Monday Night Football Game Week 12

West Brom 2 v 2 Aston Villa Long (3, 11), El Ahmadi (67), Westwood (76)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Long controls the ball perfectly before firing low into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-0, Long beats a defender before chipping the ball neatly over the keeper. 
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, El Ahmadi dinks the ball over the keeper from close range. Goal! 2-2, Westwood strike from long range finds the inside of the near post. 
Full Time: 2-2.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Long. West Brom were brilliant in the first half and deservedly led at half time. However, a poor second half display cost them two vital points. Villa got off to a slow start but fought back valiantly during the second half. Overall, a draw was a fair reflection of how the game developed.

Best Goal: Long

Super Sunday Game Week 12

Manchester City 6 v 0 Tottenham Navas (1, 90), Sandro (34 OG), Aguero (41, 50), Negerdo (55)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Navas chips the keeper into the far top corner after Aguero shot parried. Lamela has a shot cleared off the line. Aguero chip shot saved. Goal! 2-0, Sandro puts the ball into his own goal after being hit by Negredo's shot. Negredo has a long shot saved. Goal! 3-0, Aguero taps in from close range at the far post from a Navas cross. 
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Goal! 4-0, Aguero slots home from Toure's pass. Nasri hits the crossbar with a cross. Goal! 5-0, Negredo turns past a defender and unleashes a fierce strike from the edge of the box into the far side of the goal. Adebayor has a shot saved. Goal! 6-0, Navas slots the ball low into the bottom corner.
Full Time: 6-0.

My Opinion: 
My man of the match was Navas. Man City were simply brilliant. They outplayed Spurs and dominated the whole game. That result will turn plenty of heads and make City very prominent title contenders. On the other hand, Spurs were awful. AVB will be under huge scrutiny after such a poor display. 

Cardiff City 2 v 2 Man United Rooney (15), Campbell (33), Evra (45), Kim (90)
First Half: Mutch has a header saved. Rooney lashes out but only receives a yellow card. Goal! 0-1, Rooney turns a defender and shot deflects past the keeper into the near side. Fellaini has a header saved. Odemwingie blazes a shot over the bar. Goal! 1-1, Campbell through on goal and slots the ball into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-2, Evra heads into the centre of the goal from Rooney's corner. 
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Fellaini has a header parried past the post. Smalling has a header saved. Campbell chipped shot bounces back off the bar. Welbeck fires a strike over the bar. Goal! 2-2, Kim heads in at the near post from a free kick.
Full Time: 2-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Cardiff battled throughout the game well and probably deserved their point. Really disappointed that United failed to hang on for the win. You could sense a Cardiff equaliser coming though as United looked increasingly nervous towards the end. Another game that puts Moyes under pressure but hopefully things will turn around for United.

Best Goal: Navas, Negredo. Winner: Negredo

Soccer Saturday Game Week 12

Everton 3 v 3 Liverpool Coutinho (5), Mirallas (8), Suarez (19), Lukaku (72, 82), Sturridge (89)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Coutinho prods in from close range following a corner. Goal! 1-1, Mirallas close range strike into near top corner following a free kick set piece. Goal! 1-2, Suarez long range free kick curls around the wall into bottom near corner. Barkley shot parried past the post. 
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Deulofeu through on goal but poor shot is saved. Allen puts a great chance wide of the post. Lukaku effort saved. Lukaku shot saved. Goal! 2-2, Lukaku long range free kick deflected and saved very well before Lukaku slots low into the bottom corner. Suarez denied by a great save. Deulofeu shot saved. Goal! 3-2, Lukaku heads into the top near corner following a corner. Goal! 3-3, Sturridge heads into the far side from Gerrard's free kick. Suarez volley saved by a block. 
Full Time: 3-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lukaku. This match was one of the best games the premier league has seen in a while. Entertaining, exciting and fun to watch. Everton coped with Liverpool's fast start and it looked as though they would claim all three points after taking the lead. However, Liverpool deserved to take a point and salvaged one late on. They dominated possession for most of the early periods of the game but will undone by Lukaku and did well to score the late equaliser. 

Arsenal 2 v 0 Southampton Giroud (22, 86 pen)
First Half: Wilshere hits the post with a chip shot. Ramsay backheel flick hits the post. Goal! 1-0, Giroud tackles Boruc and calmly rolls the ball home. Lallana volley pushed over the bar. Rodriguez volley saved.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Lallana has a driven shot saved. Ozil has an effort saved. Walcott flashes a shot wide of the far post. Penalty! Mertesacker has short pulled in the box. Goal! 2-0, Giroud converts the penalty into the bottom corner.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Giroud. Arsenal were good value for their victory today. They put on a decent display and it was really good to see Walcott back in action. Southampton were let down by Boruc for a giving away a really poor first goal. From then on it was an uphill climb and they just couldn't get back in the game.

West Ham 0 v 3 Chelsea Lampard (21 pen, 22), Oscar (34)
First Half: Penalty! Oscar fouled by Jaaskalainen. Goal! 0-1, Lampard smashes home from the penalty spot. Goal! 0-2, Oscar low shot from the edge of the box finds the near bottom corner. Eto'o curling shot tipped over the bar. 
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Cahill has a header cleard off the line. Oscar shoots wide of the far post. Maiga effort goes wide of the far post. Goal! 0-3, Lampard low shot from the edge of the box finds the bottom corner. O'Brien has a header saved.
Full Time: 0-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Oscar. Chelsea deserved to win the match as West Ham were poor. The main problem for West Ham was that they didn't pose a threat up front. Chelsea were strong and played well.

Hull City 0 v 1 Crystal Palace Bannan (80), Bolasie sent off
First Half: Bolasie blasts a shot very wide of the goal. Boyd has a shot saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Sagbo has a shot saved. Bolasie sent off with a straight red card foul. Goal! 0-1, Bannan taps in from close range Jerome's pass. Rosenior long range strike hits the post.
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jerome. A huge result for Palace but in contrast a bad result for Hull. Hull just had a bad game but it got even worse when Bolasie was sent off after a poor decision was made by the referee. Things got even worse for Hull as they conceded shortly after. Palace really needed those three points and this could give them the springboard they need to get a few more results.

