Hull City 1 v 4 Newcastle United Sissokho (10,55), Remy (42), Davies (46), Anita (90)
First Half: Bruce has a header from close range really well parried away following a free kick and has a close range rebound effort really well saved. Goal! 0-1, Newcastle take the lead as Sissokho strikes into the near top corner from a low Debuchy cross. Jelavic puts a header from close range wide of the near post. Jelavic has a free kick deflected off the top of the wall before it bounces back off the bar. El Mohammady puts a header from close range wide of the near post. Goal! 0-2, A Figueroa back pass is intercepted by Remy who neatly rounds the keeper before slotting into an empty net.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Goal! 1-2, Davies beats the keeper to the ball from a free kick and heads over Krul into an open goal. Goal! 1-3, Sissokho taps in from close range from the rebound of a Gouffran shot from long range which is parried. Remy has a shot from the edge of the box really well parried over the far top corner. Gouffran has an effort cleared off the line. Pardew is sent off for head-butting Meyler. Remy has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 1-4, Dummett has a shot across goal parried straight to Anita who simply taps in from the rebound.
Full Time: 1-4.
Hull 11th>12th 30pts
Newcastle 8th 40>43pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sissokho. Rampant Newcastle hit four past Hull. Despite being thrashed, Hull actually created some decent chances. However, they were only able to convert one into a goal. Their downfall was their inability to defend Newcastle counter attacks. They left themselves far too open more often than not and got brutally punished by Newcastle's ability to break quickly. With that loss, Hull drop down one place into 12th. It was one of Newcastle's best performances of the season but it will not be remembered for that. The match was completely overshadowed by Pardew seemingly head-butting Hull player Meyler after a touchline incident. In what was a heated moment, Pardew stupidly got involved and temper's boiled over. It didn't look as bad as it was made out to be but you just can't have managers doing silly things like that without suffering huge consequences. A shame for Newcastle who actually played some brilliant football.
Fulham 1 v 3 Chelsea Schurrle (52,65,68), Heitinga (74)
First Half: Dempsey misses with a glancing header wide of the far post. Torres has an effort across goal parried away. Kasami has a low free kick from long range saved. Torres has an acute volley across goal parried away.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead as Hazard finds Schurrle with a long range ball over the top and the German heads his way past the defence before firing a low shot into the near side. Torres heads wide of the near post from a majestic cross from Hazard. Goal! 0-2, Hazard plays in Schurrle who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-3, Torres plays in Schurrle who completes his hat-trick with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-3, Heitinga taps in at the near side from close range following a corner. Karagounis has a low shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Ba has a shot from the edge of the box parried away before Ramires fires over the bar.
Full Time: 1-3.
Fulham 20th 21pts
Chelsea 1st 60>63pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Schurrle. Schurrle hat-trick wins derby. Fulham played much better in the first half but faded away as the game went on. They looked to have Chelsea contained as they went into half time level at 0-0 but were undone by a brilliant hat-trick from hero of the day Andre Schurrle. They kept fighting until the end and got their consolation goal through Heitinga who tapped in from close range. However, another loss for Fulham sees them rooted to the bottom of the table for another week. Chelsea were pretty average in the first half as their only chances fell to Torres who who a couple of shots parried away. However, they looked much better in the second half and three goals from a terrific Schurrle saw the points go back to Stamford Bridge. With that win, Mourinho's men remain at the top of the table.
Stoke City 1 v 0 Arsenal Walters (76pen)
First Half: Walters heads wide of the far post. Crouch puts an effort into the side-netting. Podolski fires a shot wide of the near post. Whelan has a long range shot parried away. Cazorla has a low shot from the edge of the box saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Crouch spurns a decent chance. Crouch has a glancing header parried past the near post. Cameron fires a driven shot wide of the far post. Adam gets away with a nasty stamp on Giroud as it goes unseen. Penalty! Koscielny handles the ball. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as Walters slots the penalty low into the far bottom corner. Ozil fires a shot wide across goal. Sanogo scuffs an effort over the bar.
Full Time: 1-0.
Stoke 15th>13th 27>30pts
Arsenal 2nd>3rd 59pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Walters. Stoke shock Arsenal with late penalty. On the whole, it seemed as though Stoke were good value for that much needed win. They managed to stop Arsenal from scoring and took the lead when the referee awarded them a soft penalty after ruling that Koscielny had handled the ball. Nevertheless, it was still a rare sight to see Walters slot the penalty home after all his troubles from the spot. They held on for the three points which pushes them further away from relegation and up two places into 13th. Arsenal were generally pretty poor today. They were out-muscled and beaten to the ball throughout the match by Stoke. They created a few chances during the game but didn't look at their best by a long shot. The penalty decision was a little harsh and it meant they came away with nothing. It's a result that will put question marks over their title bid for sure. With that loss, Arsenal fall one place to 3rd.
Southampton 0 v 3 Liverpool Suarez (16), Sterling (58), Gerrard (90pen)
First Half: Lallana has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 0-1, Liverpool take the lead as the Saints defence fails to clear the ball away which allows Suarez to slot a low shot into the far bottom corner. Lallana hits the far post with a low shot. Rodriguez has a low shot really well saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Lallana has a shot from the edge of the box saved. Goal! 0-2, Suarez lays the ball off to Sterling who scores with a low shot at the near side. Sturridge misses from an acute angle with a shot across goal. Gerrard has a low shot from long range parried past the far post. Suarez goes for goal direct from a corner kick but it is parried behind. Suarez fires a low shot just wide of the far post. Penalty! Suarez is fouled by Fonte. Goal! 0-3, Gerrard scores from the spot with a finish into the far top corner.
Full Time: 0-3.
Saints 9th 39pts
Liverpool 4th>2nd 56>59pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Liverpool storm past Saints. Southampton created some good chances and came close to scoring through Lallana and Rodriguez. However, they were unable to beat Mignolet and were soundly outplayed by a strong Liverpool performance. They remain in 9th but will have a lot more easier games to play than that before the end of the season. Liverpool were very strong and deserved to win today. It was a pretty comfortable game for them which was made possible by the brilliance of Suarez and Sterling. Both players had solid games whilst Gerrard was at ease in his holding position in midfield. An important win for Liverpool who now rise two places up to 2nd.
Everton 1 v 0 West Ham United Lukaku (81)
First Half: Naismith has a shot parried past the near post. Deulofeu fires a low shot just wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Pienaar hits the far post with a low shot across goal before Deulofeu has the rebounded shot saved. Pienaar fires a shot over the bar. Carroll has a blast from long range parried over the bar. Nolan puts a curling shot just wide of the far post. Distin puts an effort wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Everton take the lead as Lukaku fires in from a low Baines cross. Lukaku volleys over the bar on the turn.
