The Premier League returned this weekend but only five games were played due a mid-season split. While some teams enjoyed the warm weather camps in Dubai and Spain, ten other teams got back to business. There were big wins for Man City and Chelsea, while points were well earned in three other games. Here are this weekends results;
Burnley 1-1 Luton Town
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
Newcastle 2-3 Man City
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
Man United 2-2 Tottenham
Burnley 1-1 Luton Town
In an all important bottom of the league clash, VAR is once again was the main talking point. Burnley keeper, James Trafford, collided with Adebayo which led to Carlton Morris’s added time equaliser. Vincent Kompany, seething with this decision, questioned the use of VAR and the referees, “What are we doing? I don’t get it any more.” Burnley began the game well with Zeki Amdouni’s opener to give the clarets the lead on 36 minutes. Luton came out fired up for the second half and were ultimately the better side. A draw, a fair result and it has led to more questions surrounding VAR and what exactly its use is with these big decisions.
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
Cole Palmer’s 1st half added time penalty was enough to see Chelsea claim their 3rd league win in a row. This win sees them rise to ninth in the league and above Newcastle. This was an underwhelming performance by the home side and the Blues will be relieved to get 3 points and continue their winning form in this local derby. Fulham were unlucky not to get a point from this as they tested Chelsea on numerous occasions, only for Petrovic in goal, this could have been a different score-line. Cole Palmer continued his fine form, while Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher worked hard to earn these 3 points for Chelsea.
Newcastle 2-3 Man City
Kevin De Bruyne. Need there be more said? Within 5 minutes of being introduced as a second half substitute, the Belgian got on the scoresheet and equalised for the Citizens. Oscar Bobb got the late winner but it was that audacious pass from De Bruyne that is the talking point. This was the game of the weekend and Newcastle can count themselves unlucky. Silva opened the scoring with a lovely back heel but Isak and Gordon scored within a minute of each other to put Newcastle ahead at half time. The introduction of De Bruyne changed the game and led City to a vital win to keep pressure on leaders Liverpool.
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa missed the chance to move level on points with leaders, Liverpool, with a goalless draw with Everton. Villa had thought they opened the scoring when Alex Moreno shot from outside the box only for VAR to rule out the goal, after a four minute delay. Villa can thank Martinez for saving them from Calvert-Lewin and Garner before half time. Everton battled hard and could have got more from this game. This draw sees Everton remain at 17th, a point above the relegation spots, while Villa now drop to third after City’s win.
Man United 2-2 Tottenham
Old Trafford was the venue for the final game of this weekend and it proved to be a great game to end the week on. Rasmus Hojlund rifled his shot into the top corner after 3 minutes to give United the lead. The Danish striker is now beginning to find his feet in the Premier League. Tottenham quickly responded with a Richarlison header to level matters. The Brazilian has now scored 6 goals in 6 games for Spurs. United regained the lead when Hojlund set up Marcus Rashford for his first Old Trafford goal since May 2023. Tottenham instantly responded after half time when Timo Werner cleverly assisted Rodrigo Bentancur, one minute into the second half. Spurs came from behind twice in this game, highlighting how much they have improved under Ange Postecoglou. They are starting to show some belief that they can compete with the sides above them. For United, an observant Sir Jim Radcliffe, alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, will take the positives from this game and see it as a big step in their progression to achieve Champions League football again next season.
Player of the weekend: Kevin De Bruyne
Goal of the weekend: Oscar Bobb
Game of the weekend: Newcastle 2-3 Man City
Controversy of the weekend: VAR (Burnley v Luton)