Newcastle 2 v 1 Norwich Remy (2), Gouffran (38), Fer (80)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Remy heads in at the far post from a corner. Redmond blazes a shot over the bar. Remy slices an effort wide of goal. Sissokho drags a shot across goal. Pilkington heads just wide of the post with a looping header. Goal! 2-0, Gouffran taps in from close range Ameobi's parried header. Ameobi driven shot saved well by the keeper.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Redmond flashes a shot wide of goal. Fer heads over the bar. Goal! 2-1, Fer header goes in via the inside of the near post from a corner. Cisse goal ruled out for offside.
Full Time: 2-1.

My Opinion: 
My man of the match was Ameobi. Newcastle prevailed and deserved to win the match. The home side put in a decent performance and continue their good run of form. Norwich were a much better team in the second half but it was a case of too little too late.

Stoke 2 v 0 Sunderland Adam (30), N'Zonzi (81), Brown sent off
First Half: Fletcher has a shot parried round the post. Goal! 1-0, Adam slots an effort low into the bottom corner from N'Zonzi's layoff. Red Card! Brown sent off for a bad foul. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Johnson drags an effort wide of goal. Goal! 2-0, N'Zonzi latches onto Crouch's pass and chips the ball over the keeper. Arnoutovic puts his shot wide of the post.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was N'Zonzi. Stoke were on top during the game and rightly took all three points. It was a much needed victory for Stoke who have been in a rough patch lately. Sunderland can feel disappointed with the referee as Brown should not have been shown a straight red card. That really hindered the team and they just couldn't get back into the match after that incident. 

Fulham 1 v 2 Swansea Hughes (57 OG), Parker (64), Shelvey (80)
First Half: Bent heads wide of the far post. Bent smashes a shot against the post. Dyer has a shot saved well by the keeper. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Hughes scores an own goal from close range. Bent effort deflects over the bar. Goal! 1-1, Parker chips the ball into the far top corner. Bony has a shot saved. Goal! 1-2, Shelvey fires a shot into the far top corner from the edge of the box.
Full Time: 1-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Shelvey. Fulham had their chances but failed to take enough of them in the end. Swansea really snatched a late winner near the end as Shelvey pulled out a wonder goal. Swansea needed that win but Fulham's problems only continue.

Best Goal: Suarez, Oscar, Parker, Shelvey. Winner: Suarez

International Friendly: England 0 v 1 Germany

England 0 v 1 Germany Mertesacker (39)
First Half: Rooney looping header lands on roof of the net. Jagielka heads over from close range. Mertesacker header denied by great save from Hart. Goal! 0-1, Mertesacker heads into the far corner from Gotze's cross. Gerrard long range strike flies just over the bar.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Kroos fires over the bar from long range. Reus has a shot saved. Townsend hits the far post with a long range strike. Gotze shot denied by a great save. Sam chips over both the keeper and the bar. Townsend blasts an effort high and wide.
Full Time: 0-1.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bender. England showed plenty of intent but lacked any real creativity in front of goal. It was another chance for some of the fringe players to impress but nobody really shone. A disappointing defeat at the hands of Germany but it does reinforce what a tough test the matches in Brazil will prove to be. Germany were controlled and collected throughout. They put out their reserve team but it was still a very classy team. Ultimately, the game demonstrated Germany's strength in depth and England's lack of strength in depth.

Internatonal Friendly: England 0 v 2 Chile

England 0 v 2 Chile Sanchez (7, 90)
First Half: Jones header from Lallana free kick denied by a good save. Goal! 0-1, Sanchez header from centre of box to near side corner. Beusejeur shot pushed away from Forster. Lampard long range free kick tipped over the bar. Wilshere driven shot parried away. Medel heads over the bar from a corner. Jones puts an effort just wide of the post from a corner. Lallana shot deflected wide of the post. 
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Johnson fires over the bar from long range. Goal! 0-2, Sanchez through on goal and neatly chips the ball past Forster inside the near post. Rooney curls an effort wide of the far post. 
Full Time: 0-2.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sanchez. This was a challenging match for England but it was a good test against a very well drilled team. The manager gave some of the fringe players a game and it was good experience for those new to the national side. Ultimately, it was a weary performance from England who will now look to bounce back against Germany in the next friendly. Chile were impressive and deserved to win. Sanchez was the best player on the pitch and proved to be the major difference between the two sides. After that victory, Chile will prove to be a tough draw in the World Cup. 

Best Goal: Sanchez (2)

2013 Race 18 - USA Grand Prix (Circuit of the Americas): Race

Vettel wins US Grand Prix
Sebastien Vettel continued to dominate the season with his eighth consecutive victory after winning the US Grand Prix. Romain Grosjean drove impressively during the race and climbed one spot to finish second. Mark Webber claimed the final podium position after dropping down to third place.

My Opinion:
Red Bull: Vettel (winner), Webber (3rd). A very good weekend for Red Bull with both drivers finishing on the podium. No surprises that Vettel won the race but it was to see Webber drop a place to third.
Mercedes: Hamilton (4th), Rosberg (9th). A decent race for Mercedes as both drivers took points. Hamilton drove well to climb one spot whilst Rosberg managed to rise three places into the top ten. 
Ferrari: Alonso (5th), Massa (13th). Mixed day for Ferrari as only one car managed to take away some points. Alonso was strong in the race as you would expect, rising one place to fifth but Massa struggled and failed to make any headway up the order.
Lotus: Grosjean (2nd), Kovalainen (15th). Another team who had a mixed day. Grosjean was the star of the day to finish second but Kovalainen fell seven places and out of the points.
Mclaren: Perez (7th), Button (10th). A decent effort from both the Mclaren drivers who each claimed valuable points. Perez maintained his position in seventh whilst Button jumped five places to take the final point. 
Force India: Di Resta (16th), Sutil (DNF). A terrible day for Force India. Di Resta really struggled and fell five places whilst Sutil crashed out in the early stages of the race. 
Sauber: Hulkenberg (6th), Gutierrez (14th). A good day for Sauber. Hulkenberg picked up some meaningful points and only fell two places whilst Gutierrez climbed six places but finished outside of the points.
Toro Rosso: Ricciardo (11th), Vergne (12th). So close for Toro Rosso. Frustratingly for the team, both cars narrowly missed out on the points with Ricciardo losing one place and Vergne not able to improve from 12th.
Williams: Bottas (8th), Maldonado (17th). Mixed fortunes for Williams. Bottas rose one place to climb some rare points for the team whilst Maldonado failed to improve his low position.
Caterham: Van Der Garde (19th), Pic (20th). The Caterhams were consistent but Van Der Garde proved to be the quicker driver for the team this weekend.
Marussia: Bianchi (18th), Chilton (21st). Bianchi won the mini team battle and finished ahead of both the Caterhams but Chilton was the last car to cross the finish line. 



