Soccer Saturday Game Week 34

Fulham 1 v 0 Norwich City Rodallega (40)
First Half: Redmond has an acute shot/cross parried past the near post. Rodallega drags a low shot wide across goal. Van Wolfswinkel has a close range volley stopped by a great reaction save. Fer has a header parried before Johnson strikes a low shot just wide of the near post. Snodgrass strikes a free kick that hits the bar at the near side. Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead through Rodallega who prods in from close range Hangelaand's flicked header across goal from Sidwell's free kick.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Rodallega heads wide of the far post. Snodgrass puts an effort just wide of the near post. Hooper has a shot from the edge of the box deflected over the bar. Turner has a header that deflects wide. Sidwell has a low shot from long range saved. Dejagah breaks through on goal but fires a shot wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Fulham 18th, 27>30pts
Norwich 17th, 32pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Stockdale. Fulham keep hopes of survival alive with victory. That was a monumental result in terms of Fulham's hopes of avoiding relegation. Having Hangelaand return to the starting lineup proved to be a huge factor and massive boost to their run in as they managed to keep a clean sheet for the first time in ages. Stockdale deserves most of the credit for that win though after pulling off a string of stunning saves to keep Norwich out. A great day for Fulham who move in the right direction with those three points. 
That was a disastrous result for Norwich who were in desperate need of taking a point or three against a team who could quite possibly take their spot in safety next week. Things are looking really gloomy for Norwich who have possibly the worst run in you could dream of during their last four games. After that result, I strongly believe Norwich will go down now. They created plenty of decent chances but were partly denied by some poor finishing and some amazing saves from Stockdale. 

West Bromich Albion 3 v 3 Tottenham Hotspur Vydra (1), Brunt (4), Sessegnon (31), Olsson OG (34), Kane (70), Eriksen (90+4)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, West Brom take the lead through Vydra who volleys into the far bottom corner from Amalfitano's parried cross. Goal! 2-0, Brunt scores with a low volley into the far bottom corner. Kane fires a low shot from long range just wide of the near post. Rose drills a cross into the box that hits Kane and goes just wide of the near post. Penalty! Rose is fouled inside the box. Saved! Adebayor has a low penalty saved at the far side. Amalfitano has a blasted shot parried over at the near side. Goal! 3-0, Sessegnon goes past Chiriches and slots a low shot from the edge of the box into the near bottom corner. Goal! 3-1, Spurs get one back as a low cross from Lennon deflects off Olsson and over Foster into the far side. Paulinho has a low long range blast parried before Rose has an effort parried at the near side.
Half Time: 3-1.
Second Half: Lennon has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the far post. Goal! 3-2, Spurs are back to within one as Kane heads in at the far post from a Lennon cross. Goal! 3-3, Spurs score a dramatic late equaliser as West Brom fail to clear a cross in their box which leads to Eriksen striking home into the far top corner.
Full Time: 3-3.
West Brom 16th, 32>33pts
Spurs 6th, 59>60pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Six goal thriller at the Hawthorns. West Brom made a quite brilliant start to the game, scoring twice in the first five minutes before adding a third on the half an hour mark. However, rather than seeing out the game into half time safely at 3-0, Olsson unfortunately scored an own goal. Still, with a two goal lead going into the second half, you would have expected them to hold on for the three points. In the position they are in, they really needed to hold on but incredibly they squandered it in the 94th minute. The Baggies must be gutted but in the end it was a point gained for their survival hopes.
Spurs were totally atrocious at the start of the game and thanks to some woeful defending found themselves 3-0 down with only half an hour played. However, despite a terrible start they showed some fighting spirit and got themselves back into the game via an own goal. They pressurised the Baggies area for much of the second half and got back to within one goal after Kane's goal and in the dying moments scored an equaliser thanks to a superb strike from Eriksen. Spurs were fortunate to come away with a point in the end but Sherwood will have plenty to think about after that shocking defensive display. 

Sunderland 0 v 1 Everton Brown OG (75)
First Half: Deulofeu has a low shot saved at the near side. Naismith turns on the ball nicely but fires a shot over the far top corner. Borini has and effort blocked on the line by Stones at the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Borini has a long range shot that deflects wide of the near post. Barkley has a header cleared off the line. Ki heads wide of the near post. Deulofeu fires a low shot from an acute angle wide across goal. Naismith misses an open goal after sending a tough volley wide of the near post. Goal! 0-1, Everton take the lead as a cross from Deulofeu deflects in off Brown at the near post. Ki has a low shot saved. Borini curls a long range shot just wide of the far post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Sunderland 20th, 25pts
Everton 5>4th, 63>66pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Deulofeu. Everton claim narrow win at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have done themselves no favours recently and look like one of the favourites to go down unless they pull off a miracle. They endured a poor time of it in front of the Everton goal and just couldn't put it in the back of the net. Borini was their brightest spark and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but they need someone to step forward and start scoring goals - otherwise they are definitely going down.
It was a scrappy game but Everton kept their hopes of finishing in the top four alive with three important points. They were not at their very best but they did get the job done which is the most important thing when pushing for champions league qualification. They created some decent chances but it didn't look like the deadlock was going to be broken until Brown scored that own goal. Everton will take it and move on as they move up one place into 4th after that victory. 

Southampton 0 v 1 Cardiff City Cala (65)
First Half: Ramirez has a shot that deflects against the bar. Lambert has a free kick that is parried away at the near side. Lambert has a shot pushed behind at the near post. Ramirez has a long range shot saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Mutch has a long range driven shot punched away. Goal! 0-1, Cardiff take the lead through Cala who scores with a long range strike into the far side following a free kick. Gallagher has an effort stopped by a superb save. Clyne has a low shot from the edge of the box parried behind at the near post. Zaha goes past two defenders but has a low shot saved.
Full Time: 0-1.
Saints 8th, 48pts
Cardiff 19th, 26>29pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Cardiff shock Saints at St Mary's. Southampton can be forgiven for being a little shell-shocked after that result as they dominated most of the game but did everything but score. Lambert has a couple of good chances saved whilst Ramirez saw an effort bounce back off the bar. Even Gallagher was denied by a quite brilliant save from Marshall. Just one of those days for the Saints who will move on swiftly after that minor blip.
Cardiff needed a result today and they somehow pulled it off. It really was a great example of a snatch and grab as they were outplayed for the majority of the game but in the end it's goals that count. Marshall was quite magnificent in the Cardiff goal and was a deserved man of the match whilst Cala scored an unbelievable goal in the second half that came out of nowhere. With that victory, Cardiff's hopes of staying up gained some fresh belief and they are right back in with a chance now. 

