Coutinho celebrating his goal against Manchester United in the Premier League

PL WRAP UP: WEEK 22 - Coutinho’s return gives Manchester United a run for their money

COVID-19 restrictions have not been easy on the Premier League teams this season, but it was a good week for most as postponed games went ahead.

Manchester City kicked off their week at home with a 1-0 win against Chelsea, claiming their 12th successive league win.

A slow first half saw Manchester City dominate the first 45 minutes of the game, but Chelsea made improvements in the second half with a close chance from Lukaku. But it was former Chelsea player that pulled through for Manchester City as De Bruyne found the back of the net in the 70th minute. The win saw Pep’s side stay comfortably at the top, while Chelsea stay second.

A star performance from Aston Villa’s newest addition saw Coutinho aid in their comeback against Manchester United at Villa Park.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoreboard in just six minutes, and he doubled Manchester United’s lead in the second half. Villa’s hopes of a comeback were looking slim, but substitute and former Liverpool player Coutinho came on and assisted in Ramsey’s late second half goal. Coutinho then found the net himself in the 81st minute to clinch the draw, and both teams left the match with a point each. Manchester United stay seventh, five points behind fourth place.

Liverpool hosted Brentford at Anfield in a thrilling 3-0 win to shorten the gap between them and leaders Manchester City.

Liverpool started off strong with several chances, but it was Fabinho who broke the deadlock just before half time to put the Reds ahead. Oxlade-Chamberlain then doubled their lead in the 69th minute, but had to come off after a suspected ankle injury from the goal. But substitute Minamino sealed Liverpool’s win with 13 minutes to the final whistle, and the crucial win moves Klopp’s side up to second place, two points ahead of Chelsea and 11 behind Manchester City, with a match in hand on both teams.

The first hat-trick of his professional career saw Harrison clinch the 3-2 win for Leeds in their game against West Ham at the London stadium.

Harrison opened the scoreboard in the 10th minute with his first goal, West Ham were then quick to level the score after Bowen found the net in the 34th minute. The high didn’t last long as Harrison scored three minutes after, putting Leeds ahead at half time.

Fornals then levelled the score for the second time in the 52nd minute, but again, it was Harrison who found the net not long after to secure the win for his side. The three points move Leeds up to 15th, while West Ham stay two points ahead of fifth place Arsenal who have two games in hand.

Other results:

Brighton v Crystal Palace - 1-1

Norwich v Everton - 2-1

Wolves v Southampton - 3-1

Newcastle v Watford - 1-1

Postponed games (Match week 18):

Southampton v Brentford - 4-1

West Ham v Norwich - 2-0