Full Time: 1-0.
Everton 7th>6th 45>48pts
West Ham 10th 31pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lukaku. Lukaku strike earns Everton victory. Plenty of chances were created by Everton but they left it late before scoring the eventual winner. They looked the team more likely to break the deadlock but it seemed for a long time that it may not come. However, with nine minutes left on the clock, Lukaku was on hand to fire in the winning goal. With that win, Everton move up one place into 6th. West Ham were largely outplayed today but had a few chances in the second half before falling behind. I'm sure Allardyce will claim decisions went against his team today but a draw would have been the best they could have hoped for.
Best Goal: Sissokho, Schurrle, Suarez. Winner: Schurrle.
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Manchester City 3 v 1 Sunderland Borini (10), Yaya Toure (55), Nasri (56), Navas (90)
First Half: Aguero has a shot from long range parried away. Goal! 0-1, Sunderland take the lead as Johnson plays a long ball into Borini who outmuscles Kompany before scoring with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Borini has a volley from the edge of the box deflected over the bar. Brown puts a header over the bar following a corner. Nasri has an effort saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Silva has a low shot from long range saved. Goal! 1-1, City equalize as Yaya Toure scores an absolute screamer from long range into the far top corner. Goal! 2-1, City take the lead as a Kolarov cross finds Nasri who strikes a sublime shot into the far side. Nasri misses with a curling shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Alonso has a free kick parried away. Fletcher has an effort saved. Kompany volleys wide of the near following a corner. Goal! 3-1, A fast break from City ends with Yaya Toure playing in Navas who coolly slots home into the near side.
Full Time: 3-1.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nasri. Manchester City win the first cup of the year, defeating Sunderland in a thrilling encounter. It was a nervy and tepid first half for City who couldn't find their feet. They conceded an early goal which really shook them up and it badly affected them for the rest of the half. However, an absolute wonder goal from Yaya Toure in the 55th minute completely changed the tone and flow of the game around. Suddenly, City were fired up and raring to go and it took less than a minute for them to take the lead as Nasri scored an absolute peach of a goal to turn the game around. It was relatively comfortable for City from there on out and they sealed the cup with a late counter attacking goal from Navas. This will be a big boost for City's confidence after winning in the fashion they did today. The first cup of a possible quadruple comes to the Etihad in thrilling style.
Sunderland are no strangers to beating City and it looked like they were going to cause another massive upset in the final when they took an early lead through Borini. It was a brilliant goal and put Sunderland on the front foot. They were very impressive throughout the first half and were good value for their half time lead. However, they were just undone by two world class goals from City and in a flash, fell behind within the space of a minute. They were hard pressed for an equaliser but it didn't look like coming. As a result of pushing for a leveller, Sunderland were caught on the break by City in the final few minutes and conceded a third which all but ended the match. A commendable cup run from Sunderland, who knocked out both Chelsea and Man United on the way, didn't end in the fairytale way they had dreamed of and they will now have to concentrate on avoiding relegation from the premier league.
Best Goal: Yaya Toure
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England level the Series in Antigua
England 163-7 (44.5 overs) beat West Indies 159 all out (44.2) by 3 wickets (Series level at 1-1)
England eased their way to 163-7 to beat the West Indies by three wickets and level the Series at 1-1 after the second one day international. After winning the toss, England elected to put the West Indies into bat first which proved to be a good decision as they whittled them out for just 159 in the 45th over. Joe Root took two early wickets as England reduced the West Indies to 30-3 in the 9th over before a fifty partnership between Simmons and DJ Bravo got them back on track at 132-4 in the 35th over. However, a major batting collapse unfolded as the West Indies lost six wickets for only a further 27 runs as Parry took an impressive three wickets.
England replied with a modest start to their innings as they lost two early wickets on their way to 30-2 at the end of the 8th over. Lumb hit 39 whilst Root scored 23 but England kept losing wickets as partnerships failed to develop. Bresnan was the last wicket to fall as England struggled to 105-7 in the 32nd over. However, a fifty partnership developed between Bresnan and Broad who saw the game out to its conclusion with England reaching 163-7 after 44.5 overs, which meant they defeated the West Indies by three wickets and level the ODI Series 1-1 with one game remaining.
My Opinion:
That was more like it from England but their blushes were saved in the end by a fifty partnership from Bopara and Broad. It was a good decision to put the West Indies into bat first and they profited from it, bowling them out for just 159. It was a disastrous end to their innings as they failed to bat through to fifty overs, falling 32 balls short. This was a great chance for England to build some confidence and chase down a low target. Things went along slowly but England kept losing wickets consistently throughout their chase. This made it a very nervy end to the match as England needed 55 runs with three wickets left. However, Bopara and Broad took control of the game and saw England over the line in comfortable style. England back to winnings ways and level the Series at 1-1. It would be really nice if England could continue their winning ways with another in the final ODI match and win the Series.
Match Guide: Key Moments
England win the toss and elect to bowl
West Indies Innings:
(2.1) 10-1, Smith 5 (9), caught Wright, Root.
(8) 30-2, Powell 16 (20), 2 fours, caught and bowled Moeen.
(8.2) 30-3, Edwards 9 (21), caught Tredwell, Root.
(14.2) 50-3, Simmons 15*, DM Bravo 5*.
(22) 80-3, 50 partnership between Simmons 32* and DM Bravo 13* off 82 balls.
(22.4) 81-4, DM Bravo 13 (34), 1 six, bowled by Broad.
(29.4) 100-4, Simmons 45*, DJ Bravo 7*.
(33) 118-4, 50 for Simmons off 83 balls.
(34.4) 132-4, 50 partnership between Simmons 59* and DJ Bravo 20* off 72 balls.
(35) 133-5, DJ Bravo 20 (38), 1 four, stumped Buttler, Tredwell.
(37.5) 145-6, Simmons 70 (98), 4 fours, 2 sixes, caught Stokes, Parry.
(39.1) 150-6, Ramdin 4*, Sammy 3*.
(40.2) 151-7, Ramdin 5 (10), 1 four, bowled by Bresnan.
(41.1) 151-8, Sammy 3 (13), caught Broad, Parry.
(42) 155-9, Narine 4 (5), 1 four, stumped by Buttler, Parry.
(44.2) 159 all out, Rampaul 1 (5), caught Lumb, Tredwell.
Batsman of the Innings: Simmons 70 (98)
Bowler of the Innings: Parry 3-32
England Innings:
(6.5) 29-1, Moeen 10 (16), 1 four, caught Miller, Rampaul.
(8) 30-2, Wright 0 (5), bowled by Narine.
(14.3) 50-2, Lumb 27*, Root 8*.
(20.3) 79-3, Lumb 39 (60), 3 fours, lbw Miller.
