Premier League Update: GW35 – Saturday | OneFootball

Manchester City 1 – 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

“Oh! Kevin De Bruyne!” echoed throughout the Emirates after he struck the net in the 35th minute after a Jeremy Doku backpass. The 33-year old Belgian has only one more game left at home before he departure, and this goal was merely one of many quality strikes he’s had in his long career in sky blue. It also turned out to be the game winner, though that was not for lack of effort by the vibrant and dangerous Wolves. The scoreline could easily have been in their favor, but for a stubborn post and goal-line clearance by Josko Gvardiol. Where De Bruyne lands next is the subject of much speculation, and will be one of the most followed stories of the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa 1 – 0 Fulham

For a match with so much potential for explosive play, at the end of the regulation it was a somewhat staid, modest performance by both sides. Youri Tielemans proved the difference maker in the 12th minute, charging unmarked into a John McGinn corner and heading it in. Villa held the lion’s share of effort and chances in that first half, and kept Brend Leno busy. By all rights Villa should have scored in the opening minute of the second half, but Watkins whiffed his effort at Matty Cash’s cross. Much like the first, Villa were the more aggressive but both sides had their chances. Ryan Sessegnon’s goal was scratched due to handling before the shot; Donyell Malen’s effort crashed off the crossbar. A big win for Villa, who remain in the hunt for a Champions League slot. Fulham’s only hope for Europe, on the other hand, is to squeak into a 6th or 7th position.

Everton 2 – 2 Ipswich Town

With Everton bidding farewell to Goodison Park, their home for the past 120+ years, Ipswich Town would be forgiven for throwing in the towel after going down two goals by the 35th minute. Their relegation is a done deal and they really don’t have anything to play for, besides pride. But that emotion runs deep with the Tractor Boys, never more than today. It all started with the right foot of Julio Enciso. Inexplicably not closed down as he dribbled to the top of the box, the young Paraguayan wound up and unleashed a gorgeous strike that curled into the net. Ipswich entered the dressing room only down a goal, having snatched back some momentum. They would hold onto that in the second, and George Hirst’s 79th minute header gave them the deserved equalizer (kudos to the referee who played advantage in that build up). This draw may have dampened Everton spirits, but the club is still buoyed by their turnaround under David Moyes.

Leicester City 2 – 0 Southampton

Leicester FINALLY broke their home-scoring curse, grabbing their first goals at the King Power in five months. It’s only fitting that the first came from proper geezer and club legend Jamie Vardy. The second came from the indomitable Jordan Ayew. Both occurred before half-time. Vardy also got into the referee game after David Webb went down after colliding with a player. As Webb lay of the ground, he picked up his whistle to stop play on the pitch. Some might see that as cheeky; I think it’s hilarious. Meanwhile Southampton stay level with all-time-worst Derby County on 11 points. That’s not as funny.

Arsenal 1 – 2 Bournemouth

What a drama at the Emirates. Out of nowhere Bournemouth snatched back two goals (even if the second took an interminable amount of time for VAR to confirm). Remember, there is a universe where Arsenal could get knocked out of the Champions League spot. With three games left, and only seven points above Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, here’s the scenario. First, Arsenal lose their remaining games. Second, two of those three win out. Mind you, City and Newcastle also need to earn six points out of a possible nine. But it could happen.