The Best Plays of Premier League Matchweek 27
Premier League Matchweek 27 included shocking results and remarkable goals.
Manchester United silenced rivals Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, a year after the Red Devils played their last home match (against City) with fans in attendance. To their credit, City bounced back and extended their lead at the top of the league four days later by hammering Southampton 5-2.
Thomas Tuchel inserted Kai Havertz into his starting lineup, and the German playmaker repaid his manager’s faith by starring in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton. David Moyes’ high-flying West Ham also took care of Leeds United with the same scoreline.
The matchweek’s shock result arrived at Anfield as Scott Parker’s resilient Fulham side upset Liverpool 1-0. The victory boosted the Cottagers‘ Premier League safety odds, while the Reds saw their historic home losing streak rise to six games.
Even though City look destined to win their fifth title, some Premier League storylines are still alive. Here are the best plays from Premier League Matchweek 27.
Che Adams’ rocket vs Sheffield
In football, there are times when you know a player has scored a wondergoal before the ball has even left their foot. Che Adams’ goal was just that. Having come on for Danny Ings in the 13th minute, Adams’ well-placed volley left Aaron Ramsdale helpless in goal. To make matters worse, Adams used to ply his trade for Sheffield United. Unlucky lads.
Tielemans’ telepathy
Leicester City’s hard-fought victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium came courtesy of Youri Tielemans. The Belgian received plaudits for his performance in the Foxes’ midfield and his no-look pass for Kelechi Iheanacho’s leveler was pure genius.
At first glance, it looks as if Lewis Dunk just lost his footing and couldn’t get to the ball, but the weight of Tielemans’ pass coupled with Iheanacho’s intelligent body movement perfected the play. Iheanacho’s cheeky chip was one for FIFA 21 lovers.
Kane’s curler vs Palace
There were plenty of plays to choose from Spurs’ win over Crystal Palace, but the obvious pick was Harry Kane’s worldie. Tottenham players found each other neatly in the lead-up play before the Englishman unleashed a stunning strike that gave Vicente Guaita no chance.
A classic Harry Kane goal. He’s without a doubt the first name in England’s Euro 2021 team sheet.
Honorable Mentions
Areola to the rescue
Alphonse Areola had no right to save Diogo Jota’s volley! The Frenchman kept out Liverpool all afternoon, and his performances in the Fulham goal this season make him an FPL necessity. With him in goal, Scott Parker’s resilient side are making significant strides towards safety.
Shaw seals the derby
Luke Shaw is making a case for himself as England’s best left-back. Since Alex Telles’ arrival, Shaw has had ten clean sheets and six direct goal contributions to his name. During the Manchester Derby, the left-back was at the heart of United’s quick build-up goal that caught City on their heels and ended their long unbeaten streak. Not a terrible way to score your second ever Premier League goal.
Mahrez dances past Southampton
City’s 5-2 win over Southampton had plenty of must-watch moments and my pick of the bunch was their third. Ilkay Gundogan must thank Riyad Mahrez for creating his 12th goal of the season, as the Algerian played a one-two with Kevin De Bruyne before exploding through the Saints’ defense and unleashing a shot with his weaker foot. Alex McCarthy could only palm Mahrez’s strike towards the post, and the ball found Gundogan’s stride for a simple tap-in.
Poor ol’ Xhaka
Arsenal’s 1-1 draw to Burnley was anything but boring. The away side relentlessly attacked the Burnley end during the second half, but the home side kept the Gunners at bay by defending for their lives. Arsenal’s hard work was in vain, and not much needs to be said about Granit Xhaka’s first-half howler. Chris Wood will never score an easier goal.
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