(21.1) 81-4, Root 23 (43), 2 fours, caught and bowled by DJ Bravo.
(21.2) 81-5, Buttler 0 (1), caught Ramdin, DJ Bravo.
(24.3) 89-6, Stokes 4 (9), caught Ramdin, Miller.
(30) 100-6, Bopara 9*, Bresnan 5*.
(31.4) 105-7, Bresnan 10 (31), 1 four, run out by Ramdin.
(40.2) 150-7, Bopara 34*, Broad 20*.
(42.5) 155-7, 50 partnership between Bopara 36* and Broad 22* off 68 balls.
(44.5) 163-7, Bopara 38*(59), 4 fours and Broad 28*(46), 3 fours. England win by 3 wickets and level the ODI Series 1-1.
Batsman of the Innings: Lumb 39 (60)
Bowler of the Innings: Miller 2-28
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England blown away by the West Indies
West Indies 269-6 (50 overs) beat England 254-6 (50 overs) by 15 runs (West Indies lead Series 1-0)
The West Indies proved too much for England who came 15 runs short of their target in the first one day international. It was England who started the game well, reducing the West Indies down to 45-4 in the 16th over. However, a 100 run strong partnership between Simmons and DJ Bravo put the home team back in the match at 146-4 in the 39th over. Simmons departed for 65 but DJ Bravo and Sammy put on another 100 runs off only 56 balls as they mounted a late charge up to 269-6 after their 50 overs.
England got their run chase off to a delightful start as they progressed nicely to 96-0 after 19 overs. However, two quick wickets later and England were down to 106-2. Lumb and Root brought some stability back to the innings with a fifty partnership whilst Lumb reached his century off 109 balls. Unfortunately, Lumb was soon dismissed and the England wickets started to tumble in quicker succession. Before England knew it, they found themselves 211-6 in the 43rd over, still needing 59 runs off 42 balls. Despite Bopara and Bresnan's best efforts, England failed to reach the required total and ended their 50 overs 15 runs short on 254-6. Another loss for England sees them trail the ODI Series against the West Indies 1-0 with two games to go.
My Opinion:
I really thought England had this one in the bag with 10 overs to go but once again they disappoint and lose a game of cricket. It was clear to see that they were still mentally scarred from their Australian battering and struggled to see out a game that they should have won. They started both innings really well but lacked a killing edge and paid a heavy price for it. At 45-4, England should have bowled the West Indies out for less than 200 but they came a cropper to the brilliance of Simmons, DJ Bravo and Sammy who were terrific and devastating. It was a tough run chase to score 270 but after England's strong start, they put themselves in a perfect position to do so. Lumb was magnificent, scoring a well deserved century but he did get himself out pretty soon after achieving that feat. Wickets fell as the English batsman failed to press on but they were still in a good position to win the match. With 42 balls left, 59 runs still required and 4 wickets remaining England should have gone on to win. However, the West Indies bowled superbly well and stifled the English batsman who found it extremely tough to find the boundaries. Signs of improvement but England need to start winning matches to boost their confidence. With that victory, the West Indies lead the ODI Series 1-0.
Match Guide: Key Moments
England win the toss and elect to bowl first.
West Indies Innings:
(6.1) 19-1, Powell 5 (14), caught Jordan, Root.
(10.4) 38-2, Smith 24 (32), 3 fours, 1 six, caught Buttler, Tredwell.
(11.4) 40-3, Edwards 10 (22), 1 four, bowled by Bresnan.
(15.4) 45-4, DM Bravo 2 (12), lbw Moeen.
(19) 52-4, Simmons 9*, DJ Bravo 1*.
(31.4) 95-4, 50 partnership between Simmons 32* and DJ Bravo 16* from 96 balls.
(32.5) 100-4, Simmons 34*, DJ Bravo 19*.
(36.5) 128-4, 50 for Simmons off 81 balls.
(38.3) 146-4, 100 partnership between Simmons 62* and DJ Bravo 36* off 140 balls.
(39.2) 151-4, Simmons 64*, DJ Bravo 37*.
(39.5) 153-5, Simmons 65 (94), 6 fours, caught Moeen, Bresnan.
(44.3) 182-5, 50 for DJ Bravo off 74 balls.
(46) 200-5, DJ Bravo 60*, Sammy 20*.
(46.1) 204-5, 50 partnership between DJ Bravo 64* and Sammy 20* off 39 balls.
(48.4) 251-5, DJ Bravo 82*, Sammy 48*.
(49) 255-5, 100 partnership between DJ Bravo 86* and Sammy 48* off 56 balls.
(49.3) 263-5, 50 for Sammy off 33 balls.
(50) 269-6, Sammy 61 (36), 5 fours, 4 sixes, caught Broad, Bresnan. DJ Bravo 87*(91), 8 fours, 1 six.
Batsman of the Innings: DJ Bravo 87*(91)
Bowler of the Innings: Bresnan 3-68
England Innings:
(9) 50-0, 50 partnership between Lumb 24* and Moeen 24* off 54 balls.
(19.1) 96-0, 50 for Lumb off 58 balls.
(19.3) 96-1, Moeen 44 (59), 3 fours, caught Narine, Smith.
(19.4) 100-1, Lumb 54*, Wright 0*.
(22.1) 106-2, Wright 1 (9), caught DJ Bravo, Sammy.
(30.1) 150-2, Lumb 90*, Root 12*.
(31) 136-2, 50 partnership between Lumb 94* and Root 14* off 53 balls.
(34.4) 171-2, 100 for Lumb off 109 balls.
(37) 180-3, Lumb 106 (117), 7 fours, 2 sixes, caught DJ Bravo, Rampaul.
(39.2) 192-4, Stokes 5 (7), bowled by Narine.
(41) 200-4, Root 37*, Buttler 2*.
(41.5) 205-5, Root 37 (48), 2 fours, caught Ramdin, Narine.
(43) 211-6, Buttler 12 (17), 1 four, caught Holder, DJ Bravo.
(49.3) 251-6, Bopara 20*, Bresnan 14*.
(50) 254-6, Bopara 23*(24) and Bresnan 14*(19), 1 four. West Indies win by 15 runs and lead the ODI Series 1-0.
Batsman of the Innings: Lumb 106 (117)
Bowler of the Innings: Narine 2-36
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Galatasaray 1 v 1 Chelsea Torres (9), Chedjou (65)
First Half: Willian missed with a long range chip that goes wide of the far post. Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead as Torres slots a shot from Azpilicueta's cross into the centre of the goal. Willian has a low shot from long range saved. Lampard fires a long range free kick over the bar. Ramires puts an effort over the bar. Hajrovic has a shot saved. Yilmaz has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Torres has an effort parried past the near post. Chedjou strikes against the near post with an effort from close range. Goal! 1-1, Galatasaray equalize as Chedjou scores with a close range volley following a corner. Torres drags a low shot wide across goal. Telles has a blast from long range parried over the bar.
