Weekend Review: Bookmakers benefit as another big match ends 0-0
Chelsea and Manchester United play out drab draw as Wales defeat England under controversial Six Nations circumstances
A low-scoring weekend of Premier League action brought home the bacon for the bookies as bettors rued a lack of goalmouth action.
A 0-0 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge was a dour watch, while Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Leeds United was unexpectedly devoid of entertainment.
Kindred Group’s Ali Gill told EGR the weekend went the way of the layers as points were shared.
FT. The Blues take a share of the spoils.
#CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/5uHYieZ0Mh
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 28, 2021
Gill said: “Another Premier League weekend that finished well in favour of layers as, in general, draws and low scores were the order of the day.”
“The Chelsea vs Manchester United game was, as always, perfect for layers, if not fans watching, with the other big winning results Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over a Leeds team more used to providing goal fests, and Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Wolves,” he added.
There were some slivers of excitement from the weekend, with Arsenal recording a shock 3-1 win over injury-ravaged Leicester City and Gareth Bale rolling back the years with two goals in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Burnley.
Betfred’s Alan Firkins said: “The scoreless draw was a great result for the books, as was Arsenal’s shock win at the King Power to derail Leicester’s title challenge.”
Gill added: “Liverpool and Spurs’ wins both went the way of the players, but all told we came out ahead.”
Elsewhere, in horseracing, trainer Tom George secured a third Close Brothers Handicap Chase at Kempton as Clondaw Castle secured the win, which left the bettors happier away from the football.
"I'd say Aintree is very high on the agenda now"
Tom George looks to the future after Clondaw Castle's victory in the Grade 3 Close Brothers Handicap Chase pic.twitter.com/CNNQynEDvA
— Kempton Park Racecourse (@kemptonparkrace) February 27, 2021
Gill said: “Racing from Kempton was a much more player-friendly affair. In the Close Brother Handicap Chase, despite the places being filled with big prices, winner Clondaw Castle was well backed, winning at 17/2 and leaving us in the red.”
Finally, the Six Nations fixture between Wales and England was marred by controversial referring decisions as the Welsh secured a 40-24 victory over their old rivals.
This weekend belongs to Wales
Goodnight, rugby fans. #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/Hu63WdAIYq
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 28, 2021
Firkins commented: “Six Nations rugby punters who lumped on England to win in Cardiff were left feeling that whatever the acronym, review systems in sport can raise as many issues as they’re meant to tidy up.”