In this week's edition of the FRIDAY 5IVER, Desh takes a look at red-hot Bruno Fernandes, the wilting of the White Rose of York - sorry Leeds fans - and more from the Premier League.
The results of the past round of fixtures have changed the dynamic for the rest of the season – we have a title race on our hands. Table-toppers Manchester City went down 3-2 against Tottenham Hotspur with Harry Kane scoring a brace, handing Spurs a league double over City.
Burnley (who came into the previous round of fixtures in 20th place) put 3 past Brighton without return – undoubtedly one of the upsets of the weekend. In fact, three of the bottom four clubs picked up points, with the exception being Norwich (who subsequently come into this round of action dead last).
With that being said, I took a look at who’s been busy doing what exactly.
Bang in form Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has got 2 goals and 2 assists across his previous 3 appearances (across all competitions). He will be looking to breathe some life into the United attack who will play their final fixture, prior to the Manchester Derby. It has been a dismal showing on home turf – just 12 league goals in Manchester United’s previous 11 Old Trafford appearances. Furthermore, the Red Devils have dropped 13 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season. They’ve kept two clean sheets in their previous three home league fixtures, as many as they had in their previous 18 at Old Trafford so they seem to have some form going into this one.
⚽️ @Cristiano 51'
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 19, 2022
⚽️ @B_Fernandes8 90+7'
Two Portuguese magnificos got on the scoresheet in midweek 😎🇵🇹#MUFC pic.twitter.com/vOx4eVIwzE
Wild Wout
Wout Weghorst has started every single league fixture on offer (since signing for Burnley during the January transfer window). The Dutchman has hit the ground running as seen by 10 efforts – which weren’t bettered by any teammate. The striker has registered two assists and bagged a goal in just five league appearances. He is expected to add to his tally during this weekend as Burney square off against a Palace side who have lost three consecutive home league fixtures by an aggregate scoreline of 3-7.
Wout Weghorst ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/WNMQ7Qi6rJ
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) February 19, 2022
Watford home blues
Last time out, Watford made history by becoming the first premier league club to fail to keep a clean sheet in 18 consecutive home league fixtures. The Hornets have lost 10 of their 13 league fixtures played at home this campaign, but their shutout woes have continued from their previous campaign. Watford have been handed seven 1-0 league defeats – the most from all top-flight clubs. Moreover, the Hornets have conceded 11 goals in the final 10 minutes of play (also the most from all top-flight clubs).
rates Watford’s performance tbf #WATCRY #CPFC pic.twitter.com/TgWOaxpbWV
— tom🦅 (@tomjones2610) February 24, 2022
Barren Benrahma
Said Benrahma is yet to find the back of the net following his return from AFCON. The attacker has featured four times for his club since, where he has attempted a combined 10 shots, hitting the woodwork once. Furthermore, the wideman has missed three big chances. He also copped a fair bit of flack for his leisurely departure from the pitch with his side drawing 1-1 with Newcastle The Hammers have scored in 100% of the Premier League home games this season – a feat only Liverpool can match from all top-flight clubs.
“Here comes said benrahma on the wing” pic.twitter.com/fQFpQOZdbG
— OgbonnaSZN (@WHU_Zoubonner) February 23, 2022
Lacklustre Leeds
Leeds have lost their previous 3 league fixtures by an aggregate scoreline of 13-2. The club has conceded 4+ goals in a Premier League game on five occasions – the most from all top-flight clubs. Since their last clean sheet against Crystal Palace in November, Leeds have shipped 36 goals in just 11 league fixtures – including six against Liverpool midweek.
A memorable night at Anfield as the Reds record a resounding 6-0 victory over Leeds United 😍📽 pic.twitter.com/tmM0Y0K5BL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2022
