Five lessons learned
Published:
What’s obvious on Monday
Football fans took plenty from the weekend’s results from across the UK, some we thought were probably true, while a few others came as a bit of a surprise. Who knew Arsene Wenger had any friends left?
We run over the best of what the results had to offer, and take a look at what punters can use to their advantage in the coming weeks…..
Chelsea are better than Spurs
Didn’t The Blues just show it at Wembley on Saturday? Tottenham remain in the hunt for the Premier League title, but they could also end the campaign trophyless, which would be a disappointment, given how good they’ve looked this season. Conte’s side won 4-2 on Saturday, a result achieved off an inspired second-half. They had a lot less of the ball, just 37 per cent of the match possession, but scored four goals from five shots on target. That’s how it’s done.
Rangers need a fresh start
Rangers fans went into Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic at Hampden looking to repeat the glory of last year, when knocking their Old Firm rivals out on penalties. The Bears came nowhere near causing another upset though, being completely outclassed on the pitch, before losing 2-0. If new manager Pedro Caixinha thought Celtic was just another game before kick-off, he certainly knows better now. Fans were furious at the level of commitment on the pitch.
Palace are impressive
We knew Crystal Palace had it in them to go to Anfield and give Liverpool a game, but without Mamadou Sakho, currently on-loan from The Reds and unable to play against his parent club, they were expected to struggle. That was not the case, as they climbed to 12th in the rankings, with a sixth league win in eight. Benteke scored a double, and The Eagles could finish in the top-10.
Wenger isn’t too bad after all
Arsene Wenger looks likely to leave his post as Arsenal manager at the end of the season, as they have endured another horrible campaign, sitting seventh, well off the pace for a top-four finish. They have every chance of winning the FA Cup though, having beaten Man City 2-1. Wenger thought his boys showed togetherness, while Ramsey told reporters the players have let their manager down this season.
Man Utd top-four hopes are alive
Manchester United have two chances at getting into next season’s Champions League. Firstly, they could win the Europa League, meaning English football would have five sides playing in Europe’s elite next term. Secondly, they could finish in the top-four in the Premier League, and are just a point off City going into the Manchester Derby. It’s game on now!
