Gameweek 17 of the English Premier League 2023/24 saw several important games and results in context to the league table with top teams going head-to-head against each other.
Somehow, what caught the eye of footballing fans all over the world was an unfortunate event that took place at the Vitality Stadium in the game between Bournemouth and Luton Town. The match progressed as usual but in the 59th minute of the game, Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch due to a cardiac arrest. The game was suspended after the incident and every fan all over the world wishes for a speedy recovery of Luton’s Captain and hopes to see him back on the pitch very soon.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, we had some interesting clashes and results over the weekend with Liverpool taking on Manchester United at Anfield, Aston Villa’s trip away at Brentford, and Arsenal taking on De Zerbi’s Brighton at home.
Gunners back at the Top while Liverpool lose points at Anfield.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were successful in regaining the top spot in the table after a win against De Zerbi’s Brighton at the Emirates. Goals from former Manchester City forward, Gabriel Jesus and former Chelsea man, Kai Havertz took the Gunners over the line with a 2-0 win after a disappointing loss against Aston Villa in the previous weekend.
On the other hand, we have Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who were unable to get past the Manchester United defence even after taking 34 shots in total throughout the 90 minutes. The game ended as a goalless 0-0 draw with both teams sharing a point each. Liverpool are now second in the table with 38 points, behind the table toppers, Arsenal.
Also Read: English Premier League Team of the Week: Game Week 17
Everton’s stunning run continues while Aston Villa make a late comeback against Brentford
It’s safe to say that Everton have been brilliant in their struggle to escape from the relegation zone after being handed a 10-point deduction by UEFA. With their win against Burnley over the weekend at Turf Moor, the Toffees have now won four out of their last four games in the Premier League and are now 16th in the table with 16 points, 7 points clear from the drop zone.
They have also kept four clean sheets in a row now and are set to face Ange Postecglou’s Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming Gameweek 18. It would be interesting to see how the two teams line up against each other, with both being in decent form as of late.
Moving on to the top four, we have Unai Emery’s Aston Villa who continue with their stellar run of form, winning the game late in the second half after being a goal down against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Goals from Alex Moreno and in-form Ollie Watkins saw the Birmingham side take the three points home on an eventful night.
Aston Villa are now tied with Liverpool on 38 points and are third in the table, above the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Michael Olise silences the Etihad
After their win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, it looked like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were back to winning ways. It looked the same against Crystal Palace with the Blues taking a comfortable 2-0 lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Jean-Phillips Mateta was successful in pulling a goal back for the Eagles in the 76th minute but it seemed like it would be nothing more than a consolation. But to the horror of the City fans, Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty late into stoppage time after a foul from Phil Foden inside the box.
Michael Olise’s calm and crisp finish from the spot in the final seconds of the game saw the Eagles snatch an unlikely point from the Defending Champions in their backyard. City now sits at the fourth position in the league, four points behind third-placed Aston Villa.
Also Read: English Premier League Latest Standings & Table after GW 17
We are almost halfway through the Premier League season with Christmas and Gameweek 18 just around the corner. The most mouth-watering clash of them all takes place at the Emirates as Arsenal host Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash. It would be interesting to see how both teams face each other in their battle for supremacy at the top.