The 2024/25 Premier League season reignited after a brief respite, with the 21st round kicking off in the early hours of today. Defending champions Manchester City faced Brentford away from home, with Pep Guardiola aiming for a fourth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Chelsea, known as the Blues, hosted underdog Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, and Liverpool, the Reds, challenged the super underdog Nottingham Forest away from home. The various giants experienced both joy and sorrow, with some happy and others worried.
Brentford 2-2 Manchester City
Brentford started the season strong at home but has since faltered, once achieving an undefeated record of two wins and two draws at home but suffering three consecutive home defeats recently. Manchester City began the season with an undefeated record of seven wins and two draws but then fell into a prolonged slump, losing nine out of 14 matches in all competitions. However, City's form has recently improved, securing three consecutive victories across competitions, showing clear signs of recovery. In their first meeting, City defeated Brentford 2-1 at home.
During the match, in the first half, Nunes missed a good opportunity. In the second half, Savigno made a solo charge and hit the post, while Damsgaard's low shot was disallowed. In the 66th minute, a dramatic turn of events occurred! The home team's goal was disallowed, and the camera quickly switched to City launching a counterattack and scoring! Haaland received the ball with his back to the midfield, Savigno advanced it to De Bruyne on the right, who delivered a precise cross. Foden arrived at the door to volley the ball into the net, giving City a 1-0 lead away from home. In the 78th minute, Savigno intercepted the ball in the frontcourt and immediately launched a counterattack, with his shot from the left side of the penalty area being saved. De Bruyne and Foden both took shots, with Foden eventually scoring to extend City's lead to 2-0. In the 82nd minute, from the left arc, Damsgaard lofted a pass to the far post, where Rasmussen cushioned the ball back towards the goal. Aké failed to clear the ball with a header, allowing Wissa to adjust slightly before shooting and scoring, bringing Brentford back into the game at 1-2. In the 90+2 minute, Lewis-Potter sent a fine cross with his left foot, and Norgaard, positioned centrally, powerfully headed the ball past Aké to equalize, sealing a 2-2 draw for Brentford against City.
Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth
After changing managers this season, Chelsea's performance significantly improved, advancing to the knockout stage of the Europa League with a perfect record and achieving a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, once rising to second place and joining the title race. However, Chelsea has recently fallen into a slump again, failing to win in four consecutive rounds, not only dropping out of the title race but also risking losing their top-four position. Bournemouth, on the other hand, is considered a dark horse, maintaining an unbeaten record in eight consecutive league matches, trailing Chelsea by only three points.
During the match, in the first half, Palmer scored the opening goal, giving Chelsea a 1-0 halftime lead over Bournemouth. In the second half, Kessié fouled and conceded a penalty, which Cruyff converted to level the score. Then Semenyo scored to put Bournemouth ahead, but Reece James scored a late equalizer from a free-kick. Ultimately, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Bournemouth, extending their winless streak in the league to five rounds.
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool
Nottingham Forest has been the super dark horse of the Premier League this season, recently securing six consecutive victories and climbing to third place with points equal to Arsenal. Liverpool has remained unbeaten in 15 consecutive league matches, leading the second-place team by six points with one fewer match played, making them the biggest favorites for the title this season. However, Liverpool's form has dipped recently, with three draws in the last six rounds. In their first meeting, Liverpool suffered their only defeat of the season, losing 0-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.
During the match, in the first half, Liverpool conceded a goal in the eighth minute and had nine shots without a single on target. In the second half, Jota came off the bench to quickly equalize, with Tsimikas assisting from a corner kick, while Forest goalkeeper Sels made several crucial saves. Eventually, Liverpool drew 1-1 away from home against Nottingham Forest, extending their league unbeaten run to two consecutive draws and 16 rounds overall. In the standings, Liverpool have 47 points with one match fewer played, leading by six points, while Forest have 41 points and are ranked second.