Race Guide and Key Moments:
Start: Vettel, Grosjean (up 2), Hamilton (up 2), Webber (down 2), Hulkenberg (down 1), Perez (up 1), Alonso (down 1), Bottas (up 1), Di Resta (up 2), Ricciardo.
Sutil OUT after crashing into the barrier, contact with Maldonado. Safety car deployed.
Lap 4: Safety car returns to the pits.
Lap 13: Webber into 3rd after passing Hamilton. 
Lap 20: Rosberg into 10th after passing Ricciardo.
Lap 23: Kovalainen into 11th after passing Di Resta and Rosberg.
Lap 26: Gutierrez into 7th after passing Vergne. 
Lap 27: Perez into 8th after passing Vergne.
Lap 28: Vettel makes a pit stop, Grosjean takes the lead of the race.
Lap 29: Alonso into 6th after passing Gutierrez.
Lap 30: Grosjean makes a pit stop, Vettel takes the lead of the race.
Lap 31: Perez into 7th after passing Gutierrez.
Lap 32: Rosberg into 11th after passing Kovalainen.
Lap 34: Rosberg into 10th after passing Di Resta.
Lap 35: Bottas into 8th after passing Gutierrez.
Lap 45: Ricciardo into 10th after passing Di Resta. Alonso into 5th after passing Hulkenberg.
Lap 49: Pic receives a drive through penalty.
Lap 55: Button into 10th after passing Ricciardo.
Lap 56: Vettel wins the US Grand Prix. Grosjean second and Webber third.

US Grand Prix Result:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.39.17.148
2. Grosjean (Lotus)
3. Webber (Red Bull)
4. Hamilton (Mercedes)
5. Alonso (Ferrari)
6. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
7. Perez (Mclaren)
8. Bottas (Williams)
9. Rosberg (Mercedes)
10. Button (Mclaren)

Fastest Lap: Vettel (Red Bull) 1.39.856

Driver Standings:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 372pts
2. Alonso (Ferrari) 227
3. Hamilton (Mercedes) 187
4. Raikkonen (Lotus) 183
5. Webber (Red Bull) 181

Constructor Standings:
1. Red Bull Racing 553pts
2. Mercedes 348
3. Ferrari 333
4. Lotus 315
5. Mclaren 102

Performance of the Day: Romain Grosjean (Lotus).
Most Overtakes of the Day: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) with 3.
Shock of the Day: Felipe Massa (Ferrari) stayed in 13th.

2013 Race 18 - USA Grand Prix (Circuit of the Americas): Qualifying

Vettel beats Webber to pole position
Sebastien Vettel will start the American Grand Prix on pole position after beating Red Bull team mate Mark Webber to the front of the grid. The Red Bulls will start the race ahead of Romain Grosjean and Nico Hulkenberg who claimed their positions on the second row.

My Opinion:
Red Bull: Vettel (pole), Webber (2nd). A perfect qualifying for Red Bull as they locked out the front row once again this season. Vettel will most likely win the race whilst Webber will want to finish with a podium spot.
Mercedes: Hamilton (5th), Rosberg (14th). Not a great day for Mercedes. Hamilton has a chance of a top three place from fifth but Rosberg had a shocker and will aim to get as many points as possible to make up for a bad qualifying session.
Ferrari: Alonso (6th), Massa (15th). Similar story for Ferrari as it was for Mercedes. Alonso is towards the lower end of the top ten and will need a strong race whilst Massa really struggled for pace and paid the price. 
Lotus: Grosjean (3rd), Kovalainen (8th). A decent qualifying for Lotus who have both drivers in the top ten. Grosjean will be pushing to keep his place in the race whilst Kovalainen will try to score some more points. 
Mclaren: Perez (7th), Button (13th). An average day for Mclaren who have not lived up to expectation this season. Perez won the mini team battle and will look to score some points but Button may struggle to enter the top ten.
Force India: Di Resta (12th), Sutil (17th). A bad day for Force India as neither driver managed to get into the final qualifying session. Di Resta just missed out but has a chance to climb the order during the race. Sutil had an awful day and was knocked out in the first session.
Sauber: Hulkenberg (4th), Gutierrez (10th). What a great day for Sauber. Two drivers in the top ten is a real achievement for the team which could really help their constructors challenge. The star performer was Sutil but he may find it tough to hang on in 4th. Gutierrez will be looking to grab a point or two which would really help the team.
Toro Rosso: Ricciardo (11th), Vergne (16th). An average day for Toro Rosso. Ricciardo just missed out on the top ten but will fancy his chances to claim a point whilst Vergne will most likely fail to finish near the top ten.
Williams: Bottas (9th), Maldonado (18th). Mixed day for Williams. Bottas drove well to deliver a top ten result but it was a nightmare day for Maldonado. 
Marussia: Bianchi (20th), Chilton (22nd). Marussia were the slowest package on track today. Bianchi was the faster driver and Chilton brings up the rear of the grid. 
Caterham: Van Der Garde (19th), Pic (21st). Caterham were the quicker of the two teams at the back of the grid as Van Der Garde won the mini battle. Pic splits the two Marussia cars.



Qualifying Result and Starting Grid:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.36.338
2. Webber (Red Bull)
3. Grosjean (Lotus)
4. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
5. Hamilton (Mercedes)
6. Alonso (Ferrari)
7. Perez (Mclaren)
8. Kovalainen (Lotus)
9. Bottas (Williams)
10. Gutierrez (Sauber)

Performance of the Day: Hulkenberg (Sauber) who qualified 4th.
Shock of the Day: Massa (Ferrari) who qualified 15th.

