As Arsenal have continued to set the pace at the top, Manchester City and Chelsea are staying with the Gunners, now will we see a new challenge from Merseyside? Everton have performed superbly this season under Roberto Martinez, with only 1 home defeat all season and some excellent away displays, particularly at Arsenal and Manchester United. But, it's the men from Anfield who will look to hunt down top spot, they've disappointed recently against the 'big teams' yet put the rest to the slaughter. So with Luis Suarez still on fire, the reunited partnership of Suarez and Sturridge will be a haunting sight for all the top 4 hopefuls as Liverpool prepare to restart their push for UEFA Champions League.
As this past weekend, Rodgers' Reds headed to a ground they've failed to win at in the Barclays Premier League, so with the news Daniel Sturridge was on the bench and Steven Gerrard was fit to start, they must've fancied their chances. Stoke under Mark Hughes have not been shy to play their football on the deck this year more often, yet still look vulnerable away from home. But, the Brittania has become a place to be feared again this season. Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea have all failed to win there this year and with the goal scoring form of ex-scouser Charlie Adam, Stoke may fancy their's as well, as did I. Yet in 10 minutes, that seemed irrelevant, a deflected Aly Cissokho goal and a tenacious Luis Suarez effort got them 2-0 up. But Liverpool's defence has got worse the longer the season has gone and at half-time, their lead was gone. Two ex-Reds, Peter Crouch and a worldie from Adam got the Potters in level at the break. The second half was very even, full of end-to-end action, Stoke's attack of Arnautovic, Adam, Walters and Crouch was causing Liverpool all kinds of problems. But it was Liverpool's Raheem Sterling that was the main threat of Liverpool's firing squad, as his superb running and pressure, helped with a debatable control of the arm, Sterling was one on one with Erik Pieters, a seemingly slip-up from Sterling got a penalty. It was a very harsh call, but Gerrard wasn't the first to stop and argue, he converted cooly for them to lead once more. Then the return Liverpool had waited for, Daniel Sturridge was back! Immediately he was involved as if he never left, setting up Suarez incredibly then finishing with a plom to wrap up the game for Liverpool. Johnny Walters got one more back, but it was too little, Liverpool picked up a vital 5-3 win. I think if the SAS are back in unity for Rodgers, Liverpool will definitely be no pushovers in the fight for the top 4, even the title?
Best of the Rest
Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal- Two goals in 17 seconds got Arsenal a hard fought victory at Villa Park. A wonderful team goal finished by Jack Wilshere then a composed finish from Olivier Giroud, brilliantly set up by Wilshere stunned Villa. A late bombardment from Villa got them a consolation and an end to Christian Benteke's 11 game drought. He should've had a second but he planted his effort straight at Woijiech Szczesny, Arsenal's away form has been superb this year as the Gunners step up their bid for a first title in 10 years.
Fulham 1-4 Sunderland- Rene Meulensteen may have made Fulham more exciting, but their form is no different. A shocking thumping at home to bottom of the table Sunderland is a new low. Despite the return of Clint Dempsey, he made no change to Fulham's abysmal form. A scintillating Adam Johnson display got Gus Poyet a well earned win, as he notched a hat-trick as well as providing for a super team goal finished by Sung-Yong Ki.
The Rest
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham
Everton 2-0 Norwich City
Hull City 0-2 Chelsea
Manchester United 2-0 Swansea City
Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City
Southampton 1-0 West Brom
Spurs 2-0 Crystal Palace
Transfer Headlines
Hull tie up Jelavic and Long
McGeady swaps Moscow for Merseyside
Chelsea bring back an old face in Nemanja Matic
Lambert loans away as Bertrand and Holt arrive
De Bruyne departs for German Wolves
Spurs sell legend as Defoe swaps Tottenham for Toronto
Stoke seal an Ireland
Norwich loan a 'Jonas' brother
18 January 2014
2 January 2014
Saint Nicklas puts Arsenal top of the Tree!
