Legend immortalised as Sunderland play like statues!

In this review of the Premier League action, I was at the Emirates as the Arsenal took on Capital One Cup finalists Sunderland, it was a one-sided and classy performance from Wenger's men who are in-fact STILL in the title race.

Arsene Wenger had suffered a depressing evening here on Tuesday as his side valiantly fell 2-0 against Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.  The game turned on a crucial missed Mesut Ozil penalty, the German was clearly tired and low on confidence on Tuesday, so I was glad he was rested for the game on Saturday and Tomas Rosicky given the chance to show his quality.  Kieran Gibbs was also missing from Tuesday's starting line-up injured and Yaya Sanogo was given a rest after his exertions and highly profiled Olivier Giroud.  Giroud has been due a rest, but the media attention he's received recently hasn't helped his rest period.  It's been pictured that Giroud was with a model in the morning before Arsenal's meeting with Crystal Palace, the married Frenchman has been accused of adultery but denies it and vows to earn the respect of fans, family and friends back with performances on the pitch.  So when he was recalled I was very happy, Giroud is a player I will always like and back, I believe he has talent and would not have French Ligue 1 winners medal and be a French international for nothing.  He has played so much football this season and I not used to this amount of games and with Rio in the summer, he needs to prove his quality from now till May.  But today was all about Dennis Bergkhamp.  The legend who played for Arsenal from 1998 to 2006 was immortalised before the game as his statue was unveiled to go with the living legends Tony Adams and Thierry Henry.  Bergkhamp unveiled it himself and was rather pleased with the accuracy of the statue and himself, with the chosen pose being a leap to control the ball against Newcastle United, epitomising the class and elegancy of the Dutchman.   Bergkhamp greeted the Emirates crowd at half time to a rapturous greeting from both home and away fans.  Bergkhamp spoke of many things:

The statue, "I believe the most important thing is the first touch, it's important for your development as without a good first touch you cannot improve in other aspects, it allows you to do more things with the ball and become a better player, I'm honoured to be recognised as part of this great clubs history."
Role at Ajax, "I'm currently an assistant coach and learning my trade, some of the players over there are very good, maybe they could play here some day!  I enjoy working over there and love working with the young players helping them improve."
Arsenal, "I do not need to say much as I think it's obvious, I love this club and is my dream to come back and work here some day as a coach.  I love this club and will always remember the great players and good times I had here."

It was great to see him, now for the current crop.  A Sunderland without Wes Brown looked very poor and especially Santiago Vergini.  A signing in January made himself look like a amateur footballer with some of the stuff he was doing.  We never looked out of control in the game, within six minutes Giroud got a well needed goal after good work from Jack Wilshere and a helping hand from Vergini.  A driving run from Jack was stopped briefly by Vergini, but his tackle carried the ball to Giroud who cooly slid it past Vito Mannone.  The former Arsenal keeper was well received by the home fans and I was glad to see him in good form this season after frustrating times at Arsenal, he had always shown promise.  Giroud then received another Vergini assist as he made a blind pass to Mannone, sold him short and it was brilliantly finished by Giroud who slotted it between the legs of Mannone.  It was proving to be a very good day for Giroud who then played a part in certainly Arsenal's goal of the season, a superb sweeping one-touch move as Rosicky found Cazorla who in turn played it to Wilshere, Rosicky then Giroud, through to Rosicky and a elegant chip over Vito, a wonderful moment to witness.  Arsenal were unstoppable and looking irresistible, this team is full of team spirit and is definitely the underdog of the title race.

The second half was less of a spectacle, Arsenal were not at the same high tempo, Sunderland were happy to play the ball around with a lot of the ball being seen by Liam Bridcutt.  The young midfielder from Brighton looked very calm, composed and assured on the ball, a very good talent.  However, Vergini again was the centre of just awful football, a cross from Monreal was sliced just past his own post by Vergini.  The following corner was deliciously centred by Cazorla as Koscielny had all the time in the world to pick his spot and find it as Phil Bardsley seemed to forget about marking.  Sunderland were still well below par as Gus Poyet was giving players a chance to prove their places ahead of the final against Manchester City next week, Vergini certainly couldn't prove his worth.  Sunderland though did get a consolation, a good punch from Woijiech Szczesny reached Emmanuele Giaccherini who brilliantly lashed the ball past the Pole, certainly showing his quality off the bench.  It finished 4-1, a great performance, a convincing win and some wonderful football, don't write us off yet.

