Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 18 (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 18. Eight teams didn’t play: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds United, Leicester City, Liverpool, Southampton, West Brom and West Ham. Therefore, the Premier League Pecking Order starts with the 12th team (worst performed team) on the Pecking Order. Consequently, it finishes with the 1st team (best performed team) on the Pecking Order.
12- Burnley
Burnley would be extremely disappointed with their performance in Matchweek 18. They didn’t take enough risks against Manchester United. The fact that Burnley had no shots on target meant they didn’t attack enough.
11- Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion were outplayed by Manchester City. The fact that Brighton and Hove Albion only registered one shot on target tells the story. Along with that, they only had 34.9% possession showed that they were thoroughly outplayed. It also indicates they parked the bus and deservedly lost 1-nil.
10- Everton
Everton had just five shots, but they had three shots on target and scored two goals. It wasn’t a match they thoroughly deserved to win, but they scored the goals at the right times. They didn’t play well, but they claimed all three points against a Wolves team that played reasonably well. It’s impressive that Everton sit in the top four of the Premier League Table, temporarily. That’s despite the fact they have to improve on their performance in Matchweek 18.
9- Newcastle United
Newcastle United failed to claim a point in a match where Sheffield United won; first match of the Season. The fact that Newcastle United’s goalkeeper was probably man of the match says it all. They lost to the team who are currently bottom of the Premier League Table. They did okay, even though they were down to ten men just before half time.
8- Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace played some reasonable football at times, but they should’ve been more attacking. They only had 32.7% of possession. The fact that they had just two shots on target told the story to some extent. Despite that, they were unlucky in the 1st half when James Tomkins hit the bar with a header. In order to reach their potential, they need be more attacking. A nil-nil draw should be a result that Crystal Palace would be disappointed with if they want to improve.
7- Wolves
Wolves played a fairly good game of football. They can consider themselves unlucky to have claimed at least a point. Unfortunately, they didn’t get anything out of the game from a results perspective. That’s despite the fact they had 12 shots to Everton’s five. (In a nutshell), Wolves just need to be more clinical and better defensively in the key moments.
6- Arsenal
Arsenal controlled the balance of play and the tempo of the match. They controlled possession with 67.3% of it. Along with that, they finished with four shots on target to Crystal Palace’s two. Despite that, Arsenal had some of their weaknesses exposed. They have some work to do to improve on their display and get better.
5- Sheffield United
Sheffield United claimed their first win of the Premier League Season, deservedly so. There’s no doubt that if they continue performing the way they did in Matchweek 18, they won’t be relegated. They finished the match with 66.2% possession. Along with that, they had four shots on target from 17 shots. Given, Newcastle United’s goalkeeper, Karl Darlow was arguably man of the match, substantiates that Sheffield United’s performance was impressive.
4- Fulham
Fulham claimed what could prove to be an important point. Both them and Tottenham had 15 shots each. That equates to 30 shots, which was one shot every three minutes. It was an open match. It was the type of game that shows why football is such a good sport to watch. The fact that Fulham had four shots on target and 47.6% possession tells the story. The fact was Fulham played a good attacking brand of football and claimed a deserved point.
3- Tottenham
Tottenham would be disappointed that they didn’t come away from the match with all three points. They had 52.4% possession and six shots on target. The opposition goalkeeper; Alphonso Areola was probably Fulham’s best player for his team. That indicated that if Tottenham managed to claim three points it would have been a fairly fair result. In the end they had to settle for a point, which was probably the correct result.
2- Manchester United
Manchester United put in a solid display against a Burnley team that was tough to breakdown. The fact was, Manchester United got three points that their performance warranted. They finished the match with seven shot on target. Despite the fact that Burnley had 11 shots, they failed to register a single shot on target. Also, Manchester United had 62.7% possession, which showed why they had a tough 1-nil win. It illustrated how tough the Premier League is. What an effort it has been for Manchester United to sit on top of the Premier League Table.
1- Manchester City
Manchester City played an exciting brand of football. They had 65.1% possession and had a total of six shots on target from a total of 16 shots. Defensively they were solid as Brighton and Hove Albion had just one shot on target! The manner in which Manchester City move the ball was impressive. They controlled the tempo of the match and the balance of play and claimed a win, deservedly.
Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 18 (Premier League Season 2020/21- Final Thoughts)
It was an unpredictable Matchweek 18 of the Premier League, which can be backed up by the Pecking Order. There were eight goals in six matches= An average of 1.33 goals per game! Five out of 12 teams, which equates to 41.66% of teams that didn’t concede a goal. There were two draws in six matches. It was intriguing Matchweek of football.