Premier League talking points: Boing Boing Baggies and Clarets in Europe
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A round-up of the key moments
There was drama everywhere you looked last weekend, with twists and turns in both the Premier League and FA Cup.
West Bromwich Albion kept their slim survival hopes alive with a last gasp draw against Liverpool, while Swansea City did their bid to beat the drop no favours at the Etihad.
The Coral News Team take a look at five of the weekend’s top flight talking points…
Has Moore made a case for permanent Baggies gig?
Survival for West Brom would take a minor miracle. But the fact the Baggies have any chance at all is thanks to caretaker boss Darren Moore.
A shock 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United was followed by a remarkable comeback to earn a point against Liverpool.
With his side 2-0 down after 70 minutes, Moore made two key substitutions – bringing in the experienced Jonny Evans and exciting Oliver Burke.
The pair helped change the flow of the game, with the Baggies eventually levelling things with Salomon Rondon’s late goal. While it’s probably too late for Moore to save Albion, there’s a strong case he should get the gig full-time.
Swans must make it tougher for big guns
There’s no doubt Carlos Carvalhal has done a good job as Swansea City boss. He’s turned a seemingly relegation-doomed team into a side with a decent chance of survival. But if the Swans want to keep up the momentum, they can’t keep rolling over for top sides.
In their last five games, Swansea have faced Tottenham, Man United and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. They’ve not only lost all three games, but have failed to score and conceded a whopping 10 goals.
Sunday’s 5-0 mauling at Eastlands saw a scared and disorganised side torn apart by a City team in second gear. Having beaten Liverpool and Arsenal in January, Swansea have shown they can beat any the better sides. But they must re-focus quickly.
Arsene’s leaving party off to a flyer
Arsene Wenger’s exit party got off to a great start on Sunday at the Emirates as Arsenal cruised to a 4-1 win against West Ham United.
It looked momentarily dicey as Marko Arnautovic struck a superb equaliser for the Hammers. But David Moyes’ men then crumbled as the Gunners hit three more goals without reply.
It was a slightly odd atmosphere at the game in that it almost felt like a testimonial. But Wenger’s outfit got the job done and move onwards to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday. They’re 31/20 to win the first leg at home.
European jaunt for Clarets?
Burnley’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City and Chelsea’s win over Southampton in the FA Cup all-but-confirmed the Clarets’ place in next season’s Europa League.
Sean Dyche’s side fought back from a goal down at the Potteries to leave them nine points ahead of Leicester City. The Foxes do have a game in hand but with three rounds of fixtures to play, surely Burnley have a European place sealed?
It would complete a remarkable season for Dyche and his squad who have defied the critics and bigger budgets to thrive.
Salah wins it but KDB unlucky
Mohamed Salah’s strike in the 2-2 draw with West Brom made it 31 league goals for the season. The Egyptian star equalled the Premier League record and has three more games to break the record.
To cap a remarkable personal campaign, the former Roma forward was also crowned the PFA Player of the Year last night – just ahead of Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Few can argue with Salah’s goal return. But De Bruyne’s all-round performances have been incredible. And in any other year, the 26-year-old would have strolled to the accolade.
De Bruyne can count himself unlucky this year but will go into the World Cup on a huge high.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