The Rest
Chelsea 1-0 Everton: It was gritty and less than convincing, but Mourinho's men showed their resilience and determination to break down a stout Everton team who fell to a typical Frank Lampard free kick which was parried in by Tim Howard.  It could've gone either way and both had chances but John Terry's pressure and Lampard's dipping strike did it.
Liverpool 4-3 Swansea: A game which for some reason was not on TV, ended up being a thriller.  Another double for man in form Daniel Sturridge, 31 in 39 Liverpool games.  Old scouse man Jonjo Shelvey bent in a wonder strike making it 2-1, when Wilfried Bony matched Sturridge's double and a Jordan Henderson strike set it up at 3-3 after 60 minutes.  Then a fortuitous Henderson rebound ended being the crucial goal for Liverpool, whilst Mr. Luis Suarez's goal drought continues, only 5 games without a goal now.

Results
Cardiff 0-4 Hull
Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United
Mancheste City 1-0 Stoke
Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa
Norwich 1-0 Spurs
West Brom 1-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-1 Southampton

 

 

 

Who wants to win the League?

Since there hasn't been a blog lately, there has been a lot of football played, the table has got tighter and there have been a couple of sackings too.  Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have all had chances to top the table but don't seem like they want to as all have slipped up in this period, so who really wants to win the league?  I still believe it'll be City, but it seems between 4 and there is still yet to be a clear leader of the pack. 

The Good

So over the last 5 games, the form side has been the reds from Mersyside and the blues from South London.  Both have gone unbeaten and both have picked up impressive victories along the way playing some fantastic football.  First off, Brendan Rodgers' men are slowly becoming the season's dark-horses and as the teams above are stuttering, they are making up ground and with teams including Chelsea and City to play, they could well be in the title picture.  As Daniel Sturridge has been reunited with Luis Suarez, the pair have been devastating. In the last 6 games they've featured in since Sturridge's return, at least one of them has scored as both top the goal scoring charts, Suarez with 23 and Sturridge with 16.  The tika-taka football has torn teams apart, notably Everton and Arsenal.  The Mersyside Derby in October was the game of the season in a six goal thriller, however this one was a one sided onslaught by the reds.  Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and a double from Sturridge sent Martinez' men down the road with an injured Lukaku and pride dented.  Whereas, Arsenal's demolition was more of a quick job.  With four goals in the first 20 minutes and Sturridge doing his dance again, Arsenal's title hopes were severely blown by a Mersyside mauling.  A couple of cameo errors from Kolo Toure have been a comedic downside, but Rodgers and Liverpool are ramping up the pressure.

One of the teams the pressure is on, is Jose's Chelsea.  A master class at the Etihad and a coast past Manchester United a Stamford Bridge have proved Chelsea are able to deliver in big games and are yet to lose to a team in top 5 so far this season and maintain Mourinho's incredible undefeated home record.  The player of the month for me has definitely been Eden Hazard who has been different class, particularly since the turn of the year.  Scoring his first hat-trick for the club against Newcastle shows how much progress he's made under Mourinho and is a front runner for player of the year and could even have a first Premier League medal to boot.  Mourinho is the master of mind games and has started to wind up his title rivals Pellegrini and Wenger, calling Wenger a 'specialist in failure' and saying City have been 'lucky' with decisions this season, as he constantly dismisses his side from the title race calling them the 'little horse'.  Yet the 'little horse' have done the double over the so called favourites for the title. 

The Bad

Where there are the form teams, there are the falling teams and there is no side more in free-fall than Fulham.  Sitting bottom of the pile, 4 points from safety, they need to improve and fast.  Rene Meulensteen is a well known coach an very successful as a coach, so when he has the job of saving a sinking ship as a manager, he is clearly out of his depth.  Meulensteen lasted two weeks in charge of Russian outfit Anzhi (whatever its name is) and today has now been SACKED as Fulham boss.  Despite the fact it's the right decision, it comes after two of Fulham's best performances of the season.  A gutsy and well earned point at Old Trafford was followed by a hard working display against Liverpool.  If he was to be sacked, why not after embarrassment at home to Sunderland in a 4-1 defeat, or a poor away defeat at another relegation candidate Crystal Palace, not after battling well against two top sides?!?!  Despite this, Rene made good signings in the window which has added quality and should see Fulham get to safety, like Lewis Holtby and Konstantin Mitroglu.  New manager Felix Magath has a hard job on his hand, but with experience at the likes of Bayern Munich and VFL Wolfsburg, he should guide Fulham to safety.

