Just when it appears that the Premier League title race is dead, it unexpectedly revives itself.
The gap is now down to three points following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Monday. Manchester City, having defeated Arsenal 3-1, can pull even with the Reds atop the table with a victory over Everton in mid-week.
For now, though, the title race is still too close to call and neutrals everywhere are thankful for that.
Here are three winners and three losers from Matchday 25 in the Premier League:
WINNERS
Declan Rice
One common theme for West Ham United in marquee matches has been Declan Rice’s immense performances.
The young midfielder was flawless on Monday, and this isn’t the first time he’s dominated against the “big six” in the Premier League. He was imperious versus Arsenal (Jan. 12), Tottenham (Oct. 31), Manchester United (Sept. 29) and Chelsea (Sept. 23), with West Ham picking up seven points in those matches.
Yet again, Rice helped the Hammers earn another valuable result over a title contender. It was his defensive efforts that really made the difference, though.
Just in case you forgot, Rice turned 20 years old on Jan. 14. To say he has a bright future would be an understatement.
Strikers
From Sergio Aguero’s hat trick to Raul Jimenez’s stunning form, the No. 9 stole the show on Matchday 25.
Aguero undoubtedly deserves his plaudits after helping Manchester City defeat Arsenal 3-1 on Sunday. He was a terror in the penalty area all game long and reminded everyone why he’s one of the Premier League’s best strikers.
Sergio Aguero is the first player to be directly involved in 20 goals for Man City in the Premier League this season:
14 Goals
6 AssistsSimple superb year after year. pic.twitter.com/OqdlzMbmSI
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 3, 2019
Gonzalo Higuain bagged his first two goals for Chelsea as well, which will lift the pressure off his shoulders. However, this section is reserved for the play of Son Heung-min and Raul Jimenez.
Son, having returned from the Asian Cup, has logged more than 3,000 minutes for club and country since the World Cup. A gruelling Premier League season preceded Russia, too, so the South Korean has had little rest for the past two years.
Even Son said he feels tired, so producing these numbers is even more mind-blowing. Yet again, he rescued a late victory for Tottenham with his 10th league goal of the season. In fact, Spurs have won every game when Son scores.
Meanwhile, Jimenez scored for a third game running and continues to grow with every game at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Since arriving in Europe, the Mexican international has lacked consistent minutes. Now he’s receiving the necessary time at Wolves and they’re reaping the rewards.
Whether Jimenez sticks around permanently remains to be seen, but he’s bolstering his case at the moment.
Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira
When Arsenal lost to Manchester City in the opening fixture of the season, Matteo Guendouzi looked justifiably overwhelmed. With more than 30 appearances since that date, Guendouzi was much more assured on Sunday, even in a 3-1 defeat to the defending champions.
Lucas Torreira partnered the Frenchman and they formed a formidable partnership in midfield, especially in the first half. They seamlessly played through Man City and constantly recovered possession, too.
The midfielders did everything possible to keep Arsenal in the match, but a wide-open right flank ultimately led to the defeat. Still, Guendouzi and Torreira’s efforts should not go unnoticed.
LOSERS
Naby Keita
This isn’t a slight on Naby Keita, but he was quite poor on Monday at the London Stadium.
Keita hadn’t started more than two matches in a row for Liverpool since September, right before suffering his hamstring injuries. He’s now cracked Jurgen Klopp’s lineup in four of the last five games. Coupled with the formation changes and regaining his form, the Guinean is at a disadvantage.
But Keita isn’t the only culprit. Liverpool’s injury woes at the back are also leading to more conceded chances. A quick glance at Understat.com‘s game-by-game expected goals backs this up.
That being said, Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing full fitness, which might really aid Liverpool ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. On the downside, Joe Gomez will be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery.
Nervous times for Liverpool fans.
Marco Silva
Make that six losses in the last nine Premier League games for Everton after falling to Wolves on Saturday.
Now manager Marco Silva is saying his players need to feel more motivation as they try to shake off this run of form.
To Silva’s credit, he did accept some responsibility and admitted he’s under pressure as well.
However, if players are lacking motivation, then that’s usually a poor sign for the manager. If that trend continues, the Portuguese tactician could be unemployed yet again.
Fulham
They can’t stop leaking goals and lie seven points adrift of safety with 13 games remaining.
Fulham could still climb out of trouble, but it’s highly unlikely now after falling 2-0 to fellow relegation candidates Crystal Palace.
Manchester United, West Ham United, Southampton and Chelsea are Fulham’s next four opponents. By then, their Premier League status will likely be determined.
[relatedlinks]