Super Sunday Game Week 11

Man United 1 v 0 Arsenal Van Persie (26)
First Half: Rooney has a long range shot deflected wide of goal. Goal! 1-0, Van Persie heads into the far top corner from Rooney's corner. Giroud heads over from the centre of the box.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Ozil puts an effort into the side netting. Rooney finds the side netting with a low shot. Smalling heads wide of the post. Giroud snatches a shot wide of goal.
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. A resilient performance from United who looked determined to win the match. Another magical effort from Rooney helped United to victory amongst strong performances from the rest of the team. Arsenal struggled to create any chances in front of goal and that ultimately let them down as it was a close game.

Swansea City 3 v 3 Stoke City Walters (8), Ireland (25), Bony (56, 86), Dyer (74), Adam (90, pen)
First Half: Pozuelo has a shot turned round the post. Goal! 0-1, Walters goes through on goal and slots home under the goalie. Goal! 0-2, Ireland put through on goal and finishes a good team goal with a low shot into the far corner. Routledge has a shot saved. Bony heads wide of goal.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Goal! 1-2, Bony heads in from close range from De Guzman's cross. Goal! 2-2, Dyer volleys inside of the near post. Goal! 3-2, Bony slots the ball home with a low shot into the bottom corner. Penalty! Routledge is adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Goal! 3-3, Adam scores from the penalty spot.
Full Time: 3-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bony. Swansea got off to a slow and poor start but came back very strongly in the second half to take the lead. However, a late penalty cruelly denied them a wonderful comeback. Stoke played some great football in the first half and deservedly led at half time. It looked as though Stoke had managed to lose hope of a point after conceding the third goal to Swansea with only ten minutes to go but a late penalty capped off a fine draw in South Wales.

Tottenham 0 v 1 Newcastle Remy (13)
First Half: Soldado heads over the bar. Remy pokes an effort wide of the near post. Cabaye has a shot saved whilst Debuchy has a long range volley saved. Goal! 0-1, Remy rounds Friedel and slots home after being put through on goal by Gouffran. Soldado has a header well saved. Eriksen has an effort saved. Paulinho has a shot tipped over the bar.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Eriksen denied by a great save. Sandro just misses the outside of the far post with a long range strike. Sigurdsson has a free kick deflected and saved. Sissokho has a shot turned round the post. Townsend has an effort saved before Soldado has his headed rebound saved. Paulinho brilliantly denied with a close range shot. Dawson heads onto the crossbar.
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Krul. How Tottenham failed to score was quite amazing. Spurs created countless chances and were just denied by an inspired performance from Krul. Newcastle will be really pleased to come away from that game with the win. They held onto their early lead very well and will owe Krul plenty of respect for his wonderful performance in goal.

Sunderland 1 v 0 Man City Bardsley (21)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Bardsley is put through on goal and calmly curls his shot into the far corner. Aguero heads wide of the post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Negredo heads just wide of the post. Navas has a shot blocked well by a defender. Ki blasts a shot just wide of the post. Aguero has a long range effort turned round the post. Dzeko has a long range strike well saved. Dzeko heads just wide. Kolarov fires over the bar.
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bardsley. Sunderland battled really hard in this game and managed to keep their first clean sheet of the season. Man City will be hugely disappointed to come away with nothing. However, it does reflect their fortunes away from home this season.

Best Goal: Ireland

Soccer Saturday Game Week 11

Chelsea 2 v 2 West Brom Eto'o (45), Long (60), Sessegnon (68), Hazard (90)
First Half: Oscar free kick tipped over top corner. Goal! 1-0, Eto'o taps in from close range after Hazard's shot is parried.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Long header hits the post. Goal! 1-1, Long heads in from close range after McCauley's header is parried. Goal! 1-2, Sessegnon long range strike with left foot beats Cech. Mata effort finds the side netting. Willian heads over the bar. Brunt blazes over the bar. Penalty! Ramires fouled in the box by Reid. Goal! 2-2, Hazard rolls the penalty into the bottom corner.
Full Time: 2-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Long. Chelsea were very fortunate to have taken a point from the game. After scoring late in the first half it seemed as though Chelsea would stroll to victory but some poor defensive errors cost them dearly. Cech in paricular will feel he could have done better to keep out Sessegnon's goal. West Brom deserved to win the game but were denied by a very dodgy penalty decision in the final few minutes of the match.

Liverpool 4 v 0 Fulham Amorebieta (og,23), Skrtel (26), Suarez (36,54)
First Half: Suarez close range shot saved. Kasami deflected shot finds side netting. Goal! 1-0, Amorebieta heads into his own net from a Gerrard free kick. Henderson has a shot that deflects over the bar. Goal! 2-0, Skrtel heads at the near post from a corner. Coutinho has a shot tipped over the bar. Goal! 3-0, Suarez slots home from a Henderson through ball.
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Suarez has a shot saved. Sturridge has a shot very well saved. Suarez puts an effort over the bar. Goal! 4-0, Suarez scores at the near post from Gerrard's pass. Suarez effort saved.
Full Time: 4-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Liverpool deserved to win and were the dominant team. It really could have been more for Liverpool but scoring four goals was impressive enough. Fulham were defensively very woeful and got the battering that was inevitably coming their way.

Southampton 4 v 1 Hull City Schneiderlin (16), Lambert (30), Lallana (37), Sagbo (55), Davis (88)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Schneiderlin heads into the top corner. Penalty! Lallana fouled in the box by Harper. Goal! 2-0, Lambert scores from the penalty spot. Goal! 3-0, Lallana runs through the defence and slots a low curling shot into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Goal! 3-1, Sagbo scores with a long range strike inside the near post. Lallana has a shot well saved. Osvaldo has a header saved. Goal! 4-1, Davis fires a low shot into the bottom corner.
Full Time: 4-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Southampton were clearly the dominant team and were fully deserving of their victory. They continued their fine run of form with an impressive scoreline. Hull were outshone during the first half and although they scored a decent goal, that was all they had to show for their efforts.

Norwich 3 v 1 West Ham Morrison (32), Hooper (54), Snodgrass (72), Fer (90)
First Half: Nolan has a shot saved. Downing has a shot blocked. Demel heads onto the bar from a corner. Goal! 0-1, Morrison taps in from close range Nolan's pass.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Penalty! Jaaskalainen fouls Hooper inside the penalty area. Goal! 1-1, Hooper scores from the penalty spot. Howson hits the bar with a long range thump. Goal! 2-1, Snodgrass scores a free kick into the near side. Goal! 3-1, Fer slots low into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 3-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Snodgrass. Norwich were poor in the first half but were vastly better in the second. A much needed win for Norwich who will be hoping to build upon that result. West Ham were decent in the first half but were let down by costly defensive errors in the second.

