October’s El Sackico between Manchester United and Tottenham features twice as we look at the moment that decided where each Premier League team was destined to finish in 2021/22.
Arsenal – Defeat away to Tottenham
The Gunners had fourth spot in their grasp and knew that a win at Tottenham on May 12 would secure them Champions League football for the first time in donkeys. Arsenal were emphatically beaten in classic Arsenal fashion by conceding a silly penalty which Harry Kane obviously converted, then stupidly going down to 10 men, all inside the opening 45 minutes. Spurs had that psychological boost from the win and went on to finish fourth after Arteta’s side were brushed aside at Newcastle a few days later – a result many fans expected after losing the north London derby.
Aston Villa – Defeat at home to Tottenham
Villa slumped to a 14th-placed finish after positive summer and winter windows on top of the ambitious appointment of Steven Gerrard in November. Expectations were high despite the sale of Jack Grealish, with yours truly backing the Villans to finish in the top eight thanks to a great season from Leon Bailey.
Their defeat to Spurs was their fourth in a row after losing to West Ham, Arsenal and Wolves. Gerrard’s side peppered Hugo Lloris’ goal but couldn’t find a breakthrough and Spurs ran out 4-0 winners thanks to the ruthlessness of Heung-min Son. This game summarised a frustrating season for Villa and made it clear that it was already time to plan for 2022/23.
Brentford – The signing of Christian Eriksen
Brentford had a great start to the season and looked like they would be absolutely fine in their maiden Premier League campaign. However, their form dipped and many believed Thomas Frank’s men could find themselves in a relegation battle. Enter Christian Eriksen. The Danish playmaker joined in January but didn’t make his debut until February 26. His arrival was a boost but it wasn’t evident on the pitch until he…
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