Showing posts with label #SuperSunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #SuperSunday. Show all posts

Monday, 5 May 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 33

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



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

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



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

Best Goal: Lukaku

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Sunday, 27 April 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 32

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



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

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



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

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

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Friday, 18 April 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 31

Tottenham Hotspur 3 v 2 Southampton Rodriguez (19), Lallana (26), Eriksen (31,46), Sigurdsson (90)
First Half: Lallana fires a shot from the edge of the box across goal over the top of the far corner. Goal! 0-1, Saints take the lead as a nicely worked out free kick takes Rodriguez through on goal before scoring with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-2, Lambert plays in Lallana who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-2, Spurs get one back as Eriksen latches onto a cross before scoring with a low shot from close range at the near side. Lallana has a shot saved at the near side. Eriksen has a close range effort saved.
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Goal! 2-2, Spurs equalise as Soldado fires in a low cross which is converted by Eriksen at the far post with a close range tap in. Eriksen fires a shot into the side-netting. Goal! 3-2, Spurs take the lead in the 90th minute as Sigurdsson scores with a low driven shot from long range into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 3-2.
Spurs 5th, 53>56pts
Saints 8>9th, 45pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Sigurdsson seals Spurs comeback. It was a slow start to the game from Spurs who were 2-0 down within the opening half an hour. However, they dug deep and managed to pull off a spectacular comeback thanks the brilliance of Eriksen and Sigurdsson. That was an important result for Spurs as their manager Tim Sherwood has come under fire in recent weeks. I'm sure the win will keep the Spurs faithful happy but they need to improve defensively. 
Southampton made a great start to the game and deservedly went two goals up. They may argue that their players were fouled in the build up to some of the Spurs goals but c'est la vie. The England trio of Rodriguez, Lallana and Lambert were at full throttle but the manager will be disappointed they conceded so early after half time. They were put under more pressure in the second half and it eventually told as Sigurdsson scored a dramatic late winner. Disappointment for the Saints who could have and probably should have taken something back to St Mary's. That defeat means the Saints drop one place down to 9th. 

Aston Villa 1 v 4 Stoke City Benteke (5), Odemwingie (22), Crouch (26), N'Zonzi (42), Cameron (90)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Villa take the lead as Benteke smashes in at the near side. Odemwingie has a shot from the edge of the box that deflects just wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Stoke level as Odemwingie holds off Bertrand before scoring with a low shot under the keeper. Goal! 1-2, Stoke take the lead as Crouch latches onto a low Pieters cross before slotting a shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-3, Stoke double their lead as N'Zonzi scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 1-3
Second Half: Benteke has a penalty appeal turned down. Odemwingie has a long range blast parried away. Goal! 1-4, Arnautovic finds Cameron with a cross before the American slots a shot home into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-4.
Villa 10>11th, 34pts
Stoke 11>10th, 34>37pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Arnautovic. Rampant Stoke thrash Villa. Aston Villa made a strong start to the game and took an early lead through Benteke. However, for much of the game they were second best. They were completely outplayed by Stoke and were a completely different side to the one that defeated Chelsea. Too many times they gave the Stoke players time and space on the ball and they got severely punished. Lambert will not be satisfied with that performance today and has his work cut out to motivate the Villa players for every game, not just the big ones. With that loss, Villa drop one place into 11th.
Stoke were highly impressive and good value for their four goals. They put in a very strong performance and rightly deserved to take all three points. Hughes has managed to get his Stoke team playing some decent football and it paid off today as they netted four times. Arnautovic was the star man and played a key role down the left flank for Stoke. Encouraging times ahead for Stoke who move up one spot into 10th with that victory. 

Best Goal: Rodriguez, Sigurdsson. Winner: Sigurdsson

League Leaders
1. Chelsea 69pts
2. Liverpool 65pts
3. Man City 63pts
4. Arsenal 62pts
5. Tottenham 56pts

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

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Monday, 14 April 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 30