Full Time: 1-1.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lampard. Chelsea held in Turkey. Galatasaray started the game slowly but got more involved as the match progressed. They went into half time 1-0 down but came out in the second half looking to get an equaliser. Chedjou came close to levelling the match but hit the near post before finally scoring with a close range volley. The result means Galatasaray are still in the tie but they will most likely need to score twice at Stamford Bridge if they are to progress.
Chelsea started really well and Torres scored within the opening ten minutes to settle any nerves. It looked like Chelsea were going to score a second before half time but they ended up spurning plenty of chances. They didn't put the game to bed with a second goal and paid for it as they were pegged back to 1-1. In the end, Mourinho played for a draw. The result favours Chelsea as they have that vital away goal under their belt. I fancy Chelsea to do the job in the second leg and can't see how Galatasaray are going to stop a strong Chelsea side.
Schalke 1 v 6 Real Madrid Benzema (13,57), Bale (21,69), Ronaldo (52,89), Huntelaar (90)
Best Goal: Torres, Bale, Ronaldo, Huntelaar. Winner: Huntelaar
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Olympiakos 2 v 0 Manchester United Dominguez (38), Campbell (55)
First Half: Dominguez has an effort blocked by Vidic. Cleverley slices a volley over the bar. Perez fires a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Olympiakos take the lead as Dominguez directs a long range shot into the opposite corner to wrong-foot De Gea. Rooney has a shot blocked.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Campbell doubles the lead with a curling shot from long range into the near bottom corner. Olaitan fires a volley wide of the near post. Van Persie fires a shot over the bar. Young has a shot blocked.
Full Time: 2-0.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dominguez. United slump to defeat in Greece. Olympiakos were the better team and deserved to win the first leg. They took full advantage of a very poor United performance and put themselves in a good position heading to Old Trafford. their first goal looked fortunate at first but after viewing the replays, it was clear to see Dominguez intentionally directed the ball into the opposite corner. There was no doubt about the class of the second goal as Campbell scored a lovely curling shot into the bottom corner.
United were simply atrocious. It was a terrible performance and it leaves them with a huge task to turn this tie around in the second leg. United failed to create many chances but their best one fell to Van Persie who fired over the bar. They never got going and it was extremely lacklustre. Very disappointing as United needed a good champions league run this year with their troubles in the league. It will be a massive task to turn this around but United are capable of putting on a performance at Old Trafford, it just remains to be seen if they can pull it off. Heaps of pressure will be placed on Moyes to turn things around but at the moment, every mistake and poor result is being scrutinised.
Zenit St. Petersburg 2 v 4 Borussia Dortmund Mkhitaryan (4), Reus (5), Shatov (57), Lewandowski (61,71), Hulk (69pen)
Best Goal: Campbell, Reus, Lewandowski. Winner: Campbell
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Liverpool 4 v 3 Swansea City Sturridge (3,36), Henderson (20,74), Shelvey (23), Bony (27,47pen)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as Sterling plays a through ball into the path of Sturridge who rounds the keeper and slots home. Sterling has a shot from long range parried round the near post. Goal! 2-0, Henderson scores with a shot from the edge of the box into the far top corner. Goal! 2-1, Shelvey scores with a strike from the edge of the box that goes in via the underside of the bar into the far top corner. Goal! 2-2, Swansea equalize as a header from Bony deflects past the keeper into the centre of goal. Goal! 3-2, Liverpool go back in front as Sturridge heads into the near side from a Suarez cross. Suarez puts an ambitious chip from long range wide of goal. Bony has a low shot from long range parried round the far post.
Half Time: 3-2.
Second Half: Penalty! Skrtel fouls Bony inside the box. Goal! 3-3, Swansea equalize again as Bony slots the ball low into the near bottom corner from the spot. Suarez has a low shot from an acute angle parried behind at the near post. De Guzman has a shot parried away from the near post. Sturridge puts a chip from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Suarez has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 4-3, Liverpool regain the lead as Suarez has a low shot from the edge of the box blocked before Henderson has a low shot parried but taps in the rebound from close range. Gerrard hits the inside of the far post with a low driven shot from long range.
Full Time: 4-3.
Liverpool (4th) 53>56pts
Swansea (10th>12th) 28>28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Henderson. Liverpool overcome steely Swansea. It was a great game to watch with plenty of twists and turns. It was a strong performance in the end from Liverpool who I felt deserved the three points. They looked comfortable and took a 2-0 lead but were surprisingly pegged back to 2-2. They got themselves back in the lead before half time but a sloppy penalty to give away early in the second half saw them concede a third goal at home. Liverpool pushed hard for the winner and looked like they were going to achieve it and they did as Henderson forced home from close range. Another big three points for Liverpool who maintain their charge on the leaders.
Swansea deserve a lot of praise after that game as they battled very hard and nearly held on for an impressive point. They showed great spirit and determination to get back into a game that looked like it had got away from them. Shelvey scored a cracker to get them back in the game before Bony headed in the equaliser. They conceded again before half time but levelled once more after being awarded a penalty in the second half. However, they were put under lots of pressure and finally succumbed in the 74th minute. With that loss, the Swans fall two places into 12th.
Norwich City 1 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur Snodgrass (47)
First Half: Van Wolfswinkel has an effort saved. Johnson has a header parried behind at the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Norwich take the lead as Snodgrass scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Adebayor has an effort saved. Snodgrass has a blast from long range saved. Soldado blazes a shot wide of the near post. Soldado puts a glancing header wide of the far post. Snodgrass strikes a free kick just wide of the near post. Chadli has a low shot block saved at the near side. Johnson strikes the underside of the bar with a firebolt of a free kick and the ball bounces away off the line. Redmond has a shot parried away from the near side.
Full Time: 1-0.
Norwich (16th>14th) 25>28pts
Spurs (5th) 50>50pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Snodgrass. Norwich seal vital win over Spurs. What a win for Norwich who were desperate for three points today. It will ease some pressure on the manager who was in real trouble before the game but things seemed to have turned a corner. They defended well throughout the match, keeping the Spurs attack quiet. Norwich had the better of the first half but couldn't find an opener but they scored very early in the second via Snodgrass' well taken finish. They held on and could have even scored another as Johnson was unlucky to see his free kick bounce off the underside of the bar and onto the line. With that win, Norwich climb two places into 14th.
