In this week’s edition of the 5iver, Desh looks at Diogo Jota’s form, West Ham’s goal record of late, the relegation scrap and more!
The top 2 go head to head in this midweek treat – in what is widely regarded as the title decider. Following a 4-1 dismantling of Leeds at the beginning of April, Arsenal went on to draw their ensuing 3 league outings and are yet to register a clean sheet this month.
Their opponents, Manchester City, are currently on a treble mission and have recently set up an appointment with their cross-city rivals for the FA Cup. In the English topflight, Arteta has barely laid a glove on Pep Guardiola. Indeed, the current Gunners boss has lost all six of his previous league encounters against his former mentor, managing to score just twice in that run.
Fifth placed Tottenham host fourth placed Manchester United in the closing fixture of the round. Spurs were battered 6-1 by a resurgent Newcastle side on the weekend, with Harry Kane netting the consolation in what is looking like his final season with the Londoners.
At the opposite end of the table, Leicester survived a late penalty scare to earn a vital 3 points which has lifted them out of the relegation zone. The Foxes take on Leeds (who are one place above them on the table), whilst bottom club Southampton welcome Bournemouth in the make or break week.
Bowen to pounce as Hammers find scoring boots
West Ham have netted 10 goals during their previous 3 fixtures, across all competitions. With the Hammers producing in front of goal, I expect Jarrod Bowen to get in on the act sooner rather than later. The wideman was the clubs leading goal scorer in the English topflight last season and has 5 strikes to his name ahead of this round of fixtures. He comes up against a Liverpool outfit who have kept just a single clean sheet across their previous 6 league outings.
🧵Bournemouth 0-4 West Ham - A Thread:
— Babbling Irons (@BabblingIrons) April 24, 2023
Breaking down every West Ham goal ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/klRqvGcsaA
Jota steadily returning to form
Diogo Jota looks like a man on a mission. Across his previous 3 league outings, the Liverpool dangerman has netted 4 goals from 10 shots, missing 2 big chances. Furthermore, he did deliver one assist from his 2 chances created and won a penalty in that spell. Liverpool have netted 59 goals in the league this year – only the current top 2 clubs have netted more.
⚽ 47' Diogo Jota
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 22, 2023
⚽ 51' Neco Williams
⚽ 55' Diogo Jota
What a start to the second half! Liverpool retake the lead at Anfield 🆙#PL #LIVNFO pic.twitter.com/MmLrspvDwh
Captain reliable – Odegaard to step-up for the Gunners
Martin Odegaard has netted in back-to-back league outings, breaking his tally to 12 for the season. Despite that, the Gunners had to settle for a point in either of those fixtures, meaning they have opened the gap for defending champions Manchester City. With the Arsenal captain having attempted 83 shots in the Premier League hitherto – the most from all teammates – I expect him to lead the charge as they look to maintain their stay at the top of the table.
You got to praise his mentality
— Red Mans (@arsenal_mans) April 21, 2023
I’m glad he’s the captain of this club, we can achieve great things with his leadership.
Martin Odegaard 🫶🏽🫡👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/qsQF1QtRKn
Reinvented Joelinto is thriving
Joelinton is relishing his advanced role in the current Newcastle setup. The Brazilian has bagged 5 goals across his 27 league appearances thus far – surpassing his personal tally from the previous season. Most of those goals have come from him based in the middle of the park, however, Eddie Howe has opted to play him in the front 3 which could provide greater attacking output. The Magpies have netted 15 top flight goals since the beginning of April and come up against a relegation threatened Everton outfit this time of asking.
No better video to show how far Joelinton has come https://t.co/Tdljn5z9QF
— Kendall Rowan (@kendallrowanx) April 24, 2023
Bruno and company looking to add on Spurs’ misery
Bruno Fernandes could take matters into his own hands as Manchester United look to secure that lucrative Champions League spot. The midfielder has had a hand in 11 league goals this season, scoring 5 and assisting 6. Spurs are currently 6 points behind fourth placed United and this has the makings of a feisty encounter as the Londoners will look to make a statement, following their dismal show on the weekend.
Bruno Fernandes with Manchester United in 175 games.
— Ryan, TEN HAG MUFC 🇾🇪 (@TenHagWay) April 24, 2023
On the pitch:
60 goals.
52 assists.
Off the pitch: ⬇️
A born leader. 🇵🇹🔴 pic.twitter.com/KJHYx1Gmek
