Matchweek 18 was very much unprecedented as we saw six games postponed due to the Covid-19 breakout amongst several teams. In fact, Chelsea, who later played their game against Wolves had their request for their own game postponement rejected by the FA as they had just 14 fit first team players.
It seems the low level of vaccination among Premier League players have hit many clubs. While taking the vaccine is to be a choice, I believe players should also consider the greater good of all when making these decisions.
Like as always been my stand, staying safe and not getting exposed isn't a prevention that I do for myself alone, but also for those around me. If you think you may not contract the virus or if you do, it won't really affect you, have you thought of being the transmitter, most definitely inadvertently to someone else?
Now that clubs have voted against games postponement following their meeting yesterday, the players association should sensitize their members so as to ensure the continuation of the league because when it gets to a point that all teams are affected, the FA might be left with no choice but to suspend the league, which is something no one wants, not the fans, not the players nor the clubs.
The Matchweek witnessed just four games with 13 goals scored, averaging 3.3 goals per game. All games produced at least four goals with the exception of the Wolves - Chelsea game that ended in a barren draw.
Arsenal and Manchester City both went away to defeat Leeds United and Newcastle respectively, with Liverpool playing out a two all draw against Tottenham despite going down to 10 men.
Star of the week for me was Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, following his brace in 1-4 win at Elland Road.
Here are your facts for the week.
Leeds United 1-4 Arsenal
Arsenal are yet to lose in their last 7 visits to Leeds, winning 5 and drawing 2. Guess what? Four of those five wins have ended 1-4. Loving Elland Road.
Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe all scored in the game, making it the first time in the Premier League that three players aged 21 or below have scored. Project.
Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City
With Riyad Mahrez's 50th Premier League goal coming in the win against the Magpies, he becomes the third highest scoring Premier League player in all competitions this season after Liverpool's Mohammed Salah (22 goals) and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (13 goals). Leader.
Manchester City have now scored 105 Premier League goals in 2021, their highest in a calendar year since they scored 104 in 1929. Ruthless.
Newcastle on the other hand have conceded 79 Premier League goals in 2021, the joint-highest by any team in the top flight since 1994. Thunderstorm.
Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
Mohammed Salah was quite missing in action for Liverpool against Tottenham and ended up not being involved in any goal. It was the first in 16 Premier League games that the Egyptian has not been directly involved in a goal (either scoring or assisting). Halted.
Following his howler that led to Tottenham's second goal, Alisson Becker has now committed 4 errors leading to a goal for the opposition since the start of last season. This is more than any player in the competition. Lonely.
Andy Robertson assisted a goal, scored one himself and the got sent off minutes later, becoming the first player in the Premier League in the past six seasons at least to have done all these in a single match. What a hat-trick
Harry Kane's opener against Liverpool was his second Premier League goal of the season, his first on home ground in 8 league matches. Relief.
Interesting to know that 19-year old Tyler Morton made his first Premier League start for Liverpool alongside James Milner in midfield, who made his own debut just 10 days after Morton was born on October 31, 2002. Old horse.
This week's bonus
The race for the Premier League Golden Glove heats up and four goalkeeper are sternly in the race.
1. Ederson (Manchester City) - 10 clean sheets
2. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) - 9 clean sheets
3. Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) - 8 clean sheets
4. Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) - 8 clean sheets.
Do you see any other goalkeeper joining the race? Who do you think is more poised to win it?
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