By Victor Kanayo
As 2023 gradually signs off in less than 48 hours, clubs in the Premier League are hastily pushing for points with part of the last clashes of the year decided on Saturday, December 30 in various match venues.
Chelsea and Aston Villa were among those that secured victories, but that was after labouring till the end.
Blues’ End To Away Voodoo
While Chelsea coached by Mauricio Pochettino edged Luton Town 3-2, Vila also pipped Burnley with same margin.
The outcome of the encounters showed Chelsea’s second consecutive win and was their first success away from home since a victory at Tottenham on November 6, ending a four-game losing streak on their travels.
Pochettino’s first competitive win as Chelsea boss came in the reverse fixture against Luton back in August.
But they have struggled badly since then and arrived at Luton hoping to avoid finishing 2023 with a 20th league defeat in the calendar year.
Another Man City Masterclass
Elsewhere, Manchester City ended a stellar year on a high note by beating a battling Sheffield United side to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The victory means they have secured back-to-back league wins for the first time since the start of November, they also had a first clean sheet in eight games to celebrate.
Year Of Multiple Silverware For Citizens
It had already been a productive festive period for Pep Guardiola’s side, who saw all the teams above them drop points, and they appear to have put any talk of a pre-Christmas crisis well behind them.
City can look back with pride at their achievements in 2023, but they have lots to look forward to in 2024.
City, who were crowned Fifa Club World Cup winners before Christmas, displayed all five of the major trophies they have won in 2023 on the pitch before kick-off.
Olise, Eze Shine For Palace, Other Outcomes
Two Nigerian prodigies shone like never before as Crystal Palace humbled Brentford in another Premier League clash.
While Michael Olise scored brace and produced man-of-the-match performance, Eberechi Eze netted once in the encounter.
Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their winning streak after humiliating Arsenal few days ago with a resounding victory over underperforming Everton.