Crystal Palace 1 v 0 Aston Villa Puncheon (76)
First Half: Villa have a header cleared off the line by Jerome. Bolasie has a penalty appeal turned down.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Agbonlahor has a long range shot saved. Bolasie fires a shot across goal which takes a deflection before the keeper parries the ball to Jerome who hits the crossbar with a close range effort. Bolasie fires a low shot from long range just wide of the near post. Penalty! Westwood handles the ball inside the box but the referee decides to overturn his own decision after consultation with his assistant. Goal! 1-0, Palace take the lead through Puncheon who scores with a low shot that goes in via the inside of the far post from a Bolasie cross. Lowton strikes a low volley from long range wide of the near post. Puncheon hits a low shot against the outside of the near post. Weimann has an effort denied by a great save.
Full Time: 1-0.
Palace 14>12th, 34>37pts
Villa 13>14th, 34pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Puncheon. Palace claim narrow victory over Villa. It was a good performance from Palace who played well and deserved to win. Puncheon starred along with Bolasie whilst Jerome somehow managed to miss from close range and hit the bar. They were awarded a penalty in the second half but amazingly it was overturned after the referee consulted his linesman. It could have been more but one goal was enough to seal three points for Palace who have become a real force under Pulis lately. With that win, Palace climb two places up to 12th.
Villa were pretty poor and got what they deserved. They created a few chances of note but not nearly enough as they failed to stamp their mark on the game. Their best achievement of the game was that they only conceded one goal after looking second best to Palace. Despite the result today, I still think Villa will be safe from relegation but they do need one more positive result from their remaining fixtures. A disappointing result for Villa today and they drop down one place into 14th after that defeat. 

Stoke City 1 v 0 Newcastle United Pieters (42)
First Half: Crouch hits the near post with a header from an Arnautovic cross. Gosling puts an effort from close range over the bar. Cisse has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead through Pieters whose cross finds the far top corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Crouch puts a header over the bar from an Arnautovic cross. Crouch has a header saved. Williamson has an effort blocked. Adam fires a low shot wide across goal. Anita heads over from close range at the far post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Stoke 10th, 40>43pts
Newcastle 9th, 46pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Arnautovic. Stoke claim narrow win over Newcastle. It was a decent victory for Stoke but Crouch really should have made it 2-0. How Crouch failed to get on the scoresheet today beggars belief with the chances he missed but thankfully for Stoke Pieters scored the winner via a mishit cross. Arnautovic was impressive and looked dangerous throughout. Hughes has done a good job at Stoke this season and deserves a lot of credit for what he's done so far. 
Newcastle's woes continue with yet another defeat. They looked like they are finding some better form as they played much better than they have done in recent weeks. Although anything would probably be better than what they've played like recently. They created some good chances but were unable to find the back of the net today which they paid the ultimate price for. The end of the season really can't come quick enough for Newcastle but what must be going through their fans minds watching this every week. 

Best Goal: Brunt, Eriksen, Cala, Pieters. Winner: Cala - Check out the goal here Cala Goal

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Super Sunday Game Week 33

West Ham United 1 v 2 Liverpool Gerrard (44pen,71pen), Demel (45+2)
First Half: Suarez strikes a curling shot across goal against the bar. Suarez has a shot blocked. Penalty! Tomkins is adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Goal! 0-1, Liverpool take the lead as Gerrard scores from the spot with a low strike into the far side. Goal! 1-1, West Ham equalise as Mignolet fails to catch the ball from a corner which leaves Demel to prod home into the roof of the net.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Carroll heads against the bar at the back post. Penalty! Adrian fouls Flanagan inside the box. Goal! 1-2, Gerrard scores from the spot again after converting his spot kick over the keeper at the near side. West Ham escape a handball penalty appeal. Suarez strikes the ball with the outside of his foot across goal and against the bar. Suarez has a low effort saved. Downing blazes a chance over from close range over the far side. Sterling has a strike from the edge of the box parried behind at the near side.
Full Time: 1-2.
West Ham 11th, 37pts
Liverpool 1st, 71>74pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Liverpool stay on course for the title. West Ham will ultimately question both of the penalty decisions as they seemed a little soft. However, their goal came from fortunate circumstances as Mignolet, who is normally so adept, failed to catch the ball from the corner which left Demel an opportunity to prod home. The Hammers are safe from relegation for me and another point will pretty much guarantee another year of premier league football.
Liverpool were not at their free flowing best by any stretch of the imagination but managed to come through a potential slip up. Suarez was kept quiet throughout but Gerrard was on hand to slot two penalties away which provided Liverpool with three very vital points on the road. It could have ended differently after they conceded just before half time but they got the job done. With that victory, Liverpool remain at the top of the league and currently look good enough to go on and win it.