Manchester United 0 v 3 Liverpool Gerrard (34pen,46pen), Suarez (84)
First Half: Sturridge fires a shot wide of the near post. Suarez has a penalty appeal turned down. Penalty! Rafael handles the ball inside the box. Goal! 0-1, Liverpool take the lead as Gerrard scores from the spot into the far side. Rooney has an effort really well parried away.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Penalty! Jones fouls Allen. Goal! 0-2, Gerrard scores from the spot again but this time with a low strike into the far bottom corner. United have a penalty appeal turned down following a Johnson handball. Rooney has a penalty appeal turned down. Penalty! Vidic fouls Sturridge. OFF! Vidic is consequently shown a second yellow card and sent off. Gerrard hits the near post with a low penalty effort. Sturridge has a penalty appeal turned down. Surez goes past Jones before having a sweetly struck volley saved by one of the best stops of the season. Goal! 0-3, A scuffed shot from Sturridge falls to Suarez who coolly slots past De Gea into the far side.
Full Time: 0-3.
Man United 6th>7th, 48pts
Liverpool 2nd, 59>62pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Liverpool thrash sorry United. That was completely woeful and embarrassing for anyone associated with Man United. They were defensively shocking and deserved their 3-0 crushing defeat to their fiercest rivals. As a United fan I found it tough to watch as United couldn't get much going up front whilst Liverpool looked so much more dangerous with the ball. It was an inevitable defeat with the form of the two teams coming into this match but it was the crazy defensive tackles inside the box that could so easily have been avoided. Another crushing blow for Moyes and United as they move down one place into 7th with that calamitous spectacle.
Liverpool were organised well and definitely played like the better team today. Despite the problems that United are facing, it should not be taken away from Liverpool that they outplayed and outclassed United at Old Trafford. Gerrard was as cool as ever taking the penalties up until he missed his third for what would have been an unforgettable hat-trick. Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling provided so much pace and dynamism up front for them that they looked like scoring every time they went forward. Very impressive performance and I'm beginning to believe more and more that Liverpool are becoming serious title contenders now. 

Tottenham Hotspur 0 v 1 Arsenal Rosicky (2)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Arsenal take the lead as Rosicky scores an absolute pearler into the far top corner. Chamberlain skips past the Spurs defence but puts his chip wide of the far post. Chamberlain fires a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Adebayor puts an effort from close range wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Chadli has an effort blocked by Koscielny. Adebayor heads wide of the near post. Koscielny has a penalty appeal turned down. Mertesacker has a low effort really well saved. Adebayor has a curling shot from the edge of the box across goal saved.
Full Time: 0-1.
Spurs 5th, 53pts
Arsenal 3rd, 59>62pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rosicky. Rosicky wonder strike seals North London derby victory. Tottenham created plenty of chances in front of goal but were pretty poor when trying to convert them. Their players certainly didn't have their shooting boots on today in this massive match for them. They went behind early on and it seemed to rattle them a bit. On another day they may have won this match with the chances they had but today Piers Morgan will surely be gloating to the heavens whilst Alan Sugar will be as disappointed as the rest of the Spurs faithful. 
Arsenal were pretty solid today and defended pretty well which just as much won them the match as the stunning strike from Rosicky. It was a perfect start for the gunners who took an early lead as the ball fell kindly for Rosicky who blasted in a fine strike across goal into the far top corner. It was certainly a fitting winning goal to win any match. It will relieve some of the pressure on Wenger who has come under some fire in recent weeks and keeps their title hopes alive. 

Best Goal: Suarez, Rosicky. Winner: Rosicky

League Leaders
1. Chelsea 66pts
2. Liverpool 62pts
3. Arsenal 62pts
4. Man City 60pts
5. Tottenham 53pts

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

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Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 28

Aston Villa 4 v 1 Norwich City Hoolahan (3), Benteke (25,27), Bacuna (37), Bassong OG (41)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Norwich take the lead as Hooper lays the ball off to Hoolahan who scores with a shot into the centre of goal. Goal! 1-1, Villa equalise in stunning fashion as a long ball into the box by Vlaar is chested up by Benteke before scoring a spectacular overhead kick into the top near corner. Goal! 2-1, Villa take the lead as Benteke heads in from close range into the near side from a corner. Hoolahan has a low shot parried before having the rebounded header blocked behind. Goal! 3-1, A fast break from Villa ends with Bacuna scoring with a low shot inside the far post. Goal! 4-1, Delph fires in a cross that Bassong turns into his own top corner.
Half Time: 4-1.
Second Half: Agbonlahor has a header saved. Elmander drags a low shot wide across goal. Agbonlahor has a shot deflected behind. Hooper has a low shot from the edge of the box parried away.
Full Time: 4-1.
Villa 13th>11th 28>31pts
Norwich 14th>15th 28pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Benteke. Villa storm past Norwich. The game took a massive turning point after Villa scored a spectacular equaliser thanks to the brilliance of Benteke. From out of nothing, Benteke chested the ball up for himself before unleashing an unstoppable overhead into the top corner. The crowd got behind their team and in only a matter of minutes took the lead thanks to a Benteke double. Villa were in full flow and made their dominance pay off with a further two goals before half time. They effectively won the match by this point and played out the second half with a renewed confidence. That win boosts Villa up two places into 11th. Norwich made the better start to the game and went ahead after an early goal from Hoolahan. They looked to be coping well with Villa up until Benteke changed the game. Norwich were clearly shell-shocked and conceded two more goals to fall further behind. The task was simply too much to recover from and they ended up getting hammered. With that loss, Norwich fall one place down into 15th.

Swansea City 1 v 1 Crystal Palace De Guzman (25), Murray (82pen)
First Half: Hernandez fires a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Swansea take the lead as De Guzman is played in before slotting home at the near side. Bony has a close range effort parried away.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Bony has a low tame effort saved. Bolasie drags a low shot wide of the far post. Murray has a volley on the turn saved at the near side. Penalty! Murray is fouled by Chico. Chico is shown a straight red card. Goal! Murray scores from the spot into the far top corner. Murray has a shot deflected wide of the far post.
Full Time: 1-1.
Swansea 12th>14th 28>29pts
Palace 16th 26>27pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Murray. Palace earn vital point at Liberty stadium. Swansea dominated the match but a lack of a cutting edge meant they were never certain of all three points. They went ahead through De Guzman and created more chances than Palace. However, 1-0 up is always a nervy scoreline as it only takes one goal to lose two points. That moment came in the final ten minutes as Chico was harshly adjudged to have fouled Murray inside the box and as a result was shown a straight red card. A point gained for the Swans but it must have felt like two points dropped. That draw means Swansea fall two places into 14th. That was a much needed and massive point for Palace. They need everything they can take and although it looked like they had no chance of scoring, they were awarded a late penalty which was an absolute gift for them to take a point. Murray scored from the spot before nearly winning the game for Palace with two late chances before full time. A huge bonus and confidence lift for Palace who move three points clear of the relegation zone. 

Tottenham Hotspur 1 v 0 Cardiff City Soldado (28)
First Half: Soldado puts an effort from close range wide of the near post. Dawson misses with a glancing header wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Spurs take the lead as Adebayor plays in Soldado who neatly finishes into the far bottom corner. Caulkner heads against the bar from close range. John has a fierce blast parried behind over the near top corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Townsend has a free kick saved. Townsend fires a shot over the bar from long range. Kane has a low shot blocked.
Full Time: 1-0.
Spurs 5th 50>53pts
Cardiff 19th 22pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Adebayor. Soldado seals Spurs victory. It wasn't the best Spurs performance of the season but they deserved to win and got the job done. A rare goal from Soldado in open play was enough to claim all three points whilst it may even give the guy a much needed confidence boost going into the final third of the season. They looked like the better team and created more chances but were just not clinical enough in front of goal. Cardiff struggled on the whole and didn't pose much of threat going forward. They did only concede one game but it proved pivotal. Caulker really should have scored an equaliser but somehow headed against the bar from no more than two yards out. A massive chance spurned in what proved to be Cardiff's biggest chance of the game. That loss means that Cardiff still remain in the relegation zone and three points away from safety. 

Best Goal: Benteke, Bacuna, De Guzman, Soldado. Winner: Benteke.

League Leaders:
1. Chelsea 63pts
2. Liverpool 59pts
3. Arsenal 59pts
4. Man City 57pts
5. Spurs 53pts

Relegation Battle:
16. Palace 27pts
17.West Brom 25pts
18. Sunderland 24pts
19. Cardiff 22pts
20. Fulham 21pts

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Friday, 21 March 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 27