Another side and the peril of the drop is Norwich City.  Chris Hughton's side are 16th and a point in from the relegation zone, with the lack of goals at Carrow Road they are in the mix of a battle at the bottom.  New signings Gary Hooper, Johan Elmander and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel have managed to muster 9 goals between them in the league, with Van Wolfswinkel's only one coming on the opening day.  There defence leaked 7 in at City but managed to keep a clean sheet at home to the big spenders but losing to relegation contenders West Ham United will not help Hughton.  Hughton has been ordered to quickly improve Norwich's position, but if they continue to lose to other sides in and around them, Hughton won't see the end of the season in May. 

Arsenal

As an Arsenal fan I'd thought I would summarise my views as we head to a pivotal point of the season.  So far I'd say we've gone above expectations overall this season, getting through a tough Champions League group, chasing the title, a chance of an FA Cup and signing a player like Mesut Ozil along with some eye-catching results.  However, recently performances have been under-par and topped with the thrashing at Anfield, a win in the FA Cup is a must.  Our best chance of a trophy is the FA Cup as City and Chelsea face each other and with victory over Liverpool and avoiding either City/Chelsea in the next draw, it looks a possibility.  Liverpool will be no means easy and neither will the small test only by the reigning European champions and treble winners Bayern Munich.  With a small amount of firepower upfront thanks to no additions in January and injuries to compound it with Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott missing.  It's time for players like Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Olivier Giroud and Ozil to step up and play for the shirt as a chance of ending the trophy drought is here and they need to realise this, kick on and do it, hopefully they will!

Thanks for reading!

SAS Reloaded

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

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

Gunners shot down by City

Manchester City are looking serious contenders for the Barclays Premier League crown as they demolished the other half of North London at the Etihad by a whopping 6-3 scoreline, denting Arsenal's title aspirations. After a draw with Everton and defeat in Naples, Arsenal ended a bad week with a thumping and a disappointing day was compounded by the imminent suspension of Jack Wilshere and the poor behavior of Mesut Ozil at full time. As Ozil trudged off the field, failing to pay respect to the Arsenal fans, captain and fellow German Per Mertersacker was enraged and showed his passion to the cause, always good to see. 

Despite stuttering away form, Manchester City have a 100% home record and have beaten all but Everton by at least 3 goals, including 7 past Norwich and 6 past Spurs. In particular, the partnership between Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero has blossomed in recent weeks with both on red hot form going into the game, both went onto the score in the rout. Arsenal had been rather resilient and impressive in recent weeks, but after having two goals disallowed and being overran by City's attacking frontier, they fell to pieces and will now look to react next week, against Chelsea.

However, the other half of London weren't gloating for long as they suffered their first league defeat to Liverpool in over 5 seasons as they went down 5-0 at White Hart Lane, a devastating loss which saw Andre Villas-Boas lose his job this past Monday. After a North London derby defeat, a 6-0 whipping at City and now a 5-0 humbling at home, Villas-Boas was running on borrowed time, now Spurs need to sort their season out all they'll be left behind in the top 4 race never mind the title race. Liverpool however look a new side this season, last year they halted and hesitated through to a positive end of season, while now they boast arguably the best player in Premier League at the moment and playing easy on the eye football, they could be in with a shot for the top 4, maybe the title! Luis Suarez has scored 17 goals in the league already, after missing the first 5 games! While others are stuttering, Liverpool are motoring through teams recently and look a real threat this season. 

I personally predicted Manchester City to win the league this year, judging on recent form, i'm confident of sticking to that. They have the best squad in the league, the best strike pair in the league and at home are proving unstoppable. Beating fellow big guns Arsenal, Spurs, United and Everton at home, despite away stumbles, Pellegrini is settling in and now seems to have found his best side. Manchester City look a side who can compete on all four fronts this season, watch this space City fans. 

