By Robert Wheeler
- Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 4-1
- Spurs draw with Southampton
- Chelsea denied a win by Everton
UK – The final round of fixtures before the international break saw Arsenal go eight points clear at the top of the division.
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Gunners flying high in win over Eagles
Arsenal earned a massive boost going into the international break as they defeated Crystal Palace 4-1. The result gives them an eight-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
It was always going to be a tough game for Palace after they sacked Patrick Vieira just two days before heading to the Emirates. They were two goals down at halftime after Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka found the back of the net.
Granit Xhaka made it three before the Eagles got one back through Jeffrey Schlupp. The excellent Saka then sealed the victory with his second goal of the game.
Mikel Arteta‘s side lost on penalties to Sporting Lisbon during the week but they put them behind it themselves and now they can focus solely on winning the league.
Conte rants as Spurs implode
Antonio Conte‘s time at Tottenham Hotspur will likely come to an end soon, especially after his post-game rant following their 3-3 draw with Southampton.
It did not look like the manager would be fuming at halftime with Tottenham one up thanks to Pedro Porro‘s goal. However, the Saints equalised early in the second period through Che Adams.
Spurs then got themselves a two-goal advantage with Harry Kane and Ivan Perisic getting on the scoresheet. The Saints came back again, Theo Walcott scored before James Ward-Prowse rescued a point from the penalty spot.
Conte’s side is still 4th so are on course to qualify for the Champions League but they will not if they keep surrendering leads as they did against Southampton. The Saints earned what could be an important result but they still remain bottom of the division.
Late Everton goal denies Chelsea win
Chelsea had been on a bit of a role after three successive wins in all competitions. However, Graham Potter‘s side was knocked back to reality after a late Ellis Simms goal denied them all three points against Everton.
Joao Felix had given the Blues the lead early in the second half. Although, they were pegged back when Abdoulaye Doucoure bundled in to equalise.
Chelsea’s lead was restored when Kai Havertz converted his penalty. Simms was then sent on by Sean Dyche and the substitute delivered the equaliser with his first goal for the club.
Potter’s side remains 10th and can only realistically qualify for the Europa League / Conference now. As for Everton, this could be a precious point in their fight for survival. Dyche’s side is 15th but are just two points off the drop zone.
Predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace | Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace |
| Chelsea 2-1 Everton | Chelsea 2-2 Everton |
| Southampton 0-2 Tottenham | Southampton 3-3 Tottenham |
The Premier League returns after the international break on Saturday, April 1 with fixtures that include Manchester City vs Liverpool.
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