Premier League Matchweek 27 | Detailed Analysis of Why Florian Wirtz Didn’t Play

EPL Matchweek 27 | Have an in-depth walk-through of all the encounters of Premier League’s matchweek 23. Read on…

Saturday, February 21^st : EPL Matchweek 27

Aston Villa (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Aston Villa | Leeds United
Venue: Villa Park📍

Aston Villa Squad | Aston Villa (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Maatsen
• Buendía
• Luiz
• Mings
• Martínez
• Rogers
• Watkins
• Konsa
• Onana
• Bailey
• Cash

Substitute Players

• Victor Lindelöf
• Ross Barkley
• Lucas Digne
• Pau Torres
• Andrés García
• Tammy Abraham – Forward – (Player of the Match)
• Jadon Sancho
• Lamare Bogarde
• James Wright

Leeds United Squad | Aston Villa (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Stach
• Bogle
• Justin
• Ampadu
• Rodon
• Darlow
• Calvert-Lewin
• Gruev
• Struijk
• Aaronson
• Gudmundsson

Substitute Players

• Lucas Perri
• Daniel James
• Sean Longstaff
• Joël Piroe
• Lukas Nmecha
• Jaka Bijol
• Ao Tanaka
• Sebastiaan Bornauw
• Wilfried Gnonto

Match Summary

Stach put Leeds United ahead in the 31st minute with a brilliant long-range free-kick that surprised Villa’s keeper, Martínez. Aston Villa improved after the break. Villa’s Buendía almost scored but had hit the woodwork instead, and Watkins had a goal ruled out for offside. With only two minutes left, Tammy Abraham got substituted in the 75^th minute and scored to equalize the score to 1-1 and grab a draw point for the Villans.

The result leaves Leeds in 15th place, which is seven points above the relegation zone, while third-placed Villa could fall 10 points behind Arsenal if the leaders defeat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in matchweek 27.

Highlights of the Game

• Leeds United got the first real chance to score when Bogle played a great pass through the defense, but Martínez quickly stopped Calvert-Lewin’s shot.
• Leeds then had the opening goal of the game after Stach noticed Martínez out of position and curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner.
• Gruev almost doubled Leeds’ lead with a powerful shot, and Leeds’ keeper, Darlow, made two brilliant saves in a row to restrict Villas’ Onana and Watkins’ attacks to maintain their lead on the scoreboard.
• Aston Villa thought they had equalized when Buendía hit the post and the rebound went to Watkins, but his easy finish was ruled offside.
• Nmecha got substituted in the 73^rd minute and had missed a big late chance for Leeds, and Calvert-Lewin also forced the keeper into action, and Martínez reacted quickly to prevent an own goal.
• Leeds paid for those missed chances when Konsa headed down Sancho’s(Substituted at 61^st minute) corner to Tammy Abraham, who used his thigh to lift the ball into the net for the equalizing goal.

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Managerial Quotes

Aston Villa (Unai Emery)

“It’s not the best result, it’s not the worst. When we were losing in the 89^th minute, 1-0, to draw this match was really something fantastic.”

Note: Villa’s head coach reflected on the game and admitted that recovering from a 89th-minute deficit felt fantastic. He also acknowledged the team’s resilience and efforts under pressure.

Leeds United (Daniel Farke)

“The outcome of this game was equal. I am proud of my warriors today against a team in the title race.”

Note: While expressing pride in his team’s effort against a top title-contending side, the coach saw this result as fair and balanced.

Brentford (0 – 2) Brighton and Hove Albion | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Brentford | Brighton
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium📍

Brentford Squad | Brentford (0 – 2) Brighton and Hove Albion | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Henry
• Ouattara
• Janelt
• van den Berg
• Kelleher
• Ajer
• Henderson
• Jensen
• Thiago
• Lewis-Potter
• Hickey

Substitute Players

• Ethan Pinnock
• Kevin Schade
• Reiss Nelson
• Hákon Valdimarsson
• Yehor Yarmoliuk
• Nathan Collins
• Mikkel Damsgaard
• Romelle Donovan
• Kaye Furo

Brighton Squad | Brentford (0 – 2) Brighton and Hove Albion | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Gómez
• Hinshelwood
• Wieffer
• Milner
• van Hecke
• Verbruggen
• Dunk
• Welbeck – Forward- (Player of the Match)
• Mitoma
• Groß
• Kadioglu

Substitute Players

• Georginio Rutter
• Yankuba Minteh
• Carlos Baleba
• Charalampos Kostoulas
• Olivier Boscagli
• Jason Steele
• Maxim De Cuyper
• Joël Veltman
• Harry Howell

Match Summary           

Brighton ended their six-match winless run with a 2–0 victory against Brentford, getting their Premier League campaign back on track. It was also a historic day for Milner, who made his 654th league appearance to set a new record.

