The latest set of football games proved that with more twists and turns to keep sports betting fans on the edge of their seats.
West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Arsenal
Most of the talk emanating from the Hawthorns surrounded the future of Arsene Wenger – a group of Arsenal fans again called for their long-serving manager to depart and it seriously now looks like they will get their wish this summer.
But let’s put Arsenal’s familiar failings to one side for West Brom were terrific in inflicting the Gunners’ fourth defeat in five league games.
The underrated Craig Dawson bagged a double, while substitute Hal Robson-Kanu – the name reviving memories of Wales’ memorable Euro 2016 campaign – scored with his second touch. Not bad for a side which had just 23 per cent possession!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Such are the fine margins, it took an own goal from a player who normally finds the net at the other end of the pitch to separate these two sides.
You may ask, how can a side which fail to have a shot on target all match win the game?
But Sam Allardyce will not care a jot after Troy Deeney’s own goal gave the Eagles a third successive win and pulled them four points clear of the drop zone.
Everton 4-0 Hull City
Even Toffees boss Ronald Koeman admitted the scoreline didn’t reflect the game.
Indeed, until Tom Huddlestone’s slightly harsh 73rd-minute dismissal, the outcome remained in the balance.
By the end, Romelu Lukaku, who has declined to sign a contract extension, had the supportive Everton fans elated with a late double as he became the first player at the club to score 20 league goals in a season since Gary Lineker 30 years ago.
Stoke City 1-2 Chelsea
And this is why they will be champions.
Gary Cahill’s late winner, after poor defending, saw them move 13 points clear with 10 matches remaining.
A second title in three seasons seems inevitable and, with performances like this, no wonder – this bore the hallmarks of a top team.
Sunderland 0-0 Burnley
A result which showed why the Wearsiders are favourites for the drop.
This was a missed opportunity for the league’s bottom club against a side which haven’t won on the road all season.
No wonder Sunderland are in trouble. This was the 13th game in which they have failed to score.
West Ham United 2-3 Leicester City
The champions really are up and running.
That’s four straight wins – three in the league – since Craig Shakespeare took charge.
Arguably, the international break has arrived just at the wrong time for the Foxes.
They were like their old selves as they took control in the opening 45 before Kasper Schmeichel showed again why he is one of the league’s top goalkeepers when West Ham pushed for an equaliser in a stirring contest.
Bournemouth 2-0 Swansea City
Benik Afobe may not be credited with both goals – the first took a huge deflection – but he will enjoy both as the Cherries sealed back to back victories to move nine points clear of a drop zone they were in danger of being drawn towards.
A first clean sheet in 11 games won’t have gone unnoticed either.
Swansea have improved under Paul Clement but continue to leak too many goals and are still anxiously looking over their shoulder after a brief revival.
Middlesbrough 1-3 Manchester United
For Boro, the post-Aitor Karanka era starts with defeat and a familiar lack of a cutting edge which probably cost him his job.
If the Teesiders are to survive, and there’s no doubt they can, they need to start winning quickly.
For United, a very satisfying and potentially crucial win at the end of a very exacting period.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Southampton
No Harry Kane, no problem! Not with their midfield’s dynamic duo of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli who were both on target as Spurs maintained their unbeaten home league record this season.
The Saints, who lost Manolo Gabbiadini to injury, upped their game after the break but not enough to earn a point.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
