Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events
Here's the latest news from the football world.
Date published: 23rd Jan 2023
With a weekend of chaotic action to get through when it comes to the Premier League, let's start off with one of the most boring games of the weekend. Liverpool hosted Chelsea in a game that had draw written all over it. Neither side in any kind of good form and low on confidence it played out that way. At least we got to see the explosive pace of Chelsea's new signing Mudryk.
It left both sides out of the European places. The other game of the weekend that was equally as thrilling was Leeds' 0-0 draw with Brentford with both teams cancelling each other out. On the other hand, we got Arsenal vs Manchester United, as the away side wanted to prove that they would be real contenders for the title.
Going ahead through a brilliant strike from Rashford, Arsenal took their time and replied through a brilliant Nketiah header. Bukayo Saka brilliance from outside the box put the Gunners ahead before a leaping header from Martinez after a poor punch from Ramsdale made it 2-2.
It all came down to the final moments where an improvised flick from Nketiah got Arsenal the win. Almost every goal was absolutely brilliant and it was a top-quality game. It showed that Arsenal are the real deal but also that Ten Hag is building a brilliant side over in Manchester.
At the other end of the table, it was crunch time for West Ham and Everton who faced off. It was rumoured that Moyes was going to get fired if the Hammers lost but they bought him time with a victory thanks to a Bowen double. Frank Lampard looks completely out of his depth as a manager with no tactical nous and constant excuses. He will surely be the next manager to go.
An Ollie Watkins goal saw Aston Villa pick up an away win at Southampton after the home side had a goal strangely ruled out for a push on Jacob Ramsey in the build-up which was soft at best. Brighton's momentum was halted slightly by Leicester as they played out a 2-2 draw. Mitoma looks like a phenomenal player for the Seagulls.
We finish with an Erling Haaland appreciation paragraph, the Norweigan striker bagging yet another hat trick against Wolves. An absolute goal machine, it is hard to see how he isn't going to break many more records in the Premier League, he already as more hat tricks than Ronaldo.
For more football action take a look below...
Pre-match Legend Meal Liverpool v Fulham
When: Saturday 18th March
Where: Hotel Tia, Liverpool
Liverpool were surprised by the strength of this Fulham team when they met at the start of the season and the London side are having a better season than the Merseyside club. At home though, Liverpool are expected to win and you can enjoy a sit-down meal and a chat with a Liverpool legend at this event.
Pre-match Legend Meal Liverpool v Arsenal
When: Saturday 8th April
Where: Hotel Tia, Liverpool
You can't predict a Liverpool result at the moment, with the team in some strange liminal state of transition. They'll be hoping to have better performances by the end of the season and this will be their biggest test in title favourites Arsenal. You can enjoy some food and drink to get you in the mood for the big occasion.
City of Liverpool FC v Hanley Town
When: Saturday 11th February
Where: Berry Street Garage Stadium, Bootle
City of Liverpool FC will be taking on Hanley Town, with the home side possibly having a psychological advantage given they won on Hanley's turf earlier in the season. The Purps will be looking to climb up the league and distance themselves from the relegation zone, with an aim for a midtable finish.
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