Best of the Rest
Everton 4-1 Fulham- Roberto Martinez's men will take some stopping as they maintain their incredible start with only one defeat this season. Goals from Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas sent Everton to another 3 points. Dimitar Berbatov got a consolation, but the Cottagers will be lucky to retain his services beyond January.
Newcastle 1-1 Southampton- Two sides who've been surprisingly impressive this term were equally matched at St James' as Jay Rodriguez finished a lovely move to equalise Yoan Gouffran's opener. It was a very entertaining football match, ending in a scuffle in the technical area between coaching staff after a collision between Massimo Haidara and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United- A well needed win for David Moyes as his United side resisted a spirited Villa start to score 2 quickfire goals to all but kill Villa's momentum. Danny Welbeck slid home two tap ins, vital for his form. Tom Cleverley bagged the third with a well taken near post finish to finish off Villa. A good sight was the return of Darren Fletcher after nearly two years out battling ulcerative colitis.

                                   

Luis Suarez 11-2 Norwich City

So Liverpool may have lost to Hull City on Sunday, for the first time in the club's history, however in an action-packed week of Premier League football, the midweek encounter's brought us an individual master-class from Liverpool's main man Luis Suarez. As Norwich's defence was once again put to the sword, it was not a team, but a player who destroyed the Canaries. Suarez, in 4 meetings against City has 11 goals, the first player in history to score 3 hat-tricks against the same club in the Premier League. If you haven't seen the Suarez 'fantastic four', I recommend you do, all 4 goals are of the highest quality, showing the class Suarez possesses, seemingly finally overshadowing the reputation he's built up in past incidents. I'm glad he's finally being acknowledged more for his goal scoring than his antics.

So, there's two match days to cover, let's start with the weekend!

Match-Day 13
Spurs 2-2 Manchester United

Both sides had underachieved so far this season in the league, Spurs off the back of the embarrassing 6-0 demolition at United's neighbours City. United have been very inconsistent this season, but were on decent form coming into this, especially their star man Wayne Rooney. It turned out to be an end-to-end game, both sides showing they needed to win this to keep up with Arsenal. Spurs led when Kyle Walker fizzed in a low free-kick under the United wall, but it was Walker who gifted Rooney the chance for equaliser, which he took. Spurs went into the second half with one aim, get the win, Sandro curled in an absolute beauty to give Spurs the lead again, but it was cancelled out by that man Rooney again 3 minutes later from the spot. In a game both had to win, it was no surprise it ended all square.

West Ham 3-0 Fulham

It what turned out to be Martin Jol's final game, it was a 5th league defeat in a row for the Cottagers, as the appointment of Rene Meulensteen could not help the desperate Dutchaman. West Ham have themselves been very poor this season, mainly due to the lack of strikers. Modibo Maiga tries, but doesn't have the quality to be a starting frontman in the top flight. It was a second half capitulation which got West Ham the break through, Momo Diame's deflected strike beat Maarten Stekelengburg. A striker is what West Ham need, well that's what they got. They released one, re-signed him, brought him on and he scored, he goes by the name of Carlton Cole. His namesake Joe made it 3 with a expertly driven shot. As the people of Holland say, doei Jol!

The rest
Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland
Cardiff City 0-3 Arsenal
Chelsea 3-1 Southampton
Everton 4-0 Stoke City
Hull City 3-1 Liverpool
Manchester City 3-0 Swansea City
Newcastle 2-1 West Brom
Norwich City 1-0 Crystal Palace


Match-Day 14
Manchester United 0-1 Everton
David Moyes was left wondering how his side didn't manage to beat the side he left in the summer after a very frustrating night for United. Tim Howard was in sensational form at his old club with superb saves from Adnan Januzaj, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney. However, it was Everton's seemingly new signing, in only his second ever Premier League start, Byran Oviedo clinched a smash and grab win for Martinez's Toffees. 

Southampton 2-3 Aston Villa
2 defeats on the spin for Pocchetino, now we will see what this Saints side is really up to this season. It was a thriller at St Mary's, with Villa leading not once, twice but three times in the end to get a massive 3 points. Gabby Agbonlahor ended a goal drought with a superbly taken solo goal, Saints hit back with England starlet Jay Rodriguez heading home. Villa led in the second half again thanks to Libor Kozak's close range header, only for Dani Osvaldo to snatch a well needed goal, making it 2-2.Then a wonder strike from Fabian Delph clinched the game for Villa, a wonderful left foot drive giving Villa a deserved 3 points.

