In this week’s edition of the Friday 5iver, we take a look at Chelsea’s dismal home Premier League record this season, the race for fourth spot and more!
The week was dominated by the semi-finals of the Champions League. Liverpool booked their place in the final whilst Manchester City blew an 89th minute lead to crash out of the competition.
The previous round of Premier League action culminated with Manchester United’s bout with Brentford with the Red Devils running out 3-0 winners against the plucky Bees.
Since making his league debut in February 2020, only Mohamed Salah (73) and Harry Kane (65) have been involved in more league goals than Bruno Fernandes (61 – 36 goals and 25 assists, level with Son Heung-min).
Norwich became the first club to be relegated, following their loss to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa team. Watford could become the second club, should they not win their tie against Crystal Palace (who are undefeated in their previous 4 home league fixtures).
With that being said, here are a few other players who will be looking to make an impact.
Chelsea’s home blues
Just 44% of Chelsea’s Premier League points this season have come in home games (29/66), with only Watford (32%) and Brighton (36%) winning a lower share at home this term. Marcos Alonso has started Chelsea’s previous 3 home league outings. During that period, the wing back attempted a team high 10 shots, however just 1 was on target. Whilst he didnt find the back of the net, he delivered an assist from his 4 chances created. Chelsea come up against a Wolves team that have lost their previous 3 league outings – failing to score a goal in that spell
🗣️"They've got to stop the wheels coming off!"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 24, 2022
Gary Neville discusses Chelsea's recent home form ahead of their fixture today against West Ham. pic.twitter.com/7A8pVVWa8O
Rejuvenated clarets aiming to take another step toward safety
Burnley have won three straight league outings, keeping two clean sheets in that spell. Matej Vydra has started just five league fixtures for Burnley this season, with two of those coming across the club’s previous three league appearances. During that run, he has attempted a team-high three shots bagging a goal. Furthermore, he has returned an assist which means he was involved in two of their previous five goals scored. Burnley come up against a Villa team that have taken just a single point from their previous three away league outings
✅ 1-2 vs. Watford
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 5, 2022
✅ 1-0 vs. Wolves
✅ 2-0 vs. Southampton
🤝 1-1 vs. West Ham
Burnley boss Mike Jackson on being nominated for April Premier League Manager of the Month. pic.twitter.com/zqbhz7y2xH
Gunners aiming to gap Spurs
Arsenal have won their previous three league outings, scoring nine goals in that run. With Tottenham Hotspur making the trip to Anfield this weekend, Arteta’s men will know they have a great chance to tighten their grip on fourth place. Nuno Tavares has started each of the Gunners’ previous 3 fixtures where he has attempted 5 shots, scoring once. During this spell, Tavares’ 9 crosses and 5 fouls are both team-leading totals so he may just prove the difference in this one.
Four games to go.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 1, 2022
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 to play for.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of today's action as we move back into the top four! 😎#WHUARS | Match highlights 📺 pic.twitter.com/3oV4uN1TAU
Free-scoring City must bounce back after UCL heartbreak
Manchester City have scored 12 goals across their previous three league outings. Despite notching up 180 league minutes out of a possible 270 in that spell, Raheem Sterling failed to deliver an attacking return. Sterling did attempt five shots of which, none were on target. The forward could have got on the scoresheet as seen by his two big chances missed. Moreover, he failed to create a single chance and registered just 5 crosses in that time. He did complete 13 successful dribbles which is a team-leading total for this period. City come up against a Newcastle team who have won four of their previous 5 league outings and gave Liverpool a really tough time of things last week.
🗣 “Man City have shown in the past few years they have a similar mentality to Liverpool.”@C_Hannan7 of @TheAnfieldWrap doesn’t believe last nights #UCL exit for Manchester City will impact the Premier League title race. pic.twitter.com/EGvweipLru
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 5, 2022
Liverpool host Spurs in must-win game
Liverpool have won their previous three league outings, scoring seven goals in that run. Whilst Diego Jota didn’t get in on the act, he did return two assists. The forward could’ve added to his season tally as seen by his 2 big chances missed. Furthemore, no Liverpool player was fouled more than he was and his six chances created is a team-leading total for this period. Jota did attempt 8 shots – which was only bettered by Luis Diaz (10) from all teammates during this period. The Reds face Spurs on Saturday evening in a fixture they simply must win to keep the pressure on Manchester City who play against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
"We can go there and play to try to get three points" 💪
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2022
Antonio Conte praises Liverpool but says he does not want his Tottenham side to be scared of them.pic.twitter.com/yRoLBw9dSl
