So how was the Premier League weekend for you?
Of course it was compelling. Rarely does a full programme of fixture pass without being so.
Yet on this occasion, it seemed we were largely free of VAR controversies – so I take that as a win.
It ended on a sour note, though, as far as this SBOTOP observer is concerned.
Among the stories, a very welcome win for Nottingham Forest.
If there is a perfect time to score a goal, Forest managed it twice – in stoppage time at the end of each half.
In that instant, there was no time for the Hammers to respond as they went down to a 2-0 defeat.
They weren’t helped by the second half dismissal of on loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips which merely added to the pressure on manager David Moyes whose side, it must be remembered, remain in eighth position.
This was Forest’s day, however, as goals from Taiwo Awoniyi (who later went off injured) and one-time England hopeful Callum Hudson-Odoi, for the third consecutive game, sealed a deserved victory at the City Ground.
Staying with a Midlands club, it may well be that they have their best striker since fans’ favourite Dwight Yorke donned the famous claret n’ blue shirt.
Certainly, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins “clinical” and “amazing” after the Villa striker scored twice at Fulham to help his side return to the top four.
In a 2-1 win down by the Thames, the England forward slotted home the opener midway through the first half before doubling his tally when he buried a Youri Tielemans through ball just after the restart.
Watkins’ 23 goal involvements in the top-flight this season (13 goals and 10 assists in 25 games), are bettered only by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (24).
In terms of goal involvements for Villa, only Yorke (27 in 1995-96) can boast more in a single Premier League campaign.
If Watkins has enjoyed Premier League 2024 highlights aplenty during the past 12 months – and with more to come I’m sure – then one man approaching the end of his had a moment in the spotlight at St James’ Park on Saturday.
That was 34-year-old Matt Ritchie, a regular at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe, and now a figure on the periphery at Newcastle, also under Howe’s tutelage.
Ritchie plays very rarely these days, but he retains Howe’s trust and, after stepping off the substitutes’ bench, his manager will be glad he did with a last-gasp equaliser to ensure the duo managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat at home to their former club.
As the player celebrated in a manner befitting someone without a goal since 2020, it was still a fine point for the Cherries who look set for a comfortable mid-table finish to defy the Premier League 2024 betting odds.
The final word goes to the final game of the weekend and what appears to be a sad end to Roy Hodgson’s distinguished managerial career.
Last week, the 76 year-old required medical treatment after feeling unwell during a training session and underwent tests in hospital.
Hours before Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park with Everton, it was announced the veteran boss was standing down from his post for the last four months of his contract with Oliver Glasner almost certainly likely to succeed him.
A gentleman to the end, Hodgson said he had taken the decision to step aside so the club could bring forward its plans for a new manager, as intended for the summer.
However, the words of Chairman Steve Parish, as he praised the respected boss, didn’t sit comfortably.
Yes, the announcement came in a dignified statement with comments from both boss and chairman,
But it’s hard to remember the club chairman jumping to the defence of his manager during recent weeks of speculation which must have caused a lot of pressure on the septuagenarian.
It’s also easy to forget that it’s less than a year since Hodgson came in and turned around their fortunes, having an instant impact.
Injuries to key players such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Cheick Doucouré, who is out for the entire campaign, have laid bare the lack of investment in the past few seasons. Hodgson deserved more respect in deed, not just words.
That Glasner was announced officially as manager just a few hours later spoke volumes. Palace, who drew 1-1 at Everton, will stay up with or without the one-time England boss. Chances are, though, their general direction will not improve significantly under the tenure of Parish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