Gómez gave Brighton the lead after 30 minutes, and Danny Welbeck doubled Brighton’s lead before half-time. Brentford had a few moments, with Ouattara going close and Brighton’s substitute in the 65^th minute, Veltman, nearly scoring an own goal. However, Brighton could not turn the game around.

The result keeps Brentford seventh in the table, while Brighton moves up to 12th place with their first league win since early January.

Highlights of the Game

• Brentford’s Kelleher made a couple of early saves, first stopping Hinshelwood from long range, then keeping out Mitoma’s close shot.
• Brighton opened the scoring after Kadioglu hit the crossbar and Gómez tucked away the rebound shot.
• Brighton doubled their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Brentford’s substitute of the 45^th minute, Nathan Collins, mishit a clearance, and Brighton’s Welbeck finished easily.
• Collins tried to make up for his mistake in the second half but headed wide, and Ouattara also missed a close-range shot.
• Veltman(Brighton’s substitute in the 65^th minute) almost gave away their lead later in the game, but Brighton’s keeper, Verbruggen, made a great save to keep Brighton’s clean sheet victory.

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Managerial Quotes

Brentford (Keith Andrews)

“I thought the first half we didn’t reach the levels we have done pretty consistently. We have been performing at a high level, but today we didn’t. The second half was a big improvement. We showed a lot in the second half. We couldn’t quite take the opportunity early enough, which would cause them problems. Overall, it’s a disappointing day.”

Note: The coach acknowledged that the team didn’t reach their usual high standards in the first half but praised the significant improvement in the second half, noting the effort and intent shown on the pitch. He also pointed out that they missed early opportunities that could have put the opposition under pressure, and overall, he sounded honest and disappointed with the day’s result.

Brighton (Fabian Hürzeler)

“It is a better feeling. I’m proud of the team, very happy for the supporters. They waited for the win, so I am happy for them. In the second half, we had to defend a lot, but overall we deserved this win.”

Note:  The coach expressed clear pride in the team and appreciation for the supporters who had been waiting for a win. He acknowledged the defensive challenges in the second half but emphasized that the team deserved the victory overall, highlighting both effort and fairness in the result.

Chelsea (1 – 1) Burnley | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Chelsea | Burnley
Venue: Stamford Bridge📍

Chelsea Squad | Chelsea (1 – 1) Burnley |EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Gusto
• Neto
• Santos
• Chalobah
• Sánchez
• Fofana
• Fernández
• Pedro- Forward- (Player of the Match)
• Caicedo
• James
• Palmer

Substitute Players

• Tosin Adarabioyo
• Liam Delap
• Mamadou Sarr
• Jorrel Hato
• Josh Acheampong
• Marc Guiu
• Gaga Slonina
• Roméo Lavia
• Alejandro Garnacho

Burnley Squad | Chelsea (1 – 1) Burnley | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Laurent
• Walker
• Edwards
• Ugochukwu
• Flemming
• Worrall
• Dúbravka
• Anthony
• Mejbri
• Estève
• Humphreys

Substitute Players

• Quilindschy Hartman
• Jacob Bruun Larsen
• Max Weiss
• Florentino
• Loum Tchaouna
• Hjalmar Ekdal
• James Ward-Prowse
• Lucas Pires
• Ashley Barnes

Match Summary

Burnley earned a stoppage-time draw point through Flemming’s late header to equalize the score to 1-1 against 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Pedro had given Chelsea the lead inside four minutes of the game with his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

Burnley defended well for most of the game, and things got easier after Chelsea’s Fofana was sent off in the 72nd minute. Later, Burnley’s Flemming made a clever header in stoppage time.

The result leaves Burnley eight points from safety in 19th place, while Chelsea missed its chance to move closer to third-placed Aston Villa.

Highlights of the Game

• Chelsea took the lead when Caicedo played a perfect pass to Neto, who squared it for Pedro to tap in.
• After that, the game slowed down. Chelsea’s Palmer had a chance after a mistake from Burnley’s Walker, but shot straight at Burnley’s keeper, Dubravka.
• Early in the second half, Burnley’s Worrall blocked another Palmer shot, and both Pedro and Neto were denied by Burnley’s defense before the hour mark.
• Wesley Fofana was sent off for a late foul on Burnley’s substitute in the 57^th minute, James Ward-Prowse, giving Burnley a man advantage.
• In stoppage time, Ward-Prowse whipped in a corner that Flemming turned in brilliantly to equalize for Burnley.
• Burnley nearly won the game too, but Jacob Bruun Larsen, who was substituted in the 78^th minute, headed over a similar chance at the very end.