Everton 3 v 0 Arsenal Naismith (14), Lukaku (34), Arteta OG (61)
First Half: Osman fires a volley from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Everton take the lead through Naismith who scores from the rebound of Lukaku's parried shot with a low effort into the near bottom corner. Naismith has a close range effort saved. Giroud fires an effort across goal wide of the far post. Barkley has a low shot saved at the near post. Mirallas has a low shot parried away from the near post. Goal! 2-0, Lukaku cuts inside before scoring with a low strike into the far bottom corner to double Everton's lead. Podolski fires a shot into the ground from the edge of the box which is tipped over.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Giroud has an effort saved. Naismith has an effort smothered before Goal! 3-0, Arteta beats Mirallas on the stretch to the loose ball but it rolls into the net. Barkley has a low shot saved. Chamberlain has a long range driven shot tipped against the bar.
Full Time: 3-0.
Everton 5th, 60>63pts
Arsenal 4th, 64pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Naismith. Everton batter Arsenal at Goodison. In the battle for that last champions league spot, this game could prove crucial. Maybe surprisingly to most, Everton completely blew Arsenal off the park and looked like they had been used to playing a higher standard of football in Europe. Quite an amazing spectacle as Everton outplayed, outclassed and out-passed an Arsenal team. The scoreline fully reflected the balance of the game as Everton completely deserved to come out as strong winners. Those three points mean that Everton go just one point behind Arsenal in the race for 4th spot but the question will be if they can continue to keep on winning until the end of the season - I'm not so sure. 
Arsenal have been notoriously very poor against the top teams in the league this season and today was no different. They were just simply not good enough, once again. I'm not really too sure why they crumble in the big games but they have consistently lost the really meaningful matches which cost them their title credentials and at this rate could cost them qualification for the champions league. Ramsay and Chamberlain both came on during the latter stages of the game and definitely changed the way Arsenal were playing for the better but the damage had already been done and there was too much left to do. Thankfully, for Arsenal fans, they are still have their champions league fate in their own hands and I fully expect them to finish 4th due to having managed to qualify for the last 17 years. 

Best Goal: Lukaku

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Super Sunday Game Week 32

Liverpool 4 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur Kaboul OG (2), Suarez (25), Coutinho (55), Henderson (75)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as a low cross from Johnson is bundled into the net by Kaboul from close range at the near side. Goal! 2-0, Suarez beats Kaboul to Dawson's backpass and scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Eriksen has a shot blocked before Sigurdsson has a header saved. Suarez has a header really well saved against the bar and bounces away off the line at the near side.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Henderson scuffs a a good chance over the bar. Goal! 3-0, Coutinho scores with a low shot from long range into the far bottom corner. Sturridge has a back heel effort block saved. Goal! 4-0, Henderson scores with a curling free kick across goal that goes untouched and in at the far side. Chadli has an effort that deflects over at the near side. Eriksen has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the near post.
Full Time: 4-0.
Liverpool 2>1st, 68>71pts
Tottenham 6th, 56pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Liverpool run riot over Spurs. It was another brilliant home performance from the reds who proved too much for Spurs with their pace and attack. A strong effort from the whole team led to four goals and a clean sheet which must have delighted the Kop. After taking an early lead, Liverpool eased themselves into the game and scored some more classy goals. Suarez was the main man and spearheaded the line from the front in his usual majestic style. That was a big win in terms of the title race as Liverpool move to the top of the league with that win and they look as though they could really win the title in this form.
Spurs started the game slowly and they failed to recover from it. They were outplayed for the majority of the game and conceded some sloppy goals through some average defending. Sherwood will be disappointed with his team today as they shot themselves in the foot for at least a couple of the goals. It looks like Spurs will need Arsenal to slip up a few times if they are to achieve 4th spot but I can't see them getting there with performance like today's. 

Fulham 1 v 3 Everton Stockdale OG (50), Dejagah (71), Mirallas (79), Naismith (87)
First Half: Holtby blazes a shot wide of the near post. Kasami heads wide of the near post. Richardson has a low shot saved at the near side. Deulofeu has a low shot saved at the near side. Holtby has a header back across goal tipped over the bar. Dembele has a header saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Everton take the lead as Naismith has a low shot from the edge of the box that is going wide deflects in off Stockdale. Lukaku has a low block saved. Goal! 1-1, Fulham equalise through Dejagah who cuts inside and fires a fierce strike into the top near corner. Heitinga has a close range header parried away at the near side. Kasami has a volley parried away. Goal! 1-2, Everton go back in front as Mirallas is played through on goal and tucks neatly past the keeper at the near side. Naismith has an effort saved by the onrushing keeper. Goal! 1-3, Everton seal victory as Naismith taps in from close range a low Baines cross into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-3.
Fulham 20th, 24pts
Everton 5th, 57>60pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Naismith. Everton march on at Craven Cottage. Fulham actually had the better of the first half but couldn't make it count as they went into half time level. They suffered an early setback in the second half and went behind via unlucky circumstances as the ball rebounded into the goal from Stockdale's attempted save. However, hopes were lifted after a thunderous strike from Dejagah saw them back on level terms but they just couldn't hang on as Everton's pressure eventually proved too much. Fulham may feel they could have taken a point but in the end that defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table. 
Everton started the game slowly and it took a while for them to get into their rhythm. They took the lead in the second half but were hanging on as Fulham threw everything at them which paid off thanks to Dejagah's equalizer. However, they soon turned the tables back in their favour thanks to two late goals from Mirallas and the very impressive substitute Naismith. It was clear for all to see that Naismith changed the game and looks set to start a few more games after a match winning performance. Everton keep their hopes of finishing 4th alive with that win and look set to push Arsenal all the way. 

Best Goal: Suarez, Coutinho, Dejagah, Mirallas. Winner: Dejagah.

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Midweek Football Game Week 31

Manchester United 0 v 3 Manchester City Dzeko (1,56), Yaya Toure (90)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, City take the lead in the opening minute as Nasri strikes against the near post with a low shot before Dzeko taps in the rebound from close range at the near side. Fellaini has a volley saved at the near side. Mata fires a shot over the bar.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, City double their lead as Dzeko volleys in from a corner at the near post. Goal! 0-3, Yaya Toure rounds off the night with a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 0-3.
Man United 7th, 51pts
Man City 3rd, 63>66pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dzeko. City too strong for United. It was a very poor performance from United who completely outclassed and outplayed. They really struggled to impose themselves in the game and never looked likely to score. It was another tough and embarrassing game to watch as United are clearly finding it difficult to play against the bigger and better teams this year. Bring on that transfer window!!
City started the game superbly and made the game extremely comfortable for themselves when they took the lead within the opening minute. It was pretty much a stroll in the park for City who were dominant, powerful and deserved to win. Another hammer blow to their local rivals and their title pursuit continues along strongly.