Aston Villa 2 v 0 Cardiff City Bacuna (70), Kozak (84)
First Half: El Ahmadi has a long range strike saved. Kozak close to heading into his own goal. Benteke strikes just wide of the post. Tonev blazes wide.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Kozak has a header well saved. Benteke heads just over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Bacuna scores with a free kick that curled around the wall. Goal! 2-0, Kozak heads in at the near post.
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kozak. Villa deserved to win the match as they probed throughout the game. Some strong performances from the likes of Kozak and Benteke proved to be the difference. Cardiff struggled and failed to create any meaningful chances which cost them.

Crystal Palace 0 v 0 Everton
First Half: Osman puts an effort just wide of the post. Mirallas has a long range low strike turned round the post. Thomas has a curling long range shot well saved. Chamakh heads wide.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Thomas chips the ball into the side netting. Jagielka heads onto the bar. Distin heads just wide. Deulofeu curls a long range effort wide.
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jagielka. Palace really should have won that match but were constantly denied. However, it was a valuable point against a good Everton side. Everton themselves were unable to take any of their chances and had their moments to win the match as well. Overall a fair result.

Best Goal of the Day: Lallana, Snodgrass, Bacuna. Winner: Lallana

Champions League: Match Day 4 (Group Stages)

Chelsea 3 v 0 Schalke Eto'o (31, 54), Ba (83)
First Half: Draxler misses with a low shot from the edge just wide of the post. Schurrle free kick heads for the top corner but is stopped by a great save. Goal! Eto'o chases down the goalkeeper and slots home.
Half Time:1-0.
Second Half: Goal! Willian plays the ball to Eto'o who slots into the far side of the goal. Goal! Ba scores with a left footed volley into the far corner from Willian's pass.
Full Time: 3-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eto'o. Chelsea were clearly the better team and fully deserved to take all three points. Eto'o in particular was impressive and showed glimpses of his former self. Schalke were simply outplayed and never really got back into the match.

Borussia Dortmund 0 v 1 Arsenal Ramsay (62)
First Half: Subotic volleys just wide of the post. Lewandowski drags a long range shot wide of the near post. Reus header saved from the bottom corner.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! Ramsay heads in Giroud's headed pass from close range to put Arsenal ahead. Mertesacker header just over.
Full Time: 0-1.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Koscielny. Dortmund were in control during the first half but failed to take any of their chances which ultimately cost them. Arsenal put in a strong performance to take all three points back to London and continue their fine run of form.

Best Goal: Inler

Champions League: Match Day 4 (Group Stages)

Man City 5 v 2 CSKA Moscow Aguero (3, 20), Negredo (30, 51, 90), Doumbia (45, 71p)
First Half: David Silva is fouled in the penalty area in the second minute by Tosic and is awarded a penalty. Goal! Aguero scores the penalty into the top corner. Doumbia puts a close range shot wide. Goal! Aguero spins a defender and curls a shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! Negredo taps in from close range from Aguero's cross. Goal! Doumbia beats the offside trap before rounding Hart and slotting home.
Half time 3-1.
Second Half: Goal! Negredo taps in from close range Nasri's pass. Penalty awarded to CSKA as Clichy fouls Doumbia. Goal! Doumbia scores from the spot into the bottom corner. Negredo close range shot saved. Aguero close range shot saved. Goal! Negredo heads in Milner's cross to complete his hat-trick.
Full Time 5-2.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Negredo. It was a solid performance from City who were great going forward but not so good defensively. The deadly partnership of Aguero and Negredo was at full throttle tonight with both scoring the goals. Impressive hat-trick from Negredo who stole the show. CSKA never really got into the game and were outclassed but did well to score a few goals.

Real Sociedad 0 v 0 Man United Fellaini sent off (89)
First Half: Kagawa shot misses just wide of the post. Kagawa shot from the edge of the box saved. Delofela long range curling effort misses just wide of the post.
Half time 0-0.
Second Half: Hernandez misses great chance from very close range. Van Persie strikes outside of near post from close range. Penalty! Young fouled inside the box. Van Persie misses penalty after shot bounces back off the inside of the post. Red Card! Fellaini sent off for a second yellow card.
Full Time: 0-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kagawa. It was a good point for Sociedad who managed to hold onto a point but were largely outplayed. United will be disappointed as much as I was that the three points didn't come back to Old Trafford. A dominant display but managed to miss every great chance to score. Van Persie should have slotted the penalty home for the crucial victory but it wasn't to be. Fellaini learnt a harsh lesson about making fouls in European football and will need to learn from his mistakes tonight.

Best Goal: Aguero, Bale, Ronaldo. Winner: Aguero

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 8

Djokovic wins ATP Tour Finals
Novak Djokovic capped off a fantastic year with a straight sets victory over world number one Rafael Nadal. The Serbian player and world number proved too strong for a tired looking Nadal. Djokovic held onto a break of serve to take the opening set as Nadal looked out of sorts. Nadal managed a minor fightback but failed to compete with Djokovic once a rally started. Djokovic broke the Spaniard's serve and held onto it to claim the second set and match.

My Opinion:
It was the final everyone was expecting to see but it did not live up to expectations. Djokovic played to his best abilities but sadly Nadal did not. The momentum of the match was heading in only one direction which was in favour of Djokovic. It seemed as though Nadal could not find a way past the stern defence of Djokovic and that ultimately cost him the match. Djokovic played really well and deserved to win the match and the title. It was a fitting final match of the season and I am really looking forward to the new season which starts in January.



Final Result:
Djokovic beat Nadal 6-3,6-4

Performance of the Tournament: Federer beating Del Potro in three sets.

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 7

Djokovic and Nadal set for Final showdown
Novak Djokovic will meet Rafael Nadal in the ATP world tour finals after both players prevailed in their semi-final encounters. Nadal defeated Federer in the first semi-final in straight sets. It was a closely contested first set with play going on serve until Nadal broke at 5-5 and held serve to take a one set lead. Federer struggled to find a way back into the match and Nadal eased into the final with a straight sets victory.
Djokovic came through his semi-final encounter with Wawrinka in straight sets to set up a final against Nadal. Wawrinka found it tough to keep up with the level of tennis Djokovic was producing and lost the first set to a single break. It was a similar story in the second set as Djokovic continued to dominate the match and won the second set with a single break of serve.

