Man United the only team to take advantage of dropped points in the Premier League
The Premier League title race is extremely tight this season with a number of top teams putting their name in the hat to challenge leaders Liverpool for the crown.
Following Liverpool’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Matchday 15, they were quickly humbled at Anfield by Sam Allardyce and his West Brom side in a 1-1 draw.
Soon after that, they were silenced by Steve Bruce‘s Newcastle in a 0-0 stalemate at St. James’ Park. Thanks to the double slip by the Reds, who are also the log leaders, Manchester United are only three points behind them after both powerhouses completed their Matchday 16 clashes.
When witnessing the 7-0 thumping of the Eagles, one could almost certainly say Jurgen Klopp’s men might stretch their point-gap even further – possibly running away with the league again.
Adding to the growing speculation of another runaway campaign, the other title contenders were dropping points all over the show while others endured COVID outbreaks, forcing postponements.
Clubs vying for the EPL crown or who stand a good chance to win gold thanks to the little points that seperate them are Man United, Chelsea, Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham, Man City, and wildcard clubs Aston Villa and Southampton.
Title contenders’ Matchday 17 results
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester City
Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa
Manchester United 1-0 Wolves
Everton vs. Manchester City [Postponed]
Tottenham vs. Fulham [Postponed]
More from Premier League
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
There are only seven points separating first-placed Liverpool and ninth-placed Southampton. Far more interesting and exciting than last season, isn’t it? But during Matchday 15 and 16, no club could take advantage of the Reds dropping points in back-to-back games besides Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s United.
A draw against top-four favourite Leicester came over the Christmas weekend and a last-minute gasp against Wolves most recently was enough to overtake every team ahead of them and place themselves second in the standings.
Now the question that is being asked… Are the Red Devils serious title contenders? Well, all clubs are losing players to injuries far more frequently than usual – and having to use your entire squad, reserves and first-team players, the league could shift in anybody’s favour – even Man United.
Next up in the title race (Matchday 17)
Everton vs. West Ham United
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa
Tottenham vs. Leeds United
Newcastle vs. Leicester City
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
Southampton vs. Liverpool
The Premier League weekend ahead, which takes place in 2021, was set up best for a title race. Six of the teams in the top nine play each other this weekend with Man City’s trip to Stamford Bridge the most exciting to look forward to.
Everton kicks off things against West Ham in some Friday night football action and can mount some serious pressure on those in front of them in the EPL standings, as they enjoy the very first English top-flight match of 2021.
Man United’s clash against Jack Grealish and company is by far one of the toughest to call off the bat and predict a final scoreline. The Villains have made themselves a tough cookie to crack. It will be interesting to see how this encounter pans out.
A fixture similar to that of the United-Villa one, the Reds trip to St. Mary’s. The Saints have too indeed made themselves hard to overcome and collect points against.
Spurs invite a firing Leeds United to North London. An extremely over attacking team that’s just put five past their previous opponents taking on one of the most defensive-minded teams in the Premier League – why wouldn’t you be excited about this clash?
Mourinho’s team have failed to win their last three EPL outings with their last victory coming against city rivals Arsenal at the beginning of the December month. The Foxes take on the resilient Newcastle.
Can they break them down, or will they starve in front of goal as Liverpool did against the Magpies?