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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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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Soccer Saturday Game Week 32

Crystal Palace 1 v 0 Chelsea Terry OG (52)
First Half: Schurrle puts a sliding effort from close range just wide of the far post following a low cross from Azpilicueta. Bolasie puts an effort into the side-netting. Jerome has a penalty appeal turned down. Bolasie has a penalty appeal turned down.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Palace take the lead as Terry heads into his own net at the near side trying to clear away a cross. Hazard has a low shot from the edge of the box across goal parried away. Puncheon fires a low shot from the edge of the box across goal just wide of the far post. Terry heads just over the bar. Hazard has a shot across goal superbly parried behind. Jerome hits a low shot against the near post. Ledley volleys wide across goal. Puncheon has a driven shot saved at the near side. Torres chips an effort over the bar.
Full Time: 1-0.
Palace 17>16th, 28>31pts
Chelsea 1>2nd, 69pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Speroni. Palace upset Chelsea at Selhurst Park. That was a miraculous performance from the Palace players who simply wanted to win more than Chelsea did. They battled hard throughout and kept Chelsea at bay for most of the game. The goal came by rather fortunate circumstances as Terry headed into his own net but I can't say they didn't to deserve a goal. Speroni had one of those games where nothing was going to get past him. He made a number of really important and top saves to keep out Chelsea. Very impressive and it will give them a huge boost in their bid for survival. I think they'll be okay after that and Pulis is doing a marvellous job there. With those three points, Palace move up one place into 16th. 
Chelsea were poor and failed to get going. It was a very similar performance to the one when they lost 1-0 away to Villa. Hazard and Torres were not on form as a lack of a cutting edge up front was plain to see. Mourinho and Chelsea will be devastated after losing that game as they fall behind Liverpool in the title race. Things need to improve away from home for Chelsea who are playing themselves out of the title race. With that defeat, Chelsea fall one place down into 2nd.  

Arsenal 1 v 1 Manchester City Silva (18), Flamini (53)
First Half: Navas curls a shot just wide of the far post. Rosicky has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 0-1, City take the lead as Dzeko strikes a fierce shot against the near post but Silva is on hand to tap in the rebound from close range at the near side. Flamini has a goal ruled out for offside.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Dzeko puts a close range effort just wide of the near post. Cazorla has a low shot from long range parried away. Goal! 1-1, Arsenal equalise as a low Podolski cross is slotted in by Flamini whose effort finds the far bottom corner. Podolski has a low shot blocked past the near post. Fernandinho has a long range driven shot tipped over the bar. Yaya Toure has an effort blocked before Dzeko has a shot that deflects wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-1.
Arsenal 4th, 63>64pts
Man City 3rd, 66>67pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Flamini. Arsenal hold City at the Emirates. It was a slow start to the game from Arsenal who didn't really get going until the second half where they then looked like the better team. Flamini took his goal really well as the momentum shifted in the favour of Arsenal but they couldn't find a second and seemed to settle for a point. A win would have put Arsenal back in the title race but a point just might not cut it as they fall further behind Liverpool. 
City started the game strongly and deservedly took the lead through David Silva. However, they couldn't make their dominance pay as they only went into half time one goal up. They were left to rue that as they spent most of the second half on the back foot. They struggled to create much going forward and ended up trying to contain Arsenal. They conceded shortly into the second half and spent most of the rest of the half holding on for a point. In the end it was a point gained for City but I felt it could have been two more had they really gone for it.  

West Bromich Albion 3 v 3 Cardiff City Amalfitano (2), Dorrans (9), Mutch (30), Caulker (73), Thievy (90+4), Daehli (90+5)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, West Brom take the lead as Amalfitano scores with a long range shot/cross into the far top corner. Morrison has a volley denied by a great save across goal. Goal! 2-0, West Brom double their lead as Vydra lays the ball off to Dorrans who scores with a low shot from close range into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-1, Cardiff halve the deficit as Mutch scores with a long range shot/cross into the far top corner.
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Vydra has a low shot blocked before Morrison blazes a shot over the bar. Goal! 2-2, Cardiff equalise as Caulker heads into the far top corner from Medel's free kick. Daehli has a low shot across goal saved. Goal! 3-2, West Brom score a dramatic late goal as a low cross falls to Thievy who scores with a low shot under the keeper at the near side. Goal! 3-3, Amazingly Cardiff equalise in the dying moments as Turner lays the ball off to Daehli who swivels and fires a shot into the near top corner.
Full Time: 3-3.
West Brom 16>17th, 28>29pts
Cardiff 19>18th, 25>26pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Caulker. Six goal thriller at the Hawthorns. West Brom got off to a lightning quick start as they were two goals up in the first ten minutes. However, some sloppy defending in the second half saw them fall back to 2-2. They must have thought that they had won the match in the 94th minute as Thievy put them ahead at 3-2 and I certainly presumed they had. Incredibly, they failed to see the game out as Cardiff equalised in the 95th minute. Unbelievable scenes but it really was a case of two vitally important points lost. With that point, the Baggies still fall one place down into 17th.
Cardiff had a disastrous start to the game and will bemoan their defending early on in the game. However, they fought back valiantly and managed to get themselves back on level terms. Cardiff must have thought they had cruelly lost the game when they conceded a late injury time goal but they threw everyone forward and took that one last chance as Daehli skilfully scored into the top corner. Amazing game and finale. Cardiff desperately needed something from that game and they will savour a point from how things developed. They are still in trouble but that point moves them up one place into 18th.

