EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 29 Recap

Another matchweek packed with twists, comebacks, and late drama saw the English Premier League storylines take yet another unpredictable turn as we entered the international break, but rest assured, it has finally returned. Manchester City dropped points yet again in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Brighton, while Arsenal held off Chelsea in a tense London derby to keep their fading title hopes alive. Liverpool didn’t play, but remain comfortably in front with 12 points above their closest challengers, with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest trailing as the only real threats as we return from the international break.

Nottingham Forest’s attack fired on all cylinders in a 4-2 win over Ipswich, while Manchester United eased past a lifeless Leicester side to stay within striking distance of the top four. Brentford found some form with a statement performance at Vitality Stadium against high-flying Bournemouth, while Fulham edged a scrappy win over Spurs at Craven Cottage to deal a blow to Postecoglou’s hopes for consistency.

At the bottom end, Southampton’s season continued to spiral following a 2-1 home loss to Wolves, who found some life with this victory, while Everton left it late to rescue a point against West Ham, keeping their unbeaten run alive. Let’s break down all the action from Matchweek 29 before previewing Matchweek 30.

Everton 1-1 West Ham United

Everton were second-best for most of the first hour and fell behind to Soucek’s low finish after a strong individual run from Bowen. West Ham had started brighter, forcing Pickford into action on multiple occasions in the first half, and looked on course to take all three points. But a late spell of pressure from the hosts paid off in stoppage time when Gueye’s delivery was headed in by Jake O’Brien, a dramatic finish to an otherwise scrappy affair. The result extended Everton’s unbeaten run to nine league matches and forced West Ham to deal with another disappointing result under David Moyes.

Ipswich Town 2-4 Nottingham Forest

Forest made it six wins in seven and continued their top-three charge with a convincing win at Portman Road. Milenkovic scored the opener after a poor defensive header, and Elanga’s pace and finishing twice exposed a weak Ipswich backline. The visitors were three up inside 41 minutes and added a fourth in the second half through Jota Silva after Gibbs-White’s pass. Ipswich found two late replies through Cajuste and Hirst, but the damage was already done. They’ve now failed to win any of their last 10 league matches since the turn of the year.

Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

City missed the chance to break into the top four after twice surrendering a lead at home. Haaland converted from the spot early on before Marmoush scored a brilliant strike off the post to restore their advantage after Estupiñán had curled in a superb free-kick. Brighton refused to go away and levelled again after Hinshelwood’s effort deflected in off Khusanov. Both sides had chances to win it, most notably Baleba, who blazed over from close range late on as City were forced to settle for another frustrating draw.

Southampton 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves made it back-to-back away wins with a clinical performance at St. Mary’s. Strand Larsen opened the scoring after a sharp delivery from Bellegarde, and the young striker added a second just two minutes into the second half to help his team go up by two. Southampton had chances early, with Sulemana and Aribo both guilty of wasting good efforts, but lacked conviction in the final third. Onuachu pulled one back late on after a positive effort by Dibling, but Wolves held firm to secure a massive three points while Southampton continues to sink each week.

AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford

Bournemouth looked sharp early on and deservedly went in front when Kerkez’s cross was deflected into his own net by Janelt. But Brentford weathered the storm and grew into the game, equalizing before the break when Mbeumo’s cross was finished by Wissa. Semenyo hit the bar shortly after the restart, and Bournemouth pushed late on, but Flekken produced a string of crucial saves to deny Brooks, Tavernier, and Kluivert. Nørgaard eventually found the winner from a long throw that Bournemouth failed to clear, handing Brentford a fifth straight away victory.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Arsenal snapped their three-game winless run with a composed showing at home. Merino scored the winner in the 20th minute, rising highest to head in a perfectly placed Ødegaard corner. The Gunners started strong but became passive after the goal, allowing Chelsea spells of possession without much end product. With Palmer unavailable, Maresca’s side offered little threat, finishing with just 0.35 xG and eight touches in the box. Still, Arsenal were never fully in control despite pushing, but did enough to secure a valuable three points.

Fulham 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham dominated the final half-hour to see off Spurs in what was largely a disjointed derby. Willian went close in the first half and Solanke should’ve scored early in the second, but it was two substitutes who sealed the win. Muniz opened the scoring with a neat first-time finish, and just 57 seconds after coming on, Sessegnon curled in a brilliant strike to double the lead. Tottenham, who managed just four shots on target all match, continued their trend of poor performances heading into the international break and slipped further out of European contention.

