With Christmas just around the corner, Gameweek 18 of the Premier League 2023/24 season has recently concluded with some interesting and unlikely results.
Almost halfway through the season, the top three in the table are separated by just a single point and it looks like the title race is going to be one heck of a battle with 20 Gameweeks remaining.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, all three teams had to settle for a draw resulting in no changes with the Gunners remaining in the top spot with 40 points, followed by the Anfield Reds and Unai Emery’s Villa side with 39 points each.
Meanwhile, interesting results followed with Newcastle United’s trip to Luton, Wolves’ clash against Chelsea at the Molineux, and Dominik Solanke’s masterclass in Bournemouth’s fixture against Nottingham Forest, away at the City Ground.
Ange’s Tottenham back in form while Manchester United lose their eighth game of the season
Tottenham Hotspur were on a horrendous run of form a few game weeks ago after starting the season brilliantly and have seemed to have picked up on that same form with three wins in a row in the Premier League after their win against Everton at home in Gameweek 18.
Thanks to goals from Richarlison, who has scored in three consecutive games now, and the South Korean forward, Heung-Min Son who has 11 goals in the season, Spurs defeated Everton 2-1 at home and currently acquire a fourth spot in the table with 36 points, three behind third-placed Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, struggles for Erik ten Hag continue at the Theatre of Dreams. Following their 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, the Red Devils lost their game week 18 match to the Hammers at the London Stadium, courtesy of goals from in-form Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Manchester United have now slipped to the eighth position in the table after their eighth loss of the season.
Solanke’s masterclass at the City Ground while Chelsea mauled at the Molineux
Dominic Solanke has been in terrific form this season and has been Bournemouth’s most influential player on the pitch, proving it once again on Saturday night against Nottingham Forest this gameweek.
The game was entertaining in itself but the Cherries ran out as eventual winners, courtesy of a Solanke hattrick, with the winner coming late in stoppage time in the form of a precise header while the game was beautifully poised at 2-2.
Also Read: English Premier League Team of the Week- Game Week 18
On the other hand, Chelsea’s struggles continued as they were beaten 2-1 by Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side at the Molineux, after their loss to Everton in the previous game. The only good news for Mauricio Pochettino’s side from the game was the return of Christian Nkunku as the former Leipzig striker also scored a goal in a rather forgetful night for the Blues.
With their win against Chelsea, Wolves are now 11th in the table tied with Bournemouth and Chelsea at 22 points each, and would be looking forward to carrying this momentum into upcoming game weeks.
Luton Town take a huge stride to escape the relegation zone
Luton Town suffered a huge blow after their Captain, Tom Lockyer collapsed worryingly in the clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the previous game week and were motivated to keep up their fight to stay afloat in the Premier League this season, locking horns against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side at the Kenilworth Road.
Andros Townsend’s goal in the 25th minute of the game sent the crowd wild with Luton taking the lead and maintaining it till the end of the ninety minutes. Newcastle United were clear favorites for the game considering the quality difference between the two teams but it’s Rob Edwards’ men who came out at the top once again proving that the Premier League never fails to disappoint footballing fans around the globe.
Gameweek 19 marks the halfway point in the season with top clubs taking on each other, as Aston Villa travel to the Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils who are in desperate need of the three points, while Arsenal are set to take on West Ham at the Emirates stadium.
Also Read: Premier League Top Scorer: Latest Golden Boot Standings After GW 18
The defending Champions, Manchester City will also be back in action in Gameweek 19 as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton since they became the Club World Cup Champions by defeating Brazilian side Fluminense in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Saudi.