Soccer Saturday Game Week 33

Manchester City 4 v 1 Southampton Yaya Toure (3pen), Lambert (37pen), Nasri (45+1), Dzeko (45+4), Jovetic (81)
First Half: Penalty! Dzeko is fouled inside the box by Fonte. Goal! 1-0, City take the lead as Yaya Toure slots a low penalty into the far bottom corner. Dzeko heads against the top of the bar from close range at the far post. Penalty! Cork is fouled by Zabaleta inside the box. Goal! 1-1, Saints level as Lambert scores from the spot with a strike into the far side. Goal! 2-1, City regain the lead at the end of the first half as Silva lays the ball off to Nasri who scores with a low shot from close range under keeper. Goal! 3-1, Dzeko doubles City's lead deep into first half injury time with a close range header that goes in via the inside of the far post following Kolarov's cross.
Half Time: 3-1.
Second Half: Dzeko has a shot parried at the near side. Lambert drags a low shot wide across goal. Goal! 4-1, a low Navas cross beats everyone, leaving Jovetic to tap in from close range.
Full Time: 4-1.
Man City 3rd, 67>70pts
Saints 8th, 48pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Silva. City find a way past Saints. Although City won by three goals, I felt that the scoreline was a fair reflection of the way the match was competed. They clearly were not at their sizzling best and were on the back foot for the majority of the first half. However, decisions definitely went in their favour as Silva was at least a yard offside for their second goal which then lead to their third just before half time. During the second half they improved and Jovetic came off the bench to score. Three points in the bag and the hunt for the title continues. 
Southampton outplayed City for most of the first half and it was a travesty that they went into half time 3-1 down. Fonte made a ridiculous tackle on Dzeko to give away a really stupid penalty but Lambert levelled from the spot deep into the first half which gave a much fairer reflection of the game. However, Saints were dealt a harsh blow when Rodriguez was stretchered off after falling awkwardly which proved to be a massive blow. They should have gone into half time level at 1-1 but they wrongly went behind to an offside goal . That seemed to change the whole complexion of the match and they couldn't get themselves back into the game. Very cruel on the Saints who will can feel harshly done by after that result. 

Chelsea 3 v 0 Stoke City Salah (32), Lampard (61), Willian (72)
First Half: Torres drags a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Willian has a deflected shot from the edge of the box parried away at the far side. Lampard has a low shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Torres has an effort smothered by the keeper. Torres has a penalty claim turned down. Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead through Salah who lashes home into the far side from a low Matic cross. Ivanovic has a goal ruled out for offside.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Penalty! Wilkinson fouls Salah inside the box. Lampard has his penalty parried at the near side before Goal! 2-0, Lampard follows his saved penalty up by slotting in the rebound from close range. Goal! 3-0, Willian scores with a lovely strike from the edge of the box into the far side.
Full Time: 3-0.
Chelsea 2nd, 69>72pts
Stoke 10th, 40pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Willian. Chelsea cruise to victory at Stamford Bridge. That was a much better performance from Chelsea who eased past Stoke at a canter. The day was made even better for the home fans when Lampard netted his 250th goal for Chelsea which is quite a spectacular return from midfield. Salah opened the scoring whilst Willian rounded the goals off after a putting in a man of the match performance. Chelsea march on and remain in close pursuit of leaders Liverpool.  
Stoke were pretty poor but then again they were outplayed and couldn't get themselves on the ball for the majority of the game. They spent most of the match defending and failed to create an offensive chance of note. Their best moment came when their keeper saved Lampard's penalty but Lampard scored from the rebound which really summed up Stoke's day. 

Cardiff City 0 v 3 Crystal Palace Puncheon (31,88), Ledley (71)
First Half: Dikacoi scuffs an effort wide of the near post. Campbell has a header parried round the near post. Campbell puts an effort wide of the near post. Goal! 0-1, Palace take the lead through Puncheon who scores with a low shot into near side.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Daehli has a penalty appeal turned down. Jones has a header headed away by the defence. Goal! 0-2, Chamakh has a header parried to Ledley who taps in from the rebound at the near side. Campbell heads wide of the far post from a corner. Goal! 0-3, Puncheon scores with a curling strike from the edge of the box into the far top corner.
Full Time: 0-3.
Cardiff18>19th, 26pts
Palace 16>14th, 31>34pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Puncheon. Palace run rampant in Cardiff. It was another very poor performance from Cardiff who didn't take their chances and ran out of be ideas and belied going forward. Campbell came closest to scoring for the home side but had his header pushed past the post. A really disappointing result for Cardiff who fall down one place into 19th after that result. Things are getting increasingly more desperate for Cardiff now and they need to start winning quickly. 
Palace were by far the better team and deserved to win by such a huge margin. The gulf in class and style between the two teams was far apart whilst Puncheon played an instrumental part in sealing the three points. Pulis has worked wonders for the team and they deserve everything they get. With that win, Palace move up two places into 14th and look well on their way to safety. 