The rest
Arsenal 2-0 Hull City
Crystal Palace 1-0 West Ham
Fulham 1-2 Spurs
Liverpool 5-1 Norwich City
Stoke 0-0 Cardiff City
Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea
Swansea City 3-0 Newcastle
West Brom 2-3 Man City

Spurs star in 'Six in the City'

So in this blog will be the usual weekly review of BPL football with a first look back at my pre-season predictions, how accurate has it been so far?

fair to say Andre Villas-Boas and Spurs did not play a starring role in this premiere of what can play only be put into the genre of 'comedy'. As Manuel Pellegerini's City, not for the first time at Eastlands, made a top Premier League side look like a Sunday League squad, especially after Spurs spending in the summer. This did make my weekend.

As Spurs become the laughing stock of English football, Arsenal become the top dogs, the team to beat and the team on form. After defeat to United, they responded with a tight victory over another form side this season, Southampton. The side with the least goals conceded could only despairingly watch as goalkeeper Artur Boruc tried to show his outfield pedigree, but instead of Johan Cryuff, it was more Nicklas Bendtner! This weekend was the stand out this season, as there were many controversial moments, dramatic and thrilling encounters and the complete and utter demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. (Sorry I can't help it, i'm a gooner)

Let's start with the opening game of this stunning weekend of football, at Goodison Park for the Mersyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool. Two sides on impressive form this season with strikers at the top of their game, Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, top scorer in the league after missing the first 5 games of the season. It started with aggression, excitement and passion, typified with Kevin Mirallas' kun-fu kick on Luis Suarez, which luckily was not consequently given a red card. Phillipe Countinho scrapped Liverpool in front in 5 minutes, yet that man Mirallas fired Everton level, both the result of set-pieces and poor defending. Then the enigmatic Suarez showed why he's one of the best players in the world. A sumptuous free kick, bent round the wall and in at the near post from 25 yards out, a piece of magic. Despite this, Simon Mignolet was keeping Liverpool insight never mind ahead as Everton threw wave after wave at the Red's goal, in particular Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian beast couldn't beat his counterpart, until a Lukaku effort was parried to Gerard Deulofeu who's cut back diverted to Lukaku who placed the equaliser into the corner, as Goodison Park erupted with joy as the Deby was back on. Lukaku had the fire in his eyes, he was up for the derby and he was up for Ross Barkley's corner to thump Everton into the lead in the most entertaining of derbies in recent time. But just when you thought Liverpool had blown it all, this amazing game had yet another twist, as substitute and Suarez's SAS partner Daniel Sturridge flicked in Steven Gerrard's peach of a cross to once again put this derby level, probably the deserved result. Both played their part in what was the game of the season so far. 

This Premier League season is by far the most unpredictable, entertaining and dramatic season ever. Refereeing decisions have taken the spotlight, Wes Brown's red card and Ramires' penalty the main examples so far, with managers Gus Poyet and Steve Clarke feeling aggrieved from these awful and quite frankly disgraceful decisions both Sunderland and West Brom big points. 

My Predictions- First Review, 12 GAMES!

Top 8

So I currently have no positions correct in the current top 8 to my prediction, however, 6 teams I predicted would finish in the top 8 are in this region, with only Spurs and Swansea missing. Liverpool and Manchester United are the main surprises to my end of season prediction as Liverpool are second (P= 7th) and United are sixth (P= 3rd). Arsenal and Manchester City have swapped from m prediction, however as a gooner, I do still expect them to originate back to my prediction, City (P= 1st), Arsenal (P= 4th). Swansea have been disappointing this season, well off my 6th place prediction, however, after a sticky start with new players settling and Europa League fixtures to ease into, I believe Swansea will start hitting gears soon and rising up the league.

Bottom 8

I have Cardiff correctly predicted as they're 15th (P= 15th), Crystal Palace are second from bottom, one place above my original prediction. A big mistake seemingly is West Brom. I'll always say, Steve Clarke saved West Brom on deadline day, awful start and looking a side which could struggle, the signings of Anichebe, Amalfitano, Sessegnon and emergence of Saido Berahino, have seen West Brom tear up the prediction I made as they sit 11th (P= 18th). I really worry for Hull, memories of their previous debut season of a impressive start, defying the odds, ended with a dreadful and dramatic slide down to 17th, just avoiding relegation on the last day. 

I have faith in my predictions that they will turn good come May. Manchester City will be the champions come the end of the season, as much as I want it to be Arsenal, I believe if they sort out a system away from home, they have the home form to beat everyone and watch this space!

Predictions (From Pre-Season):

Top 4
1) Manchester City
2) Chelsea
3) Manchester United
4) Arsenal

Bottom 3
18) West Brom/Stoke
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace