Around the Premier League: Matchweek 21

Story posted January 27, 2023 in

This past weekend was another action-packed affair for the Premier League.

Haaland scoring a hat trick in just 14 minutes, Nketiah’s stoppage time goal leading Arsenal over Manchester United and Everton cleaning house were among the top storylines from this past weekend.

Let’s dive into these top storylines from soccer’s top league.

Haaland’s Hat Trick Leads Manchester City Over Wolves

Erling Haaland’s first season in the Premier League has been one for the record books.

Haaland tied another record Sunday with his fourth hat trick of the season, tying him with Harry Kane and Alan Shearer for the most in a single Premier League season.

Kevin De Bruyne got the scoring started in the 40th minute when he sent a cross to the back post that Haaland headed in to give Manchester City a 1-0 lead.

In the 50th minute, Ilkay Gündogan drew a penalty. Haaland took the penalty and slid it down the middle to double Manchester City’s advantage.

Then just four minutes later, Haaland completed the hat trick. Wolves goalkeeper José Sá played a poor pass right to the foot of Riyad Mahrez, who passed it to Haaland, who slotted it into the vacated net for the hat trick.

In the 65th minute, Mahrez chipped it over a diving Sá for what would've been Manchester City’s fourth of the game, but it was ruled offside.

Wolves had plenty of chances to score but struggled to find the frame of the goal as out of their 10 shot attempts, only one was on target.

Manchester City will look to extend their winning streak to three when they face Tottenham on February 5th. While Wolves will look to bounce back on February 4th when they face Liverpool.

Nketiah’s Late Winner Leads Arsenal Over Manchester United

After a disappointing midweek draw to Crystal Palace, Manchester United hoped a return to Old Trafford would return the momentum gained from the massive win over Manchester City.

It appeared the momentum would return as in the 17th minute, Marcus Rashford galloped through the defense and curled the shot past the outstretched arms of Aaron Ramsdale to give Manchester United the early 1-0 lead.
In the 24th minute, Eddie Nketiah equalized for the Gunners. Off a set piece, Granit Xhaka took a pass and swung a cross into the box that Nketiah headed it to equalize it at one.

The game remained even until the 53rd minute when Bukayo Saka dribbled in and took a shot from outside the box that skipped past David de Gea to restore the Gunners' lead.

Just six minutes later, Lisandro Martínez equalized for Manchester United. Christian Eriksen sent in a corner that curled toward the goal, forcing Ramsdale to punch it away, but instead, Ramsdale popped the ball up, and Martínez headed it in to tie the game at two.

As time was coming to a close, it appeared both sides would be walking away with a point. But then Nketiah struck again.

In the 90th minute, Oleksandr Zinchenko sent a pass into the box for Martin Ødegaard. Ødegaard received the pass and attempted a quick shot, but Fred blocked the shot leaving the ball to float towards the back post where Nketiah contorted his leg behind his back and deflected it in.

Arsenal will look to continue their excellent campaign on February 4th when they face Everton. While Manchester United will look to avenge their draw when they rematch against Crystal Palace on February 4th.

Everton Cleans House

After just 357 days, Frank Lampard’s time as Everton's manager has come to an end. On Friday, Everton announced that they had sacked Frank Lampard following a run of nine losses in 12 games.

The blue and white have also fired assistants Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones. While goalkeeping coach Allan Kelly will remain with the club.

Everton currently sits 19th on the table and two points away from clearing the relegation zone. Unfortunately, this task won’t get easier soon as their next two opponents are Arsenal and Liverpool.

Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.