Goals, goals and more goals! It’s fair to say February was a goal fest in the Premier League with matches averaging more goals than any month in the competition's history. 158 goals in 42 matches, meaning an average of 3.8 times per fixture. Arsenal scored the most goals, 18 times, six more than any other team as they continued their title charge.
The first day of the month saw West Ham draw 1-1 with Bournemouth. James Ward-Prowse scored for the Hammers’ from the spot whilst fellow England International Kalvin Phillips had a debut to forget as he was at fault for Bournemouth’s opening goal, allowing Dominic Solanke an easy finish. Wolves would feel unlucky to lose 4-3 to Man United as they put in a strong performance with Sarabia, Max Kilman and Pedro Neto scoring. United claimed all three points as Mainoo’s 97th-minute strike gave them the lead.
Everton also left it late to get a result against Top Four hopefuls Tottenham as former Toffees’ man Richarlison gave Spurs a two-goal lead but the hosts fought back with Jack Harrison scoring before homegrown boy Jarod Branthwaite equalised in the 94th minute. Brighton secured a 4-1 win over Palace with all eyes on the away team’s staff as Michael Olise lasted only nine minutes having come on as a substitute – if a player isn’t fit, then don’t play him! Fulham looked set for an away win at Burnley with goals from Palhinha and Carvalho but Burnley loanee David Fofana struck twice late on to give the Clarets some survival hope. Luton’s survival hopes also look promising as they secured a point in a classic 4-4 draw at Newcastle. Rob Edwards would have preferred three points as they were winning 4-2 before goals from Trippier and Barnes gave St James’ Park something to cheer about.
Aston Villa thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 with the hosts seemingly more likely to be relegated week by week. Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Notts Forest with Kluviert and Hudson-Odoi on the scoresheet. Wolves’ good run of form continued as they won 4-2 at Chelsea. A hat-trick from Mattheus Cunha polished a fine display from the away team. Man United won 3-0 against West Ham with Hojilund scoring on his 21st birthday and fellow youngster Garnacho netting a brace.
The title race turned tasty as Arsenal won 3-1 against Liverpool. It was an afternoon to forget for Alisson and Van Dijk as they were at fault for two goals. Defender Ibrahim Konate also saw red in a poor performance from Liverpool. Despite the tremendous efforts from Brentford’s keeper Mark Flekken and a first-half strike from Maupay, Man City ran out 3-1 winners in the capital with a hat-trick from Phil Foden. Everton also did their best efforts to deny the reigning champions the points but Man City’s Haaland struck in the 71st minute for his first goal since November to claim the hosts the win.
Fulham’s run of form continued as they won 3-1 against Bournemouth. Liverpool won 3-1 against Burnley in front of a record-breaking Anfield crowd of 59,896 as Jota, Diaz and Nunez were on the scoresheet. Sheffield showed they are up for the relegation fight as they won 3-1 over fellow strugglers Luton. Spurs left it late against Brighton as Brennan Johnson netted a 96 th minute winner. Brentford won against Wolves 2-0 with Ivan Toney netting his third goal in four games since his return. Newcastle won against Notts Forest 3-2 with Bruno Gumieras scoring a fine volley to win the game. Arsenal secured their biggest-ever away win
against West Ham as they ran out 6-0 winners. Man United won against Aston Villa with Hojilund netting for the fifth consecutive game. Chelsea somehow ran out 3-1 winners against Crystal Palace with late goals from Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez. Liverpool won 4-1 against Brentford in a game packed full of injuries which saw Curtis Jones, Jota and Nunez all substituted in the first half. Arsenal backed up their record away win with a 5-0 win at Burnley whilst a double from Watkins secured three points for Aston Villa at Fulham.
Matt Ritchie’s 92 nd minute strike gave Newcastle a draw against Bournemouth, saving goalkeeper Dubravka as he slipped to allow Solanke to open the scoring for the Cherries. Kalvin Phillip’s poor start at West Ham continued as he was sent off against Notts Forest; they made the most of the man advantage as Awoniyi and Hudson-Odoi netted as the hosts won 2-0. A brace from Joao Gomes meant Wolves took the three points from Spurs. A strong performance from Pochettino’s men was rewarded with a goal by former City man Sterling but Man City’s Rodri struck with eight minutes to go as both teams shared the points. Brighton refound their form as they ran out 5-0 winners against Sheffield. A horrific high tackle by Mason Holgate was rightfully given a red card in the 13th minute, meaning Sheffield had an even bigger challenge on their side. Man United’s Hojilund struck twice in the opening seven minutes against Luton. They came back in the second half with Carlton Morris netting for the Hatters’ but they could not find an equaliser.
Everton and Crystal Palace drew 1-1 on the same day that Palace boss Roy Hodgson was
replaced by former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Gasner.
A slip from Ajer meant Haaland netted the winner for Man City against Brentford. Aston Villa’s purple patch at home continued as they won 4-2 against Notts Forest whilst Lewis Dunk celebrated his 400th league appearance for Brighton with a 95th-minute equaliser against Fulham.
Palace’s new manager started life in the dugout well as he won 3-0 against Burnley. A first-half Richards, Ayew and Mateta on the scoresheet. Burnley loanee Fofana saw a late consolation goal ruled out for offside. Fulham secured a 2-1 win over Man United as Iwobi scored a 97th minute just four minutes after Maguire had levelled for the hosts. Man City won at Bournemouth as Foden tapped in a rebound whilst Arsenal won 4-1 against Newcastle. The game turned sour at Wolves versus Sheffield as the latter’s centre-backs squared up to each other. Sarabia’s goal was enough to give Wolves the win. Jarod Bowen scored his first career hat-trick as West Ham won 4-2 against Brentford; their first win of 2024. Liverpool came from behind to beat Luton 4-1 to end February top of the table.
Things are looking tight at the top of the table with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal on 60, 59 and 58 points respectively. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Sheffield and Burnley are buried with 13 points, 11 from safety, giving them a mammoth task to stay up. Everton’s points deduction was lowered from 10 points to 6 points meaning they now rise to 15th on 25 points. With another deduction imminent alongside Notts Forest, the battle to remain in the Premier League will continue. With an international break looming in March and now that European football is back, we can only wait and see how the Premier League will look!