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Managerial Quotes

Chelsea (Liam Rosenior)

“We should have won the game. We should have been more ruthless. There was a lack of penetration in the first half, second half we had more moments without the right final pass or finish.”

Note: The coach admitted that the team fell short of expectations and should have been more clinical in front of the goal. He pointed out a lack of penetration in the first half and missed opportunities in the second, highlighting moments where the final pass or finish didn’t come off, reflecting both frustration and honesty about the performance.

Burnley (Scott Parker)

“When they went down to ten, we managed the game really well… Our application and execution during that final 20 minutes really impressed me… We showed incredible desire to keep going and we were rewarded with a deserved point at the end.”

Note: The coach highlighted how well the team managed the game after going down to ten players, praising their focus and execution in the final 20 minutes. He admired their determination and relentless effort, which ultimately earned them a deserved point, reflecting both resilience and discipline under pressure.

West Ham United (0 – 0) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: West Ham | Bournemouth
Venue: London Stadium📍

West Ham Squad | West Ham United (0 – 0) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Hadji Malick Diouf
• Fernandes
• Summerville
• Disasi
• Hermansen
• Soucek
• Castellanos
• Mavropanos
• Bowen
• Magassa
• Wan-Bissaka

Substitute Players

• Kyle Walker-Peters
• Maximilian Kilman
• Callum Wilson
• Adama Traoré
• Alphonse Areola
• Jean-Clair Todibo
• Ollie Scarles
• Mohamadou Kanté
• Ezra Mayers

Bournemouth Squad | West Ham United (0 – 0) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Jiménez
• Rayan
• Scott
• Hill – Defender- (Player of the Match)
• Petrovic
• Senesi
• Adams
• Adli
• Truffert
• Evanilson
• Kroupi

Substitute Players

• David Brooks
• Ryan Christie
• Adam Smith
• Marcus Tavernier
• Bafodé Diakité
• Enes Ünal
• Alex Tóth
• Christos Mandas
• Veljko Milosavljevic

Match Summary

West Ham United were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Bournemouth, missing a chance to catch up with Nottingham Forest on the league table.

Despite taking 20 shots, only three were on target for West Ham, with Disasi’s early header cleared off the line and Castellanos and Callum Wilson,  who was substituted in the 72nd minute,  missed other chances.

Bournemouth came back stronger in the second half, with Rayan hitting the post after a great run, but neither team could score.

This result leaves West Ham in 18th position, while Bournemouth rise to eighth place with a seven-game unbeaten streak.

Highlights of the Game

• Axel Disasi gave West Ham United a flying start with a header that Djordje Petrovic tipped over, and his follow-up hit Adrien Truffert and went over the bar.
• West Ham’s Summerville had a volley saved by Petrovic, and Castellanos sent a header from Bowen’s corner wide before half-time.
• Bournemouth got better after the break, with Rayan going on a brilliant solo run and hitting the post with a curling shot.
• West Ham stayed a threat, as Castellanos had a clever overhead kick just wide, and substitute of the 72^nd minute, Callum Wilson, made Bournemouth’s keeper Petrovic work with a tight-angle shot.
• Summerville had a deflected shot hit the top of the net and set up a late chance for Bowen

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Managerial Quotes

West Ham (Nuno Espírito Santo)

“We could have won. We played a good game, and we were compact and solid in defense, and we created a lot of situations. The feeling is that it was a good game that we performed, but unfortunately, we did not achieve the result that we wanted and needed. We have to keep believing and improving.”

Note: The coach reflected that the team played well, staying compact and solid in defense while creating many opportunities. He acknowledged that despite a strong performance, the desired result was not achieved, and stressed the importance of continuing to believe in the team and keep improving.

Bournemouth (Andoni Iraola)

“We had good individual performances. At least we have not conceded any goals and we will go with a point.”

Note: The coach highlighted the strong individual performances and took a positive view of not conceding any goals. While acknowledging that the team only secured a point, he framed it as a respectable outcome to build on.