Spurs were very disappointing and didn't turn up at the races today. It was a very poor first half from the team but they were still in the game at 0-0 going into half time. They conceded early in the second half and it shook them up even more. From that point onwards, they created more chances going forward and probably should have equalised. However, they spurned some decent chances and failed to level the match. That loss will hinder their hopes and chances of a top 4 place and Sherwood will need to inspire his team for a much better performance next week.
Newcastle United 1 v 0 Aston Villa Remy (90)
First Half: Remy has a low shot long range across goal saved. Cisse has a low curling shot across goal parried away. Agbonlahor has a shot well parried away. Agbonlahor fires a long range strike just over the bar. Remy curls a free kick just wide of the far post. Cisse wastes a great chance, scuffing over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Gouffran fires a low shot across goal wide of the far post. Dummett fires a curling shot from the edge of the box just over the bar. Gouffran volleys over the bar. Remy has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the near post. Sissokho blazes a shot over from the edge of the box. Remy hits the far post with a low shot. Goal! 1-0, Newcastle score a late winner as Remy fires past the keeper into the centre of the goal.
Full Time: 1-0.
Newcastle (9th>8th) 37>40pts
Villa (12th>13th) 28>28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Remy. Remy seals dramatic late winner. Newcastle looked the more likely of the two teams to score but it took until the 90th minute for Remy to slot home the winner. The Toon created some good chances in the first half but Cisse spurned a couple of really good chances. It was more of the same in the second half as Newcastle kept threatening the Villa goal but being unable to break the deadlock. Remy got closer and closer during the final twenty minutes, hitting the far post before eventually sealing a late winner in injury time. With that win, Newcastle climb up one place into 8th.
Villa created some decent chances but were largely hanging on for most of the match. Agbonlahor had the best of the Villa chances in the first half but saw one effort parried away and another fly over the bar. There wasn't much of a threat from Villa in the second half but it looked like they were going to take a point from the game as Newcastle struggled to score. However, they were finally undone in the final few minutes as Remy denied them of a point. With that loss, Villa fall one place into 13th.
Best Goal: Henderson, Shelvey, Snodgrass, Remy. Winner: Henderson.
League Leaders
1. Chelsea 60pts
2. Arsenal 59pts
3. Man City 57pts
4. Liverpool 56pts
5. Tottenham 50pts
Relegation Battle
16. Palace 26pts
17. West Brom 25pts
18. Sunderland 24pts
19. Cardiff 22pts
20. Fulham 21pts
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Arsenal 4 v 1 Sunderland Giroud (5,31), Rosicky (42), Koscielny (57), Giaccherini (81)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Arsenal take the lead as Giroud scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner from the centre of the box. Podolski has a blast from long range really well parried over the near top corner. Goal! 2-0, Giroud intercepts a Vergini backpass and slots a low shot through the keeper's legs. Goal! 3-0, Rosicky plays a nice one-two with Giroud before scoring with a low chip over the keeper.
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Borini has a fierce blasted shot from an acute angle parried behind. Sagna puts in a cross that deflects off Vergini and goes just wide of the far post. Goal! 4-0, Koscielny heads in from the resulting corner into the near side. Ki has an effort parried away from the near post. Goal! 4-1, Sunderland get a consolation goal as Giaccherini scores with a low half volley from long range into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 4-1.
Arsenal (2nd) 56>59pts
Sunderland (18th) 24>24pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rosicky. Giroud at the double. It was a dominant display from Arsenal who cruised past Sunderland. They raced away during the first half to a 3-0 lead which pretty much ended the match. Giroud will be glad to score a few goals whilst Rosicky impressed. Sunderland were outplayed and as a result got soundly beaten. Vergini in particular had a shocker today but Sunderland were never in the match. Giaccherini scored a really nice consolation goal but that's all Sunderland can take away from a poor display.
Chelsea 1 v 0 Everton Terry (90)
First Half: Osman has a driven shot from long range parried over the bar. Mirallas has a shot deflected wide of the near post. Eto'o has a low shot parried away from the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Lampard has a low shot parried away from the near side. Osman has a low long range shot that takes a deflection parried past the near post. Hazard has a low shot from the edge oft the box parried before Ivanovic has a volley block saved at the near post. Ramires fires a low strike from long range just wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Chelsea score a late winner as Lampard's free kick is put in by Terry, who just gets to the ball ahead of Howard at the centre of the goal.
Full Time: 1-0.
Chelsea (1st) 57>60pts
Everton (6th>7th) 45>45pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Terry. Chelsea leave it late. It was a pretty average display from Chelsea but they typically managed to find a way to win. Three very vital points picked up which keeps them top of the league but they did not deserve to win. They created more chances in the second half but looked as though they weren't going to score. They will have Lampard and Terry to thank for combining to score a last minute winner. Everton were desperately unlucky to have come away from Stamford Bridge with nothing. They looked the team more likely to open the scoring in the first half and even contained Chelsea in the second. It looked as though they were taking a 0-0 draw but were cruelly denied in the dying minutes.
Cardiff City 0 v 4 Hull City Huddlestone (18), Jelavic (38,57), Livermore (67)
First Half: Zaha dribbles past two defenders but has a shot saved. Jones has a low shot parried at the near side. Goal! 0-1, Hull take the lead as Jelavic plays a one-two with Long before having a shot blocked saved but Huddlestone scores with a long range strike that deflects inside the near post. Jones puts a header wide of the near post. Goal! 0-2, Long lays the ball off to Jelavic who scores with a low sliding effort into the far side.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Jelavic slices an effort from close range wide of the near post. Goal! 0-3, Jelavic heads in from a Rosenior cross into the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-4, A fast break from Hull leads to El Mohamady playing in Livermore who slots a low shot from the edge of the box into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 0-4.
Cardiff (19th) 22>22pts
Hull (13th>11th) 27>30pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Livermore. Hull thrash a sorry Cardiff. It was a very poor performance from a troubled Cardiff who were completely torn apart. They would have expected to take at least a point from the game in their situation but were never at the races. Jones had their best chances but failed to convert from either of them. The heavy loss will put even more pressure on the team and manager and they will need to bounce back quickly. Hull will be delighted with that massacre of Cardiff. Long and Jelavic struck a superb partnership between each other and it massively paid off for them. They played well as a team but were very strong in the final third today. With that win, Hull move up two places into 11th.
West Ham United 3 v 1 Southampton Yoshida (8), Jarvis (20), C.Cole (23), Nolan (71)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Southampton take the lead as Yoshida heads in from a Davis free kick into the far top corner. Goal! 1-1, West Ham equalise as Nolan plays an over the top through ball to Jarvis who scores with a low shot under the keeper. Goal! 2-1, West Ham take the lead as Carlton Cole firstly heads onto the near post following a corner before scoring from the rebound with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Lambert hits the near post with a header before Rodriguez fires mightily high over the bar.
