2021/22 Premier League Review: Matchday 6
Pintsized Background
Low scores, high drama, that’s how the best league in the world does it. The London derby saw a resurgent Arsenal shift the heat away from Arteta and directly place it in Nuno’s lap. El Cashico ended with City squeaking three points away at Stamford Bridge – an absolutely vital result for the champion’s who were already at risk of falling behind the front-runners. Oh yeah, Antonio continues to bang them in for fun. Time to hop on the phone, Gareth.
Catch up on the preview and predictions of Premier League Predictions: Matchday 6 if you haven’t already, and have a good old laugh at our expense.
More interested in number crunching? Find out how each Pintsized predictor ranked this weekend on Premier League Statistics: Matchday 6.
The Good
Match of the Week
Brentford 3 – 3 Liverpool. Crikey, what a match. It may have been a low scoring week in the EPL but nobody told Brentford or Liverpool. Sharing 28 shots, Brentford somehow gritted out two comeback goals to fairly earn a point at home. Salah reached his century of Premier League goals, albeit the irony of VAR awarding the goal was lost on most fans. Curtis Jones also thundered a long-range beauty, making good on a 0.02xG attempt. Ivan Toney may not have featured on the scoresheet, but his presence was once again pivotal – finding two key passes and a delightful assist through his legs.
Player of the Week
Jose Sa (1 Assist, 6 Saves, 1 High Claim, 2 Key Passes, 2 Big Chances Created). In a match that saw Wolves on the back-foot for large periods away from home, Sa proved an impenetrable wall. Try as Oriol Romeu and Adam Armstrong might, they were unable to beat Sa at range or up close. To top off a stellar performance between the sticks, Sa sent the missile that Raul Jimenez eventually converted. Massive performance.
Honourable Mention
Raphinha (1 Goal, 3 Key Passes, 1 Big Chance Created, 3/4 Dribbles, 5/6 Ground Duels, 1 Hit Woodwork). Leeds may be finding themselves in dire straights, yet Raphinha continues to be a shining light for the Yorkshire boys. Every time the Brazilian touches the ball, fans rightfully believe that the young winger will carve up the final third. Time to insure his left foot, it’s going to make him serious bank if he maintains his current form.
The Bad
Match To Forget
Southampton 0 – 1 Wolves. Not a terrible match but it featured two teams lacking teeth in front of goal. Despite a decent amount of shots for the Saints, Armstrong and Adams were made to rue their chances. Jimenez may have broken the deadlock, but his spectacular failure to convert in the dying minutes perfectly summed up the fixture’s lack of bite.
Performance to Forget
Dele Alli (0 G/A, 0 Key Passes, 0 Shots, 0 Long Balls, 0 Crosses, 0/2 Dribbles, 1/6 Ground Duels, 8 Possession Lost). It was only a couple of weeks ago against Wolves that Alli appeared to have regained form. Against Arsenal, Alli drifted across the ground with little intent. The former key England man still has time to dig himself out of this extended rut, but his mental looks shot.
Dishonourable Mention
Timo Werner (0 G/A, 0 Shots On Target, 0 Shots Off Target, 0/3 Dribbles, 0 Key Passes, 0/2 Crosses, 3/8 Ground Duels, 12 Possession Lost). Hahaha. The German forward continues to provide almost nothing for a dazzling Chelsea team. Tuchel must be commended for his ability to win games with his revolutionary ten-men tactic. There’s no doubting Werner was a talent prior to his Stamford Bridge ventures, but it seems like he’ll never quite cut it in the EPL.
The Ugly
Top Prediction
Pintsized (Watford 1 – 1 Newcastle). In a game that could have fallen either way, a perfect 1-1 score prediction sees Pintsized claim the awards this week.
Predictor of the Week
Pintsized (4/10 results, 2/10 scores). Pipping Steviano by an extra correct score, Pintsized features once again.
Dunce of the Week
Ryan (2/10 results, 0/10). Oh woe is Ryan. A dreadful day at the office for the big man.
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