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Alex Mott·27 March 2023
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Alex Mott·27 March 2023
It was another all-action goalfest in the Premier League this weekend with some huge clubs laying down a marker for the remainder of the season.
Hereâs what happened.
Perhaps the most heartening moment from the weekendâs Premier League action was the way AndrĂ© Onana performed in Manchester Unitedâs brilliant win at Aston Villa.
The United and Cameroon goalkeeper has become something of a lightning rod for bad press this term with the shot-stopper getting blame for his club sideâs poor run of form as well as getting pilloried for his African Cup of Nations benching.
Although clearly suffering with some confidence issues, Onana has stayed in the United side since returning from AFCON and has really turned things around.
This weekendâs win at Villa Park was the apotheosis of that with Onana making a number of superb reaction saves to keep United in the game at 1-1.
The spotlight is often blinding for players at the biggest club in England but with Onana now, hopefully, through the other side of his wavering form, Erik ten Hagâs side can hope for a smoother climb up the table.
Erling Haaland is back.
The Manchester City striker netted his first Premier League goals in 77 days on Saturday as the reigning champions beat Everton 2-0.
It wasnât all plain-sailing for Pep Guardiolaâs side though, with the Toffees holding firm well into the second half.
But with Haaland at his blistering best in front of goal, the result, really, was never in doubt.
Itâs his second of the afternoon that weâre picking here as the Norway international showed all of his attributes in one fell swoop.
Intelligent running to find space, brute strength to brush off Jarrad Branthwaite and ice cold nerves inside the area to slot past Jordan Pickford.
It really was the quintessential Haaland finish.
When Sheffield United needed a win most, they came up with the goods.
The Blades had failed to claim three points on their travels all season before this weekend with Chris Wilderâs side rooted to the bottom of the table on 10 points.
But at Luton on Saturday the Yorkshire side produced arguably their finest 90 minutes of the campaign with a 3-1 win that takes them to within touching distance of safety.
Cameron Archerâs first half goal give them the lead before James McAteeâs penalty just a few moments later doubled the advantage.
The Hatters then pulled one back early in the second half to set up a thrilling finish but the points were secured with 15 minutes to go as Vinicius Souza scored his first of the season.
Could it be the start of a mini revival for the Bramall Lane club?
Arsenal recorded their biggest away win in over 60 years on Sunday as they beat West Ham 6-0 at the London Stadium.
The Gunners had impressed last weekend in their victory over Liverpool but, in the wider context of the league this season, that would mean nothing without backing it up in east London.
And back it up they did with one of their very best performances of the campaign and arguably one of their very best under Mikel Arteta.
Four goals in 16 first half minutes won Arsenal the game with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice putting a cap on things after the break.
The Hammers werenât able to lay a glove on the visitors at times but it was Declan Rice who really impressed most with an incredibly mature performance on his return to West Ham.
The boo boys were out to get the young England international early on, but two assists and stunning goal tell its own story.
Squawka distilled the term âSpursyâ into its purest form this weekend.
They unearthed this glorious stat that showed Ange Postecoglouâs side are the only team this season to win 15 plus points from losing positions and lose 15 plus points from winning positions.
They did the former on Saturday as Brennan Johnson netted in the sixth minute of added time to see his side beat Everton 2-1.
Ivan Toney was on the scoresheet again this weekend as Brentford beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux.
Once again however, all the talk post-game was of Toneyâs future and whether he will be playing for the Bees next term.
Boss Thomas Frank admitted in the week that their star striker will likely be sold at the end of the season, to which Toney replied with his tongue firmly in his cheek.
âIâm a Brentford player at the moment,â Toney said during an interview for BBCâs Match of the Day.
âNobody can predict the future, whatever happens happens, but the main thing and the main focus right now is do well for Brentford, keep them in the league, getting goals and three points.â
He then joked: âI see that [Frankâs comments] as he doesnât want me!â
âThe manager has said what heâs said but I canât make clubs come and get me. Iâve just got to keep doing what I do and thatâs score goals. What will be will be.â