Noni Madueke is proving be a growing threat for Chelsea. Anthony expected to find the target this weekend and can Arsenal maintain the pressure on leaders City? Desh looks at this and more in this week’s Friday 5iver.
Those Monday night football fixtures hit different! A whopping 21 goals were scored across the 3 topflight fixtures, last Monday, with Everton securing the biggest margin of victory on the night.
Indeed, Dyche’s men put 5 past Brighton to earn just their second away league victory of the campaign. Similarly, Fulham hit Leicester for 5 showing that the run of 7 defeats from 9 league outings (ahead of that one) was of little concern.
The Foxes replied with 3 goals of their own, to bring their season tally to 49 (the same as fourth placed Manchester United) – pointing to their defence as the cause of their woes. Speaking of Ten Hag’s revival project, former Manchester United boss David Moyes handed the Red Devils their 8th away league defeat of this season.
With Champions League qualification on the line, how will they react this time of asking…
Red Devils to revive top four aspirations against Wolves
Back-to-back 1-0 defeats have dented Manchester United’s top four hopes. The Red Devils return to Old Trafford, where they will do battle with Wolves. Anthony is my pick of the lot to get on the scoresheet. Across his previous 3 league appearances, the wideman has attempted 8 shots, missing 1 big chance. Furthermore, he did strike the woodwork once and created 6 chances during that spell so keep an eye out on him.
Where did you have Man United finishing this season?#TelegraphFootball | #MUFC pic.twitter.com/kKPFjiynQ3
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) May 12, 2023
Madueke’s blood is Blue!
Noni Madueke could be pivotal as Chelsea look to close the gap between them and the top half of the log. The Blues picked up their first win under Frank Lampard, in his second stint as manager. Summer signing Madueke has started back-to-back league fixtures for Chelsea, where he has registered 3 shots on target, returning 1 goal. The Londoners still have league appointments with 3 of the current top 4, that being said, this home bout with Nottingham Forest is a must win.
Noni Madueke - Still Ballin pic.twitter.com/7vBio2Gupj
— 🛸 (@stadcfc) May 8, 2023
Benrahma continues to deliver when it matters most
Said Benrahma’s West Ham reputation is growing by the fixture! The wideman has delivered 3 goals across his previous 5 appearances at the London stadium, across all competitions. Despite starting the season off slowly, the Hammers have put together some decent results on home soil and I think they take that form in their London derby this weekend!
Said Benrahma is now the highest scoring Algerian in the Premier League this season:
— Dean Ammi (@AlgerianFooty) May 7, 2023
🇩🇿 • Benrahma (6)
🇩🇿 • Mahrez (5)
🇩🇿 • Ait-Nouri (1) pic.twitter.com/q7zzmUvDin
Captain fantastic Odegaard steps up for the Gunners
Martin Odegaard has bagged 5 goals across his previous 5 league outings. The Arsenal captain is leading by example, doing everything he can to make sure they are still in the race, should the defending champions Manchester City slip up. Following draws with Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton during April, Arteta’s men have been overtaken by the Citizens – however, impressive wins over Chelsea and Newcastle respectively have seen them narrow the gap.
Captain Martin Odegaard stepping up when most needed 💪#NEWARS / @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/oK4HZ9WBOE
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 7, 2023
‘Exciting to watch’ Diaz back to boost Red’s top-four charge
Luis Diaz has bolstered Liverpool’s chase for Champions League qualification. Since his return from injury, Liverpool have won 6 of their 7 league fixtures. Despite only returning a goal and an assist, his overall attacking play is clear to see, and I think he will be a permanent name on the scoresheet for the remainder of the season. The Merseyside outfit do battle with a Leicester side who haven’t kept a clean sheet during their previous 20 league fixtures.
Liverpool's best dribblers with top 5 successful dribbles per90 22/23 via @opta
— Fåb (@redfxb) May 11, 2023
1. Luis Diaz ➡️ 3.19
2. Thiago Alcantara ➡️ 1.65
3. Alex Chamberlian ➡️ 1.61
4. Mo Salah ➡️ 1.37
5. Gakpo ➡️ 1.37
The gap though🙂, Diaz is a fleece. pic.twitter.com/GBvUZZOWdf