It's been a busy Christmas period in the Barclays Premier League, stemming from the 23rd December all the way to New Year's Day, with 4 match-days for all 20 sides with no postponements, which is quite impressive. There have been many shock results, controversial moments and stunning goals, let's look at the action.
Match-Day 1
Highlight- Fulham 2-4 Manchester City
In this topsy-turvy encounter it was the big spenders City who rammed 4 past a valiant Fulham side who at one point had battled from 2 goals down to level it. But the class of the opposition showed as they out muscled the opposition and eased to victory with the pick of the goals from James Milner as he stroked home from an exquisite cross by Alvaro Negredo to wrap up the match for City.
It was a mixed afternoon for the City skipper Vincent Kompany. After giving his side a 2-0 lead on half time, he'd inadvertently slice a freak own goal past Joe Hart to put Fulham level at 2-2. He had problems dealing with the skillful Adel Taarabt all game but in the end he was commanding and atoned for his error with a captain's display to hold out and in the end see the game through for City as they picked up a big 3 points. A sublime Yaya Toure free kick started it off as he's getting a knack of bending them in. Kieran Richardson slid in a counter attack goal for Fulham in between the Kompany show. But City were too strong, they have the best squad in the league by far, which makes them firm favorites for title. Two substitutes, Jesus Navas and James Milner got the other two as City beat a Fulham side which are slipping towards a relegation battle.
The Rest
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Crystal Palace 0-3 Newcastle
Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City
Manchester United 3-1 West Ham
Southampton 2-3 Spurs
Stoke City 2-1 Aston Villa
Sunderland 0-0 Norwich City
Swansea City 1-2 Everton
West Brom 1-1 Hull City
Match-Day 2
Highlight- West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Champions are made when they can win ugly, when they're not playing well and get the result they need, Arsenal did that, showing they now are serious contenders to be considered this year for the title. Arsenal have been known in recent seasons to only play the 'Arsenal Way', with beauty and no beast. However, they dug and in the end eased to victory against a hapless West Ham, now without any fit center halves and no striker who knows where the goal is, demonstrated by Modibo Maiga.
It looked like it could be a comfortable day for Arsenal as they were ripping West Ham to shreds in the first half but couldn't get the goal. Olivier Giroud missed a hat-trick of chances to put the game to rest before half-time but wasn't having a good day. He kept missing as was set to extend his goal drought. As an Arsenal supporter, it's clear to see that Giroud is feeling fatigued and needs reliable and legitimate back-up. Nicklas Bendtner is neither here nor there, he has one good game then about 5 bad ones, summing up his Arsenal career. Lukas Podolski was a striker in Germany but never has done enough to stamp his case for a striker role. Then Theo Walcott. Theo has been a ever present in the striker dilemma, often considered that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry began as a winger. Walcott would be the difference in this game and scored two, one, his first ever headed goal, no suprise in that. Walcott looks like a finally matured player and with a run down the middle, could well improve his ability in this role and lift Arsenal further towards their goal, a trophy!
West Ham though had a fortuitous lead when Woijiech Szczesny fumbled a Joe Cole drive which to the feet of Joe's namesake, Carlton, to give West Ham a shock lead. Carlton Cole was released in the summer, but yet forced to re-join the Hammers with Carroll's injury and Maiga's performances. But the bigger return was for Arsenal and that of Lukas Podolski. The German lit up the game and immediately caused West Ham's defence trouble, mainly Guy Demel. The Ivorian couldn't cope and in the end it was goalie Adrian at fault. A driving Arsenal move with architect of all that was good, Santi Cazorla finding Walcott who's seemingly tame effort was adjudged to be cleared by James Tomkins, it wasn't and Adrian let it slip through. Arsenal were quickly then in front. Podolski at the heart of this with a wicked ball in, it was dangerously flicked on by Tomkins and there was Walcott to get his first ever headed goal in his career, doing Gervinho proud. It was then that man Podolski who finished it off with a low drive into the corner of the goal which settled it and sent Arsenal top at Boxing Day.