My Opinion:
It was the result everyone expected and were hoping for. The two best players of the year will meet for the end of year showdown. Nadal won comfortably against Federer whilst Djokovic won in fairly easy fashion. It was a disappointing display from Federer who looked as though he had put all of his efforts into beating Del Potro and getting to this stage whilst Wawrinka was just outclassed. Really looking forward to the final and both players will fancy their chances. I'm going to go ahead and suggest that Nadal may have the slight edge over Djokovic but we will see.


Semi-Final results:
Nadal beat Federer 7-5,6-3
Djokovic beat Wawrinka 6-3,6-3

Performance of the Day: Rafael Nadal

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 6

Djokovic and Federer progress into the semi-finals
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer both won their final group stage matches to progress into the semi-finals. Djokovic claimed his third straight win after beating Gasquet in three sets to finish at the top of group B. It was a closely contested first set as Gasquet pushed Djokovic all the way to a tie-break. However, the number one seed took a one set lead after winning the tie-break. Gasquet hit back in the second set to level the match at one set all after holding onto a single break of serve. Djokovic then struck the final blow to Gasquet's tournament after holding onto a break of serve to win the deciding set. 
It will be Federer who joins the top four for the semi-finals after the Swiss player battled past Del Potro in three sets. Both players started strongly but Del Potro took advantage of Federer's unforced errors to hold onto a break of serve and win the first set. The second set could have gone either way but Federer took it to a tie-break where he duly levelled the match at one set apiece. In a tense and brilliant third set, Federer came out on top after holding onto a break of serve to finish second in the group.

My Opinion:
Djokovic was always going to go through to the semi-finals but was put through his paces against a gutsy Gasquet. The momentum was with the Frenchman going into the final set but Djokovic proved why he wins so matches and fought back really well. No surprise that Djokovic won group B. Meanwhile, Federer deserves so much credit for his display against Del Potro. The Swiss player made multiple unforced errors and looked as though he was on his way out. However, a determined effort saw Federer rally in the deciding set and take a crucial victory. The semi-final lineup is brilliant but most people would expect to see Djokovic and Nadal come through to face each other for the final.


Group Stages:

Group A Result:
Federer beat Del Potro 4-6,7-6,7-5

Group B Result:
Djokovic beat Gasquet 7-6,4-6,6-3

Performance of the Day: Roger Federer

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 5

Nadal and Wawrinka into semi-finals
Rafael Nadal and Stanislas Wawrinka are through to the ATP tour semi-finals after winning their last group stage matches. Nadal will go through as the group winner after defeating Berdych in three sets. The first set was closely contested but it was the Spaniard who broke at 4-4 and held his serve to take the opening set. Berdych came back with a very strong reply in the second set and outplayed Nadal to level the match at one set all. Nadal battled back into the match in the third set and held onto a single break of serve to win the deciding set.
Wawrinka will follow Nadal into the semi-finals after his win over Ferrer. It was the Spaniard who won the first set after a competitive battle was decided in the tie-break. Wawrinka managed to grind his way back into the match and held onto a break of serve to level the match at one set apiece. With the momentum fully in his favour, Wawrinka strolled through to victory after only conceding one game to Ferrer in the final set.

My Opinion:
The two players I suspected that would prevail did. Nadal deservedly won the group after notching up three group stage wins whilst Wawrinka goes through in second place with two wins under his belt. Nadal was made to work for his victory as Berdych pulled out all of his big hitting shots during the second set but he proved too strong in the third set. Ferrer started well against Wawrinka but just ran out of steam as the match progressed. Wawrinka caps his fine run of form off with a deserved spot in the semi-finals. I expect to see Djokovic and Federer join them for the semi's after tomorrow's play. 


Group Stages:

Group A Result:
Wawrinka beat Ferrer 6-7,6-4,6-1

Group B Result:
Nadal beat Berdych 6-4,1-6,6-3

Performance of the Day: Rafael Nadal

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 4

Wins for Federer and Djokovic 
Novak Djokovic took control of group B with a gruelling victory over Del Potro. The number one seed needed three sets to defeat a very tough competitor in Del Potro. The first set was decided by a single break as Djokovic took a one set lead but Del Potro hit back strongly in the second set to level the match at one set apiece. However, Djokovic proved too strong in the third set after raising his game even further to beat Del Potro. Djokovic now only needs one more win to top the group whilst Del Potro will require another victory to proceed into the semi-finals. 
In the afternoon session, Federer overcame a challenging encounter with Gasquet with a straight sets victory. The opening set proved to be closely contested but Federer held onto a single break to take the first set. It was a similar story in the second set as Federer held onto a break of serve to win the second set and the match. Federer will need to win his final group match in order to progress to the next stage of the tournament.

My Opinion:
I expected the results that occurred but Djokovic managed to avoid a scare. Del Potro put up a real tough fight and the final set could have gone either way. However, Djokovic has proved on multiple occasions why he is seeded number one and managed to grind out the vital win. Federer got an important win under his belt after defeating the dangerous Gasquet in straight sets. The Swiss player showed some positive signs that he could play to a high level that many people expect from him. I expect Djokovic to top the group but it will be close for second place in the group. I'm going to back Federer to progress alongside Djokovic whilst for tomorrow's matches I predict that there will be wins for both Nadal and Wawrinka.


Group Stages:

Group A Result:
Federer beat Gasquet 6-4,6-3

Group B Result:
Djokovic beat Del Potro 6-3,3-6,6-3

Performance of the Day: Novak Djokovic 

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day 3

Nadal and Berdych both claim victories
Rafael Nadal took control of group A after winning defeating Wawrinka in two tough sets. The Swiss player started strongly and proved to be a real challenge for Nadal. Eventually, the opening set went to a tie-break with Nadal coming out of it one set up. The second set provided more of the same brilliant and competitive tennis with both players not giving an inch. However, in similar fashion to the first set, Nadal overcame Wawrinka again in a tie-break to wrap up a straights set victory. Nadal will win the group if he wins his last group match whilst Wawrinka needs to win his final group match to progress. 
In the evening session, Berdych managed to defeat Ferrer in straight sets. The tall Czech player proved to much to handle for the gritty Spaniard after losing both sets to a single break of serve. Berdych remains in the hunt to go through to the semi-finals but will need to win his last group match whilst Ferrer bows out of the tournament with two losses under his belt.