Arsenal 2 v 2 Swansea City Bony (11), Podolski (73), Giroud (74), Flamini OG (90)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Swansea take the lead as Bony scores with a powerful header at the near side.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Arsenal equalise as Podolski scores with a volley at the near side following a Gibbs cross. Goal! 2-1, Arsenal turn the game around and take the lead as Giroud latches onto a low cross from Podolski to score from close range, slotting past the keeper at the near side. Goal! 2-2, Swansea get a dramatic late equaliser as Britton has a low shot saved before the ball rebounds off Flamini and into his own net.
Full Time: 2-2.
Arsenal 4th, 62>63pts
Swansea 15th, 29>30pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Podolski. Flamini own goal scuppers Arsenal. Overall, it was a poor display from Arsenal who struggled to get going until the final third of the game. They went behind early on and it seemed to unsettle their game. However, a brilliant two minute spell saw them turn the game around in their favour and all seemed well again. Unfortunately, Flamini couldn't get out of the way of the keeper's save in the 90th minute and the groans came back at the Emirates. A disappointing result for the Gunners which puts yet another dent into the title bid this year.
Swansea definitely deserved to take away a point from the game although in the end it came from rather fortunate circumstances. They were the better team in the first half but were sloppy in the second which saw them go behind. The Swans will be pleased they did actually take a point but it could have been more.

Newcastle 0 v 3 Everton Barkley (22), Lukaku (52), Osman (87)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Everton take the lead through a spectacular goal from Barkley who runs from the halfway line to the edge of the Newcastle box before cutting across goal and past the defence and firing a shot into the near top corner.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Everton double their lead as a low Deulofeu cross finds Lukaku who scores with a sliding effort into the near top corner. Goal! 0-3, Everton round off a great night with another goal as Lukaku plays in Osman who rifles home a shot into the near top corner.
Full Time: 0-3.
Newcastle 8th, 46pts
Everton 6>5th, 54>57pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Barkley. Rampant Everton destroy Newcastle. It was a night to forget for the Toon army who had to witness yet another very poor performance from their team. Without Remy they are so so bad and they just can't find anything from anyone in their team. There is clearly no confidence or belief in any of their players and they are suffering terribly because of it. Luckily for Newcastle they are safe from relegation otherwise I would be very worried for them.
Everton were terrific and put in a very strong performance. It was a deserved resounding win whilst there were some huge displays from Barkley and co. Barkley's goal was simply incredible and is surely a contender for goal of the year. Amazing stuff and with that win, Everton move up one place into 5th.

Liverpool 2 v 1 Sunderland Gerrard (39), Sturridge (48), Ki (76)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as Gerrard scores with a free kick into the far top corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Liverpool double their lead as Sturridge cuts inside before firing a shot into the far top corner. Cattermole slices a shot that hits the crossbar. Sturridge strikes a shot from the edge of the box against the crossbar. Goal! 2-1, Sunderland half the deficit as Ki heads home at the far post from close range following a corner.
Full Time: 2-1.
Liverpool 2nd, 65>68pts
Sunderland 18th, 25pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Nervous Liverpool get job done. In the end Liverpool took those three points but it was not as easy as it may have seemed. Although they went 2-0 up, it was almost a case of hanging on to the lead, especially when Ki scored to make it 2-1. The crowd atmosphere got increasingly more tense and nervous which was echoed by the Liverpool players on the field. However, they held on and push ahead for that title.
Sunderland grew into the game as it went on but they were a completely different side when Poyet brought on both Ki and Johnson in the second half. Not sure why they didn't start but when they did come on Sunderland looked so much more threatening going forward. They got one goal back and looked like they might nick an equaliser but it was not to be. Poyet must be ruing his decision not to start them both as the match could have played out completely differently. That defeat means Sunderland are still in desperate times as they currently occupy that final relegation spot.

West Ham United 2 v 1 Hull City Noble (26pen), Jelavic (48), Chester OG (54)
First Half: Penalty! Diame is fouled inside the box by McGregor. OFF! McGregor is shown a straight red card for his foul. Goal! 1-0, West Ham take the lead as Noble slots the penalty home into the far side.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Hull equalise as a Huddlestone driven free kick deflects off Jelavic and into the near side. Goal! 2-1, West Ham restore their lead as Chester slices into his own far top corner trying to clear a cross.
Full Time: 2-1.
West Ham 14>11th, 31>34pts
Hull 12>13th, 33pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Noble. West Ham win ugly. It looks like West Ham are going to be safe from relegation with that win and that was the most important thing. The fans may boo the way they played but it is a results business and they need results in the position they find themselves. It may not have been pretty football but Allardyce has time to work on that if they stay up. With the extra man, West Ham looked reasonably comfortable playing out the match but they got a rather fortunate winning goal when Chester sliced into his own net. With that win, West Ham move up three places into 11th.
Hull were not at their best and were in fact extremely average. Losing their keeper in the first half for a straight red card limited their offensive play and it ultimately cost them tonight. They equalised early in the second half but Chester scoring an own goal didn't help them in the slightest in the tough position they were in already. One to forget for Hull as they fall down one place into 13th with that defeat.

