Premier League Pecking Order - Matchweek 23 (Premier League Season 2020-21)

Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 23 (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 23. No one had the week off, which meant all 20 Premier League teams featured. The Premier League Pecking Order starts with the 20^th team (worst performed team) on the Pecking Order and finishes with the 1^st team (best performed team) on the Pecking Order.

20- West Brom

West Brom didn’t perform to an adequate level in Matchweek 23. They should’ve tried to attack much more than they did. Instead, they sat up and continually tried to absorb the pressure that Tottenham put on them. The fact was that West Brom only had one shot on target and one shot on target. They were fortunate to only lose the match 2-nil.

19- Liverpool

Liverpool didn’t play to their optimum level. They appeared to have the wrong tactics and mindset. The 4-1 loss to Manchester City could mean that they deservedly finish outside the top four! The fact that Liverpool had 55.9% says it all. They didn’t look threatening enough in the final third. It appeared as if they weren’t organised enough in defence.

18- Wolves

Wolves would be disappointed with their display; they registered just one shot on target. It appeared as if they were content for the match to end goalless, against Leicester City. If Wolves were then the fact is, they achieved what they wanted. There’s no doubt there’s room for improvement!

17- Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace finished the game with just 31.1% possession and three shots on target. They didn’t look threatening in the final third. The fact is that they didn’t play well and could have lost to Leeds United by more than two goals. It was partly unfortunate that Crystal Palace played against a Leeds United team that played well. Despite that, Crystal Palace have plenty to work on.

16- Sheffield United

Sheffield United played a reasonable brand of football. There’s no doubt they need to improve in the key moments. They only had 31.1% against Chelsea, but they didn’t tell the entire story. There’s no doubt that Chelsea was probably the better team. It’s debatable to some extent whether Sheffield United deserved to lose. They went in with a plan and executed it. The fact that both teams had three shots on target tells a story in itself. In general play though, Chelsea was better and Sheffield United must improve if they are to avoid relegation.

15- Tottenham

Tottenham would be content with the manner in which they played. There’s plenty to work on, but the fact was West Brom parked the bus. The fact is that Tottenham need to be less reliant on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane. It was a surprise that Harry Kane started, given his injury troubles. He should have been on the bench. They need to be less reliant on those two players to score goals.

14- Leicester City

Leicester City played a reasonable match against a Wolves team that proved tough to break down. Despite it being nil-nil, Leicester City have some positives to take out of the match. They had 56.1% possession and three shots on target. The one save that Kasper Schmeichel had to make he did. Apart from that, they were disciplined defensively. Obviously, they would’ve liked to have won the match and scored at least one goal, but that’s football.

13- West Ham

West Ham should be bitterly disappointed with their performance against Fulham. The fact that West Ham only had one shot on target sums up their approach to the match. They should’ve been more attacking. It was a match that they should’ve been looking to win. In the end they were lucky to come away from the match with a point in a scoreless draw.

12- Southampton

Southampton should be upset they didn’t claim a point against Newcastle United. The fact that Newcastle United lost two players through injury in the 1^st half should’ve been pivotal. What looked like inevitably transpiring was Southampton to at least claim a point. One of the two players injured was probably their best player for Newcastle United this season; Callum Wilson. On top of that, Newcastle United played with ten men from the 49^th minute.

11- Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton and Hove Albion didn’t play to a level that they are capable of. The fact that their goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez was probably man of the match summed it up. It was seven shots on target to two, in favour of Burnley! In the end Brighton and Hove Albion were fortunate to claim a point.

10- Arsenal

Arsenal controlled possession with 66.4% possession against Aston Villa. What did Arsenal achieve though? They had three shots on target compared to Aston Villa’s eight. The fact of the matter is that Arsenal played some expansive, attractive football at times. Despite that, there was no end product.

9- Aston Villa

Aston Villa didn’t have a good match from an attacking perspective, despite scoring the only goal of the match. It was scored in the 2^nd minute. They went into their shell after that and let Arsenal control the possession. In the end Aston Villa won the match and had eight shots on target, but they have to improve.

8- Chelsea

Chelsea played reasonably well, but they have to be better to finish in the top four. They controlled possession with 68.9% of it and controlled the tempo of the match and the balance of play. From three of shots on target they scored two goals, albeit one was from the penalty spot. They have work to do as they battled to defeat a Sheffield United who currently sit on the bottom of the Premier League Table.

7- Everton

Everton showed plenty of character against Manchester United. The fact that Everton were losing 2-nil at half time and drew the match speaks volumes for them. They scored three second half goals and equalised with the last kick of the match. Deep into 2^nd half stoppage time they made it 3-all. They scored from all three shots that were on target!

6- Manchester United

Manchester United lost two points. They were in full control of the match at half time. Unfortunately, they lost their momentum when Abdoulaye Doucouré scored in the 49^th minute. The goals that Manchester United conceded were fairly soft. They claimed one point when they should’ve won and claimed all three points.

5- Fulham

Fulham played some decent football. They were the better team against a poor West Ham team. The fact that Fulham had two of the three shots on target in the match says it all. They controlled possession with 60.6% of it. Despite the fact they failed to score they played some good football.

4- Burnley

Burnley only claimed one point against Brighton and Hove Albion, but they deserved three points. They had seven shots on target and had 54.5% possession. The match may have been nil-nil, but Burnley proved that they can play attractive, attacking football.

3- Newcastle United

Newcastle United showed a lot of determination to win 3-2 against Southampton. They lost two players through injury in the 1^st half. Along with that they were down to ten men after 49 minutes. They finished the match with just 26.2% possession, but they scored from three of their four shots on target.

2- Leeds United

Leeds United proved why they are arguably the most entertaining team to watch in the Premier League. They had seven shots on target. Along with that, they controlled the balance of play and the tempo of the game. They finished the game with 68.9% possession. They proved why they are such a good team as they scored two goals and kept a clean sheet!

1- Manchester City

Manchester City have only had 44.1% possession, but the fact was they took their chances. They finished the match with four goals from their five shots on target. The fact is that they were clinical in the final third. The fact that Ilkay Gündogan missed a penalty didn’t deflate them. On the contrary, it made them hungrier to win and score goals. It was a fantastic display of determination, will and implementation of the right tactics implemented.