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EPL – Matchweek 26 in Review

   Published Date: February 21, 2022

Matchweek 26 of the 2021/22 EPL season saw the title race further blown open, while Man United grabbed a crucial win on enemy turf.

Here’s how it looked for punters: 

Huge upset

Tottenham’s resurgence under Antonio Conte had hit a brick wall in recent weeks. Three losses on the bounce saw Spurs drop out of the Top 4, and questions were being asked whether they had what it took to even be in calculation for the coveted Champions League spots come season’s end. As such, Conte’s men went in as heavy outsiders against EPL title favourites Manchester City. Travelling away to the Etihad only compounded their pre-game price, which bulged out to $10.91 with Palmerbet. But in one of the games of the season, Spurs took it to the reigning champions and, with a 95th minute winner, would seal a famous win. The victory was the second-biggest upset of the season. The biggest was Crystal Palace’s away win earlier this season, also at the Etihad, when they saluted despite being whopping $19.24 outsiders.

The result has HUGE ramifications for what’s to come this season.

Title race blown open

City’s once comfortable buffer has been cut down to just six points atop the EPL table. And with second-placed Liverpool benefitting from a game in hand, it could soon be just three. Despite going down at home to Norwich, the Reds ($1.13 pre-game) were clinical in a second-half dismantling of the Canaries at Anfield on the weekend.

The victory saw Liverpool shorten into $4.33 EPL title hopes. Once $1.03 fancies, City are now out to a far less certain $1.20.

United’s crucial win

If the City v Spurs game was spellbinding, they Leeds v Man United was every bit as good. Going in as $1.70 favourites in one of the most hostile territories they encounter in the EPL, United went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. But that lead was cancelled out less than 10 minutes into the second half. A tight tussle ensued, but two inspired substitutions from manager Ralf Rangnick saw his men home in a 4-2 thriller. Not only as a confidence boosting victory, the win has big flow-on effects for the Top 4. Back-to-back victories sees United’s buffer extend to four points. Although, for now, the Red Devils ($2.63 to finish inside the Top 4), are slightly lesser fancied than Arsenal ($2.40) who have played three games less than United.

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Author: Rebecca Crawford