Liverpool 4 v 3 Swansea City Sturridge (3,36), Henderson (20,74), Shelvey (23), Bony (27,47pen)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as Sterling plays a through ball into the path of Sturridge who rounds the keeper and slots home. Sterling has a shot from long range parried round the near post. Goal! 2-0, Henderson scores with a shot from the edge of the box into the far top corner. Goal! 2-1, Shelvey scores with a strike from the edge of the box that goes in via the underside of the bar into the far top corner. Goal! 2-2, Swansea equalize as a header from Bony deflects past the keeper into the centre of goal. Goal! 3-2, Liverpool go back in front as Sturridge heads into the near side from a Suarez cross. Suarez puts an ambitious chip from long range wide of goal. Bony has a low shot from long range parried round the far post.
Half Time: 3-2.
Second Half: Penalty! Skrtel fouls Bony inside the box. Goal! 3-3, Swansea equalize again as Bony slots the ball low into the near bottom corner from the spot. Suarez has a low shot from an acute angle parried behind at the near post. De Guzman has a shot parried away from the near post. Sturridge puts a chip from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Suarez has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 4-3, Liverpool regain the lead as Suarez has a low shot from the edge of the box blocked before Henderson has a low shot parried but taps in the rebound from close range. Gerrard hits the inside of the far post with a low driven shot from long range.
Full Time: 4-3.
Liverpool (4th) 53>56pts
Swansea (10th>12th) 28>28pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Henderson. Liverpool overcome steely Swansea. It was a great game to watch with plenty of twists and turns. It was a strong performance in the end from Liverpool who I felt deserved the three points. They looked comfortable and took a 2-0 lead but were surprisingly pegged back to 2-2. They got themselves back in the lead before half time but a sloppy penalty to give away early in the second half saw them concede a third goal at home. Liverpool pushed hard for the winner and looked like they were going to achieve it and they did as Henderson forced home from close range. Another big three points for Liverpool who maintain their charge on the leaders. 
Swansea deserve a lot of praise after that game as they battled very hard and nearly held on for an impressive point. They showed great spirit and determination to get back into a game that looked like it had got away from them. Shelvey scored a cracker to get them back in the game before Bony headed in the equaliser. They conceded again before half time but levelled once more after being awarded a penalty in the second half. However, they were put under lots of pressure and finally succumbed in the 74th minute. With that loss, the Swans fall two places into 12th. 

Norwich City 1 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur Snodgrass (47)
First Half: Van Wolfswinkel has an effort saved. Johnson has a header parried behind at the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Norwich take the lead as Snodgrass scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Adebayor has an effort saved. Snodgrass has a blast from long range saved. Soldado blazes a shot wide of the near post. Soldado puts a glancing header wide of the far post. Snodgrass strikes a free kick just wide of the near post. Chadli has a low shot block saved at the near side. Johnson strikes the underside of the bar with a firebolt of a free kick and the ball bounces away off the line. Redmond has a shot parried away from the near side.
Full Time: 1-0.
Norwich (16th>14th) 25>28pts
Spurs (5th) 50>50pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Snodgrass. Norwich seal vital win over Spurs. What a win for Norwich who were desperate for three points today. It will ease some pressure on the manager who was in real trouble before the game but things seemed to have turned a corner. They defended well throughout the match, keeping the Spurs attack quiet. Norwich had the better of the first half but couldn't find an opener but they scored very early in the second via Snodgrass' well taken finish. They held on and could have even scored another as Johnson was unlucky to see his free kick bounce off the underside of the bar and onto the line. With that win, Norwich climb two places into 14th. 
Spurs were very disappointing and didn't turn up at the races today. It was a very poor first half from the team but they were still in the game at 0-0 going into half time. They conceded early in the second half and it shook them up even more. From that point onwards, they created more chances going forward and probably should have equalised. However, they spurned some decent chances and failed to level the match. That loss will hinder their hopes and chances of a top 4 place and Sherwood will need to inspire his team for a much better performance next week. 

Newcastle United 1 v 0 Aston Villa Remy (90)
First Half: Remy has a low shot long range across goal saved. Cisse has a low curling shot across goal parried away. Agbonlahor has a shot well parried away. Agbonlahor fires a long range strike just over the bar. Remy curls a free kick just wide of the far post. Cisse wastes a great chance, scuffing over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Gouffran fires a low shot across goal wide of the far post. Dummett fires a curling shot from the edge of the box just over the bar. Gouffran volleys over the bar. Remy has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the near post. Sissokho blazes a shot over from the edge of the box. Remy hits the far post with a low shot. Goal! 1-0, Newcastle score a late winner as Remy fires past the keeper into the centre of the goal.
Full Time: 1-0.
Newcastle (9th>8th) 37>40pts
Villa (12th>13th) 28>28pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Remy. Remy seals dramatic late winner. Newcastle looked the more likely of the two teams to score but it took until the 90th minute for Remy to slot home the winner. The Toon created some good chances in the first half but Cisse spurned a couple of really good chances. It was more of the same in the second half as Newcastle kept threatening the Villa goal but being unable to break the deadlock. Remy got closer and closer during the final twenty minutes, hitting the far post before eventually sealing a late winner in injury time. With that win, Newcastle climb up one place into 8th.
Villa created some decent chances but were largely hanging on for most of the match. Agbonlahor had the best of the Villa chances in the first half but saw one effort parried away and another fly over the bar. There wasn't much of a threat from Villa in the second half but it looked like they were going to take a point from the game as Newcastle struggled to score. However, they were finally undone in the final few minutes as Remy denied them of a point. With that loss, Villa fall one place into 13th. 