Wenger's men should be considered now, following this up with two more grinded out wins away at Newcastle and home to Cardiff. Arsenal may not still convince many, but the further the season has gone, the longer Arsenal are sticking in this title race, it'll be the last day and Arsenal could be top, but still not be favorites for the crown! With the depth in the squad hitting big stages now, it'll be a real test of this Arsenal side now in the next month, if they can stick with City and Chelsea or even stay ahead of the pack, then they are firmly in the title race.
The rest
Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace
Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton
Chelsea 1-0 Swansea City
Everton 0-1 Sunderland
Hull City 2-3 Manchester United
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
Norwich City 1-2 Fulham
Newcastle 5-1 Stoke City
Spurs 1-1 West Brom
Match-Day 3
Highlight- Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
A game between two sides with expectations similar for once, not often are Liverpool considered to be in a title race but being top on Christmas Day was a sign that Liverpool are back to their best this season. Luis Suarez has been leading the charge up the table with 19 goals in the league this season, despite missing the first 5 games. But Liverpool would find themselves 5th into the New Year after two defeats against two title contenders. Yet they can feel aggrieved about decisions in both, a awful offside call on Raheem Sterling against City and two calls involving Samuel Eto'o against Chelsea, with a red card and penalty calls waved away, wrongly! Chelsea's strength, like City is their squad depth, with midfielders like Schurrle, Mata, De Bruyne, Essien, Ramires, Mikel and Van Ginkel not starting for the home side, as well as Ashley Cole, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba notably missing.
Liverpool would wish for that, as they're squad is at it's limits with unknown youngster Brad Smith brought on against Chelsea, anyone ever heard of him before this game????? A back line missing Kolo Toure, Jose Enrique and Aly Cissokho and no Steven Gerrard or Daniel Sturridge. The squad is being tested and these last two games have given credit to this squad of young players as they put in two determined performances but were on the wrong side of the scoreline, losing 2-1 twice.
Liverpool started well, Martin Skrtel found the net to give them a 4th minute lead, following a dubious decision not to send off Samuel Eto'o. But Chelsea were playing some brilliant stuff and the 3 wizards were at the soul of this. Willian drove forward found Oscar, who ran into red siege but Eden Hazard swept in a beauty to put the Blues level. Before half time it was another error from Simon Mignolet that Chelsea turned the game around. Samuel Eto'o's poke went through the keeper. A resilient Chelsea withstood most of what the Reds threw at them, but a very questionable body check by Eto'o on Suarez was ignored by the ref and was the big point in the game for Liverpool, it was a clear penalty. Chelsea under Mourinho have potential for anything, they're well capable of becoming champions, Liverpool however, can't always look to Suarez.
The rest
Aston Villa 1-1 Swansea City
Cardiff 2-2 Sunderland
Everton 2-1 Southampton
Hull City 6-0 Fulham
Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace
Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Norwich City 0-1 Manchester United
Spurs 3-0 Stoke City
West Ham 3-3 West Brom
Match-Day 4
The Results
Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff City
Crystal Palace 1-1 Norwich City
Fulham 2-1 West Ham
Liverpool 2-0 Hull City
Manchester United 1-2 Spurs
Southampton 0-3 Chelsea
Stoke City 1-1 Everton
Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City
Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 1-0 Newcastle
Half-time Predictions
I stick with my predictions on the top 4, however the order may change, as I gather hope of a Arsenal title challenge! Manchester United are struggling but I still think they have it up their sleeve to mount a challenge for the top 4 still despite Everton and Liverpool looking strong. The bottom 3 I'll stick with despite Hull's impressive form and West Ham and Fulham sliding, however, a injury to Tom Huddlestone for Hull would wreck their season and I believe Andy Carroll's imminent return will save West Ham, whereas Fulham have plenty of resources to save themselves.