Best Goal: Yaya Toure, Barkley, Gerrard, Osman, Sturridge. Winner: Barkley

League Leaders
1. Chelsea 69pts
2. Liverpool 68pts
3. Man City 66pts
4. Arsenal 63pts
5. Everton 57pts

Relegation Battle
16. West Brom 28pts
17. Crystal Palace 28pts
18. Sunderland 25pts
19. Cardiff 25pts
20. Fulham 24pts

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 31

Chelsea 6 v 0 Arsenal Eto'o (5), Schurrle (7), Hazard (12pen), Oscar (42,66), Salah (71)
First Half: Rosicky plays in Giroud who has a low shot saved. Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead as Schurrle plays the ball to Eto'o who cuts inside before scoring with a shot into the far corner. Goal! 2-0, Schurrle scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Penalty! Hazard has a shot across goal that is handled by Oxlade-Chamberlain. OFF! Amazingly, the referee wrongly sends Gibbs off instead. Goal! 3-0, Hazard scores from the spot putting it straight down the middle. Luiz has a low, long range shot deflected and parried past the near post. Goal! 4-0, Torres finds Oscar with a low cross and the Brazilian converts into the roof of the net at the near side from close range.
Half Time: 4-0.
Second Half: Torres goes past two defenders before having a shot blocked whilst Luiz has the rebounded shot saved at the near side. Oscar has a shot tipped over the bar. Goal! 5-0, Oscar scores with a low shot from long range that gets parried into the far top corner. Goal! 6-0, Salah gets played through on goal by a long ball and casually slots a low shot past the keeper at the near side.
Full Time: 6-0.
Chelsea 1st, 66>69pts
Arsenal 3>4th, 62pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Oscar. Rampant Chelsea thrash sorry Arsenal. It was a great start to the game for Chelsea, going 3-0 up inside the first quarter of an hour. They were just too strong for Arsenal and it was extremely obvious to see. With the extra man over Arsenal for the majority of the game they controlled the match and expertly killed Arsenal off with six goals to rub it in. Impressive performance by Chelsea who reinforce their title credentials. 
Arsenal would have had some nightmarish flashbacks to their exploits at Anfield as they were similarly out of the game in the opening twenty minutes as they were today here at Stamford Bridge. It was such a sluggish start by the Gunners who just got demolished by Chelsea early on. Things went from bad to worse for them as Chamberlain made a diving save to give away a penalty but somehow and quite astonishingly the referee sent Gibbs off instead in what clearly was a major mistake. Gibbs will have that red card rescinded but in the meantime they were blown off the pitch and it didn't make the slightest of differences to the end result. Very poor display which surely takes them out of the title race as they move down one place into 4th after that defeat. 

Cardiff City 3 v 6 Liverpool Mutch (9,88), Suarez (16,60,90 Hat-Trick), Campbell (25), Skrtel (41,54), Sturridge (75),
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Cardiff take the lead as Mutch scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-1, Liverpool equalise as Johnson has a low cross converted in by Suarez from close range at the near side. Goal! 2-1, Cardiff retake the lead as Campbell cuts inside and scores with shot into the far side. Goal! 2-2, Liverpool go back on level terms again as a Coutinho cross gets volleyed in by Skrtel from close range into the far side.
Half Time: 2-2.
Second Half: Goal! 2-3, Liverpool take the lead as a Coutinho corner gets headed in by Skrtel into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-4, Sturridge finds Suarez in the box with an audacious backheel who scores with a low shot into the near side. Goal! 2-5, Suarez finds Sturridge with a low cross and the Englishman scores with a low shot at the near side. Goal! 3-5, Jones heads the ball down to Mutch who heads into the far bottom corner. Goal! 3-6, A long ball finds Suarez who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner from close range.
Full Time: 3-6.
Cardiff 19th, 25pts
Liverpool 2nd 62>65pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Nine goal thriller at Cardiff. Cardiff actually took their chances well but conversely defended poorly which ultimately cost them anything from the game. I know Liverpool are very strong going forward but when you are fighting for survival, you just can't let in six goals at home. They were still in the game at half time at 2-2 but they couldn't cope with Liverpool's attacking prowess in the second half and paid for it big time. Not many people would have expected Cardiff to take anything from this game and they were proven right. Tough times ahead for Cardiff who look set to go down.
Liverpool were in a real dogfight in the first half and came out of it level. From then on though, there was only going to be one winner and they finished Cardiff off in real style. Suarez netted a hat-trick whilst Sturridge was pretty strong too. There are definitely some defensive areas where Liverpool need to work on but they are very much in contention for the title. 

Manchester City 5 v 0 Fulham Y. Toure (26pen,54pen,65 Hat-Trick), Fernandinho (84), Demichelis (88)
First Half: Milner has a driven shot across goal parried away. Woodrow has a low shot blocked before Richardson fires a low driven shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post. Penalty! Negredo is fouled inside the box by Amorebieta. Goal! 1-0, City take the lead as Yaya Toure scores from the spot with a low penalty into the near side. Kolarov strikes the bar with a driven shot across goal.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Penalty! Silva is fouled inside the box by Amorebieta. OFF! Amorebieta is shown a straight red card for the foul. Goal! 2-0, Yaya Toure scores from the spot with a low penalty into the near side again. Goal! 3-0, Yaya Toure completes his hat-trick with a long range curling wonder strike into the far side. Goal! 4-0, Fernandinho scores a screamer with a fiercely struck driven shot into the near top corner. Milner has a low shot parried behind at the near side. Goal! 5-0, Jovetic has a shot across goal parried straight to Demichelis who simply taps in from close range. Negredo puts an effort from close range wide of the far post.
Full Time: 5-0.
Man City 4>3rd, 60>63pts
Fulham 20th, 24pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Y. Toure. City hit five past Fulham. It was a pretty rampant display from City who were just too good for Fulham. Yaya Toure was instrumental, scoring a hat-trick whilst his third goal was simply outstanding. Fernandinho wasn't half bad either alongside him and they eased past Fulham comfortably. With that win, City move up one place into 3rd. 
Fulham endured a torrid afternoon. They gave away two penalties which pretty much gave the game away. Both penalties could have been avoided as Amorebieta had a shocker and was duly sent off. How can you have a chance at the Etihad with 11 men never mind only 10. Silly from the defender who cost his team today. Nobody expected anything else from the result today but Fulham are now getting ever more desperate with games running out. 