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Ramirez fires a shot just over the bar. Lallana goes through on goal but puts his effort wide of the far post. Goal! 3-1, Nolan scores with an overhead/scissor kick from close range into the near side. Diame hits the top of the bar with a long range strike.
Full Time: 3-1.
West Ham (11th>10th) 28>31pts
Southampton (8th>9th) 39>39pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nolan. Hammers fightback against Saints. After going behind, West Ham showed some real spirit and determination as they overturned a 1-0 deficit and win 3-1. Nolan was the inspirational spark in the Hammers team as they marched on with another victory. Allardyce will be delighted with how his team have performed to get themselves out of a sticky situation and away from the relegation zone. With that win, the Hammers climb up one place into 10th. Saints started the game well and looked like they were going to have an easy afternoon after taking the lead early on. However, they came undone as they were pegged back to 1-1, although it looked like Jarvis was offside. They went behind soon after which seemed to knock their belief. They came close to equalizing as Lambert struck against the near post whilst Lallana spurned a decent chance after going through on goal. Not the result the Saints were expecting to get and with that loss, they move down one place into 9th.
Manchester City 1 v 0 Stoke City Yaya Toure (70)
First Half: Fernandinho has a long range driven shot palmed over the bar. Adam has a low driven shot from long range across goal parried away. Dzeko misses with a low, long range curling shot that just goes wide of the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Dzeko puts an effort wide of the near post. Jovetic has a long range blast parried away. Goal! 1-0, City take the lead as a low Kolarov cross is converted in by Yaya Toure from close range. Dzeko fluffs a good chance from close range. Ireland volleys wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Man City (3rd) 54>57pts
Stoke (14th>15th) 27>27pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Yaya Toure. Yaya spares City's blushes. Man City were really not at their best today but managed to scrape their way to three points via a close range tap in by Yaya Toure. The game was largely controlled by City but they didn't really make that possession count. Plenty of chances came and went as they failed to convert in front of goal. Pellegrini decided to push Yaya up into a more attacking role and it paid dividends. He is so effective in a more attacking role that it does seem odd why he doesn't start matches in that position, rather than waiting until the latter stages when they need a goal. Stoke were very resilient and hard to break down which was to their credit. They didn't threaten too much going forward but looked like they were going to take a massive point home with them. With only twenty minutes to go, they came undone which must have been gutting but expected. With that loss, Stoke drop one place into 15th.
Crystal Palace 0 v 2 Manchester United Van Persie (62pen), Rooney (68)
First Half: Januzaj misses with a low dragged shot from the edge of box wide across goal. Rooney has a floated cross headed off the line before Vidic heads just over the bar from close range. Parr has a header parried round at the near post. Fellaini misses with a shot just goes just wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Puncheon has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Penalty! Chamakh fouls Evra inside the box. Goal! 0-1, United take the lead as Van Persie slots from the spot into the near top corner. Jerome has a low curling shot from the edge of the box parried away from the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-2, Evra puts a cross in that Rooney volleys into the far top corner. Van Persie hits a shot from an acute angle against the bar. Bolasie has a low shot from the edge of the box saved.
Full Time: 0-2.
Palace (15th>16th) 26>26pts
Man United (7th>6th) 42>45pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. United cruise to win at Selhurst Park. Palace created chances for themselves but were unable to take any of them. Parr came closest for Palace but had his header parried past the near post. They took the game into half time at 0-0 which gave them confidence but they gave away a silly penalty which changed the match. United were all over them after going ahead and Palace struggled to get back into the match. With that loss, Palace fall one place into 16th and nearer the relegation zone. United started the game slowly but better as it went on. They needed that penalty to break the deadlock but once they took the lead, they dominated. It was a much better performance once the goal went in and looked like some confidence had emerged back into the team. Rooney scored a brilliant volley to cap a much better United performance. With that win, United move up one place into 6th.
West Bromich Albion 1 v 1 Fulham Dejagah (28), Vydra (80)
First Half: Sidwell puts an effort over the bar from a Dejagah cross. Bafouma has a low shot saved. Goal! 0-1, Fulham take the lead as Dejagah fires a low shot into the far bottom corner. Rodallega has a fierce blast from long range parried behind.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Brunt has a fierce blast from the edge of the box across goal parried past the far post. Morrison has a deflected shot from the edge of the box parried away. Goal! 1-1, West Brom equalise as Vydra has a low shot parried before it creeps over the line. Brunt has a low shot parried at the near post before Anichebe blasts a shot wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-1.
West Brom (17th) 24>25pts
Fulham (20th) 20>21pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sidwell. Spoils shared at the Hawthorns. West Brom were much better in the second half and rightly took a point from the game. They looked the more likely to go on and win the game in the final stages but were unable to. A huge point for both teams but the Baggies will be pleased as they move closer to escaping the relegation spots. Fulham were the better team in the first half and deservedly went into half time in the lead. However, they struggled to hold onto their lead in the second half and it was inevitable that they would not hold on. Still, it is a huge point gained for them as they continue their struggle at the bottom of the league.
Best Goal: Rosicky, Giaccherini, Livermore, Nolan, Rooney. Winner: Rooney
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Manchester City 0 v 2 Barcelona Messi (54pen), Alves (83)
First Half: Negredo has an effort across goal cleared away from goal. Kompany has a headed effort saved on the line. Xavi has a long range driven shot parried away. Negredo heads wide of the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Penalty! Demichelis fouls Messi on the edge of the box. OFF! Demichelis is shown a straight red card for being the last man and denying a goalscoring opportunity. Goal! 0-1, Barcelona take the lead as Messi slots the penalty low and down the middle. Silva has a volley saved. Pique has a goal ruled out for offside. Goal! 0-2, Barcelona double their lead as Alves skips past the defence before slotting a low shot from an acute angle through the legs of Hart.
Full Time: 0-2.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Messi. Barcelona put one foot in the Quarters. The major turning point of the match was when Barcelona were awarded a controversial penalty and Demichelis was sent off as a result. It was definitely a foul by Demichelis but for me, the challenge looked to have been just outside of the box. No doubt that it was a red card as he was the last man and clearly denied a goal scoring opportunity. Barcelona may well have scored from a resulting free kick but Messi was never going to miss from the spot. Consequently, City were forced into damage limitation mode for the rest of the match.
Man City played well in the first half and came closest to scoring when Kompany had a header cleared off the line. Negredo had a few chances but failed to open the deadlock. Not sure why Pellegrini opted to change the formation of the team from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. Seems to me like they paid Barcelona too much respect and should have stuck to how they normally play. It was a huge shame to see the game ruined by Demichelis being sent off. Totally deserved a red but he proved once again to be City's weak link. Going one down was tough to take but they conceded a late goal which pretty much ended the tie. It will take a monumental effort at the Nou Camp to overturn the deficit but I can't see it happening.
