Matchweek 36 of the 2022-23 EPL season saw Manchester City go one step closer to the treble, while Liverpool pushed Leicester to the brink of relegation.
Here’s how it looked for punters:
It’s all over
It mightn’t be *mathematically* over. But it’s over.
Manchester City all but wrapped up a third straight EPL title in Matchweek 36 after cruising past Everton 3-0, before sole challenger Arsenal dropped points yet again at home to Brighton. City (now $1.01 title favourites) need just one win from their remaining three EPL games to clinch the title, a feat one might say is highly likely given their unbeaten run across all competitions has stretched to 22 after the win at Goodison Park.
While Pep Guardiola’s men started $1.37 in the clash on Merseyside, there was a feeling the relegation-threatened Toffees — fresh off a 5-1 trouncing of Brighton — may just push them all the way. And while Sean Dyche’s side started solidly, two goals in two minutes prior to half-time from the in-form Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland made the second half a mere procession. The result delivered $3.75 for punters who backed the Sky Blues at -2.0 prior to kickoff.
Man City's last 10 results… 📈 pic.twitter.com/uzOP1DL0dl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2023
Gunners limping as Brighton edge closer to Europe
While the 3-0 result at Goodison was more or less expected, the 3-0 fans witnessed at the Emirates was very much not. Arsenal went into their clash against Brighton as $1.75 favourites to maintain pressure on City at the top and keep the EPL title race open as long as possible. However Brighton had other ideas. Embarrassed midweek against Everton in what was a crucial clash in their bid for the top six, Roberto De Zerbi’s side ($4.00) responded in the most clinical fashion, humiliating Arsenal on their home turf. To put into context the magnitude of the upset, the Seagulls were $24 pre-match at -2.0. By the final whistle, the Gunners’ title hopes — at $8.50 pre-match — were all but gone and out to $41 as Mikel Arteta’s side limp to the line in EPL season 2022-23.
For Brighton, though, it could hardly have been a more perfect weekend. Not only did they grab a crucial three points, but their biggest direct challenger for the top six (and a Europa League spot next season) in Tottenham went down to Aston Villa. The Seagulls are now a point ahead of Spurs and Villa in seventh and eighth respectively. Crucially, they have two games in hand. It means they’ve shortened into $1.12 to remain inside the EPL top six come season’s end and seal a first ever European spot.
Three wins in a row at The Emirates. 😏 pic.twitter.com/zn7L8DZWWv
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 14, 2023
Leicester on the brink
EPL champions in 2015-16. Top-half finishers in the last five season. But Leicester City look every bit the relegation side as their hopes of staying up get slimmer by the day.
On Tuesday morning (AEST) the Foxes ($5.25) were brushed aside 3-0 by Liverpool ($1.52) as the Reds’ late season surge continued. The victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men — who were $4.60 pre-match at -2.0 — came on the back of an unlikely brace from local lad Curtis Jones, who was $22 to score 2+ goals at the King Power.
And while the win maintains Liverpool’s unlikely push for a Champions League spot, the story is all about Leicester. With just two games to go in the EPL season, the Foxes are still two points from safety. And now, they’re $1.12 chances of going down with Palmerbet. That short price is due to the fact that they next face one of the league’s toughest tasks with a trip to Newcastle, in a match the early markets have them as $7.25 outsiders. Leicester’s survival will likely come down to a final day home clash against West Ham. But even then, they could be relying on other results going their way.
With just one win in their last 14 games, Dean Smith needs to change something. And fast.
"I genuinely feel Leicester tonight have gone, and there's no coming back from it" ❌
Can Leicester City stay in the Premier League? 💭 pic.twitter.com/XytekNlAKS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2023