Sunday, 22^nd February: EPL Matchweek 27 Highlights

Manchester City (2 – 1) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Man City | Newcastle
Venue: Villa Park📍

Man City Squad | Manchester City (2 – 1) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Aït-Nouri
• O’Reilly – Midfielder- (Player of the Match)
• Marmoush
• Guéhi
• Donnarumm
• Rodri
• Silva
• Dias
• Haaland
• Semenyo
• Nunes

Substitute Players

• James Trafford
• Tijjani Reijnders
• John Stones
• Rayan Cherki
• Nico González
• Savinho
• Abdukodir Khusanov
• Phil Foden
• Rico Lewis

Newcastle Squad | Manchester City (2 – 1) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Trippier
• Elanga
• Ramsey
• Thiaw
• Gordon
• Tonali
• Pope
• Burn
• Willock
• Woltemade
• Hall

Substitute Players

• Joelinton
• Harvey Barnes
• William Osula
• Jacob Murphy
• John Ruddy
• Aaron Ramsdale
• Alex Murphy
• Leo Shahar
• Sean Neave

Match Summary

Manchester City closed in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League by defeating Newcastle United with a 2-1 score at the Etihad Stadium. O’Reilly scored both goals for City in an exciting first half, first with a powerful strike in the 14th minute and then a brilliant header after Hall had equalised for Newcastle in the 22nd minute.

City held on for the win, moving closer to Arsenal ahead of the north London derby on Sunday, while Newcastle remain in 10th place.

Highlights of the Game

• City’s Marmoush set up an early goal for O’Reilly, whose first-time shot went past Newcastle’s keeper, Pope. (1-0)
• Newcastle United quickly equalized when Newcastle’s Hall’s deflected shot went in after Gordon had forced a save from City’s keeper, Donnarumma. (1-1)
• Five minutes later, City’s Haaland crossed from the right, and O’Reilly headed it into the far corner to give City the lead again. (2-1)
• Later, Newcastle kept pressing when Burn scored from an offside position, and Hall missed a free-kick early in the second half.
• City’s Semenyo and Ait-Nouri missed good chances to test Newcastle’s keeper, Pope.
• Late saves from Pope stopped City’s Haaland and substitute of 87^th minute, Foden.

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Managerial Quotes

Man City (Pep Guardiola)

“Massive [result], Newcastle is an incredible team, awesome in physicality and speed they have up front. Physicality in the middle. Really tough but the team was unbelievable.“

Note: The coach praised Newcastle as a strong and physical team with impressive speed and presence upfront, recognizing the challenges they posed in midfield. He highlighted how tough the match was but expressed admiration for his own team’s performance, describing it as unbelievable under such conditions.

Newcastle (Eddie Howe)

“I think that they [City] made changes to their team, but I think you see the strength in depth that they have and they possess… I think that was probably a step too far for us today against them when they’re in that mood.“

Note: Reflecting on their defeat against Man City in EPL Matchweek 27, Howe praised Pep Guardiola’s team and highlighted their impressive squad depth and quality. He admitted that facing them in such form was likely beyond his team’s reach today, showing respect for the opponent’s strength while reflecting on the challenge his team faced.

Crystal Palace (1 – 0) Wolverhampton Wanderers | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Crystal Palace | Wolves
Venue: Selhurst Park📍

Crystal Palace Squad | Crystal Palace (1 – 0) Wolverhampton Wanderers |  EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Mitchell
• Riad
• Pino
• Hughes
• Henderson – Goalkeeper- (Player of the Match)
• Richards
• Strand Larsen
• Wharton
• Sarr
• Canvot
• Muñoz

Substitute Players

• Brennan Johnson
• Christantus Uche
• Nathaniel Clyne
• Daichi Kamada
• Borna Sosa
• Evann Guessand
• Walter Benítez
• Justin Devenny
• Rio Cardines

Wolves Squad | Crystal Palace (1 – 0) Wolverhampton Wanderers | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Tchatchoua
• Mosquera
• Armstrong
• Bellegarde
• Arokodare
• Bueno
• Sá
• André
• Mané
• Krejcí
• Bueno

Substitute Players

• Matt Doherty
• David Møller Wolfe
• João Gomes
• Pedro Lima
• Rodrigo Gomes
• Toti Gomes
• Sam Johnstone
• Angel Gomes
• Tom Edozie

Match Summary

Evann Guessand got substituted at the 72^nd minute and scored his first goal for Crystal Palace with a dramatic 90th-minute strike that secured a 1–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park.

Guessand slid in to meet a cross from Mitchell, giving Palace a crucial victory that eased pressure on their head coach, Oliver Glasner.

Wolves had been reduced to 10 players after Krejci was sent off early in the second half. Palace’s goalkeeper Henderson saved a penalty shot from Arokodare before halftime, contributing to their victory.

The win lifted Palace to 13th place, 10 points clear of the relegation zone, while Wolves stayed at the bottom of the Premier League’s table with 10 points.

