Let us take a detailed look at what happened in another action-packed Premier League weekend:
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Matchday 33 had a limited number of games due to the FA Cup commitments of a few clubs. Out of a possible ten games, only six were played at the weekend. The title race had to be put on hold due to the unavailability of the top two Premier League sides. However, the real battle was for the top-four battle this weekend. Few shocking results have blown the race for the Champions League places wide open. There were some interesting developments in the bottom half of the table as well. Let us take a detailed look at what happened in another action-packed weekend:
The Premier League title race had to be put on hold for this weekend since league leaders Manchester City and second-placed Liverpool had their FA Cup commitments. Both English giants played each other in the semifinal of the cup competition, which saw the Reds prevailing 3-2 in the end. Besides, third-placed Chelsea were also not in action this weekend, since they had to play Crystal Palace in the other FA Cup semifinal. Thomas Tuchel’s Blues won that match 2-0.
READ MORE – Man City boss Pep Guardiola defends his players after the FA Cup semi-final loss
All four sides involved in the top four race played their respective matches. Three of those four sides dropped crucial points, making Manchester United the biggest winners of the weekend. Tottenham Hotspur suffered a shocking home defeat to Brighton, while Arsenal lost at Southampton. West Ham United, who have the least possible chance to finish in the top four places, drew at home to Burnley.
Hence, Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 3-2 victory for Manchester United at home to bottom side Norwich City has got them ever closer to the fourth spot. United (54) are now only three points behind Spurs, who occupy the last Champions League spot, after both sides played 32 matches. On the other hand, Arsenal are also on 54 points but have played a game less. Currently, goal difference significantly favours Tottenham, but with six games remaining, anything can still happen.
READ MORE – Tottenham vs Brighton: Seagulls win 1-0 courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s strike
All three sides currently occupying the relegation places played this weekend and all dropped crucial points. 19th and 20th placed Watford and Norwich City suffered defeats, while Burnley, who are 18th in the table, were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham United. Norwich lost 3-2 at Old Trafford despite putting up a valiant fight. Watford, on the other hand, will be massively disappointed, losing 2-1 at home to Brentford.
The victory more or less guarantees safety for Brentford but Watford are in big trouble. They have a six-point deficit over 17th-placed Everton and have also played two additional games. Burnley could only manage to secure a point at West Ham United. They are still three points behind Everton, having played a game more. Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s late 2-1 victory over Leicester City has almost assured Eddie Howe’s side safety this season.
Manchester City vs Liverpool: Talking points from the action-packed draw
