Premier League: 5 talking points from Matchweek 31

"It was a revised Premier League schedule this weekend because of the FA Cup, but that certainly didn’t stop the four matches from producing drama from the first to the last whistle at both ends of the table. Over the four games, fans with Premier League tickets witnessed their share of thirteen goals, a hat-trick, red card, penalty and not a single draw. "
Published by
19th Mar 2018
Categories: Premier League

We may have had a revised Premier League schedule this weekend but that certainly didn’t stop the four matches from producing drama from the first to the last whistle at both ends of the table. Over the four games, fans with Premier League tickets witnessed their share of thirteen goals, a hat-trick, red card, penalty and not a single draw.

Mohamed Salah was back to his superb best at Anfield after being nullified at Old Trafford last week. He was the star of the weekend where it looks equally likely to be seen as the weekend when West Brom's survival hopes faded and Stoke's bid for survival took a major blow - but Crystal Palace's were given a shot in the arm with victory at Huddersfield.

Salah in a league of his own

This weekend football fans where once again resoundingly reminded that Mohamed Salah is a little bit special. The ‘Egyptian King’ as he is known on the Kop, has scored 36 goals for Liverpool in all competitions, the most by a single player in their debut season for the Reds.

The Liverpool No.11 is the Premier League's top scorer, and he intends to stay on top with Harry Kane out injured. The £34 million summer signing is starting to look like a bargain buy for Jurgen Klopp and he is quickly becoming a hero on Merseyside.

Praise must also go to Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. The two players were just as effective as Salah on Saturday, finding and creating space for the Egyptian to work his magic as he obliterated a feeble Watford defence in their 5-0 thumping. Liverpool FC tickets remain extremely popular on our site, grab your tickets now before the end of the season!

Tosun Turkish delight

Their was also joy for the blue half of Merseyside who finally chalked up three points on the road in the Premier League.

Cenk Tosun became the first Turkish player to score a Premier League brace since Tuncay Sanli for Middlesbrough against Aston Villa in November 2008 as Everton won their second Premier League away match of the season, ending a run of five straight defeats on their travels.

This was only their second away win under Sam Allardyce and it was his record January signing who made the difference at Stoke. The striker made his presence felt once more, scoring twice in the 2-1 win at Stoke, making it four goals in his last three games.

Cherries defiance

Eddie Howe's side have now picked up an impressive 16 points from losing positions so far this season - more than any other club.

Bournemouth fell behind to a Jay Rodriguez strike early in the second half, before Jordon Ibe levelled the contest after 77 minutes. The Baggies looked like holding on to a draw until Junior Stanislas curled home a free-kick with pinpoint accuracy in the 89th minute to snatch a vital three points for Bournemouth and compound West Brom to more misery.

The win lifted Bournemouth FC into the top half of the table and they will be looking to finish the season with a flourish starting with an away trip to Watford after the international break on 31st March.

Palace paying the penalty

Crystal Palace were given a huge lifeline with a 2-0 triumph at Huddersfield which saw them move out of the bottom three with goals from James Tomkins and Luka Milivojevic.

The Eagles were on a barren run having not won in seven matches and losing the last four. However, their victory could be a turning point as they rose to sixteenth in the table and pull further away from both Stoke City and West Brom at the bottom of the table.

Luka Milivojevic has played a key role for Roy Hodgson this season and his goal from the spot means he has now scored six out of seven penalties this season, more than any other Premier League player and their crucial victory over Huddersfield was a real six pointer. A clean sheet will also give Palace huge confidence as their survival chances took a mighty boost.

Bye bye Baggies

Whether your glass is half empty, or half full, it does not look good for West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom’s relegation is all but assured, after another defeat in what has been, simply, an utterly dismal season. Their 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth leaves them ten points adrift at the foot of the Premier League table with eight games to go. Time is running out for West Brom to pull off ‘The Great Escape’ and with fixtures against Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham to come, the glass is emptying, fast.

The Baggies have lost a remarkable 24 points from winning positions this season. Their result at the weekend was another case of same old story. It is now eight defeats on the spin for Pardew’s men and with only three wins all season, the Championship looms.