Highlights of the Game

• Wolves’ defender, Mosquera, made a mistake with the ball. Because of this, Palace’s Pino got a chance to score, but the shot was not accurate and went wide of the goal, so no goal was scored.
• Palace’s keeper, Henderson, made two good saves from Bellegarde as Wolves started playing better. At the other end, Pino hit the post for Crystal Palace after a well-worked corner.
• In the 43rd minute, Palace’s Pino lost the ball, which led to teammate Wharton fouling Wolves’ Mane in the box. But Arokodare’s weak penalty was easily saved by Palace’s Henderson.
• Palace were slow after halftime, and Wolves went down to 10 players when Krejci got two quick yellow cards; one for a foul on Sarr and the other for kicking the ball away.
• Wolves defended well until the final minute, but the substitute in the 72^nd minute, Evann Guessand, got in front of Mosquera and slid in Mitchell’s cross to score the late winning goal for Palace.

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Managerial Quotes

Crystal Palace (Oliver Glasner)

“I think everybody who watched the game could see how nervous we are in the first half, making so many easy mistakes, and then a great keeper saving a penalty, which was important.”

Note: The coach reflected on the team’s nerves in the first half, noting how it led to simple mistakes and a tense start. He also highlighted the importance of the goalkeeper’s penalty save, showing how key moments helped stabilize the team and shift momentum.

Wolves (Rob Edwards)

“He felt confident. He was brave and stepped up, and it can happen. I’m never going to come out and criticize him for missing a penalty.”

Note: When asked about Akodare’s missed penalty shot, the coach spoke with confidence and support, praising the player’s bravery in stepping up for the penalty. He made it clear that mistakes can happen and emphasized that he would never publicly criticize the player, highlighting trust and encouragement within the team.

Nottingham Forest (0 – 1) Liverpool | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Nott’m Forest | Liverpool
Venue: The City Ground📍

Nott’m Forest Squad | Nottingham Forest (0 – 1) Liverpool | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Williams
• Hudson-Odoi
• Anderson
• Murillo
• Ortega
• Gibbs-White
• Jesus
• Milenkovic
• Sangaré
• Hutchinson
• Aina

Substitute Players

• Morato
• Dan Ndoye
• Nicolás Domínguez
• Angus Gunn
• Lorenzo Lucca
• Ryan Yates
• Jair Cunha
• James McAtee
• Dilane Bakwa

Liverpool Squad | Nottingham Forest (0 – 1) Liverpool | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Salah
• Szoboszlai
• Gravenberch
• Konaté
• Ekitiké
• Jones
• Becker
• van Dijk
• Mac Allister – Midfielder- (Player of the Match)
• Gakpo
• Kerkez

Substitute Players

• Joe Gomez
• Federico Chiesa
• Giorgi Mamardashvili
• Andy Robertson
• Freddie Woodman
• Trey Nyoni
• Calvin Ramsay
• Kieran Morrison
• Rio Ngumoha

Match Summary

Alexis Mac Allister scored a last-minute goal to give Liverpool a 1–0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Forest started strongly and created early chances, but couldn’t keep the pressure. Mac Allister even had one goal ruled out earlier, but he successfully scored again deep in stoppage time to seal the clean sheet victory in this game.

This result puts Liverpool level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, while Forest stays at 17th position, which is just two points above the relegation zone, after missing the chance to move above Tottenham Hotspur.

Highlights of the Game

• Florian Wirtz had gotten injured in the warm-up early on and had to be replaced by Curtis Jones moments before this match. Because of the late change, Liverpool’s midfield lacked its usual rhythm.
• Forest’s Sangaré set up Hudson-Odoi, but his shot was saved by Liverpool’s keeper Becker.
• Nottingham Forest dominated the first half. Elliot Anderson’s low shot went wide, and Omari Hutchinson’s curling effort went straight to Alisson.
• Liverpool started playing better later. And Salah headed a cross for Jones, but Forest’s keeper Ortega blocked his close-range shot.
• Forest kept pushing for a goal. Liverpool’s Ekitike’s header was saved, and VAR ruled out a rebound that had hit Mac Allister’s elbow before going in.
• In the final moments, despite the early scare and a “worst first half” (as described by Slot), Liverpool eventually settled into the game, and Mac Allister slid in the rebound after van Dijk’s header was saved, giving Liverpool a big win. (1-0)

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Managerial Quotes

Nott’m Forest (Vítor Pereira)

“We are very frustrated. The way we played the first half was by creating chances and not conceding anything. It was a fantastic first half. We know the second half could be difficult because we played three days ago and travelled four hours. We didn’t press properly. They won the game. In my opinion, one point was the minimum. Zero points is not fair.”

Note: The coach expressed clear frustration with the result, praising the team’s fantastic first-half performance in creating chances and staying solid defensively. He acknowledged the challenges in the second half, including fatigue from travel and a lack of pressing, which allowed the opposition to win. He also felt the team deserved at least one point, emphasizing that taking nothing from the match was unfair.

Liverpool (Arne Slot)

“My emotions were emotions of happiness and relief. This is probably the first time I have to do a different post-match press conference than I did throughout all these other games, because today we did not play a good game. The performance, especially in the first half, was not as we’ve had so many times this season. But we’ve been on the wrong side of the score after a good performance far too many times. Today, I think we got more than we deserved. A draw would have been a fairer result of this game than for us to win it.“

Note: The coach shared feelings of happiness and relief, while also admitting the team did not play well, especially in the first half, unlike their usual performances this season. He reflected on past games where good performances went unrewarded, and noted that, despite their struggles today, the team earned more than they perhaps deserved, suggesting that a draw might have been a fairer outcome.

Sunderland (1 – 3) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Sunderland | Fulham
Venue: Stadium of Light📍

Sunderland Squad | Sunderland (1 – 3) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Hume
• Angulo
• Alderete
• Le Fée
• Roefs
• Sadiki
• Brobbey
• Ballard
• Diarra
• Mukiele
• Bi

Substitute Players

• Lutsharel Geertruida
• Chemsdine Talbi
• Chris Rigg
• Eliezer Mayenda
• Luke O’Nien
• Romaine Mundle
• Wilson Isidor
• Melker Ellborg
• Granit Xhaka

Fulham Squad | Sunderland (1 – 3) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Tete
• Wilson – Midfielder- (Player of the Match)
• Berge
• Jiménez
• Smith Rowe
• Andersen
• Leno
• Bassey
• Iwobi
• Kevin
• Sessegnon

Substitute Players

• Harrison Reed
• Rodrigo Muniz
• Tom Cairney
• Oscar Bobb
• Jorge Cuenca
• Timothy Castagne
• Benjamin Lecomte
• Josh King
• Issa Diop

Match Summary

Fulham’s Jiménez scored twice in the second half as they secured a hard-fought and dominant victory of 3–1 against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

After a quiet first half, Jiménez scored the opening goal in the 54^th minute and soon added another from the penalty spot. Le Fée later scored one goal for Sunderland with a penalty 76^th-minute, which reduced the gap in scores for a short time until Fulham’s Iwobi sealed the win with a calm finish on the counter-attack.

The victory ended Fulham’s three-game losing run and lifted them to 10th place, while Sunderland slipped to 12th after their third straight defeat.

Highlights of the Game

• The first half was slow with very few chances. Injuries forced the players to leave the game. Including Sunderland’s Mukiele and Bi, and Fulham’s Kevin.
• The game returned to normal in the second half when Sunderland’s substitute in the 39^th minute, Romaine Mundle, ran onto a good pass from the substitute of the 12^th minute, Lutsharel Geertruida, but missed the chance by shooting wide.
• Sunderland’s Hume made a great block to stop Fulham’s Iwobi, but from the corner that followed, Iwobi’s cross was headed in by Jiménez to give Fulham the lead. (1-0)
• Fulham doubled their lead in the 61st minute after VAR awarded a penalty when Sunderland’s Brobbey pulled back Bassey. Jiménez calmly scored the penalty from the spot. (2-0)
• Sunderland pulled one back after Fulham’s Sessegnon fouled Sunderland’s Ballard in the box, and Le Fée scored the penalty successfully. (2-1)
• In the 85th minute, Wilson made a long run and set up Iwobi, who calmly chipped the ball into the net to seal the win for Fulham. (3-1)

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Managerial Quotes

Sunderland (Régis Le Bris)

“The game was balanced, key moments defined the outcome. We had a big opportunity just before their goal, and then the momentum shifted. We know set pieces are important, and we were not good enough today to manage those situations.”

Note: The coach described the game as balanced, with key moments ultimately deciding the outcome. He reflected on the team missing a big opportunity before conceding and acknowledged that set pieces were a weakness today, showing both awareness and accountability for the result.

Fulham (Marco Silva)

“Very important win, big win for us. Well deserved as well.”

Note: The coach emphasized the significance of the win, calling it both very important and well deserved. His words reflect pride in the team’s performance and confidence in the effort that led to a convincing result.