Leicester City 0-3 Manchester United

United cruised past Leicester with a professional display led by Bruno Fernandes, who assisted twice and added a late goal of his own. Højlund ended his league drought with a composed finish after a pass from the captain, while Garnacho also benefitted from a Fernandes layoff to score at the near post. Leicester had chances, including efforts from Vardy and Buonanotte, and finished with a higher xG, but failed to convert once again. They’ve now lost seven straight home matches without scoring, setting an unwanted top-flight record.

Newcastle United – Crystal Palace (will be played April 16 – counts as part of MW29)

The fixture between Newcastle and Crystal Palace, originally scheduled for March 15 at St. James’ Park, was postponed due to Newcastle’s involvement in the Carabao Cup Final. The match will now take place on April 16, but just like Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on February 19, it will still count as part of Matchweek 29 despite the later date. Newcastle recently beat Liverpool on March 16, 2025 in the final through Dan Burn and Alexander Isak goals, while Federico Chiesa scored the consolation for Liverpool in stoppage time. With this result, Newcastle ended their 70-year trophy drought and will surely enter the post-international break era with newfound motivation.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 30 Preview

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025

Arsenal vs Fulham – 2:45 PM EST

Arsenal return to the Emirates looking to build on back-to-back clean sheets, but Fulham have momentum after a confident win over Spurs. The Gunners remain lethal from set pieces and look more balanced with Merino up top, while Fulham have found scoring contributions from all over the pitch lately, particularly off the bench. Arsenal should have the edge at home, but only just.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United – 2:45 PM EST

Wolves are flying under Vítor Pereira, with Strand Larsen hitting form at the right time. West Ham have failed to turn promising spells into consistent wins and were left frustrated at Goodison last time out. At Molineux, Wolves look like a side playing with purpose, while the Hammers continue to drift.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 West Ham

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United – 3:00 PM EST

Forest are playing some of the best football in the league right now, and the City Ground has become one of the toughest away days for top-half sides. United got a morale-boosting win at Leicester, but this is a far more difficult test. Nuno’s side are direct, aggressive, and full of confidence. They’ll sense an opportunity to make a real statement.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025

AFC Bournemouth vs Ipswich Town – 2:45 PM EST

Bournemouth have been inconsistent at home, but Ipswich have lost eight of their last ten and haven’t won in 2025. The visitors still have some fight going forward, but their defensive structure continues to cost them. This feels like a must-win for the Cherries, and they should get it done.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Ipswich

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa – 2:45 PM EST

Brighton’s comeback at City showed real resilience, while Villa return to action after a lengthy break due to cup commitments. Both teams are eyeing European spots and tend to play open, attacking football. This has the makings of a tightly contested draw.

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Aston Villa

Manchester City vs Leicester City – 2:45 PM EST

City are still dropping points in winnable games, but Leicester might be the perfect opponent to get back on track. The Foxes haven’t scored in seven home matches and look completely out of ideas going forward. While Haaland was injured in their FA Cup Quarterfinal win over Bournemouth last weekend, Marmoush and co. should have little trouble dispatching them.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Leicester City

Newcastle United vs Brentford – 2:45 PM EST

Newcastle return to St. James’ Park fresh off their Carabao Cup triumph and will want to carry that energy into the league. Brentford have been excellent away from home, winning five in a row, but the atmosphere in the northeast could tilt this one in the hosts’ favor.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brentford

Southampton vs Crystal Palace – 2:45 PM EST

Palace have quietly become one of the league’s most defensively sound sides and should have too much quality for a Southampton side already planning for the Championship. Dibling remains a bright spot for the Saints, but it’s hard to see them getting anything here, especially after Palace’s strong showing against Fulham in the FA Cup Quarterfinals.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Crystal Palace

Liverpool vs Everton – 3:00 PM EST

The 246th Merseyside Derby comes at a time when both clubs are unbeaten in their last nine. Everton’s defensive discipline will be tested at Anfield, but Liverpool’s recent dip in energy and their loss in the Carabao Cup Final might give the visitors some belief. Still, Klopp’s men tend to rise to the occasion at home, and with the league their only silverware chance remaining, they’ll want to make a statement.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – 3:00 PM EST

Neither side is in great form, and both are struggling to find consistency in front of goal. Palmer’s status remains unclear, and Spurs have now lost 15 of their 29 league matches. Chelsea are at home and slightly more compact defensively, which could be just enough to edge it in this London derby.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham