EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 28 Recap

Another thrilling matchweek is in the books as the Premier League continues to deliver high-stakes drama across the table. Nottingham Forest’s shock victory over Manchester City sent waves through the title and/or top-four race, while Liverpool took another step toward the title with a comeback win at Anfield. Arsenal’s title charge stuttered again with a draw at Old Trafford, Chelsea and Newcastle secured vital wins in their push for European spots, and Aston Villa kept their top-four hopes alive with a gritty victory.

At the other end of the table, Southampton’s nightmare season continued with yet another defeat, Leicester struggled to trouble Chelsea in their latest setback, and Wolves and Everton shared the spoils in a tense affair. Tottenham, true to form, delivered another chaotic performance, coming from two goals down to salvage a draw against Bournemouth but once again raising questions about their inconsistency.

With the international break looming, Matchweek 29 presents one final opportunity for teams to build momentum before the pause. Notably, due to Newcastle’s participation in the Carabao Cup final, their clash against Crystal Palace, originally set for this weekend, has been rescheduled for April 16. However, just like Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last month, the fixture will still count as part of Matchweek 29 despite the later date.

Plenty of key battles lie ahead, including a crucial London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, a high-stakes meeting at the Etihad as City look to rebound against an in-form Brighton, and a tense relegation six-pointer as Southampton desperately search for points against Wolves. Without further ado, let’s dive into the Matchweek 28 recap before looking ahead to all the action in Matchweek 29.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester City

Nottingham Forest stunned Manchester City with a late winner from Callum Hudson-Odoi, delivering a serious blow to Pep Guardiola’s title ambitions after being left out of the Champions League. Despite dominating possession with 69%, City struggled to break down Forest’s disciplined defense, managing only three shots on target from 14 attempts. Haaland and Nico Gonzalez had golden opportunities in the first half, with Gonzalez hitting the woodwork, but they failed to capitalize. Forest grew into the game in the second half, forcing Ederson into action with efforts from Nicolas Dominguez and Hudson-Odoi. The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Morgan Gibbs-White delivered a ball to Hudson-Odoi, who put his shot past Ederson at the near post. Forest held on for a famous victory, cementing their third-place position while leaving City stuck in fifth.

Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Fulham

Brighton extended their winning streak to four matches in dramatic fashion, with Joao Pedro converting a 98th-minute penalty to seal a crucial victory over Fulham. The visitors took the lead just after the half-hour mark through Raul Jimenez, who finished from an Alex Iwobi cross. However, Brighton responded swiftly, equalizing within six minutes as Van Hecke headed one from a set-piece. The Seagulls pushed hard for a winner, seeing two second-half goals ruled out for offside before finally winning a stoppage-time penalty when Harrison Reed fouled Joao Pedro inside the box. The Brazilian stepped up and confidently buried his spot-kick, securing Brighton’s first-ever Premier League win over Fulham and lifting them into European qualification spots.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Ipswich Town

Crystal Palace secured a late 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town thanks to Ismaila Sarr’s composed finish in the 82nd minute. Without key forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace relied on Eddie Nketiah, who had an early one-on-one chance denied by Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer. The visitors came close themselves, with Jaden Philogene forcing a brilliant save from Dean Henderson, while Julio Enciso tested the Palace defense just before halftime. The second half remained tightly contested, with Eberechi Eze striking the post for Palace and Liam Delap’s header cleared off the line by Sarr. The breakthrough finally arrived when Adam Wharton’s pass found Daichi Kamada, who was tackled before the ball fell for Sarr to chip over Palmer. Palace climbed to 11th, keeping their European hopes alive, while Ipswich’s relegation concerns deepened.

Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Liverpool continued their dominant Anfield form, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Southampton. Southampton stunned Anfield by taking the lead just before halftime, but Liverpool responded quickly in the second half as Darwin Nunez equalized before Mohamed Salah converted two penalties to seal the win. The Egyptian’s brace took him to 184 Premier League goals, moving him into fifth place on the all-time scoring charts. The win extended Liverpool’s lead at the top to 15 points, all but sealing the title, while Southampton remain rock bottom with just nine points.

Brentford 0-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa kept their top-four hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford, secured by Ollie Watkins’ second-half strike. The visitors created the better chances early on, with Youri Tielemans and Tyrone Mings forcing saves from Mark Flekken. After a goalless first half, Villa found the breakthrough through Watkins’ effort. Brentford pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Keane Lewis-Potter hitting the woodwork and Bryan Mbeumo testing the Villa defense, but the visitors held on for a crucial three points.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Everton

Everton extended their unbeaten run to eight Premier League matches with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Wolves at Molineux. The Toffees took the lead in the 33rd minute through Jack Harrison, whose shot took a deflection off Max Killman. Everton looked the stronger side early on, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Beto both testing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa from set-pieces. Wolves responded just seven minutes later when Pablo Sarabia drove forward before a through ball to Marshall Munetsi, who finished clinically into the bottom corner for his first Premier League goal. The hosts carried their momentum into the second half, with Jorgen Strand Larsen coming close on multiple occasions. Everton nearly snatched all three points in the dying moments when Beto was played through on goal, but Sa came up big to keep the score level. Wolves remain 17th, comfortably above the relegation zone, while Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes continues as they push further up the table.