Tottenham Hotspur (1 – 4) Arsenal | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Spurs | Arsenal
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium📍

Spurs Squad | Tottenham Hotspur (1 – 4) Arsenal | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Spence
• van de Ven
• Matar Sarr
• Simons
• Vicario
• Dragusin
• Bissouma
• Gallagher
• Kolo Muani
• Palhinha
• Gray

Substitute Players

• Richarlison
• Mathys Tel
• Dominic Solanke
• Souza
• Brandon Austin
• Callum Olusesi
• Lucá Williams-Barnett
• James Rowswell
• James Wilson

Arsenal Squad | Tottenham Hotspur (1 – 4) Arsenal | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Timber
• Saka
• Zubimendi
• Gyökeres – Forward- (Player of the Match)
• Eze
• Saliba
• Raya
• Magalhães
• Rice
• Trossard
• Hincapié

Substitute Players

• Cristhian Mosquera
• Martin Ødegaard
• Gabriel Jesus
• Gabriel Martinelli
• Kepa Arrizabalaga
• Christian Nørgaard
• Noni Madueke
• Riccardo Calafiori
• Myles Lewis-Skelly

Match Summary

Eze and Gyökeres both scored twice as Arsenal defeated Spurs with a 4–1 score to stay five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Eze opened the scoring in the first half, but Arsenal’s Rice’s mistake allowed Spurs’ Kolo Muani to quickly equalize for the score. (1-1)

Arsenal took full control in the second half, with Gyökeres scoring twice and Eze adding another to seal a comfortable win. (4-1)

The victory restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top after Manchester City had briefly closed the gap, while Spurs remain at 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.

Highlights of the Game

• Eze and Gyökeres both scored two goals as Arsenal defeated Spurs with a 4–1 score to stay five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
• Man City had reduced the gap on the League’s table earlier with a win against Newcastle United, but Arsenal quickly restored their lead with a strong win against Spurs in EPL matchweek 27.
• Eze scored first in the 32nd minute, but a mistake from Declan Rice allowed Spurs’ Kolo Muani to score the equalizer.
• Arsenal controlled the second half, with Gyökeres scoring twice and Eze adding another goal to make the win comfortable.
• The result keeps Arsenal at the top of the table, while Spurs remain at 16th place, which is only four points above the relegation zone.

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Managerial Quotes

Spurs (Igor Tudor)

“Both things. Both things. Big gap in this specific moment between the two teams. It was too much Arsenal for us at this moment, with the problems we have. Also, it’s nice to understand where we are, because you prepare in the best possible way, then there is the game to show you reality. So it’s nice from one point of view, so each of us understands and comes, as I said, the players, stay quiet, they come on Tuesday and restart after these three or four training sessions to start to work harder than we did until now, to change our habits, to change the state of mind which is now as a team. It is the only way to work.”

Note: The third new coach of Spurs this season responded to whether the result reflected Spurs’ problems or Arsenal’s quality. He commented, acknowledging that the moment highlighted a clear gap between the two teams, with Arsenal dominating due to the challenges his team faced. He framed it as a reality check, showing where they currently stand despite careful preparation. He emphasized the need for focus, hard work, and a shift in habits and mindset, stressing that improving as a team requires learning from these moments and restarting with determination.

Arsenal (Mikel Arteta)

“I think what we’ve done from the beginning to the end of the match. It was outstanding.”

Note: The coach praised the team’s performance from start to finish, describing it as outstanding. His words highlight satisfaction with the way the team responded to the midweek result, showing resilience and a strong collective effort throughout the match.

Tuesday, February 24^th: EPL Matchweek 27 Highlights

Everton (0 – 1) Manchester United | EPL Matchweek 27

Club Reports: Everton | Man United
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium📍

Everton Squad | Everton (0 – 1) Manchester United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Branthwaite
• Armstrong
• Iroegbunam
• Keane
• Pickford
• Dewsbury-Hall
• Barry
• Tarkowski
• Gueye
• Ndiaye
• Garner

Substitute Players

• Nathan Patterson
• Dwight McNeil
• Beto
• Vitalii Mykolenko
• Tyrique George
• Tyler Dibling
• Séamus Coleman
• Tom King
• Merlin Röhl

Man United Squad | Everton (0 – 1) Manchester United | EPL Matchweek 27

Starting XI Lineup

• Diallo
• Dalot
• Casemiro
• Yoro
• Lammens – Goalkeeper- (Player of the Match)
• Mbeumo
• Fernandes
• Maguire
• Mainoo
• Cunha
• Shaw

Substitute Players

• Altay Bayindir
• Noussair Mazraoui
• Joshua Zirkzee
• Tyrell Malacia
• Manuel Ugarte
• Ayden Heaven
• Benjamin Sesko
• Tyler Fletcher
• Jack Moorhouse

Match Summary

Benjamin Šeško came on as a substitute in the 58^th minute to score the only goal for Man Utd in matchweek 27, which gave them a clean sheet victory against Everton with a 1–0 score at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The match had very few clear chances, but Šeško made the difference in the 71st minute, finishing a quick counter-attack after good work from Cunha and Mbeumo.

