Premier League. Frank Lampard knew that the blues needed a win soon, or else his job would be on the line.

Leicster were by far the better team throughout the game. The Foxes were ruthless in midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi putting in a great shift, shutting down the likes of Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic for large parts of the game. James Maddison was the creative force in Leicester’s engine room, able to find pockets of space while also being a goal-scoring threat. However, I don’t think that enough has been said about Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman has taken the place of Calgar Söyüncü in the center back role, and made it his own. He was one of the main reasons why the Foxes were able to keep a clean sheet, as he managed to position himself smartly every single time for every play. For a 20-year-old, he is very mature. I'm sure that we will be seeing more of Söyüncü in the coming weeks, but what is wrong with a healthy dose of competition? All in all, the whole team was on the same page, and that’s what got them the three points. 

The first Leicester goal happened soon after kickoff, when Leicester capitalized on a corner kick. Marc Albrighton picked up the ball and dribbled to the brink of the goalkeeper line, then fizzed a low cross back outwards. Harvey Barnes tried to connect with the ball, but missed. However, Ndidi was right outside the penalty box. The ball came to him and, striking the ball with the outside of his foot, crashed it off the post and into the net. Luck maybe, but it sure looks like it was worked out on the training ground. The second Leicester goal came when Albrighton launched an accurate cross from midfield to Jamie Vardy, who went down after contact with Antonio Rüdiger. However, an unmarked Maddison was able to pounce on the end of the cross, steering the ball past Edouard Mendy. Things are looking great for Brendan Rodgers and the Foxes, who continue their hunt.

Frank Lampard's team went from bad to worse today as they humiliated themselves once again. The Blues look a complete shadow of their former selves from just a few months ago. There doesn’t seem to be any improvement from week to week, which is very concerning. The only Chelsea player who I can find any positives from was probably Mendy, which is saying something, considering that he conceded two goals on the night. Ben Chilwell was decent going forward, but didn’t add much defensively. And of course, we need to talk about Timo Wener. The German set Chelsea back a reported 53 million euros, and he sure hasn’t paid back what he cost. The striker looks to be out of confidence right now, once again appearing useless in the final third. Someone needs to straighten him up, or he may become a benchwarmer.

Chelsea’s defence was slow and unreliable once again. Reece James was at fault for the second Leicester goal, as he failed to track his marker Maddison. James was again put under the spotlight as, only a few minutes later, he failed to keep an eye on James Justin. An incoming cross was met by the Englishman who had loads of space but this time failed to score, missing the goal by mere inches. On the other side of the field, Chelsea’s attack had determination, but lacked conviction. Their finishing could only be described as rushed. Tammy Abraham had a few decent chances, all of which were hit straight at Kasper Schmeichel. Werner actually was able to put the ball in the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out as offside. Yet another poor performance from the Blues leaves Frank Lampard on the ropes.

Leicester at least temporarily go top of the league with a convincing win against Chelsea, and Brendan Rodgers knows that these could be three priceless points, against a top team. Frank Lampard’s next game is against Luton Town in the FA Cup, as he looks to at least try to win the competition. However, you wonder if he will still be around to see it out… 

Manchester United 2–1 Fulham

Man United entered the game in impressive form, challenging for the top spot. On the other hand, Fulham came into the game still in the relegation zone, but have been picking up important points that could save them from the drop. 

Fulham may have lost the game, but they continue to play the way Scott Parker wants them to. That's what impresses me most. They never forget their playing style even under pressure. Ola Aina was great for the whole 90 minutes, causing disruption through the passing lanes, running up and down the field, and going for every ball. Zambo Anguissa was great in the middle of the park, and played a great pass for the only Fulham goal of the night. However, Alphonso Areola made a mess later on, fumbling a low cross from Bruno Fernandes and allowing Edinson Cavani to tap in the equalizer. Even though Areola made the mistake, he still had a great game, making some stunning saves, such as a point blank stop against Cavani’s header.

Fulham's only goal of the night came early in the match, when Anguissa spotted Ademola Lookman making a run into the box. He pinged a through-ball past the defense, straight to the Englishman. Lookman took one great touch, and then rifled it low past David De Gea. It was a smart finish from Lookman, for his third goal of the season. However, that’s not to say that that was their only opportunity to score. If Fulham had taken their chances, they may have even won this game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek no doubt was one of the best players on the field, but after Fulham hit United with a counterattack, and Loftus-Cheek was handed an opportunity to score, he lost his composure and skied the ball over the bar. Scott Parker should be proud that his team not only competed, but almost came away with points.

Man United, yet again, won another game on the road. The Red Devils looked lively all game long, and when they needed people to step up, step up they did. Bruno Fernandes was excellent throughout the match, creating chances and threatening the defense. After a poor pass allowed him to dispossess Kenny Tete, he put in a stinging cross that Areola could not handle, freeing up Cavani to score the leveler. In my opinion, the first Manchester United goal came from a number of factors—sheer will, a mistake, and luck. 

As great as Fernandes was, the star of the game was undoubtedly Paul Pogba. Pogba was simply phenomenal, using his intelligence to break down blocks, and making everything look easy. It doesn't look like he wants to leave, regardless of what his agent claims. When his team needed him most, he delivered the goods. On the edge of the box, he picked up the ball, took one touch, and rocketed it from a tight angle. It nestled into the far corner of the net, no chance for Areola. Most would not have seen the opportunity to shoot, let alone make the attempt. This is the kind of dimension that Pogba brings to any team. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be delighted that his team gave it their all, and brought them back to the top of the table.

Manchester United are now 13 games unbeaten in the league, and talks of a serious title attempt should no longer be scoffed at. However, it remains to be seen if Solskjaer has what it takes to make sure that his team is consistent throughout the rest of the season. For Fulham, they know that if they can continue to keep their chins up, they may have a chance at Premier League survival.