Skiddle's open goal: A weekly roundup of football news and events
Here's the latest thrills and spills from the Premier League.
Date published: 24th Apr 2023
Let's get straight into things and take a moment to laugh at Tottenham. The opening 25 minutes of their game away at Newcastle is one of the most embarrassing periods of a match in recent memory. Moving to a back four, they were absolutely outplayed by a deadly and clinical Geordie side who were 5 up in the first 21 minutes.
Usually not much is expected of caretaker managers, they amble by and safely see out the rest of the season but the word is that Tottenham are considering firing Stellini such was the damage caused by this defeat. Plaudits should go to Newcastle though where the whole team looked immense, with Willock's amazing assist for Isak's first goal being a clear highlight in the 6-1 rout.
Tottenham are in a state of crisis and will surely miss out on European football unless they hire a manager before the end of the season. The red half of North London were in action on Friday night after two straight draws that handed the initiative back to Manchester City in the title hunt.
Hosting bottom-of-the-league Southampton it was nothing like the predicted game. Southampton pulled ahead through the brilliant Alcaraz after a poor pass from Ramsdale. Walcott added a second not long after with the Emirates almost silent in disbelief. Martinelli pulled one back before Southampton took the lead again after half-time.
From then on it was backs against the wall for Southampton, with Arsenal eventually grabbing a goal in the 88th minute through Odegaard. Two minutes later, Saka scrambled one in to equalise. Yet, the London side couldn't find a winner and City now find themselves with two games in hand and five points behind.
If City beat Arsenal at home on Wednesday you have to think the title will do their way. City themselves were in FA Cup action and easily got to the final after a Mahrez hat-trick saw off Sheffield United. Manchester United will greet them for the first Manchester derby in the FA Cup final.
United beat Brighton despite having slightly less quality in their play, with the Seagulls unlucky not to progress, losing on the lottery that is penalties. Leeds' survival hopes took another blow when they lost 2-1 away at Fulham, with Everton edging closer after picking up a point after drawing away at Crystal Palace.
However, Everton were put back into the relegation zone by Leicester who beat Wolves 2-1 in a crucial result which will have fans hoping some momentum can build up under Dean Smith. Liverpool were pegged back twice by Nottingham Forest who threatened to get a result at Anfield but were beaten by a fine double from Jota and a goal from Salah.
West Ham's relegation fears eased after an easy win over Bournemouth away which gave them some breathing room. The battle of the unlikely European place chasers Aston Villa and Brentford ended in a 1-1 draw with Watkins' hot streak of goalscoring coming to an end.
For more football take a look at the events below.
When: Friday 26th May
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic
Duncan Ferguson is an Everton legend and one of the most feared strikers of the Premier League era. A keen header of the ball, he wasn't one to shy from confrontation ever and he is adored by the fans of all the clubs he played for. At this event you can hear all about his fascinating journey.
When: Saturday 3rd June
Where: Ballin Maidstone
The FA Cup final has been decided and it will see history take place. For the first time ever, the Manchester derby will be taking place in the final. It'll be a fascinating game as both sides have taken points off each other in the league. It feels like a real superstar encounter and you can watch it all unfold at Ballin in Maidstone.
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.