Everton had looked stronger in the second half, though Senne Lammens restricted them to a clean sheet with a key save from Everton’s Keane’s powerful shot.

The win keeps Man United unbeaten under head coach Michael Carrick and moves them up to fourth place, while Everton stays at ninth position.

Highlights of the Game

• Everton’s Barry forced an early clearance from Man Utd’s keeper Lammens. Soon after, Diallo nearly scored for Man United, but Everton’s Tarkowski cleared the ball off the line after it slipped under Everton’s keeper, Pickford.
• Chances were limited as both teams defended well. Utd’s Dalot came close with a strong shot that went just wide, while Everton’s Garner tested Lammens with a long free-kick.
• Early in the second half, Utd’s Mbeumo had a chance after a poor clearance but shot over the bar instead from a tight angle.
• Everton pushed harder as Gueye and Dewsbury-Hall saw their shots blocked. Meanwhile, Cunha slipped while trying to break forward for United.
• The winning goal came when Cunha played a great long pass to Mbeumo, who set up Benjamin Šeško to calmly score. (1-0)
• Later, Everton kept attacking with strong shots from Keane and a substitute in the 73^rd minute, Tyrique George, but Lammens made good saves as United held on to win.

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Managerial Quotes

Everton (David Moyes)

“We’ve lost narrowly to United; we beat them narrowly at Old Trafford earlier in the season. I thought we did well in lots of bits, we got done on the counter, and they got the one goal. We put in effort to score but lacked quality to get the goal.”

Note: The coach reflected on the narrow loss to United, recalling their earlier win at Old Trafford and recognizing the effort the team put in throughout the match. He noted that they were caught on the counter and conceded the decisive goal, and while the team tried to score, he admitted they lacked the quality in finishing to turn chances into goals.

Man United (Michael Carrick)

“Senne Lammens was another key performer, stopping shots and commanding his area despite the best efforts of the Toffees to unsettle him.”

Note: The coach highlighted Senne Lammens as a key performer, praising his shot-stopping and command of the area. He noted that despite the opposition’s best efforts to unsettle him, Lammens remained composed, underlining his crucial role in keeping the team in the game.

FAQs | EPL Matchweek 27

Q1. What’s the deal with Florian Wirtz? Why didn’t he play in EPL Matchweek 27?

This was the biggest shock of the weekend. Wirtz was actually in the starting lineup for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest, but he injured his back during the pre-match warm-up.

It was a total mess as he was seen arguing with the doctors on the pitch before walking off in tears just 10 minutes before kickoff. Curtis Jones had to jump in without a proper warm-up, which is why he looked so shaky early on and “had his pocket picked” by Forest’s midfield. Thankfully for the Reds, the injury wasn’t as bad as it looked, and Wirtz only missed a couple of weeks.

Q2. How on earth did Arsenal beat Spurs 4-1 at their own stadium?

The North London Derby was supposed to be a close fight, but Arsenal absolutely dismantled Tottenham. Under their new manager, Igor Tudor, Spurs tried to play an aggressive high line, and Arsenal’s front three just tore them apart on the counter-attack.

By the 60th minute, half the stadium was empty as Spurs fans headed for the exits. This result didn’t just give Arsenal bragging rights; it kept them sitting pretty at the top of the table with a 7-point lead over Manchester City.

Q3. Was the 97th-minute Liverpool winner actually offside in EPL Matchweek 27 ‘25-’26?

Forest fans are still fuming about this one. After 96 minutes of 0-0 frustration, Alexis Mac Allister bundled the ball into the net in the very last second.

The stadium went silent for a massive VAR check because it looked like Virgil van Dijk might have been offside in the buildup. After a long look at the monitors, the goal stood because Ola Aina’s foot had kept the line deep. Forest manager Vítor Pereira was so angry he nearly got sent off after the final whistle, calling it a “robbery” in his post-match interview.

Q4. Is the title race between Arsenal and Man City only after Matchweek 27 ‘25-’26?

After this weekend, the title race is looking like a straight shootout between Arsenal and Man City. Arsenal is sitting at the top with 67 points after defeating Spurs. Man City has 60 points after a tough 2-1 victory against Newcastle, thanks to two goals from O’Reilly.

And as for the rest of the teams: Chelsea and Liverpool both dropped points (Chelsea drew 1-1 with Burnley), meaning they are now nearly 20 points behind the leaders. For most fans, the question isn’t “who will win the league,” but the real question is “can anyone actually catch Arsenal?”