Barcelona eased themselves into the match and played cautiously in the first half. Their only real chance of note came when Xavi had a long shot parried away by Hart. However, they were awarded a huge boost early in the second half as Messi was given a penalty. Once they went 1-0 up and had the extra man, they dominated the match. They were brilliant with and on the ball and showed their class. Alves scored a late goal to pretty much end the tie as Barcelona go into the second leg with two away goals. They will be massive favourites to progress now and I can't see them losing the tie from here.
Bayer Leverkusen 0 v 4 Paris Saint Germain Matuidi (3), Ibrahimovic (39pen,42), Cabaye (88)
Best Goal: Alves, Ibrahimovic. Winner: Ibrahimovic
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Arsenal 0 v 2 Bayern Munich Kroos (54), Muller (88)
First Half: Kroos has a long range shot parried away. Sanogo has a low shot parried away. Cazorla has a shot saved. Penalty! Ozil is fouled in the penalty area by Boateng. Neuer saves Ozil's penalty. Mandzukic heads wide of the post. Penalty! Robben is fouled in the penalty area by Sciezsny. OFF! Sciezsny is shown a straight red card. Alaba puts the penalty wide of the post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Kroos has a low shot saved. Koscielny has a low shot saved. Robben has a shot saved. Goal! 0-1, Bayern take the lead as Kroos scores with a spectacular effort from the edge of the box into the top near corner. Robbe hits the far post. Gotze puts a header wide of the goal. Robben curls a shot wide of the far post. Robben blasts a shot wide of the post. Goal! 0-2, Muller doubles Bayern's lead, heading into the far side. Kroos hits the near post with a low shot.
Full Time: 0-2.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kroos. Bayern take advantage after first leg. Arsenal really missed out here. They were awarded a penalty but Ozil's effort from the spot was saved. A huge opportunity missed and one that proved costly. To add insult to injury, Bayern were awarded a penalty not long after and Scieszny was shown a straight red card. Amazingly, Arsenal were let off the hook as Alaba put the penalty wide but they had to play the rest of the match with only 10 men. It was an uphill battle and they went behind early in the second half as Kroos scored a spectacular effort from long range. Arsenal were pretty much on the back foot for the rest of the game and the tie was effectively over when Muller scored with two minutes left to play. Bayern will be delighted to be heading back to Munich with two away goals and one foot in the quarter finals. They were pretty average in the first half but played a lot better in the second. They took full advantage of having an extra man on the field and dominated the match in the second half. Arsenal will have their work cut out in the second leg but they did win in Munich 2-0 last year. I would fully expect Bayern to see the tie off at home in the return leg but you never know what might happen.
AC Milan 0 v 1 Atletico Madrid Costa (83)
Best Goal: Kroos
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Fulham 2 v 3 Liverpool Toure OG (8), Sturridge (41), Richardson (63), Coutinho (72), Gerrard (90pen)
First Half: Tunnicliffe has a shot parried behind at the near post. Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead as Richardson's low cross is turned into his own net by Kolo Toure who slices an attempted clearance horribly in from close range. Suarez has a deflected shot parried behind at the near post. Suarez blasts an effort high and wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Liverpool equalise as a brilliant Gerrard through ball finds Sturridge who slots home inside the far post. Sturridge fires a long range shot just over the bar.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Suarez shoots a free kick just wide of the far post. Sidwell has a shot from the halfway line saved from the top corner. Gerrard has a backheel effort saved. Suarez hits the far post with a low shot from the edge of the box. Goal! 2-1, Fulham take the lead as Skrtel blocks a cross but the ball falls to Richardson who taps in from close range. Goal! 2-2, Liverpool equalise as Coutinho slots a low shot from the edge of the box into bottom near corner. Coutinho fires a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. Penalty! Reither fouls Sturridge inside the box. Goal! 2-3, Liverpool score a dramatic late winner as Gerrard strikes past the keeper into the near side from the spot.
Full Time: 2-3.
Fulham (20th) 20pts
Liverpool (4th) 53pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Liverpool score late winner at The Cottage. Fulham put in a really impressive performance but a silly foul by Reither in the final few minutes cost them dearly. They took the lead twice and looked like they were going to cause an upset and take one or more very important points for them. However, they were pegged back twice by two world class goals but should should have held on for a point. Fulham remain bottom of the table and four points off safety. Liverpool showed some strong determination to get a result from what proved to be a really tough game. A huge three points for their top 4 and title challenge and it will give the team a real confidence boost to have recovered from some tough situations in that match. Two very classy goals got them back on level terms twice and they rode their luck to get a last minute penalty. However, Gerrard took it well and sealed three massive points. With that win, Liverpool trail Chelsea by 4 points.
Newcastle United 0 v 4 Tottenham Hotspur Adebayor (19,82), Paulinho (53), Chadli (88)
First Half: Adebayor has a low shot deflected wide of the far post. Paulinho has a close range blasted shot parried behind at the near post. Cisse has a close range effort parried away. Goal! 0-1, Spurs take the lead as a Bentaleb cross is parried straight to Adebayor who simply taps in from close range. Cisse hits a lob over the keeper wide of the near post. Lennon strikes the outside of the near post with a low shot from the edge of the box.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Adebayor has a low blasted shot from long range parried to Paulinho who slots home into the near side. Dummett hits a low driven shot wide across goal. Gouffran has a long range driven shot parried away. Debuchy has a header tipped over the bar. Cisse has a header saved by the keeper. Goal! 0-3, Townsend has a shot parried before Adebayor scores with a shot into the ground that bounces over the keeper and into the far side. Goal! 0-4, Chadli scores with a brilliant long range curling shot into the far side.
Full Time: 0-4.
Newcastle (9th) 37pts
Spurs (5th) 50pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bentaleb. Spurs run riot over Newcastle. Overall, Newcastle were pretty poor and got soundly beaten. Cisse had some really good chances but failed to take any of them as some poor finishing in front of goal cost the Toon today. Pardew will have his work cut out to improve their next performance after such a disappointing result. With that loss, Newcastle fall one place into 9th. Spurs were very strong and dominated a poor Newcastle team. Adebayor was impressive as usual, scoring two goals whilst Chadli scored a long range screamer which could see him push for a few more starts this season. Just what was needed for the Spurs team who continue to push for 4th spot.
Arsenal 0 v 0 Manchester United
First Half: Van Persie goes through on goal but has a low shot saved. Wilshere has an effort deflected wide of the post. Giroud puts a header wide of the near post following a corner. Giroud fires a shot from the edge of the box high and wide of goal.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Koscielny has a header headed off the line by Valencia following a corner. Giroud puts a header wide of the far post. Mata drags a low shot wide of the near post. Giroud spurns a chance wide of the far post. Van Persie has a great header parried onto the bar by a great save. Cazorla has a low shot parried away from the near bottom corner. Cazorla has a low shot from long range saved at the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 0-0.
