Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 16 (Premier League Season 2020/21- In a Nutshell)
The pecking order is based on the performance of the Premier League teams during the given Matchweek; on this occasion, it’s Matchweek 16. Four teams didn’t play due to two games being postponed due to covid-19. Those four teams were: Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham and Fulham. Therefore, the Premier League Pecking Order starts with the 16th team (worst performed team) on the Pecking Order. Consequently, it finishes with the 1st team (best performed team) on the Pecking Order.
16- West Brom
West Brom started poorly with an unforeseen own goal was scored by them. The goal came from a back pass that goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, had no chance of getting to. From there on in it was if the wind was put out of their sails. They didn’t offer anything from an attacking perspective. They had just one shot on target.
15- Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace had just one shot on target to go with their 33.1% of possession. They were extremely fortunate that they claimed a point against Southampton. That’s despite the fact Crystal Palace led 1-nil until late in the game. They have to improve their performance if they are to finish in the top half ten.
14- Southampton
Southampton would be upset that they only claimed one point in Matchweek 16. They will be looking to finish in the top six and potentially the top four. The fact is they didn’t play to their optimum level against West Ham. Given they had 62.6% possession Southampton would be disappointed that they didn’t claim all three points.
13- West Ham
West Ham can consider themselves unlucky to not have claimed all three points. Due to the fact that Southampton goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy was arguably man of the match. The fact that West Ham finished the match with 37.4% possession indicates that they played efficiently when in possession. They have to get better if they want to reach their potential.
12- Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion played some attractive football as they usually do. It meant nothing, as they left the match empty handed as far as points are concerned. They need to continue to work on the manner in which they have been playing and be more clinical. There’s work for them to be done as they face the possibility of relegation if they don’t improve.
11- Arsenal
Arsenal played relegation battlers in Brighton and Hove Albion. For the 1st half it was a match that was controlled by Brighton and Hove Albion. (In a nutshell) Arsenal improved Alexandre Lacazette was introduced in the 66th minute. They were like a different team with him on the field. It could be argued that they deserved the three points.
10- Sheffield United
Sheffield United showed great character despite not claiming a point. They would be fairly happy with their performance. All that was missing was a goal and at least one point. They controlled the balance of play at times, but they lost against Burnley 1-nil. The fact that Sheffield United are playing well should boost their morale. They controlled possession and had the same number of shots on target as Burnley; three. The fact is Sheffield need results, but shouldn’t deviate from their game plan much as are playing good football.
9- Burnley
Burnley were lucky to take all three points against Sheffield United. They may have had just 37.1% possession, but they appeared to play fairly confidently. A lot of their improvement can be attributed to their goalkeeper, Nick Pope. When a team has a top quality goalkeeper it gives them confidence and belief to improve as a team.
8- Newcastle United
Newcastle United nearly snatched all three points against Liverpool. They had an opportunity to score in the 79th minute when Ciaran Clark had a header on target brilliantly saved by Alisson. It may prove to be a valuable point for Newcastle United as the Premier League Table is so tight. Credit to them for showing character, even though there no goals in the match.
7- Aston Villa
Aston Villa put in a character building performance against Chelsea. Even so, Aston Villa managed to claim a point. That’s despite the fact they had just two shots on target to Chelsea’s five. On top of that Aston Villa had just 36.6% possession. There are areas of their game plan they need to tinker with; just attack like Leeds United!
6- Leicester City
Leicester City had Jamie Vardy on the bench and James Maddison out of the squad. They proved to be two pivotal absentees from the starting 11. They only scored the equaliser in the 83rd minute! Despite that, they controlled the balance of play and the tempo of the match. They finished with 66.9% possession and three shots on target from 17 shots. They need to work on as they would have viewed the game against Crystal Palace as a winnable one. That means they have to improve on.
5- Manchester United
Manchester United would have mixed feelings about the match. They finished with just three shots on target to Wolves five. The fact that they had 58.2% possession meant that Manchester United were inefficient. They have to improve if they are to challenge for the Premier League Title this Season.
4- Wolves
Wolves played decent football against a Manchester United team that’s on form. Given, Wolves had five shots on target to Manchester United’s three, Wolves deserved to have at least a point. The fact that they had 41.8% possession indicated they played a tactically astute match. (In a nutshell) they were extremely efficient. They one thing missing from their game was a goal.
3- Liverpool
Liverpool played a good match against Newcastle United. They were unfortunate that the opposition goalkeeper in Karl Darlow was in top form. On top of that Liverpool missed some clear cut chances that had detrimental repercussions as they failed to score. They had four shots on target from 11 shots. Along with that they had 73.2% possession. Despite that the match finished as a scoreless draw!
2- Chelsea
Chelsea played some good football on the whole against a well coached Aston Villa team. The fact that Chelsea had five shots on target and 63.4% possession says it all. It should have three points, so they should view the game as two points lost not one point gained.
1- Leeds United
Leeds United showed why they are such an entertaining team to watch. They played an attacking brand of football against a relegation battler, in West Brom. Put simply Leeds United’s best striker failed to get on the score sheet, despite the fact they won 5-nil!
Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 16 (Premier League Season 2020/21- Final Thoughts)
It was an unfathomable Matchweek 16 of the Premier League, which can be backed up by the Pecking Order. Leeds United were the only team to score more than one goal, scoring five! There were three draws in the eight games that were played! In one out of five games the winning team had less possession than the losing team! Eight out of 16 teams, which equates to 50% of teams that didn’t concede a goal. Two of the top five teams in the Pecking Order claimed three points. It was an enjoyable and fascinating Matchweek of football.