EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 20 Recap

What a week we have ahead as we return to Premier League action following an eventful round of FA Cup matches. The week featured some intriguing clashes between top-flight teams and unexpected opponents, capped off by the dramatic Arsenal vs. Manchester United game, which saw United prevail in a penalty shootout. Adding to the frenzy, yesterday’s news about potential financial breaches raised eyebrows across the league, though it was later confirmed that no Premier League clubs have been charged under the Profit and Sustainability rules.

My predictions for the previous matchweek yielded six correct outcomes, though I fell short of nailing any exact scorelines. In terms of the table, Liverpool remain top, six points clear with a game in hand. They are followed by Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea rounding out the top four, with Newcastle United and Manchester City completing the top six. Tottenham and Manchester United sit in 12th and 13th, respectively, both struggling to find any form of consistency. Meanwhile, the managerial carousel continues, with Everton appointing David Moyes and West Ham bringing in Graham Potter in an effort to turn around their difficult seasons.

This week’s fixtures promise plenty of drama, highlighted by a rematch between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, where the Reds will look to avenge their only loss of the season, and the ever-thrilling North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. Without further ado, here is your Matchweek 20 recap and Matchweek 21 preview in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle United

Newcastle’s resurgence continued with a 2-1 comeback victory over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for the hosts with a diving header early on, but Newcastle turned things around with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Spurs’ injury woes were evident, as third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin was handed a debut, while Son and Maddison started on the bench. Newcastle, led by Isak’s clinical finishing and Gordon’s creative contributions, secured their fifth consecutive league win. Spurs dominated much of the second half, but Newcastle’s defensive resilience prevailed.

AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Everton

David Brooks’ second-half volley proved to be the difference as Bournemouth edged Everton 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium. The win extended Bournemouth’s unbeaten streak to a club-record eight matches. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the hosts struggled to break through until Brooks converted Kerkez’s cross. Everton’s attacking struggles persisted, managing zero shots on target for the second time this season. This result sees the end of the Sean Dyche era at Everton, with the team sitting 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City

Villa Park saw a thrilling second-half display as Aston Villa edged Leicester City 2-1. Ross Barkley’s opener was quickly canceled out by Stephy Mavididi, but substitute Leon Bailey’s decisive strike in the 76th minute sealed the win for Unai Emery’s side. Villa’s home form remains impeccable, extending their unbeaten run at Villa Park to 10 matches. Leicester’s defensive lapses once again proved costly, leaving them rooted in the relegation zone with a fifth straight defeat.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

Chelsea’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. Cole Palmer opened the scoring for the visitors, but Mateta’s late equalizer, assisted by the ever-impressive Eberechi Eze, ensured a share of the points. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances in the first half, Chelsea’s wastefulness in front of goal continues to prove costly. Palace grew into the game, supported by Eze’s creativity, and left the pitch with a deserved point.

Manchester City 4-1 West Ham United

Erling Haaland announced his return to form with a brace as Manchester City demolished West Ham 4-1 at the Etihad. Savinho was instrumental, providing two assists for Haaland while disrupting the Hammers’ backline. City dominated the second half, with Phil Foden also getting on the scoresheet, which is a great sign for Pep Guardiola as his men are finding some confidence. For West Ham, Niklas Füllkrug grabbed a late consolation, but their defensive weaknesses continue to be a concern. This result brought the end of the Julien Lopetegui era for West Ham and brought in Graham Potter, who is now tasked with turning their season around.

Southampton 0-5 Brentford

Brentford recorded their first away win of the season in emphatic fashion, routing Southampton 5-0 at St. Mary’s. Bryan Mbeumo starred with a brace, including a well-taken penalty, while Wissa and Lewis-Potter added to the scoreline in stoppage time. Brentford’s 4.46 xG highlights their offensive dominance when on their day, while Southampton’s attacking struggles and defensive errors, even under Juric, leave them rooted at the bottom of the table.

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Arsenal

Brighton frustrated Arsenal yet again in a tightly contested 1-1 draw at the Amex. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri’s early goal showcased the teenager’s brilliance, but Brighton responded with a Joao Pedro penalty after Saliba’s defensive error. Arsenal managed just nine shots, their second-lowest tally this season, as they missed an opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool and are going through a tough patch.

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

Craven Cottage witnessed three penalties and late drama as Raul Jimenez’s stoppage-time penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for Fulham. Ipswich twice led through Szmodics and a penalty of their own through Delap, but Fulham fought back with Jimenez converting two penalties to maintain his perfect record from the spot. Ipswich’s inability to hold onto leads remains a concern as they continue to drop points from winning positions.

