Around the Premier League: Matchweek 28
Matchweek 28 was a high-scoring affair for the Premier League, as each match had at least two goals scored.
Alexander Isak’s late penalty lifting Newcastle over Nottingham Forest, Ellis Simms' late strike securing a point for Everton and Arsenal participating in the 2023 MLS all-star game were some of the top storylines from this past weekend.
Let’s dive into these top storylines from soccer’s top league.
Alexander Isak’s Penalty Lifts Newcastle over Nottingham Forest
Newcastle entered match week 28 looking to keep their Champions League pursuit alive when they traveled to The City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle had some excellent scoring chances early, but it would be Nottingham Forest who would strike first.
In the 26th minute, Sven Botman intercepted an over-the-top pass and attempted to settle the ball. Instead, the ball deflected off Botman’s foot and right to Emmanuel Dennis. Dennis dribbled around goalkeeper Nick Pope and slotted it into the open net.
It appeared that Southampton would enter the break trailing by one, but then Alexander Isak struck.
In the 45th+2, Joe Willock made a magnificent run before crossing it inside the box to Isak, who contorted his leg in the air and volleyed it off the post and in.
Southampton continued the offensive pressure but could not solve Keylor Navas. Then in the 90th+1, the Magpies caught a break.
Moussa Niakhaté got called for a handball in the box, and Isak stepped to the spot looking to be the hero.
Isak buried it to secure a crucial three points for Newcastle.
Following the international break, Newcastle will face off against Manchester United on April 2. While Nottingham Forest will host Wolves on April 1.
Ellis Simms Late Strike Secures a Point for Everton
Chelsea looked to extend their total competition winning streak to four games when they welcomed Everton to Stamford Bridge.
It was a quiet first half, with both sides failing to capitalize on their limited scoring chances. The second half, however, was a much different story.
In the 52nd minute, Ben Chilwell attempted a cross deflected by Michael Keane's foot. João Félix jumped on the loose ball and curled a shot off the right post and in.
In the 69th minute, Abdoulaye Doucouré answered for Everton. Dwight McNeil whipped in a corner that James Tarkowski headed up to Doucouré, who headed it just over the goal line.
Then Chelsea received a gift. In the 73rd minute, Tarkowski took down Reece James inside the box, and the referee called a penalty. Kai Havertz stepped to the spot and calmly placed it into the top right corner to give Chelsea the lead.
Chelsea looked poised to secure the three points, but then, in the 89th minute, Ellis Simms became the hero for Everton. Simms took a pass from Doucouré before beating Kalidou Koulibaly and placing a shot off of Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the back of the net for the equalizer.
Chelsea had some late chances but could not capitalize as Everton held on for the draw.
Chelsea will look to grab three points against Aston Villa on April 1. While Everton will square off against Tottenham on April 3.
Arsenal Set to Play in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game
For the first time in seven years, Arsenal will play in the MLS all-star game. On Tuesday, the MLS announced that the Gunners would be this year's opposition for the MLS All-Stars in Washington, D.C., on July 19.
It will be a homecoming for Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner who spent six seasons in the New England Revolution system, including a 2021 MLS All-Star MVP honor.
Former Premier League Superstar and current D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney will manage the MLS All-Stars.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on March 28.
Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.