My Opinion:
No surprises for me today with both Nadal and Berdych coming through their respective matches. Wawrinka really gave Nadal a tremendous match but just couldn't find a way to win the crucial points against Nadal. Meanwhile, Berdych just had too much power for Ferrer to handle. On the players current form I would expect Nadal to win the group with Wawrinka progressing in second place. For tomorrow's matches I would expect both Djokovic and Federer to win their matches.


Group Stages:

Group A Result:
Nadal beat Wawrinka 7-6,7-6

Group B Result:
Berdych beat Ferrer 6-4,6-4

Performance of the Day: Rafael Nadal

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day Two

Nadal and Djokovic begin with wins
Nadal and Djokovic started their campaigns with victories. Number one seed Rafael Nadal overcame fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets during the opening match of the day. Nadal took the first set after holding onto a single break of serve before winning the second set after a Ferrer could not battle back from a double break. Novak Djokovic was involved in a real battle against Roger Federer in the evening match but managed to come through in three sets. In a closely contested first set, Djokovic managed to break the Federer serve and hold on to take a one set lead. Federer came back strongly in the second set and took it to a tie-break. The momentum shifted towards Federer and the Swiss player duly levelled proceedings at one apiece. However, Djokovic played some really strong tennis in the deciding set and proved to good for Federer who lost his serve twice before losing the final set. 

My Opinion:
The results went as I anticipated today with both Nadal and Djokovic prevailing. Ferrer wasn't able to mount any serious pressure against Nadal and duly got beaten in comfortable circumstances. However, the evening match was a really entertaining spectacle. Djokovic looked to have the edge but Federer battled back really well and deservedly levelled the match at one set all. It seemed as though Federer had used up all of his energy in winning the second set and Djokovic simply played him off the court in the third. For tomorrow's matches I expect Wawrinka and Berdych to come through with wins. 



Group Stages:

Group A Result:
Nadal beat Ferrer 6-3,6-2.

Group B Result:
Djokovic beat Federer 6-4,6-7,6-2.

Performance of the Day: Novak Djokovic 

ATP World Tour Finals (London): Day One

Winning starts for Wawrinka and Del Potro
Both Wawrinka and Del Potro claimed victories on the opening day of the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The first match saw seventh seed Wawrinka defeat fifth seed Berdych in three sets. It was Wawrinka who claimed the first set after holding onto a break of serve. However, in a tightly fought second set, Berdych levelled the match at one set apiece after winning the tie-break. The final and deciding set saw Wawrinka stroll past Berdych as the Czech player failed to register a single game. Meanwhile, in the first match of group B, Del Potro overcame a tough encounter with Gasquet, needing three sets to defeat the Frenchman. It was Gasquet who took control of the match after claiming the first set with some splendid tennis to win the tie-break. Del Potro hit back in the second set and levelled the match at one set all after holding onto a break of serve. It was a closely contested final set but Del Potro came out victorious after breaking the Gasquet serve at 5-5 and held onto his serve.

My Opinion:
It wasn't a surprise for me that Wawrinka overcame Berdych as the Swiss player had been in the form of his life in recent months. Berdych managed to take the match to a final set but was blown away in the third. Similarly, I expected Del Potro to win his match with Gasquet and was proved correct. Gasquet did however show some fighting spirit to take the first set but De Potro fought his way back into the match and just had that little bit extra to hold out for victory. For tomorrow's matches I predict that Nadal will defeat Ferrer whilst I can only see Djokovic coming out with a win against Federer.



Group Stages:

Group A Result:
(7) Wawrinka beat (5) Berdych 6-3, 6-7, 6-0.

Group B Result:
(4) Del Potro beat (8) Gasquet 6-7, 6-3, 7-5.

Performance of the Day: Stanislas Wawrinka

Super Sunday Game Week 10

Cardiff win Welsh derby



Cardiff City 1 v 0 Swansea City Caulker (62), Vorm sent off
Caulker grabs winner for Cardiff in Welsh derby. Michu missed two early attempts after fluffing a volley and had a long range strike saved. Bellamy saw his free kick deflected over after hitting the top of the wall before half time. Cardiff took the lead just after the hour mark as Caulker headed in from a corner at the near post. Bony struck wide from close range before Campbell had a shot saved. De Guzman had a long range free kick stopped whilst Pozuelo saw his volley pushed away. The game ended badly for Swansea as Vorm was shown a red card in the final few minutes for fouling Campbell and being the last man. 

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Caulker. Cardiff battled really hard and held on for victory well. Swansea controlled possession during the game but struggled to convert in front of goal.

Everton 0 v 0 Tottenham 
Goalless draw played out at Goodison Park. Howard was called into action early on to push away Sandro's long range strike before Soldado headed wide. Walker had a long range free kick punched away by Howard whilst Osman drover his strike over the bar as the first half ended goalless. Pienaar had a shot blocked in the second half before Barkley struck over from long range. Coleman dragged an effort wide of the near post before Delafeau had a shot saved late on.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dawson. Everton deserved their point but never looked that likely to open the scoring. Tottenham were not that much better but they created the greater chances and had opportunities to snatch a win. 

Best Goal of the Day: Caulker

Soccer Saturday Game Week 10

Arsenal 2 v 0 Liverpool Cazorla (19), Ramsay (59)
Arsenal prove too strong for Liverpool. The first half was largely dominated by Arsenal as Liverpool struggled to to get into the game. Rosicky had an early shot from close range go wide across the goal before Cazorla put the home side ahead inside twenty minutes after converting his rebounded header off the post. Cazorla had a long range shot well stopped whilst Ramsay had an effort saved. At the end of the first half, Cazorla dragged a long range shot wide. Liverpool managed to create their first chance in front of goal soon into the second half but Henderson smashed over from close range. Giroud chipped wide of the post before having a poked effort saved. Ramsay doubled Arsenal's lead just before the hour mark with a brilliant long range strike into the roof of the net. Suarez hit the outside of the far post before Ozil had a shot comfortably saved whilst Suarez curled wide of the far post in the closing stages.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cazorla. Arsenal put in a strong performance and deserved to win this match. Good outings for Ramsay and Cazorla who simply ran the show. Liverpool struggled with a bit of an off day whilst Suarez wasn't on top form.