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United

Anfield hosted a thrilling encounter as Manchester United held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw. United took the lead through a brilliant effort from Lisandro Martinez, but goals from Gakpo and Salah turned the tide for the Reds. Amad’s late equalizer ensured a share of the points for United, ending their three-match losing streak. Liverpool’s six-point lead atop the table remains intact, but defensive issues and inconsistencies persist, with Alexander-Arnold’s performance being a topic of conversation.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s fairytale season continued with a commanding 3-0 victory at Molineux. Gibbs-White opened the scoring against his former club, while Chris Wood and Awoniyi added to the tally through Hudson-Odoi’s two assists and influential play. Forest’s defense, led by goalkeeper Sels, recorded their league-best ninth clean sheet, leaving them six points behind leaders Liverpool and very much in contention for the top four.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 21 Preview

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025

Brentford vs. Manchester City – 2:30 PM

Brentford’s impressive 5-0 demolition of Southampton gives them confidence heading into a daunting clash against Manchester City. Bryan Mbeumo, in red-hot form, will be key for the hosts, but containing the equally in-form Erling Haaland and Savinho is an entirely different challenge. City looked somewhat like their dominant best last week, but so did Brentford with a strong effort. Defensive lapses could prove costly in a matchup where plenty of goals are expected.

Prediction: Brentford 2-3 Manchester City

Chelsea vs. AFC Bournemouth – 2:30 PM

Chelsea are desperate to end their four-match winless streak as they welcome an in-form Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer continues to be Chelsea’s standout performer, and his ability to unlock defenses will be vital. However, Bournemouth’s eight-match unbeaten run is no fluke. Chelsea’s dominance in possession and Bournemouth’s lack of true forwards should tilt the balance, but Bournemouth won’t make it easy.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 AFC Bournemouth

West Ham United vs. Fulham – 2:30 PM

Two sides looking for a boost face off in this London derby. West Ham will lean heavily on Jarrod Bowen, Mohamed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta’s energy and creativity to spark their attack after being dismantled by City last week. Fulham, on the other hand, come in with momentum after Raul Jimenez’s two penalties rescued a point against Ipswich. The Hammers’ defensive weaknesses give Marco Silva’s side hope, but Fulham’s own vulnerabilities could result in a high-scoring encounter with West Ham’s new management under Graham Potter.

Prediction: West Ham United 2-2 Fulham

Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool – 3:00 PM

Forest’s remarkable season hits a critical point as they take on league leaders Liverpool. Morgan Gibbs-White continues to orchestrate Forest’s attack, and Chris Wood continues to score goals. However, Liverpool’s depth and ability to get top performances from various players, along with their relentless pursuit of goals, remains their greatest strength. Forest’s league-best defense, which has kept nine clean sheets so far, will need to be flawless to stand a chance. Expect a tightly contested battle with Liverpool’s quality likely making the difference as they seek revenge.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Liverpool

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025

Everton vs. Aston Villa – 2:30 PM

Everton’s lack of firepower remains an issue, and last week’s uninspiring display at Bournemouth only highlights some of their struggles. New manager David Moyes will be desperate for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to rediscover his scoring touch. Aston Villa, meanwhile, continue to look dangerous, especially with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins delivering key moments. Unai Emery’s side will feel confident heading into this one, especially given Everton’s poor recent form.

Prediction: Everton 0-2 Aston Villa

Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace – 2:30 PM

Leicester’s freefall continues as they prepare to host Crystal Palace. Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi need to step up, but service to the duo has been lacking. Palace, on the other hand, will be motivated by their late equalizer against Chelsea. Eberechi Eze remains their creative heartbeat and will look to exploit Leicester’s defensive issues, especially from set pieces. The Foxes need a turnaround, but Palace’s consistency gives them the edge.

Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Crystal Palace

Newcastle United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2:30 PM

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are flying high, and their fifth consecutive win last week shows their credentials as top-four contenders. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon continue to shine in attack, and their movement will likely prove too much for Wolves’ fragile backline. Wolves, still reeling from a 3-0 loss to Forest, must tighten up defensively if they are to avoid a similar fate. Cunha and Hwang offer attacking threats, but Newcastle’s quality should see them through at this stage and form.

Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur – 3:00 PM

The North London Derby never disappoints, and this week’s edition promises to be no different. Arsenal’s attack, led by Martinelli and the ever-improving Nwaneri, looks invested but is struggling to convert chances, while their midfield continues to control games effectively. Spurs, hampered by injuries, will need Maddison, Son, or Solanke to deliver something special if they are to trouble Arsenal. Ange Postecoglou’s defensive setup hasn’t held up against stronger opponents, and Arsenal’s balance, depth, and desire to bounce back following their penalty shootout loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup make them heavy favorites.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Ipswich Town vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – 2:30 PM

Ipswich will look to build on their solid performance against Fulham as they host a Brighton side still searching for their first win in nine matches. Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson remain Ipswich’s main outlets. Despite their struggles, Brighton’s ability to dominate possession could make the difference, though Ipswich won’t give up easily.

Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester United vs. Southampton – 3:00 PM

Manchester United return to Old Trafford aiming to build on their spirited draw against Liverpool and their FA Cup victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. Amad Diallo has been a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent campaign, and Ruben Amorim will demand nothing less than three points against a struggling Southampton side. The Saints, fresh off a 5-0 thrashing by Brentford, look without confidence, and unless Onuachu delivers a standout performance, they could be in for another tough outing.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Southampton