Swansea City 3 v 0 Norwich City De Guzman (30,38), Routledge (75)
First Half: Michu fires a shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Routledge has a close range effort parried away. Goal! 1-0, Swansea take the lead as De Guzman scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-0, De Guzman plays a nice one-two with Bony before scoring with a deft chip over the keeper into the far bottom corner. Martin has a volley saved at the near side.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Snodgrass has a low volley cleared off the line. Goal! 3-0, Shelvey plays in Routledge who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 3-0.
Swansea 15>13th, 30>33pts
Norwich 14>15th, 32pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was De Guzman. Swansea ease past Norwich. That was a pretty solid and confident display from Swansea who comfortably defeated Norwich by three. They scored some really good goals whilst De Guzman in particular put in a brilliant performance. Exactly what Swansea needed after a sluggish few weeks and three points that moves them safely towards the middle of the table. With that win, the Swans move up two places into 13th.
Norwich were largely outplayed and looked second best all afternoon. They came closest through Snodgrass who had an effort cleared off the line but apart from that there really weren't too many positive things to write home about. Everyone knows how tough a run in Norwich have and they will be desperate to pick up some points from their next couple of games. With that defeat, Norwich drop down one place into 15th. 

Manchester United 4 v 1 Aston Villa Westwood (13), Rooney (20,45pen), Mata (57), Hernandez (90+1)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Villa take the lead as Westwood scores with a free kick into the near top corner. Clark heads over the bar. Goal! 1-1, United equalise through Rooney who heads in a Kagawa cross into the far bottom corner. Penalty! Mata is fouled inside the box by Bacuna. Goal! 2-1, United take the lead as Rooney slots the penalty into the far side.
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Benteke spurns a decent chance and fires wide of the near post. Benteke heads just over the bar. Goal! 3-1, Mata scores with a low shot into the near bottom corner. Rooney has a shot stopped by a great save. Benteke spurns another chance on the slide. Goal! 4-1, Hernandez volleys in from a Januzaj cross at the far post.
Full Time: 4-1.
Man United 7th, 51>54pts
Villa 12th, 34pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. United put four past Villa. I feared the worst when Villa went ahead but in the end United had too much for Villa going forward. There are definitely still some uncertainties at the back but Mata, Kagawa an Rooney were are playing well in attack. The game changed when United went ahead on the stroke of half time and once Mata scored his first goal for United everything seemed rosy. Four goals and three points later, Moyes will feel lots of relief as well as plenty of United fans. 
Villa took the lead thanks to a brilliant free kick from Westwood but failed to capitalise as they defended poorly from then onwards. Bacuna slid in on Mata and gave away a silly penalty which put them behind going into half time. Benteke really should have scored today and missed some really good chances for Villa. On another day, the result could have turned out differently but today Villa were soundly beaten. 

Southampton 4 v 0 Newcastle United Rodriguez (45+1,89), Lambert (49), Lallana (70)
First Half: Rodriguez puts an effort into the side-netting. Rodriguez has a header parried away. Ward-Prowse puts an effort into the side-netting. Lambert has an effort saved. Rodriguez has a close range effort parried away. Goal! 1-0, Saints take the lead just before half time as Lambert squares the ball across to Rodriguez who converts at the near side.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Lambert fires into the near top corner from close range from Lallana's cross. Goal! 3-0, Lallana scores with a long range thunderbolt into the top near corner. Cisse puts a low shot into the side-netting. Goal! 4-0, Rodriguez cuts inside and scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner under the keeper.
Full Time: 4-0.
Saints 9>8th, 45>48pts
Newcastle 8>9th, 46pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Saints cruise past Newcastle. It was a very strong, deserved and dominant performance from the Saints who comfortably put four past a sorry Newcastle. The England trio up front scored the goals once again for Southampton as they vie for a spot on the plane to Brazil. Rodriguez scored twice but could have had another whilst Lallana scored an absolute corker from long range that rifled past Krul. Things are looking very bright down on the south coast and with that win, Southampton move up one place into 8th.
Newcastle were outplayed and looked simply woeful. Their fans must be thankful they are safe from relegation because that was yet another worrying display from them. They were pretty much steam rollered aside and couldn't get into the game at all. It's almost as if they are booking their summer holidays already because they certainly aren't up to scratch out on a football pitch these days. With that defeat, Newcastle move down one place into 9th. 

Stoke City 1 v 0 Hull City Odemwingie (62)
First Half: Huddlestone has a long range driven shot parried past the far post. Rosenior heads over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Crouch has an effort that deflects wide of the post. Odemwingie has a low shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Meyler has long range shot that takes a deflection and is parried before Jelavic hits the rebound wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as Odemwingie scores with a low shot into the near side. Ireland has a shot from the edge of the box palmed over the bar.
Full Time: 1-0.
Stoke 10th, 37>40pts
Hull 13>14th, 33pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Begovic. Odemwingie strike sinks Hull. Stoke should heap huge amounts of praise upon their keeper today as Begovic pulled off some top saves to keep Hull at bay. They created more chances in the second half and eventually took the lead just after the hour mark through Odemwingie who took his goal well. Not the most entertaining of games but Stoke will be pleased they got the job done and took all three points. 
Hull had the better of the first half but just came across a keeper who was in great form. I'm amazed they didn't score through the chances they had but like I said earlier, Begovic made some top saves. Hull will be desperately disappointed to have come away with nothing but that's just the way it went today. With that loss, Hull fall one place to 14th. 

Best Goal: Flamini, Amalfitano, Mutch, Daehli, De Guzman, Westwood, Lallana, Odemwingie. Winner: Lallana.

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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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