Chelsea 1-0 Leicester City

Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella’s second-half strike proving decisive. The hosts dominated possession, controlling 57% of the ball and firing 12 first-half shots. Their best opportunity came in the 22nd minute when Jadon Sancho won a penalty, but Cole Palmer’s effort was brilliantly saved by Mads Hermansen—his first penalty miss in the Premier League this season. Leicester offered little going forward, managing an xG of just 0.10 and failing to register a single clear-cut chance. Their most dangerous moment came when Tosin Adarabioyo nearly deflected a cross into his own net, causing panic in the Chelsea defense. With this result, Chelsea move back into the top four, while Leicester’s struggles continued as they remain deep in the relegation fight.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham staged a dramatic comeback to rescue a point against Bournemouth after trailing by two goals. Marcus Tavernier put the Cherries ahead just before halftime, finishing a brilliant run and cross from Milos Kerkez. Evanilson then doubled the lead just after the hour mark with a composed finish past Guglielmo Vicario. However, Spurs responded late, with Pape Sarr pulling one back in the 67th minute before Heung-min Son converted a 84th minute penalty to complete the comeback. Tottenham’s inconsistency continues to frustrate their campaign, while Bournemouth will be disappointed to have let a two-goal lead slip.

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal’s title push took another hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The Gunners started brightly but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with long-range efforts from Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard failing to trouble Andre Onana. Just before halftime, a careless foul from Leandro Trossard gifted United a free kick, which Bruno Fernandes scored with all class. Arsenal equalized in the 74th minute through Declan Rice. The Gunners pressed for a winner, but United nearly stole all three points late on, with David Raya making a crucial double save. The result leaves Arsenal further adrift in the title race, while United remain stuck in mid-table.

West Ham United 0-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle bounced back from recent struggles with a hard-fought 1-0 win over West Ham. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Alexander Isak capitalized on a defensive error to slot home past Alphonse Areola. West Ham had chances to equalize, with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus both testing the Newcastle defense, but Nick Pope stood firm to preserve the clean sheet. The victory lifts Newcastle to sixth place, reigniting their European qualification hopes, while West Ham continues to struggle for consistency.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 29 Preview

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025

Everton vs. West Ham United – 11:00 AM EST

Everton will look to extend their unbeaten streak as they host West Ham in a mid-table battle, with both teams locked on 33 points and aiming to distance themselves from relegation concerns. The Toffees have been resilient at home, making them difficult to break down, while West Ham, despite their recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle, have shown grit in tight contests. I expect a cagey affair where neither side wants to lose ground.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 West Ham United

Ipswich Town vs. Nottingham Forest – 11:00 AM EST

Ipswich Town face another tough challenge as they welcome Nottingham Forest, who are riding high after their stunning 1-0 win over Manchester City. Ipswich’s struggles continued with a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, and they’ll need a standout performance to break through Forest’s disciplined backline. Given the visitors’ form, they should have enough to secure three points.

Prediction: Ipswich Town 0-2 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – 11:00 AM EST

Manchester City must quickly recover from their shock loss to Forest as they take on an in-form Brighton side. The Seagulls, coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham, have won four straight league matches. With Joao Pedro leading the line effectively, they’ll look to exploit City’s recent defensive errors. However, playing at the Etihad, and Guardiola claiming these last 10 games as the finals for his team, his side should have enough firepower to bounce back.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Southampton vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 11:00 AM EST

Southampton’s miserable campaign doesn’t get any easier as they take on Wolves. The Saints remain rooted to the bottom of the table following their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. Wolves, who earned a 1-1 draw with Everton, have been inconsistent but should have enough quality to capitalize on Southampton’s defensive struggles and continue to climb out of the relegation zone.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

AFC Bournemouth vs. Brentford – 1:30 PM EST

Bournemouth and Brentford meet in what could be one of the weekend’s most entertaining fixtures. The Cherries will be frustrated after letting a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham, while Brentford need a response after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. With both teams comfortably in mid-table, I expect an open, attacking contest.

Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2025

Arsenal vs. Chelsea – 9:30 AM EST

A high-stakes London derby with Champions League implications awaits as Arsenal and Chelsea collide. The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, while Chelsea edged past Leicester with a narrow 1-0 victory. Arsenal need a win to keep their slim title hopes alive, while Chelsea will want a win to remain in the top four. However, at the Emirates, Arsenal should have the upper hand in what promises to be a fiery encounter.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur – 9:30 AM EST

Fulham welcome Tottenham in what should be another thrilling matchup. Marco Silva’s side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brighton in stoppage time, while Spurs salvaged a late draw against Bournemouth. Tottenham’s attacking firepower should give them the edge, but Fulham are always tough to beat at Craven Cottage, and Tottenham are too hard to trust.

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Leicester City vs. Manchester United – 3:00 PM EST

Leicester’s struggles continued with a 1-0 loss to Chelsea, and they now face a Manchester United side still searching for consistency. United managed a respectable 1-1 draw against Arsenal but have yet to string together a convincing run of form. With Leicester struggling to score and United possessing superior quality, the visitors should control this match.

Prediction: Leicester City 0-2 Manchester United

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025

Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace – 2:30 PM EST

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 bounced back from recent struggles with a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham, while Crystal Palace produced a dominant attacking display, thrashing Aston Villa 4-1. With both sides pushing for European places, and Palace riding a wave of confidence in front of goal, this has the makings of a thrilling, end-to-end battle.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Crystal Palace