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Where does football go as it moves on from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

Where does football go as it moves on from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
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Premier League Matchday 36 Recap (2025/26)

                  

Full Results (Matchday 36)

  • Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea

  • Brighton 3–0 Wolves 

  • Fulham 0–1 Bournemouth 

  • Sunderland 0–0 Manchester United

  • Manchester City 3–0 Brentford 

  • Burnley 2–2 Aston Villa

  • Crystal Palace 2–2 Everton 

  • Nottingham Forest 1–1 Newcastle 

  • West Ham 0–1 Arsenal 

  • Tottenham 1–1 Leeds

  • Manchester City 3–0 Crystal Palace

Game of the Matchday 

Crystal Palace 2–2 Everton 

Crystal Palace came from behind twice to rescue a point at their home Selhurst Park in a back-and-forth thriller that proved to be the standout fixture this matchday. Everton took the lead through club captain James Tarkowski as he scored from a corner. Palace responded through their own talisman of this season, Ismaila Sarr. The 2nd half began the same way as the 1st half did as Beto scored for the Toffees inside 3 minutes to give them the lead once again. Super-sub Jean-Philippe Mateta scored 12 minutes after coming on the field as the Eagles gradually raised the tempo. Both teams came close numerous times, especially the home side, missing chances, hitting the post and forcing the keeper to make an important save. A combined xG of 4.15, 34 shots and 10 big chances created means the numbers do actually tell the complete story of this match — attack.

Biggest Surprise

Burnley 2–2 Aston Villa

After beating Nottingham Forest and progressing to the Europa League final, Aston Villa were left frustrated at the weekend at Turf Moor. This was not the result that anyone predicted as relegated Burnley managed to snatch a 2-2 draw, stalling Aston Villa's push for a top-four finish. Despite Villa dominating nearly 66% of the ball and eventually taking a second-half lead through Ollie Watkins, they were once again punished as Zian Flemming levelled the scores almost instantly Watkins’ 17th goal in all competitions. It was a massive surprise given Burnley’s defensive struggles, shipping in a league-leading 73 goals. The Clarets look determined to avoid the wooden spoon.

Best Team Performance

Manchester City 3–0 Brentford

Manchester City delivered their twin 3-0 wins in this double gameweek for them against Brentford and Crystal Palace. The more authoritative of the two was against the Bees at Etihad. The first half was irritating for Pep Guardiola as his side couldn't create clear cut chances but that was rectified in the second half, especially after Jeremy Doku ignited the scoring early before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush added the insurance goals to cap off a dominant afternoon. What was more impressive was how the Cityzens managed to restrict free-scoring Brentford (Only 6 teams have scored more goals) to just 3 shots and 0.23 xG.

Player of the Matchday

Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

Jeremy Doku did it once again. He once again saved Manchester City when they looked short of answers, spearheading City's perfect week with a brilliant performance against Brentford. The Belgian winger scored the vital opener against Brentford with a curled finish, created a staggering 6 chances while completing 8 dribbles in the same match. Doku is finishing the strongly and will certainly be one of the first names on the teamsheet next season.

Honorable mentions - James Tarkowski (Everton), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) & Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Moment of the Matchday

David Raya makes a monumental one-on-one save against West Ham

Skip to 0:40 to watch Raya's save here

The moment that looks likely to preserve Arsenal's lead at the top arrived in the 78th minute at the London Stadium, as David Raya produced a fantastic save of tremendous magnitude to deny Mateus Fernandes one-on-one. With the game locked at 0-0 and the Hammers surging on the break, Fernandes found himself five yards out with what seemed a certain goal, only for Raya to block the shot with a magnificent one-on-one intervention. Just 5 minutes after that save, Leandro Trossard was celebrating his crucial goal at the other end of the pitch which turned out to be the winner. That goal does not happen without Raya's save. Arsenal do not get 3 points without Raya's save. Had Raya failed, the title would have been back in City's hands. Fortunately for the Gooners, they have the Spaniard to thank.

Looking Ahead – Matchday 37 Fixtures (IST Kick-offs)

Saturday, 16 May

  • Aston Villa vs Liverpool - 12:30 am

Sunday, 17 May

  • Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest - 5:00 pm

  • Brentford vs Crystal Palace - 7:30 pm

  • Everton vs Sunderland - 7:30 pm

  • Leeds vs Brighton - 7:30 pm

  • Wolves vs Fulham - 7:30 pm

  • Newcastle vs West Ham - 10:00 pm

Tuesday, 19 May

  • Arsenal vs Burnley - 12:30 am

Wednesday, 20 May

  • Bournemouth vs Manchester City - 12:00 am

  • Chelsea vs Tottenham - 12:45 am

by ShotBlogged


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