Top 4
1) Manchester City
2) Chelsea
3) Arsenal
4) Manchester United
Bottom 3)
18) West Brom/Stoke City
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace
Match-Day 1
Highlight- Fulham 2-4 Manchester City
In this topsy-turvy encounter it was the big spenders City who rammed 4 past a valiant Fulham side who at one point had battled from 2 goals down to level it. But the class of the opposition showed as they out muscled the opposition and eased to victory with the pick of the goals from James Milner as he stroked home from an exquisite cross by Alvaro Negredo to wrap up the match for City.
It was a mixed afternoon for the City skipper Vincent Kompany. After giving his side a 2-0 lead on half time, he'd inadvertently slice a freak own goal past Joe Hart to put Fulham level at 2-2. He had problems dealing with the skillful Adel Taarabt all game but in the end he was commanding and atoned for his error with a captain's display to hold out and in the end see the game through for City as they picked up a big 3 points. A sublime Yaya Toure free kick started it off as he's getting a knack of bending them in. Kieran Richardson slid in a counter attack goal for Fulham in between the Kompany show. But City were too strong, they have the best squad in the league by far, which makes them firm favorites for title. Two substitutes, Jesus Navas and James Milner got the other two as City beat a Fulham side which are slipping towards a relegation battle.
The Rest
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Crystal Palace 0-3 Newcastle
Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City
Manchester United 3-1 West Ham
Southampton 2-3 Spurs
Stoke City 2-1 Aston Villa
Sunderland 0-0 Norwich City
Swansea City 1-2 Everton
West Brom 1-1 Hull City
Match-Day 2
Highlight- West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Champions are made when they can win ugly, when they're not playing well and get the result they need, Arsenal did that, showing they now are serious contenders to be considered this year for the title. Arsenal have been known in recent seasons to only play the 'Arsenal Way', with beauty and no beast. However, they dug and in the end eased to victory against a hapless West Ham, now without any fit center halves and no striker who knows where the goal is, demonstrated by Modibo Maiga.
It looked like it could be a comfortable day for Arsenal as they were ripping West Ham to shreds in the first half but couldn't get the goal. Olivier Giroud missed a hat-trick of chances to put the game to rest before half-time but wasn't having a good day. He kept missing as was set to extend his goal drought. As an Arsenal supporter, it's clear to see that Giroud is feeling fatigued and needs reliable and legitimate back-up. Nicklas Bendtner is neither here nor there, he has one good game then about 5 bad ones, summing up his Arsenal career. Lukas Podolski was a striker in Germany but never has done enough to stamp his case for a striker role. Then Theo Walcott. Theo has been a ever present in the striker dilemma, often considered that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry began as a winger. Walcott would be the difference in this game and scored two, one, his first ever headed goal, no suprise in that. Walcott looks like a finally matured player and with a run down the middle, could well improve his ability in this role and lift Arsenal further towards their goal, a trophy!
West Ham though had a fortuitous lead when Woijiech Szczesny fumbled a Joe Cole drive which to the feet of Joe's namesake, Carlton, to give West Ham a shock lead. Carlton Cole was released in the summer, but yet forced to re-join the Hammers with Carroll's injury and Maiga's performances. But the bigger return was for Arsenal and that of Lukas Podolski. The German lit up the game and immediately caused West Ham's defence trouble, mainly Guy Demel. The Ivorian couldn't cope and in the end it was goalie Adrian at fault. A driving Arsenal move with architect of all that was good, Santi Cazorla finding Walcott who's seemingly tame effort was adjudged to be cleared by James Tomkins, it wasn't and Adrian let it slip through. Arsenal were quickly then in front. Podolski at the heart of this with a wicked ball in, it was dangerously flicked on by Tomkins and there was Walcott to get his first ever headed goal in his career, doing Gervinho proud. It was then that man Podolski who finished it off with a low drive into the corner of the goal which settled it and sent Arsenal top at Boxing Day.