Best Goal: Henderson, Shelvey, Snodgrass, Remy. Winner: Henderson.

League Leaders
1. Chelsea 60pts
2. Arsenal 59pts
3. Man City 57pts
4. Liverpool 56pts
5. Tottenham 50pts

Relegation Battle
16. Palace 26pts
17. West Brom 25pts
18. Sunderland 24pts
19. Cardiff 22pts
20. Fulham 21pts

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Sunday, 16 March 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 25

Manchester United 2 v 2 Fulham Sidwell (19), Van Persie (78), Carrick (80), Bent (90)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Fulham take the lead as Sidwell scores with a volley into the near bottom corner from a Holtby pass. Van Persie volleys over the bar at the near post. Young has a close range header parried away from the near post. Richardson is played through on goal but blazes over the bar. Carrick has a volley parried away. Van Persie has an effort deflected over the bar.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Rooney has an effort denied by a great parry over the bar. Goal! 1-1, United equalise as Mata fires a shot across goal that is converted in from close range by Van Persie. Goal! 2-1, United take the lead as Carrick has a shot from the edge of the box deflected into the far side. Mata fires a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post. Goal! 2-2, Fulham grab a very late equaliser as Richardson has a shot parried at the near post before Bent scores with a diving header from the rebound.
Full Time: 2-2.
Man United (7th) 41pts
Fulham (20th) 20pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sidwell. Bent continues United's woes. United were really poor today. The style of play was extremely one dimensional and easy to defend for most of the game. Cross after cross entered the Fulham box but time after time they were cleared. They went behind within twenty minutes and it really changed the atmosphere at Old Trafford. The crowd began to get frustrated but eventually Moyes encouraged more players to get into the attacking box which paid off. Van Persie was on hand to equalise whilst Carrick scored two minutes later as it looked like United had turned the match around and taken the three points. However, they failed to see the game out and right at the death, Darren Bent scored with a diving header from out of nowhere to deny United the win. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as you just don't expect United to drop points from that situation. Moyes will be under plenty of fire after that performance and result.On the other hand, Fulham took their chances superbly and deserved to take a massive point away from home. Sidwell scored a decent goal to give them the lead and they defended brilliantly for the majority of the match. The United pressure did take its toll and they lost the lead but to equalise in the dying seconds must have been a monumental relief to the team and their fans. They still remain at the foot of the table but that result should give them a massive lift going into their next game. 

Tottenham Hotspur 1 v 0 Everton Adebayor (65)
First Half: Osman curls a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Osman has a long range driven shot really well parried away. Osman heads just wide of the near post following a corner. Osman has a low shot saved. Dawson heads over the bar following a corner. Mirallas runs through the Spurs defence but blazes a shot over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Adebayor heads wide of the far post following a corner. Goal! 1-0, Spurs take the lead as Walker finds Adebayor with a quick free kick who out muscles the defence before slotting a shot inside the near post. Adebayor fires a long shot over the bar. Defoe has a low parried away from the near post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Spurs (5th) 47pts
Everton (6th) 45pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Adebayor. Adebayor sinks Everton at the Lane. It was a pretty even game but a single strike in the second half from Adebayor proved pivotal. In the battle for European places, this was a pretty big game for both clubs but it was Spurs who came out on top. They didn't really get going in first half but looked much better in the second, creating a lot more chances. The victory sees them leapfrog Everton into 5th place. Everton started the game very strongly and were unfortunate not to have taken the lead. Leon Osman could have had a hat-trick in the first half an hour but scuppered all four chances. The goal put them on the back foot during the second half but they deserved to take a point from the game. With that loss, Everton fall two points behind Spurs and drop one place to 6th. 