Aston Villa 1 v 2 Fulham Richardson (61), Holt (70), Rodallega (86)
First Half: Bacuna has a low shot across goal parried away. Woodrow has a low shot parried away at the near side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Bacuna has a strike from an acute angle parried against the near post. Goal! 0-1, Fulham take the lead through Richardson who scores a screamer from the edge of the box into the far top corner. Goal! 1-1, Villa equalise as Holt heads into the far bottom corner from a corner. Holtby has a low effort cleared off the line by Lowton. Tonev has a shot across goal from the edge of the box parried over the far top corner. Goal! 1-2, Fulham regain the lead as Rodallega scores with a glancing header into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-2.
Villa 12>13th, 34pts
Fulham 20>18th, 24>27pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Holtby. Rodallega gives Fulham hope. Villa will be gutted to have lost that game but they were defensively questionable. Bacuna proved to be their greatest threat going forward but chances were few and far between for Villa. They got themselves back on level terms through Holt heading home but they just couldn't hang on for a point. That defeat means Villa fall one place down into 13th with one eye still on the relegation zone. 
Massive result for Fulham who desperately needed those three points. They looked like they wanted it more today and went ahead via an absolute screamer from Richardson - great strike. However, after conceding an equalizer it could easily have gone wrong for Fulham but they fought back and scored the winner as Rodallega managed to head the ball in. Those three points mean that Fulham move off the bottom of the table and up two spots into 18th. There is hope for Fulham yet of surviving the drop. 

Norwich City 0 v 1 West Bromich Albion Amalfitano (16)
First Half: Amalfitano fires a shot into the side-netting. Elmander scuffs a shot from the edge of the box over and wide. Goal! 0-1, West Brom take the lead through Amalfitano who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Vydra has a shot parried away at the near side. Elmander has a header parried past the near post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Hooper strikes a shot against the bar from a wide angle. Snodgrass has a free kick tipped against the bar. Berahino has an effort from a close acute angle blocked at the near post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Norwich 15>17th, 32pts
West Brom 17>16th, 29>32pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Amalfitano. Baggies move closer to safety at Carrow Road. Norwich were pretty poor and spurred all the chances they had. Elmander had a header saved whilst Hooper came closest to scoring for the Canaries after striking a shot against the crossbar. However, with their horrid fixture list coming up in the last four games of the season, Norwich needed a result of some sorts today and they didn't get it. Worrying times at Carrow Road where Norwich drop two places down to 17th after that defeat, leaving them on the cusp of relegation. 
West Brom were themselves in need of a positive result today and they got one thanks to Amalfitano. It will give them a huge boost going into the last part of the season as they climb above Norwich with those three points to go 16th. Pepe Mel, along with the Baggies faithful, will be feeling much happier about their prospects of staying up now and I'm backing them to do so. 

Newcastle United 0 v 4 Manchester United Mata (39,50), Hernandez (65), Januzaj (90+3)
First Half: Hernandez has an effort that deflects wide of the near post. Cisse has a header turned over the bar. Goal! 0-1, Man United take the lead through Mata who who scores with a free kick into the near top corner. Hernandez strikes a low shot against the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Hernandez finds Mata with a low cross before the Spaniard cuts inside past the defender and scores with a low shot from close range. Goal! 0-3, Kagawa cuts the ball back to Hernandez who scores with a low shot from close range. Cisse has a shot across goal parried away. Cisse has an effort denied by a great point blank save. Goal! 0-4, Januzaj plays a nice one-two with Mata before scoring with a low shot into the near side.
Full Time: 0-4.
Newcastle 9th, 46pts
Man United 7th, 54>57pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Mata. Man United put four past sorry Newcastle. It's all looking rather gloomy on Tyneside these days as Newcastle once again don't turn up and get thumped. It was a really poor display whilst Cisse spurned chances up front. Their season has dramatically gone downhill since Christmas and the end cannot come quickly enough for them. 
On the other hand, Man United revelled in victory today as Moyes finally got a solid performance from his players. Mata and Kagawa proved instrumental in midfield which resulted in Mata netting a brace whilst Hernandez and Januzaj rounded off a comfortable afternoon's work. Pretty pleased with that result but begrudging why the players can't excel like that every week. 

Hull City 1 v 0 Swansea City Boyd (39)
First Half: Long has a close range volley denied by a great point blank save at the near post. Boyd has a low shot saved at the near side. Routledge has a long range chip shot saved. Jelavic fires a free kick over at the near side. Goal! 1-0, Hull take the lead through Boyd who heads in a Rosenior cross from close range at the far side.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Shelvey has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Dyer fires a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Hernandez drags a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Hull 14>12th, 33>36pts
Swansea 13>15th, 33pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Davies. Hull move closer to safety. That was just what Hull needed as it moves them ever closer to safety from the drop. They played pretty well and took their chance as Boyd headed in the winner. Hull enjoyed more chances during the first half and managed to keep Swansea out in the second. That victory means that Hull move up two places into 12th.
Swansea were poor in front of goal and on another day could have won this match. It was pretty disappointing all round for the Swans who just had an off day. They pressed for an equalizer in the second half but it just didn't come as Shelvey, Dyer and Hernandez all failed to find the back of the net. Swansea will need a few more positive results as that defeat moves them down two places into 15th. 

Best Goal: Willian, Puncheon, Richardson, Amalfitano, Mata. Winner: Richardson

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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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