Arsenal (2nd) 56pts
Man United (7th) 42pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cazorla. Goalless draw at Emirates. Giroud had an off day, wasting some good chances for Arsenal. They made De Gea make some decent saves but never really created a must score chance. It was an average performance but they will most likely be pleased with a point. United were much better defensively and as a result, stopped Arsenal from scoring. RVP had some really good chances, most notably in the first five minutes as he went through on goal but scuffed a poor shot. He was denied by a truly world class save in the second half after combining well with Rooney. Signs of improvement for United but still plenty of work needs to be done.
Stoke City 1 v 1 Swansea City Crouch (17), Chico (52)
First Half: Dyer hits the top of the bar with a misdirected cross. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as Odemwingie hits a low shot against the far post before Crouch slots home the from the rebound into the far side. Arnoutovic has a long range blasted shot parried over the bar. Canas puts an effort wide of the near post. Dyer fires a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Swansea equalise as Chico scores with a flicked header into the far side. Bony has an effort cleared off the line. De Guzman has a driven shot from long range parried away from the far side.
Full Time: 1-1.
Stoke (14th) 27pts
Swansea (10th) 28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Crouch. Chico seals point for Swansea. It was more a case of a point gained for Stoke rather than anything else. They took the lead but were under constant pressure from Swansea from then on. However, they do fall one place to 14th. Garry Monk has started reasonably well as the new Swansea manager and his team deserved to at least take a point away from this one. After going behind, they battled hard and got an equaliser early in the second half. They didn't create too much but Bony came closest when his effort was cleared off the line. Monk will try and get the team playing better but things are looking bright for him so far.
West Bromich Albion 1 v 1 Chelsea Ivanovic (45), Anichebe (87)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead just before half time as Ivanovic slots home from Luiz's flick on following a corner.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Willian has a driven shot from long range parried behind. Willian has a shot from the edge of the box saved. Thiemy blasts an effort from close range wide across goal. Brunt puts a volley wide of the far post. Goal! 1-1, The Baggies score a late equaliser as Anichebe scores with a flicked header into the far side from a Berahino cross.
Full Time: 1-1.
West Brom (17th) 24pts
Chelsea (1st) 57pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Anichebe. West Brom deny Chelsea at the Hawthorns. West Brom contained Chelsea pretty well for most of the game and were only undone by Ivanovic just before half time. They pressed on more in the second half and created more chances for themselves. Eventually, the equaliser came with three minutes left to play as Anichebe was on hand to head on a good cross from Berahino. A massive bonus point for the Baggies that gets them out of the relegation zone into 17th. Chelsea seemed comfortable but didn't really threaten too much going forward as much as they should have. They scored just before half time and Willian had some good shots saved in the second half. However, a very poor last twenty minutes invited lots of pressure on themselves and they inevitably conceded. Two points dropped for Chelsea and they bring others in the title race closer to themselves.
West Ham United 2 v 0 Norwich City Collins (84), Diame (90)
First Half: Hooper has a header parried away. Snodgrass is put through on goal but is denied by a blocked save. Tettey has a shot parried away from the far side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Hooper has a low shot from close range saved. Diame has a low shot from close range parried behind. Goal! 1-0, The Hammers take the lead as Collins heads in from a Diame cross. Goal! 2-0, The Hammers score with a fast break that ends with Diame scoring with a low deflected shot into the near side.
Full Time: 2-0.
West Ham (11th) 28pts
Norwich (16th) 25pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Diame. Hammers win yet again. West Ham will have Adrian to thank after that result as the keeper made plenty of decent saved to keep a vital clean sheet. They managed to keep themselves in the game and in the final ten minutes took their chances well to seal another 2-0 victory. With that win, they climb up four places in the league to 11th and enable some breathing space from the drop. Norwich only have themselves to blame for that result. They created plenty of chances but failed to take a single one. Adrian did have a brilliant game in goal but Norwich really should have scored. To add insult to injury, West Ham scored twice in the final six minutes as Norwich somehow went away with nothing. The result means that Norwich are only 1 point above the relegation zone.
Hull City 0 v 1 Southampton Fonte (69)
First Half: Lambert fires a shot just wide of the near top corner. Lambert has an effort denied by a blocked save. Long hits the far post with a flicked header before Boyd has the rebounded effort tipped over the bar. Rodriguez hits the bar with a long range strike.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Saints take the lead as Fonte has a header parried, Lallana has the rebounded effort parried and Fonte scores from close range with a low effort from the second rebound. Shaw has a low shot parried at the far bottom corner before Guly has the rebounded effort parried behind. Aluko has a low shot from the edge of the box parried away from the near bottom corner. Cork hits a long range driven shot against the bar/post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Hull (13th) 27pts
Saints (8th) 39pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Fonte. Saints seal win at KC stadium. Hull had their chances in this game but were unable to take any of them. Shane Long hit the post in the first half whilst Aluko kept threatening the Saints goal. However, it just wouldn't go in for Hull and they paid a heavy price as a result. With that loss, Hull fall two places into 13th. Southampton looked like the better team and deserved to win the game. Fonte scored the only goal but it could have been two or three. Rodriguez and Cork both struck shots against the bar but they will pleased to take three points back with them. With that win, they move ahead of Newcastle into 8th.
Cardiff City 0 v 0 Aston Villa
First Half: Campbell has an effort saved onto the far post before Noone hits the bar with a long range shot that deflects against the woodwork.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Bacuna drags a low shot wide across goal. Delph has a deflected driven shot from long range parried behind. Agbonlahor has an effort deflect wide of the near post. Weimann has an effort denied by a great save over the bar.
Full Time: 0-0.
Cardiff (19th) 22pts
Villa (12th) 28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Goalless draw in Cardiff. Cardiff created the better chances in the first half but were unable to take the lead. Noone came closest to breaking the deadlock but his long range strike came back off the bar. They were on the back foot for most of the second half and Marshall made some top saves to deny Villa from scoring. An important point for Cardiff who close the gap to two points from safety. Villa should have won this match and will be disappointed they didn't. They were slow to get going but improved in the second half. However, they were constantly denied by a wonderful performance from Marshall.
Best Goal: Sturridge, Coutinho, Chadli. Winner: Chadli
League Leaders
1. Chelsea 57pts
2. Arsenal 56pts
3. Man City 54pts
4. Liverpool 53pts
5. Spurs 50pts
Relegation Battle
16. Norwich 25pts
17. West Brom 24pts
18. Sunderland 24pts
19. Cardiff 22pts
20. Fulham 20pts
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