The Premier League has offered a number of surprises and freak results of late, and last weekend was no different.
We finally saw Jamie Vardy end his staggering consecutive goalscoring run, but he was more than pivotal in Leicester’s 3-0 demolition of struggling Swansea. Riyad Mahrez was devastating, managing to bag a hat-trick to put themselves top of the league.
Man City failed to boost their chances in the title race, having struggled against a resurgent Stoke City side – who raced to a 2-0 win in devastating fashion. Shaqiri showcased why the Potters shelled out a club record £12million on him, with the Swiss international and Austrian Marko Arnautovic causing havoc amongst the Citizens’ back four.
Across the city, Man Utd were booed off at Old Trafford, having looked lacklustre in a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to West Ham. Severe signs of negative football, and a lack of firepower upfront, meant the Red Devils could not capitalise on their cross-city rivals faltering at the Britannia Stadium – leaving them in fourth position.
Arsenal managed to take full advantage of their rivals slipping up in a nervy 3-1 win over Sunderland. A late goal from Aaron Ramsey helped to make sure of the victory, but the Gunners found it tough in periods to see the game out. However, the result sees them close the gap at the top to two points.
In South West London, Chelsea saw their season turn from bad to worse, falling to an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat against newly-promoted Bournemouth. Despite dominating the large majority of the game, the Blues were caught napping and heaped more pressure on manager Jose Mourinho.
Sunday afternoon saw another shock in faltering Newcastle – with under pressure manager Steve McClaren – securing a 2-0 victory over high-flying Liverpool. Pre-match the odds were stacked against the home side, but the Magpies managed to claim all three points to leave more uncertainty regarding a Liverpool title challenge.
Elsewhere, there were draws for Everton, Southampton and Tottenham, whilst Watford secured three points at home to Norwich City.
Player of the weekend: Riyad Mahrez
This week, it’s hardly a fight for this spot, with the Algerian absolutely obliterating Swansea. His stunning hat-trick was crucial in securing Leicester’s position at the top of the Premier League, and further showcased why he’s one of the best players in the league at the minute. Mahrez even managed to rile up Swansea captain Ashley Williams, leading to the Welshman reportedly searching for him after the game – interesting.
Surprise of the weekend: Bournemouth’s shock win at Stamford Bridge
It’s fair to say that there were many potential shocks that could have held this title in any other game week. Newcastle’s win was a close second, and Stoke’s win was a close third, but Bournemouth leaving Stamford Bridge with all three points was incredible. It’s a testament to how far the Cherries have come in such a short space of time – experiencing one of their most famous victories. What it also showed us was how dire the situation is at Chelsea – how long does Mourinho have left?
Goal of the weekend: Marko Arnautovic 2nd goal vs Man City
Now this was a goal of pure beauty, in my eyes. The way Shaqiri turned when receiving the ball from Cameron was sublime, but the ball he played into Arnautovic is something you show to everyone. Not only was the through ball of the highest standard, Arnautovic’s finish was very good under the circumstances.
Fantasy Football tip of the weekend: Romelu Lukaku
The Premier League is littered with obvious bargains in the form of Vardy and Mahrez. However, Lukaku has been a consistent point scorer this season – bagging 100 points – and is almost a certainty to score in games. With 11 goals to his name, and a trip to lowly Norwich on Saturday, he could be good value for your side.
Betting tip of the weekend: Everton to beat Norwich (6/4)
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off sees Everton travel to Carrow Road. The visitors are unbeaten in their last seven and face a Norwich side who have struggled with life back in the Premier League. At a price of 6/4, it’s too good to turn down, a with a win looking likely, I would back it.