Premier League Matchday 34 Recap (2025/26)

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Full Results (Matchday 34)

  • Sunderland 0–5 Nottingham Forest

  • Fulham 1–0 Aston Villa

  • Liverpool 3–1 Crystal Palace

  • West Ham 2–1 Everton

  • Wolves 0–1 Tottenham

  • Arsenal 1–0 Newcastle

  • Manchester United 2–1 Brentford

Game of the Matchday 

Manchester United 2–1 Brentford

This was a match that perhaps produced the result that takes the red side of Manchester back to the Champions League after two years without it. Old Trafford was the playground and the result was 2-1 in favour of Manchester United. The visitors looked more than capable of snatching a result after carving open the United backline on several occasions, but they lacked the clinical edge to punish a defensive unit that often looked second-best in transition. United’s victory was built on moments of individual quality rather than a cohesive tactical plan, surviving a late Bees onslaught that saw the combined big chances to be 6. It could have been worse for United as Dango Ouattara hit the post in the 71st minute. After a bit of a lump in form, Carrick has steered the ship back.

Biggest Surprise

Wolves 0–1 Tottenham

Tottenham won a Premier League game in 2026. It happened not in the first week of January, or the months of February or March, rather the date was 25 April. Even rock-bottom Wolves — their opponents — have won three games in the league with one even against the reigning champions Liverpool but Spurs did not until this game. You might think a member of the 'Big 6', the current Europa League winners winning a game of football is not a surprise. I will say that is what is expected of them rather not what is a given. Look at the stats, watch how they played football over the course of these grueling 4 months, look at how they won this match — barely, not by dominance, saved by Joao Palhina's anticipation and Antonin Kinsky's late save — and then ask yourself is this not really a surprise? When it rains, it pours, and it poured a lot more for Tottenham than they would have liked, but they have finally witnessed sunshine. That result did not change the table as West Ham also won their game, but it made sure Spurs were not dragged behind in the relegation battle.

Best Team Performance

Sunderland 0–5 Nottingham Forest

On their return to Premier League football, Sunderland have been known for their defensive solidity, especially at their home, the Stadium of Light. So when you see Sunderland getting thrashed 4-3 away at Villa and then even more damningly 5-0 at their home against Nottingham Forest, you must wonder Forest would have been highly efficient. You would be right as Forest took 6 shots on target and scored  4 of them, while also forcing an own goal as they massively outperformed their xG of 1.10 and delivered a masterclass in ruthless away finishing to absolutely dismantle Sunderland. Defensively, the visitors were just as impressive, maintaining their off-the-ball structure which frustrated Sunderland and restricted them to just 0.70 xG. They are finding form at just the right time.

Player of the Matchday

Casemiro (Manchester United)

The Manchester United faithful must be pulling their hairs as Casemiro is giving vintage performance after vintage performance in his last couple of months as a United player before he leaves this summer. A crucial opening goal, 10 tackles, 1 block, 9 clearances, 5 headed clearances, 2 interceptions, 3 recoveries 12/13 ground duels won, 3/4 aerial duels won, what more do you want from your star defensive midfielder at the age of 34? The majority at Old Trafford would want a contract renewal!

Honorable mentions - Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Piero Hincapie (Arsenal) & Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Moment of the Matchday

Callum Wilson nets a stoppage time winner against Everton

Watch Wilson's late winner here

With Tottenham leading Wolves 1-0 at Molineux, West Ham were in desperate need of another goal after Everton equalised late through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Up stepped the super sub — 34 year old Premier League veteran Callum Wilson. In his last 7 appearances against Everton, Callum Wilson had scored 8 goals against the Toffees. Make that 8 in 9 as Wilson pounced on a Jarrod Bowen headed pass in the second minute of stoppage time to fire home the winner and keep his side away from the relegation spots in a week where their survival rivals also picked up points. This goal could prove really vital for the Hammers' fate for next season —  and for Tottenham's.

Looking Ahead – Matchday 35 Fixtures (IST Kick-offs)

Saturday, 2 May

  • Leeds vs Burnley - 12:30 am

  • Brentford vs West Ham - 7:30 pm

  • Newcastle vs Brighton - 7:30 pm

  • Wolves vs Sunderland - 7:30 pm

  • Arsenal vs Fulham - 10:00 pm

Sunday, 3 May

  • Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace - 6:30 pm

  • Manchester United vs Liverpool - 8:00 pm

  • Aston Villa vs Tottenham - 11:30 pm

Monday, 4 May

  • Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, 5 May

  • Everton vs Manchester City - 12:30 am

by ShotBlogged


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