Premier League talking points: City chase history and Fellaini shows his value
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Round-up of the weekend’s action
It was another big weekend of Premier League action as the top flight heads into its final straight.
Manchester City demonstrated their class in their comfortable win over West Ham United, while the relegation battle continues to heat up.
Here are five talking points from the Coral News Team…
How far can this Manchester City team go?
After beating West Ham 4-1, City are on course for the highest points return and goal tally in the Premier League era. Are they laying the foundations for an era of dominance?
No side has defended the title since Manchester United won three in a row from 2006-07 to 2008-09. But City have everything in place to get even better next season. They’re 8/11 favourites to retain their title.
The squad only needs a little fine-tuning. And Pep Guardiola’s famously intense nature will ensure the team stay motivated. Expect a serious push for European as well as domestic dominance next term.
Huddersfield have it all to do
Huddersfield Town’s 2-0 defeat at home to Everton leaves them in 16th, three points above the relegation zone. Their fate is still in their hands with three games to play, but their fixture list has them at 13/8 to go down.
David Wagner’s side travel to City and Chelsea, before hosting Arsenal on the final day. It doesn’t get much harder. They’ll probably need at least three points from those games to ensure their survival.
Fellaini to the rescue
Marouane Fellaini has his critics, but he also showed his value in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal. United had the better of the second half without creating too many chances until the towering midfielder came on.
Fellaini’s presence gave United the option to pile pressure on an inexperienced Arsenal backline. He turned one cross onto the post, before scoring from an almost identical situation minutes later.
The Belgian’s contract is up at the end of the season. Purists might not enjoy the route-one football his presence encourages, but it’s easy to see why Jose Mourinho is so keen for him to sign on.
Has Darren Moore done enough to get the West Brom job?
Newcastle United had won four consecutive home games before this weekend, including wins over Man United and Arsenal. But that run came to a halt after they lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies are still bottom of the table and almost certain to go down, but they’re now four games unbeaten under Moore. As well as beating Newcastle, they’ve won away at Old Trafford and secured a draw after going two goals down against Liverpool.
Ben Foster has revealed the dressing room would like Moore to get the job on a permanent basis now. His lack of experience still makes him a risk, but his affinity for the club could be very useful ahead of a tough season in the Championship.
Zaha stars for Palace (again)
Is any player in the top flight more important to their team than Wilfried Zaha is to Crystal Palace?
Manchester City would still challenge for the league without Kevin De Bruyne. Liverpool would push for a top-four spot without Mo Salah. Would Palace be anywhere near 11th without Zaha? They’ve lost all eight league games they’ve played without him this term.
The Ivory Coast international was superb again as he scored and set up a goal in the Eagles’ 5-0 hammering of Leicester City. He’s always been a livewire with the ball at his feet. But this season he’s taken on responsibility and made decisive contributions.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
