Mumbai, April 7: Football is often decided by small moments, and Gameweek 31 showcased this truth vividly. The final scores tell only part of the story, while missed opportunities and what-if scenarios reveal a harsher reality for teams and players who fell short.
Chelsea saw their hopes of reaching the Champions League fade at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Tottenham Hotspur controlled large portions of their match but left without any points.
Even Manchester United were fortunate to earn a draw after surviving against a ten-man Bournemouth side. This week reminded us that possession and chances do not always guarantee victory.
Here are the unluckiest teams of Gameweek 31.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs fans will be frustrated that their team left the stadium empty-handed after a strong start. They dominated much of the first half and moved the ball effectively, keeping Nottingham Forest on the back foot.
Mathys Tel was the standout player, consistently trying to create chances and even hitting the bar just before halftime—a moment that could have changed the game.
Pape Sarr worked diligently in midfield, contributing both offensively and defensively. However, when Tel went off with a possible injury in the 67th minute, the team lost momentum and ultimately fell 3-0. Despite their solid performance and chances created, the result highlighted that good play doesn’t always lead to victory.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United will feel they should not have lost their match. They were the superior side for most of the game against Sunderland and created clearer chances.
Anthony Gordon continued his excellent form with another goal, while Nick Woltemade did well to win the ball and set him up. Sven Botman also came close to doubling the lead, but his header hit the post.
Things worsened late on when Malick Thiaw had a goal ruled out for offside. After controlling the game for so long, Newcastle conceded a late winner, turning what should have been a positive result into a painful defeat.
Chelsea
Chelsea dominated much of their game, maintaining 65% possession and spending most of the match in Everton’s half, yet they lost 3-0.
Enzo Fernandez excelled in midfield with nearly 90% passing accuracy, while Estevao was a constant threat, nearly scoring when he hit the crossbar from a corner.
Despite their dominance, Chelsea failed to find the net. Everton’s quick counter-attacks and some defensive errors meant the Blues’ strong performance went unrewarded. It was a tough day for the team, reminding everyone how unpredictable football can be, as effort doesn’t always translate into points.
Liverpool
Liverpool experienced a frustrating afternoon at the Amex Stadium, appearing far more dangerous than the 2-1 scoreline suggested.
They created numerous chances and outperformed Brighton in expected goals, but their finishing let them down. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Milkos Kerkez all received ratings above 7.0, while Cody Gakpo worked hard to create opportunities. Kerkez was the only one to score, sealing the game for Brighton.
To make matters worse, Hugo Ekitike left early due to injury, disrupting Liverpool’s flow. Despite controlling much of the match, luck was not on their side. Nevertheless, the team continues to strive for a Champions League spot as the season draws to a close.
Manchester United
If any team was unlucky this weekend, it was Manchester United. They faced pressure for most of the game against a strong Bournemouth side and seemed destined to lose after Harry Maguire received a red card.
Bruno Fernandes demonstrated his importance by scoring a key penalty and assisting in the James Hill own goal that kept them in the match. Amad Diallo also made an impact, using his speed to stretch Bournemouth on counter-attacks and forcing a great early save. Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro were standout performers, each earning ratings above 7.
United’s 2-2 draw felt like a fortunate escape. While they secured a point, they owe much to players like Bruno, Shaw, and Yoro, who stepped up during a challenging match.
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