Latin Influence And Goals Galore In Crazy Premier League Return

LORodrigo Muniz of Fulham celebrate his second goal of the match during the Premier League match ... [+] between Fulham FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on March 16, 2024 in London, England.

This weekend the Premier League returned in all its glory and three matches in particular had a smattering of South American influence.

Newcastle 4-3 West Ham

Newcastle V West Ham saw Brazil’s two starting midfielders, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá, go up against each other just a few days after a hectic 3-3 draw with Spain. If they thought they were in for a more quiet outing on Saturday then they were sadly mistaken. Paquetá provided a fine assist for West Ham, who went 3-1 up and looked like they would be taking three points back down the road to London.

Yet, a spirited Newcastle comeback led them to a miraculous 4-3 victory. The win was especially impressive considering the fact that they had to take off three injured players during the game; including Paraguay talisman Miguel Almirón. In the end both Brazilians in midfield looked fatigued and did well to see out the full 90 minutes.

Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United is playing in the Premier League match against Newcastle United at ... [+] St. James's Park in Newcastle, on March 30, 2024.

Sheffield United 3-3 Fulham

The late equaliser in this classic encounter was provided courtesy of Fulham’s Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz. The striker swivelled on the spot and smashed a volley home during a crazy end to a game that included 14 minutes of stoppage time. Muniz’s (non-penalty) goal per game rate is in the 92nd percentile across the ‘top five’ leagues.

Muniz also hit the woodwork twice at Brammal Lane, but his goal means he has now scored eight in as many Premier League games. The forward is on fire, and his compatriot Andreas Pereira also provided an assist for Fulham after an impressive week away with Brazil. For the home side, Chile international Ben Brereton Díaz bagged a brace. He has scored four goals for the Blades since he arrived in January.

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz scores their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at ... [+] Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: Saturday March 30, 2024.

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton

As has been commonplace at Anfield this season; a large latin influence resulted in 3 points for the Reds. Colombian winger Luis Díaz got the equaliser for Liverpool during a first half where the home side peppered the Brighton goal but also went a 1-0 down after 90 seconds.

Alexis Mac Allister, who scored on international duty for Argentina last week, was undoubtedly the man of the match. The midfielder was relentless off the ball and showed quality and composure with it at his feet. Not least when he slid through a ball to set up Mo Salah for a second half winner at the Kop end. Liverpool saw out a 2-1 win in a tense finish to go top of the Premier League.

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between ... [+] Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on March 31, 2024 in Liverpool, England.