Matchday Review - April 15th, 2024
Premier League MW 33
Chelsea 6 vs. 0 Everton
As the game kicked off last night many Chelsea fans were ready to see the team draw or stumble their way towards three points. The team and Cole Palmer specifically had other plans. The first goal came in the 13th minute as Palmer nutmegged Branthwaite, did a quick one-two with Jackson and finessed the ball past Pickford with his left foot. A brilliant goal. The second goal came in the 18th minute as Jackson saw his shot parried into Palmer’s path by Pickford and he headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Palmer completed his hattrick in the 29th minute as Pickford misplaced a pass and Palmer curled a shot with his right foot from near the halfway line. A perfect hattrick within 30 minutes and Chelsea 3-0 up. Jackson added a fourth with good work within the box before half time.
Madueke was brought down in the box in the 64th minute and while Madueke and Jackson tried to take the ball off of Palmer, Gallagher gave the ball to him and pushed the others away. Palmer made it five and scored his fourth. The whole argument was embarrassing and childish and Pochettino was fairly furious after the game. The game ended on a beautiful note though as Alfie Gilchrist the 20 year old academy product and life long Chelsea fan volleyed in the sixth goal to celebrate wildly. A good day at the office for Pochettino and Chelsea. Six goals, a clean sheet, Cole Palmer is now joint top scorer in the league with Haaland (both on 20 goals). Palmer also has nine assists to his name. He is without a doubt the signing of the season. Next up is a visit to Wembley as Chelsea play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. COME ON CHELSEA!!!
Serie A MW 32
Atalanta 2 vs. 2 Verona
Honours even for Atalanta and Verona as they followed the pattern of draws from the weekend. Atalanta remain sixth in the table.
Matchday Preview - April 16th, 2024
Champions League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
Borussia Dortmund (1) vs. (2) Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have the goal advantage heading into this second leg in Dortmund. Both teams won their games at the weekend but out of the two teams I would make Atletico slight favourites given their overall form this season. Dormtund’s yellow wall of fans will have to be more than up for it and will have to create another legendary atmosphere for this game and they will do that. It should be a fun one.
Barcelona (3) vs. (2) Paris Saint Germain
Barcelona beat PSG in Paris last week and have a goal advantage on aggregate. The Spaniards have really hit form since Xavi announced he is leaving the club and I would put them as favourites for this fixture. Luis Enrique visits his former club where he won so much and that will be a nice occasion for him but the Camp Nou will be a daunting atmosphere for a PSG team that has been inconsistent this season. It will be a close game but Barcelona should edge it.