Premier League Winter Break: Heroes and Villains

With the EPL’s inaugural winter break behind us, the action is back and it’s time to discover the type of bets available in your bookie.

However, we haven’t been without enjoying a few football games as top-flight fixtures were spread over the two weekends.

Here are several villains and heroes of the elongated game week 26.

Villain: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford’s form is now an unwelcome subplot for Everton’s rough campaign this far. The England top goalkeeper was at fault again during Everton’s 3-1 triumph over Crystal palace, after allowing a lousy attempt by Benteke to go through him.

It was the fifth time this season that the former Sunderland goalkeeper allowed in over the last five games, and he looked disgusted by his error. That means Carlo Ancelotti may be shopping for goalkeepers this summer if that continues.

 
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Hero: Matej Vydra

If you want to end major goal drought, you may as well try and do it emphatically. That’s exactly what Burnley’s Matej Vydra did on Saturday when he smashed home a brilliant finish that gave his side three points at St. Mary’s.

The Czech striker took a raking long ball and rolled it on his chest before turning and lashing home a beautiful strike through the corner. The goal lightened up the windy and miserable game, moving the Clarets backward on the league’s table.

Villain: Raul Jimenez

This season, Raul Jimenez has been an outstanding performer for the Wolves’ EPL campaign.

The Mexican forward has already recorded 20 goals in all competitions, drawing the attention of major teams around the globe. However, that didn’t prevent him from having a stinker game against Leicester City.

Jimenez failed to convert any goals despite the plethora of chances given to him, making his side miss the chance to close the gap on Chelsea for the fourth place. That was uncharacteristic of him, and the Wolves fans are hoping that it was just a mere slip in an otherwise great season.

 
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Hero: John Lundstram

This season, the former Everton academy star is having a great time with Sheffield United.

Before the start of the season, the 25-year-old best goal return in a total of 47 matches was just three goals recorded in the 2015/2016 season with Oxford United.

Despite his poor scoring form, Lundstram’s late goal helped Sheffield United take three points away from Bournemouth. That was his fourth goal in 25 games, and he continues to shine in the EPL. His form has also been outstanding this season.

Hero: Anthony Martial

Martial is one of the top players that evokes divided opinion in the Premier League. The Manchester United tucked away Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross with his expert header, recording his fourth goal in the last three games.

That was the first time that the red Devils threatened a Chelsea goal during the match, but that’s all they needed to claim the victory in what could be a massive win for their Champions League campaign.