Premier League winners and losers: Deja vu for Burnley
By Ty Finch
The Premier League begins its descent into the madness of the winter schedule. Here are the winners and losers from matchweek 13.
Winter is coming.
The end of November, coupled with the massive slate of matches in December, can make or break a team’s season. Squad depth is challenged and injuries can cripple clubs’ aspirations during this time. The beginning of this period started this weekend. All 20 teams have a midweek contest to look forward to after playing a full 90 on the weekend. The bigger squads also have Champions and Europa League clashes to deal with. It’s vital to get off to a good start in the winter months and not slip up early like Tottenham did on Saturday against lower level opposition.
Here are the winners and losers of week 13.
Winner: Liverpool vs. Chelsea
The biggest and most highly anticipated match of the weekend delivered on expectations. The 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Chelsea featured 27 shots, and the one that tied the game up was a failed cross from substitute Willian. It was an end-to-end affair; both teams attacked well and created good chances all game.
Liverpool scored first in the 65th minute. Philippe Coutinho drove into the heart of Chelsea’s defense and poked a pass that was a bit fortunate to reach Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin. The former Arsenal winger deftly flicked the ball to an onrushing Mohamed Salah who tucked it away for his 10th goal of the season.
The Reds defended well after the opening goal, as Antonio Conte brought on three attacking substitutes to try and level the match. Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Willian all entered after Liverpool’s goal, and it was Willian who made the difference in the 85th minute.
The Brazilian took on Liverpool’s defense with a step-over in the middle of the pitch and drove into the box before chipping in a cross that found the back of the net. Simon Mignolet couldn’t get back in time as the ball sailed past his outstretched hand. Liverpool couldn’t find a second goal as Klopp sent on two attacking subs of his own after conceding.
The draw was earned, but Liverpool will feel worse about the result. It was at home, they took the lead and would’ve held on if not for a miss-hit cross. Both clubs have enviously easy December schedules though, and should have little problem picking up three points in their next matches.