Skiddle's open goal: A weekly roundup of football news and events
Here's the latest football news from the Premier League.
Date published: 17th Apr 2023
It looks as though Manchester City vs Arsenal towards the end of the month is going to be the title decider after Arsenal slipped up for the second weekend running. It initially looked as though it was going to be plain sailing when the Gunners ran into a 2-0 lead within the first ten minutes thanks to goals from Jesus and Odegaard.
The tie turned on its head when Paqueta was fouled in the box by Gabriel. Benrahma put it away to set up a nervy game as the home fans were now alive again. An equaliser came from a brilliant bit of movement from Bowen which led to him volleying past Ramsdale. Arsenal couldn't find a winner in what was a repeat of their result at Anfield.
Manchester City on the other hand made easy work of Leicester with Haaland bagging a double and he would probably have had a hat-trick if he wasn't rested at half-time. They now look favourites to win the league and Champions League after their 3-0 demolition over Munich last week helped by a dire performance from Upemacano.
Aston Villa have mounted a late charge for Champions League contention with Unai Emery turning Ollie Watkins into a superstar striker. He picked up another two goals as they made fellow Champions League contenders Newcastle look average. Villa are one of the scariest teams in the league at the moment.
It seems as though Frank Lampard's time away from management hasn't made him any better at it. His return to Chelsea has now seen four straight defeats, although they did take a surprise lead through Gallagher in their match against Brighton. However, the home side were played off the park by Brighton and Welbeck and Enciso gave them a deserved win.
Everton's hopes of survival were shortened somewhat by losing at home to Fulham, a game they would have expected to maybe get a result. The visitors came out with a 3-1 win and never looked too challenged. The Merseyside club were helped by Manchester United's 2-0 away win at Nottingham Forest which kept Everton above Forest on goal difference.
It's hard to see where either side will get their next result. Crystal Palace continued their impressive run, revitalised by the return of Roy Hodgson. Eze dominated the match and scored twice to see Southampton fall ever closer to the drop, rooted in last place. Wolves managed to ease their relegation worries with a win over Brentford.
The most dramatic game of the weekend was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Son was one of the home sides' standout players as his finish put them ahead against Bournemouth. Vina equalised for the away side before half-time and Solanke put them ahead in the second half before Danjuma's late strike to equalise the score.
With his first goal for the club, he has more Premier League goals than Richarlison. Spurs pushed for a winner but Bournemouth ran up the pitch and Outtara finished low into the corner to snatch an unlikely victory.
For more football action take a look at these events...
Jermain Beckford & Luciano Beechio
When: Saturday 14th October
Where: Carlton Tavern, York
When Leeds spent a good amount of years in the Championship it wasn't all doom and gloom. Raising the spirit of the fans was the striking duo of Beckford and Beechio, who not only bagged goals but had plenty of personality too. You can see the pair discuss their partnership at this event in York.
Undr The Cosh Live With Dean Windass
When: Sunday 12th November
Where: The Garrison, Barnsley
The Undr The Cosh podcast will be heading to Barnsley later in the year, as they bring their show, where football stars are interviewed about their careers, to a live audience. Their special guest will be Bradford City and Hull City legend Dean Windass who knew how to absolutely leather the ball.
Hastings United vs Billericay Town
When: Tuesday 18th April
Where: The TGS Pilot Field, Hastings
Hastings United will be playing their final home game of the season against Billericay Town. A clash between two mid-table teams, it is a chance for the home side to move up a couple of places in the table and end the season on a high note. This is a good opportunity to support the grassroots game.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
