Five things we learned this week
There was drama at both ends of the Premier League table with Man City pegged back in the title race and Leeds claiming what could be a pivotal stoppagetime goal in their pursuit of survival.
Quadruple still on?
A day after Liverpool claimed FA Cup success at Wembley, leaders Man City dropped points following a 2-2 draw at West Ham. Victory for Pep Guardiola’s side in the capital would have put them six points clear and, with their superior goal difference, on the brink of the title but Jarrod Bowen’s brace coupled with a late Riyad Mahrez penalty being saved means the Reds’ quadruple hopes are still alive. If they beat Southampton and Wolves this week and old captain Steven Gerrard can stop Man City at the Etihad on Sunday, the title will be back at Anfield.
Noble bows out at home
It was an emotional occasion at the London Stadium with West Ham captain Mark Noble involved in his final home fixture for his boyhood club. After he received a standing ovation before kick-off and fans put up a tifo display that showed his name and number, the skipper was introduced with 13 minutes left and contributed towards holding leaders Man City to a point. His duties did not end at full-time though with the Hammers great completing his postmatch ritual of sweeping the dressing room floor at West Ham for one final time.
Kane spot-on again
The top-four picture is another scenario which will go down to the final-day.
After beating Arsenal on Thursday, Spurs backed it up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley. It required a Harry Kane spot-kick in firsthalf stoppage time to see off the relegationthreatened
Clarets and increase the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s young team, who visit Newcastle on Monday. Only a win will keep Champions League qualification in the Gunners’ hands.
Pascal’s precious point
With Burnley defeated earlier in the day, Leeds knew they could move out of the bottom three with a positive result at home to Brighton. Going behind after 21 minutes was not the start they wanted but Jesse Marsch’s charges did not let up and Pascal Struijk headed home in added time to send Elland Road wild. The point took them above Burnley and could be massive come the end of the season.
Toffees still in a sticky situation
After events at Tottenham and Leeds, Everton could have guaranteed survival with three points but a dramatic clash occurred at Goodison Park and Brentford claimed a 3-2 win. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early goal was quickly overshadowed by a red card to Jarrad Branthwaite and while Richarlison put the Toffees back in front before the break, the visitors claimed the five-goal thriller after two second-half strikes, with Salomon Rondon also sent off late on for the hosts. Frank Lampard’s side can make sure of safety with a win over Crystal Palace on Thursday but if they don’t, their fate will go to the last day.