West Ham United 0 v 2 Manchester United Rooney (7,33)
First Half: Fellaini has a header blocked on the line by Carroll. Goal! 0-1, Man United take the lead as Rooney scores quite a spectacular volley from just inside the halfway line past the keeper as the ball bounces into the roof of the net. Carroll has a header saved. Mata has an effort saved. Nolan has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 0-2, Young has a cross not cleared by Noble which leaves Rooney to convert from close range at the near side.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Young has a curling shot saved. Fellaini has a penalty appeal turned down.
Full Time: 0-2.
West Ham 12>14th, 31pts
Man United 7th, 48>51pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Rooney at the double. West Ham were not at their best but they will not doubt argue that Rooney fouled their player for the first goal. I'm not convinced it was a foul but then again I'm bias towards United. Carroll was disappointing and didn't pose much of a threat up front which scuppered West Ham's chances of scoring. That defeat means the Hammers fall down two places into 14th and they still are not quite safe just yet.
That was a pretty solid performance from United who were defensively sound whilst Rooney was just on fire. The first goal he scored was quite simply incredible. To beat one man and volley the ball in from just inside the halfway line was quite spectacular to watch. I'm sure Beckham, who was in the crowd, was suitably impressed. I still preferred Beckham's halfway line goal just because it was so beautiful and majestic. 4th place still looks to far away but you never know and United just need to keep winning games. 

Norwich City 2 v 0 Sunderland Snodgrass (20), Tettey (32)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Norwich take the lead as Elmander lays the ball off to Snodgrass who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Van Wolfswinkel spurns a decent chance from a low cross. Goal! 2-0, Tettey scores a long range wonder volley into the far side. Bardsley has a penalty appeal turned down before Borini has a low shot across goal saved.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Van Wolfswinkel heads down into the ground and against the bar. Brown has a header from close range denied by a great save on the line at the near side. OFF! Alonso is shown a second yellow card and sent off.
Full Time: 2-0.
Norwich 15>13th, 29>32pts
Sunderland 18th, 25pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Tettey. Norwich seal vital victory. I thought that Norwich were good value for their win today and it was a massive three points over relegation threatened Sunderland. They played some decent football and deserved to win but what a goal Tettey scored. An absolute screamer of a wonder volley from long range that would be a worthy winning goal in any match. With those valuable three points, Norwich move up two places into 13th. 
Sunderland were pretty poor and just didn't get going in a match they were looking to win. It was suitably capped by petulance of Alonso who was rightly sent off for a second yellow card late on. A chance to get out of the relegation zone missed today but Poyet really needs to get his team going soon otherwise trouble looms ahead. 

Everton 3 v 2 Swansea City Baines (20pen), Bony (33), Lukaku (53), Barkley (58), Williams (90)
First Half: Penalty! Barkley is fouled inside the box by Chico Flores. Goal! 1-0, Everton take the lead as Baines scores from the spot slotting the ball over the keeper into the far side. Goal! 1-1, Swansea equalise as a low cross from Rangel finds Bony who simply taps the ball in from close range at the near side. Hernandez has a deflected free kick go just wide of the far post.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Everton go in front again as Mirallas puts a low cross in for Lukaku who taps in from close range at the near side. Goal! 3-1, Barkley heads in from a corner to the near bottom corner. Bony has a header parried away. Hernandez has a low shot saved. Goal! 3-2, Williams heads in from a corner to the far top corner.
Full Time: 3-2.
Everton 6th, 51>54pts
Swansea 14>15th, 29pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Barkley. Everton too good for Swansea. It was an impressive performance from Everton who looked dangerous every time they went forward. They took their chances and put themselves 3-1 ahead which pretty much sealed those three points. Martinez is doing a really good job with his Everton side and I think 4th place is achievable for them this year. 
For Swansea, it was a tale of five very disastrous minutes compared to a reasonable other 85. They were for large parts very much in the game but just lost their heads for five minutes after the break which cost them two very dear goals. They fought hard to get back in it and scored one late consolation goal but it just wasn't meant to be. With that defeat, Swansea fall one place to 15th.

Hull City 2 v 0 West Bromich Albion Rosenior (31), Long (38)
First Half: Dorrans has a volley across goal parried away. Penalty! Long is fouled inside the box by Dawson. Jelavic has his low penalty saved at the near side but Goal! 1-0, Hull take the lead as the rebound is headed in by Rosenior. Huddlestone has a driven shot from long range tipped over the bar. Goal! 2-0, Long scores with a tap in from close range into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Thievy heads wide of the near post. Anichebe has a header cleared off the line at the near side. Long strikes against the post with a curling shot from long range across goal. Morrison has a penalty appeal turned down.
Full Time: 2-0.
Hull 13>12th, 30>33pts
WBA 16th, 28pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Long. Hull too good for West Brom. It was a relatively easy game for Hull who were the better team today. They got off to a great start and deservedly scored twice before half time. Long was impressive and guided his team to victory by leading from the front. Three big points for Hull which moves them further away from the relegation zone and up one place into 12th.
West Brom had a poor first half but were much better in the second. The Baggies can feel disappointed that the referee Hull a penalty as it certainly looked like a dodgy decision to me. Nevertheless, the keeper made a top save to deny Jelavic from the spot but their defence wasn't quick enough to stop Rosenior reacting first to the rebound. Not the result they were hoping to come away with as the Baggies stay just above the drop in 16th.

Newcastle United 1 v 0 Crystal Palace Cisse (90)
First Half: Cisse has a volley parried away. Bolasie strikes a shot across goal just over the far top corner.
Half Time: 0-0
Second Half: Bolasie strikes a shot across goal against the top of the bar. Cisse has a low shot blocked by the keeper. Cisse heads over at the near side. Tiote has a blasted shot from long range parried against the bar. Goal! 1-0, Newcastle take the lead as Cisse heads in from a Ben Arfa cross into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-0.
Newcastle 9>8th, 43>46pts
Palace 17th, 28pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cisse. Cisse grabs late winner. It was a pretty typical performance from Newcastle who kept themselves in the game and scored a late winner to snatch all three points. Not sure the fans will be that happy with what they had to endure but three points is three points I suppose. With that win, Newcastle move up one place into 8th.
Palace created some chances but were just unable to take any of them. Bolasie was their best player and came closest a few times but not able to find the back of the net. Still, to come away with nothing must feel like absolute heartbreak. They deserved to take home a point from that game but were cruelly denied by Cisse's dramatic late winner. Disappointment for Palace who still lie just above the drop in 17th.