Wenger's men should be considered now, following this up with two more grinded out wins away at Newcastle and home to Cardiff. Arsenal may not still convince many, but the further the season has gone, the longer Arsenal are sticking in this title race, it'll be the last day and Arsenal could be top, but still not be favorites for the crown! With the depth in the squad hitting big stages now, it'll be a real test of this Arsenal side now in the next month, if they can stick with City and Chelsea or even stay ahead of the pack, then they are firmly in the title race.
The rest
Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace
Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton
Chelsea 1-0 Swansea City
Everton 0-1 Sunderland
Hull City 2-3 Manchester United
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
Norwich City 1-2 Fulham
Newcastle 5-1 Stoke City
Spurs 1-1 West Brom
Match-Day 3
Highlight- Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
A game between two sides with expectations similar for once, not often are Liverpool considered to be in a title race but being top on Christmas Day was a sign that Liverpool are back to their best this season. Luis Suarez has been leading the charge up the table with 19 goals in the league this season, despite missing the first 5 games. But Liverpool would find themselves 5th into the New Year after two defeats against two title contenders. Yet they can feel aggrieved about decisions in both, a awful offside call on Raheem Sterling against City and two calls involving Samuel Eto'o against Chelsea, with a red card and penalty calls waved away, wrongly! Chelsea's strength, like City is their squad depth, with midfielders like Schurrle, Mata, De Bruyne, Essien, Ramires, Mikel and Van Ginkel not starting for the home side, as well as Ashley Cole, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba notably missing.
Liverpool would wish for that, as they're squad is at it's limits with unknown youngster Brad Smith brought on against Chelsea, anyone ever heard of him before this game????? A back line missing Kolo Toure, Jose Enrique and Aly Cissokho and no Steven Gerrard or Daniel Sturridge. The squad is being tested and these last two games have given credit to this squad of young players as they put in two determined performances but were on the wrong side of the scoreline, losing 2-1 twice.
Liverpool started well, Martin Skrtel found the net to give them a 4th minute lead, following a dubious decision not to send off Samuel Eto'o. But Chelsea were playing some brilliant stuff and the 3 wizards were at the soul of this. Willian drove forward found Oscar, who ran into red siege but Eden Hazard swept in a beauty to put the Blues level. Before half time it was another error from Simon Mignolet that Chelsea turned the game around. Samuel Eto'o's poke went through the keeper. A resilient Chelsea withstood most of what the Reds threw at them, but a very questionable body check by Eto'o on Suarez was ignored by the ref and was the big point in the game for Liverpool, it was a clear penalty. Chelsea under Mourinho have potential for anything, they're well capable of becoming champions, Liverpool however, can't always look to Suarez.
The rest
Aston Villa 1-1 Swansea City
Cardiff 2-2 Sunderland
Everton 2-1 Southampton
Hull City 6-0 Fulham
Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace
Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Norwich City 0-1 Manchester United
Spurs 3-0 Stoke City
West Ham 3-3 West Brom
Match-Day 4
The Results
Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff City
Crystal Palace 1-1 Norwich City
Fulham 2-1 West Ham
Liverpool 2-0 Hull City
Manchester United 1-2 Spurs
Southampton 0-3 Chelsea
Stoke City 1-1 Everton
Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City
Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 1-0 Newcastle
Half-time Predictions
I stick with my predictions on the top 4, however the order may change, as I gather hope of a Arsenal title challenge! Manchester United are struggling but I still think they have it up their sleeve to mount a challenge for the top 4 still despite Everton and Liverpool looking strong. The bottom 3 I'll stick with despite Hull's impressive form and West Ham and Fulham sliding, however, a injury to Tom Huddlestone for Hull would wreck their season and I believe Andy Carroll's imminent return will save West Ham, whereas Fulham have plenty of resources to save themselves.
Top 4
1) Manchester City
2) Chelsea
3) Arsenal
4) Manchester United
Bottom 3)
18) West Brom/Stoke City
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace
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