Man City 7 v 0 Norwich City Johnson (og,16), Silva (20), Nastasic (25), Negredo (36), Toure (60), Aguero (71), Dzeko (87)
Man City run riot over Norwich. Nasri came close to opening the scoring early on but his shot struck the outside of the post from close range. However, the home side took the lead in the 16th minute after Aguero had a shot blocked and the ball bounced back of Johnson into his own net. Silva doubled the lead shortly after with a close range shot slotted under Ruddy. Five minutes later and Man City went 3-0 up after Nastasic headed in from a corner at the near post. Aguero had a shot blocked before Negredo converted from close range to make it 4-0 before half time. Elmander came close for Norwich after half time but his strike went wide. Nasri had a shot saved before Aguero struck into the side netting. It was 5-0 to Man City on the hour mark as Toure scored with a superb free kick into the top corner. Aguero made it 6-0 with a close range volley before Navas had a volley saved. Dzeko rounded off the scoring near the end of the game with a neat swivel and finish to make it 7-0 to Man City.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Aguero. Man City were simply on a different level to Norwich and played some magical football. Norwich were bruised and battered but they never had a chance against a Man City team playing that well.

Newcastle 2 v 0 Chelsea Gouffran (68), Remy (89)
Newcastle shock Chelsea with second half display. In a closely contested first half, it was Chelsea who had the better of the chances. Terry headed onto the crossbar from a corner before the follow up shot bounced off the top of the bar. As half time neared, Terry had a header cleared off the line before Sissokho had a low shot saved at the near post. During the second half, Newcastle looked the team more likely to score. Sissokho put a close range effort wide whilst Remy was denied from close range. However, Gouffran had a shot turned round the post before the Frenchman opened the scoring for the home side. Cabaye found Gouffran with a curling free kick who headed past Cech. Eto'o had a shot blocked round the post before Willian had a shot saved. Eto'o was denied again before Remy doubled Newcastle's lead with only minutes left to play after converting from Anita's shot bouncing off the post. 

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Remy. Newcastle deserved to win as they put in a determined performance and took their chances. Chelsea couldn't get themselves going and paid the price.

Fulham 1 v 3 Man United Valencia (9), Van Persie (20), Rooney (22), Rooney (og, 65)
United take advantage of woeful Fulham defending. It was as if Fulham didn't know how to defend in the first twenty minutes and United took full advantage. Kasami had a long range low strike saved before United took the lead through Valencia who scored with a driven shot from Rooney's well placed pass. Berbatov poked an effort just wide before United doubled their lead after Van Persie smashed into the roof of the net from Januzaj's through ball. Rooney made it 3-0 to United after tapping in from Van Persie's cross. Berbatov was denied by De Gea as half time approached. Fulham played much better in the second half as Kasami struck a long range effort wide before Fulham managed to get a goal back as Kacanicklic's shot deflected in off Rooney. Bent headed onto the bar before Richardson headed wide late on.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Fulham were so awful in the first half it was almost a joke. Much better in the second half but the game was gone. United took full advantage to take a 3-0 lead which was pleasing but I was disappointed that they failed to convert any more goals.

Hull City 1 v 0 Sunderland Cuellar (og, 24), Cattermole sent off, Dossena sent off
Hull hold on to take important victory. It was a closely fought first half but Hull opened the scoring midway through the first half as Cuellar headed into his own net. Things only got worse for Sunderland who had Cattermole sent off for a dangerous tackle on Elmohamady. There looked no way back for Sunderland at half time as Dossena was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle as the away side were reduced to nine men. Huddlestone had a long range shot saved in the second half whilst Johnson had a shot stopped well before Livermore struck the post from long range.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Huddlestone. Hull managed to get the job done and took a vital victory. Sunderland were let down by two individuals who were rightly both sent off for horrendous attempts at a tackle. 

Stoke City 1 v 1 Southampton Begovic (1), Rodriguez (42)
Southampton fightback after freak Begovic goal. Stoke took the lead in the opening minute after Begovic's punt downfield gained extra pace from the wind and bounced straight over the despairing Boruc and into the goal. Shawcross should have put Stoke 2-0 up but the defender managed to miss a glorious chance from close range. Lovren headed just wide before Southampton levelled proceedings before half time as Rodriguez headed in at the far corner. Not much happened in the second half as Arnautovic had a shot well saved whilst Assaidi struck his effort very wide of the target. 

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rodriguez. Stoke deserved to take a point but that was a freakish goal. Southampton will be pleased to have taken a point as they had to battle hard with Stoke.

West Brom 2 v 0 Crystal Palace Berahino (44), McCauley (83)
West Brom prove too strong for Palace. Guerdiora had a volley saved early on in a first half that was evenly contested. However, Berahino struck late in the first half to give West Brom the lead after his low shot found the bottom corner. Sessegnon had a long range strike saved just before half time. Palace were more involved in the second half as Puncheon had an effort turned around the post whilst Jedinak struck very wide from long range before heading just wide. Croft shot just wide before McCualey doubled the Baggies lead with under ten minutes left to play after heading in at the far post from a corner. 

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Berahino. West Brom simply got the job done whilst Palace failed to take their chances. 

West Ham 0 v 0 Aston Villa 
Goalles draw played out at Upton Park. Both teams created a chance for themselves in the first half but the scoring was not opened. Weimann had a shot saved whilst Jarvis had a strike saved before Collison struck into the side netting. The second half produced more of the same as neither team found the net. Benteke came close to scoring but his header crashed back off the bar whilst Nolan struck wide from close range. Benteke put his late effort wide before Joe Cole had a shot saved.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jaaskalainen. West Ham suffered from some poor finishing whilst Villa came close to scoring but Benteke was constantly denied. 

Best Goal of the Day: Contenders include Ramsay and Toure. Winner is Ramsay.

Performance of the Day: Man City were amazing.

Worst performance of the Day: The Fulham defence was nowhere to be seen.