Best Goal: Eto'o, Schurrle, Suarez, Mutch, Y. Toure, Fernandinho, Rooney. Winner: Rooney.

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 30

Hull City 0 v 2 Manchester City Silva (14), Dzeko (90)
First Half: OFF! Jelavic tackles Kompany before Kompany wrestles Jelavic down, Kompany is the last man and is shown a straight red card. Goal! 0-1, Man City take the lead as Silva scores with a long range curling shot into the far side. Zabaleta strikes a volley from the edge of the box against the underside of the crossbar and the ball bounces away off the line at the near side. Livermore fires a low driven shot from long range wide of the near post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Long has a blast from the edge of the box saved. Jelavic has an effort saved at the near side. Boyd drives a shot over the bar. Boyd has a penalty claim turned down. Fernandinho is through on goal but drags a low shot wide across goal. Dzeko has a shot saved. Goal! 0-2, Silva plays in Dzeko who calmly slots a low shot past the keeper at the near side.
Full Time: 0-2.
Hull 13th, 30pts
Man City 4th, 57>60pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Silva. City find a way to win. Hull had the advantage of an extra man for the majority of the match but failed to capitalise as they struggled to find the back of the City net. They presses City more in the second half but a lack of creativity up front cost them today. From the position they found themselves in with the early red card, Hull missed out on taking something from the game. 
Man City showed some strong character to beat Hull today after losing their talisman Kompany early on. Jelavic had outmuscled Kompany which led to the City captain wrestling down the Hull striker to deny him going through on goal. It was a straight red card for me and the referee got it right as he was the last man and clearly denied a goal scoring opportunity. In the end, City coped really well without him as Silva scored a spectacular opening goal before Dzeko sealed the three points right at the end. 

Aston Villa 1 v 0 Chelsea Delph (82)
First Half: Benteke swivels and fires a low volley just wide across goal from the edge of the box. Matic has a goal ruled out for handball.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Oscar fires a shot high and wide across goal. Benteke hits a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. OFF! Willian is shown a second yellow card and sent off. Goal! 1-0, Villa take the lead as Albrighton's low cross finds Delph who scores with an audacious backheel flick into the far bottom corner. Delph has a low shot that deflects off Terry and strikes the bar. OFF! Ramires is shown a straight red card for a two footed challenge. OFF! Mourinho is sent to the stands for enquiring the referee.
Full Time: 1-0.
Villa 11th>10th, 31>34pts
Chelsea 1st, 66pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Delph. Villa defeat sorry Chelsea. What a huge performance and win that was for Villa. They put in a really determined effort to contain Chelsea today and it paid off big time. Benteke proved a handful up top whilst Delph was instrumental for Villa. They were able to take more control of the game once Willian was sent off and Delph took full advantage by scoring a quite incredible goal. Chelsea lost their cool and it was pretty comfortable for Villa to hold on for the shock victory. With that win, Villa move up one place into 10th.
Chelsea were very poor today and just didn't get going. They failed to create chances in front of the Villa goal and paid a heavy price for their poor discipline. Both Willian and Ramires were sent off whilst Mourinho was sent into the stands. Willian may feel hard done by for his second yellow but Ramires can have no complaints with his horror tackle. They were close to holding on for a point but were denied by a world class goal from Delph who gave Chelsea a real setback in their title bid ambitions. Despite losing, Chelsea remain at the top of the table but City have games in hand that could see them overtake them. 

Swansea City 1 v 2 West Bromich Albion Lamah (2), Sessegnon (52), Mulumbu (85)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Swansea take the lead as Lamah cuts inside before scoring with a low shot into the far side from an acute angle. Anichebe has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Bony has an effort from close range parried away. De Guzman puts an effort wide of the near post. Williams heads against the ground and just over the bar following a corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, West Brom equalise as Sessegnon scores with a low strike from long range that goes in at the near side. Swansea have a penalty appeal turned down. De Guzman runs past the Baggies defence before having a low shot saved. Goal! 1-2, West Brom take the lead as Mulumbu scores with a low placed shot from the edge of the box that goes in via the inside of the far post.
Full Time: 1-2.
Swansea 14th, 29pts
West Brom 17th>16th, 25>28pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Mulumbu. Mulumbu seals important win for West Brom. Swansea were clearly better in the first half and led going into half time. However, a very sloppy and average second half performance saw them concede twice and lose the match. Disappointing result for the Swans who will want to get past 30 points sooner rather than later. 
West Brom sealed three very important points at the Liberty stadium which pushes them that little bit further away from the relegation zone. They were so much better in the second half, showing some real fighting spirit that led to them turning the game around and scoring twice. Their first win in eight games sees the Baggies move up one place into 16th. 

Everton 2 v 1 Cardiff City Deulofeu (59), Cala (68), Coleman (90)
First Half: Mirallas has a curling shot parried away from the far side. Deulofeu has a penalty appeal turned down. Campbell has a low shot really well saved. Deulofeu has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the far post. Lukaku has a curling shot from the edge of the box really well tipped over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Campbell has a low shot from an acute angle parried past the near post. Goal! 1-0, Everton take the lead as Deulofue scores with a low shot that deflects off Caulker and in at the near side. Goal! 1-1, Cardiff equalise as Cala scores with an effort from close range at the near side following a Whittingham free kick. Lukaku has a shot from the edge of the box that takes a deflection and is stopped by a great save at the far post. Zaha has a penalty appeal turned down. Barkley has a header saved from close range. Goal! 2-1, Everton take the lead again as Barry heads back to Coleman who slices in an effort at the near side.
Full Time: 2-1.
Everton 7th>6th, 48>51pts
Cardiff 18th>19th, 25pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Coleman seals late Everton victory. Everton played some good football and managed to find a way to win right at the death as Coleman sliced in his shot which beat the despairing Cardiff defenders and keeper on the line. An important three points picked up for the Toffees who still maintain their push for a champions league spot. With that win, Everton move up one place into 6th.
What a major blow for Cardiff who looked set to have claimed a vital point. After going behind, they levelled soon after and defended tremendously to fight for a point but it was not to be. Marshall had a great game yet they still conceded twice which shows some of the woes Cardiff have been facing this season. Campbell had some decent chances but was unable to take one, proving costly to their cause. After that loss, Cardiff drop one place down into 19th and facing a gloomy task to avoid relegation. 