Best Goal: Sidwell, Carrick, Adebayor. Winner: Adebayor

League Top 5
1. Chelsea 56pts
2. Arsenal 55pts
3. Man City 54pts
4. Liverpool 50pts
5. Tottenham 47pts

Relegation Battle
16. Norwich 25pts
17. Sunderland 24pts
18. West Brom 23pts
19. Cardiff 21pts
20. Fulham 20pts

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Friday, 14 March 2014

Super Sunday and Monday Night Football Game Week 24

Arsenal 2 v 0 Crystal Palace Oxlade-Chamberlain (47,73)
First Half: Monreal is denied by a block save from the keeper. Koscielny has a flicked header parried past the post. Jerome is denied from close range with an effort at the post by a blocked save behind.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Arsenal take the lead as Oxlade-Chamberlain is put through on goal by Cazorla before chipping over the keeper into the far side. Jerome has a close range diving header parried behind at the near post. Podolski fires a shot into the side netting. Bannan blazed a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Goal! 2-0, Oxlade-Chamberlain scores again, this time cutting inside before scoring with a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 2-0.
Arsenal (1st) 55pts
Palace (17th) 23pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal made to earn victory. The first half saw few chances created but Arsenal looked the more likely to score first. However, they had to work very hard to break down a stubborn and well drilled Palace defence. Eventually, two goals in the second half from the Ox was enough to get the job done. With that win, Arsenal go ahead of City to the top of table. Palace really dug in at the Emirates and looked like they may have frustrated Arsenal all the way to a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately, two lapses of concentration proved costly as they conceded twice. The loss means that Palace fall three places to 17th and one place above the relegation zone. 

Manchester City 0 v 1 Chelsea Ivanovic (32)
First Half: Ramires has a goal ruled out for offside. Yaya Toure hits a curling shot from the edge of the box just over the bar. Silva fires a low shot from close range just wide of the far post. Ramires has a shot parried before Willian sends an overhead kick over the bar. Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead as Ivanovic scores with a low driven left footed  strike from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Hazard has a low shot saved at the near post. Eto'o hits the bar with a strike across goal.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Yaya Toure hits a low shot across goal wide. Matic hits a long range strike against the outside of the post. Cahill heads against the far post following a corner. Silva has a free kick tipped over the bar from the near top corner. Silva misses with a low close range effort that goes wide of the near post. Jovetic has a long range curling shot parried over the bar from the far top corner. Nastasic slices an effort wide of the near post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Man City (2nd) 53pts
Chelsea (3rd) 53pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hazard. Chelsea beat City at the Etihad. City had so many chances but failed to take either one of them. However, they were outplayed by a strong Chelsea team. I really don't know why Pellegrini keeps playing Demichelis as it is so obvious he is the their weak link and clearly not up to the pace of the Premier League. That loss may affect City badly as they have pretty much made the Etihad a fortress this season. Consequently, that loss means they fall down one place to second. Chelsea deserved to win and really should have won the game by two or three goals. Mourinho got his tactics spot on for this game and it paid massive dividends. Ramires had a goal that should have stood, Eto'o hit the bar and Matic struck against the post. They really did a job over City and showed that they are real title contenders. Chelsea are now my favourites to win the title after that performance and they move to within two points of leaders Arsenal. 

West Bromich Albion 1 v 1 Liverpool Sturridge (24), Anichebe (67)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Liverpool take the lead as Suarez finds Sturridge at the back post who simply taps in from close range. Sterling has a low shot deflect wide of the post. Gera fires a long range shot wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Brunt has an effort blocked behind of the far post. McCauley has a header really well saved at the near post. Suarez has a low effort saved. Brunt has a low free kick saved at the far post. Goal! 1-1, West Brom equalise as Toure has a pass across the defence intercepted by Anichebe who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-1.
West Brom (16th) 23pts
Liverpool (4th) 47pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Liverpool held at the Hawthorns. West Brom deserved to take a point out of that game and got it from a terrible mistake from Kolo Toure. Anichebe latched onto a shocking pass across the defence and neatly tucked home. It was an important point for the Baggies who look like they could be heavily involved in the relegation battle as they move down one place to 16th after that result. Liverpool were susceptible to the good and the bad within their team. SAS struck once again to put them ahead and they looked like seeing out the game up until Kolo Toure pretty much gifted West Brom an equaliser. Two points dropped for them really and not what they would have been looking to take from the game. With that point, they move eight points behind leaders Arsenal. 

Best Goal: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ivanovic. Winner: Ivanovic

League Leaders:
1. Arsenal 55pts
2. Man City 53pts
3. Chelsea 53pts
4. Liverpool 47pts
5. Everton 45pts

Relegation Battle:
16. West Brom 23pts
17. Crystal Palace 23pts
18. West Ham 22pts
19. Cardiff 21pts
20. Fulham 19pts

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