Southampton 4 v 2 Norwich City Schneiderlin (5), Lambert (57), Rodriguez (72), Elmander (85), Snodgrass (86), Gallagher (90)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Saints take an early lead as Schneiderlin gets played in on goal before slotting a shot into the far bottom corner. Hooper slices a shot wide of the near post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Ward-Prowse has a driven shot from long range parried past the near post. Goal! 2-0, Lambert makes a nice turn before coolly slotting a low shot in at the near side. Do Prado has an effort block saved before Goal! 3-0, Rodriguez scores from close range into an open goal. Rodriguez strikes a curling shot from long range against the bar. Goal! 3-1, Norwich pull a goal back as Elmander gets played through on goal intercepting a Fonte backpass, before scoring with a low shot under the keeper. Goal! 3-2, Norwich score again straight after as Van Wolfswinkel has a shot from the edge of the box across goal parried to Snodgrass who slots home into the near side. Goal! 4-2, Saints restore parity as Davis breaks quickly before playing in Gallagher who has his first attempt parried before slotting in the rebound.
Full Time: 4-2.
Saints 9th>8th, 42>45pts
Norwich 15th, 29pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lambert. Saints make life harder for themselves. Southampton eases their way to a 3-0 lead, looking very comfortable and controlling the game. However, instead of seeing the game out they had a mad two minutes, letting Norwich back into the game at 3-2. A nervy final five minutes saw the Saints restore some parity as Gallagher slotted home to seal three points. Overall, another fine display from the Saints and their England trio up front. With that win, the Saints move up one place into 8th.
It was a very poor performance from Norwich who were outplayed for 70 minutes and seemingly out of the game. Amazingly, they got themselves back to within one goal after scoring twice in as many minutes. It set up a thrilling final few minutes but they couldn't find an equaliser, ending up conceding another to end the game. Not the result Norwich were looking for as they sit loomingly above the relegation zone. 

Stoke City 3 v 1 West Ham United Carroll (5), Odemwingie (45,79), Arnautovic (69)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, West Ham take the lead as Carroll heads in from a Noble free kick at the far post. Ireland has a shot stopped by a great parry at the far post. Crouch has a low dragged shot deflected wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Stoke equalise as Crouch heads downwards from a corner to Odemwingie who finished from close range.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Carroll has a low shot parried away. Nolan has a goal ruled out for offside. Goal! 2-1, Stoke take the lead as Arnautovic glides past the defence before scoring with a low shot into the near side. West Ham have a handball penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 3-1, Stoke consolidate their lead with another goal as a fast break leads to Ireland playing the ball into Odemwingie who fires a shot past the keeper at the near side.
Full Time: 3-1.
Stoke 12th>11th, 31>34pts
West Ham 10th>12th, 31pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ireland. Odemwingie at the double. Stoke played some decent football today and came out comfortable winners. There were some impressive performances from Ireland and Odemwingie who ran the show for Stoke today. Hughes will be pleased along with the Stoke faithful as they move up one place into 11th with those three points. 
West Ham made a good start to the game, taking the lead within the opening first five minutes. They struggled from thereafter though and went behind in the 79th minute. Allardyce will no doubt claim they should have had a penalty as it looked like one of the Stoke players handled the ball inside the box but the referee adjudged it was not deliberate or just didn't see it. Nonetheless, they let in another and the game was gone. With that defeat, the Hammers fall two places into 12th. 

Fulham 1 v 0 Newcastle United Dejagah (68)
First Half: Holtby has a curling shot from the edge of the box parried over the far top corner. Cisse has an effort parried just wide of the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Kasami has a shot blocked before Heintinga has a long range shot deflected over the keeper and against the underside of the bar, bouncing away off the line and Woodrow has a goal ruled out for being offside. Cisse has a shot parried away. Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead as Dejagah scores with a low shot from long range that goes through the keeper and into the far bottom corner. Heitinga has a penalty appeal turned down against him.
Full Time: 1-0.
Fulham 20th, 21>24pts
Newcastle 8th>9th, 43pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dejagah. Dejagah seals huge win for Fulham. That was simply a massive result for Fulham who are in desperate trouble of going down. It was a fortunate goal but nonetheless one that keeps Fulham's hopes of survival afresh. To keep a clean sheet should give them and Magath some much needed confidence and belief that survival is still on. 
Overall, that was a pretty dreadful display from Newcastle. A very disappointing result for the Toon army who look awful without Remy up front. Thankfully for Newcastle they are safe in mid-table because they would be in a horrid situation if they needed some results. With that defeat, Newcastle drop one place into 9th. 

Sunderland 0 v 0 Crystal Palace
First Half: Fletcher heads over the bar. Ince has a long range volley saved. Borini puts an overhead kick across goal over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Borini has a header parried away from the far side. Altidore turns on the ball and has a shot parried behind at the near side. Borini blasts a shot against the near post before curling a shot from the edge of the box just over the far top corner. Dikacoi fires a shot wide across goal.
Full Time: 0-0.
Sunderland 19th>18th, 24>25pts
Palace 16th>17th, 27>28pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Borini. Goalless draw at the stadium of Light. It was an average performance from Sunderland who were defensively okay but lacking up front. They created more chances and came closest through Fletcher who headed against the bar but the Palace net remained untouched throughout. It will be viewed as a point gained for the black cats who move up one place into 18th but they need to start winning games to get themselves to safety.
A decent point for Palace who really needed to avoid defeat today. They contained Sunderland well but didn't threaten the Sunderland goal too much. Pulis will be satisfied as they continue their fight to avoid the drop. With that draw, Palace drop one place into 17th. 

Best Goal: Silva, Delph, Sessegnon, Deulofeu, Schneiderlin, Odemwingie, Dejagah. Winner: Delph.

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 28

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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