Fulham 2 v 3 Liverpool Toure OG (8), Sturridge (41), Richardson (63), Coutinho (72), Gerrard (90pen)
First Half: Tunnicliffe has a shot parried behind at the near post. Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead as Richardson's low cross is turned into his own net by Kolo Toure who slices an attempted clearance horribly in from close range. Suarez has a deflected shot parried behind at the near post. Suarez blasts an effort high and wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Liverpool equalise as a brilliant Gerrard through ball finds Sturridge who slots home inside the far post. Sturridge fires a long range shot just over the bar.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Suarez shoots a free kick just wide of the far post. Sidwell has a shot from the halfway line saved from the top corner. Gerrard has a backheel effort saved. Suarez hits the far post with a low shot from the edge of the box. Goal! 2-1, Fulham take the lead as Skrtel blocks a cross but the ball falls to Richardson who taps in from close range. Goal! 2-2, Liverpool equalise as Coutinho slots a low shot from the edge of the box into bottom near corner. Coutinho fires a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. Penalty! Reither fouls Sturridge inside the box. Goal! 2-3, Liverpool score a dramatic late winner as Gerrard strikes past the keeper into the near side from the spot.
Full Time: 2-3.
Fulham (20th) 20pts
Liverpool (4th) 53pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gerrard. Liverpool score late winner at The Cottage. Fulham put in a really impressive performance but a silly foul by Reither in the final few minutes cost them dearly. They took the lead twice and looked like they were going to cause an upset and take one or more very important points for them. However, they were pegged back twice by two world class goals but should should have held on for a point. Fulham remain bottom of the table and four points off safety. Liverpool showed some strong determination to get a result from what proved to be a really tough game. A huge three points for their top 4 and title challenge and it will give the team a real confidence boost to have recovered from some tough situations in that match. Two very classy goals got them back on level terms twice and they rode their luck to get a last minute penalty. However, Gerrard took it well and sealed three massive points. With that win, Liverpool trail Chelsea by 4 points.
Newcastle United 0 v 4 Tottenham Hotspur Adebayor (19,82), Paulinho (53), Chadli (88)
First Half: Adebayor has a low shot deflected wide of the far post. Paulinho has a close range blasted shot parried behind at the near post. Cisse has a close range effort parried away. Goal! 0-1, Spurs take the lead as a Bentaleb cross is parried straight to Adebayor who simply taps in from close range. Cisse hits a lob over the keeper wide of the near post. Lennon strikes the outside of the near post with a low shot from the edge of the box.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Adebayor has a low blasted shot from long range parried to Paulinho who slots home into the near side. Dummett hits a low driven shot wide across goal. Gouffran has a long range driven shot parried away. Debuchy has a header tipped over the bar. Cisse has a header saved by the keeper. Goal! 0-3, Townsend has a shot parried before Adebayor scores with a shot into the ground that bounces over the keeper and into the far side. Goal! 0-4, Chadli scores with a brilliant long range curling shot into the far side.
Full Time: 0-4.
Newcastle (9th) 37pts
Spurs (5th) 50pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bentaleb. Spurs run riot over Newcastle. Overall, Newcastle were pretty poor and got soundly beaten. Cisse had some really good chances but failed to take any of them as some poor finishing in front of goal cost the Toon today. Pardew will have his work cut out to improve their next performance after such a disappointing result. With that loss, Newcastle fall one place into 9th. Spurs were very strong and dominated a poor Newcastle team. Adebayor was impressive as usual, scoring two goals whilst Chadli scored a long range screamer which could see him push for a few more starts this season. Just what was needed for the Spurs team who continue to push for 4th spot.
Arsenal 0 v 0 Manchester United
First Half: Van Persie goes through on goal but has a low shot saved. Wilshere has an effort deflected wide of the post. Giroud puts a header wide of the near post following a corner. Giroud fires a shot from the edge of the box high and wide of goal.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Koscielny has a header headed off the line by Valencia following a corner. Giroud puts a header wide of the far post. Mata drags a low shot wide of the near post. Giroud spurns a chance wide of the far post. Van Persie has a great header parried onto the bar by a great save. Cazorla has a low shot parried away from the near bottom corner. Cazorla has a low shot from long range saved at the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 0-0.
Arsenal (2nd) 56pts
Man United (7th) 42pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cazorla. Goalless draw at Emirates. Giroud had an off day, wasting some good chances for Arsenal. They made De Gea make some decent saves but never really created a must score chance. It was an average performance but they will most likely be pleased with a point. United were much better defensively and as a result, stopped Arsenal from scoring. RVP had some really good chances, most notably in the first five minutes as he went through on goal but scuffed a poor shot. He was denied by a truly world class save in the second half after combining well with Rooney. Signs of improvement for United but still plenty of work needs to be done.
Stoke City 1 v 1 Swansea City Crouch (17), Chico (52)
First Half: Dyer hits the top of the bar with a misdirected cross. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as Odemwingie hits a low shot against the far post before Crouch slots home the from the rebound into the far side. Arnoutovic has a long range blasted shot parried over the bar. Canas puts an effort wide of the near post. Dyer fires a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Swansea equalise as Chico scores with a flicked header into the far side. Bony has an effort cleared off the line. De Guzman has a driven shot from long range parried away from the far side.
Full Time: 1-1.
Stoke (14th) 27pts
Swansea (10th) 28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Crouch. Chico seals point for Swansea. It was more a case of a point gained for Stoke rather than anything else. They took the lead but were under constant pressure from Swansea from then on. However, they do fall one place to 14th. Garry Monk has started reasonably well as the new Swansea manager and his team deserved to at least take a point away from this one. After going behind, they battled hard and got an equaliser early in the second half. They didn't create too much but Bony came closest when his effort was cleared off the line. Monk will try and get the team playing better but things are looking bright for him so far.
West Bromich Albion 1 v 1 Chelsea Ivanovic (45), Anichebe (87)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead just before half time as Ivanovic slots home from Luiz's flick on following a corner.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Willian has a driven shot from long range parried behind. Willian has a shot from the edge of the box saved. Thiemy blasts an effort from close range wide across goal. Brunt puts a volley wide of the far post. Goal! 1-1, The Baggies score a late equaliser as Anichebe scores with a flicked header into the far side from a Berahino cross.
Full Time: 1-1.
West Brom (17th) 24pts
Chelsea (1st) 57pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Anichebe. West Brom deny Chelsea at the Hawthorns. West Brom contained Chelsea pretty well for most of the game and were only undone by Ivanovic just before half time. They pressed on more in the second half and created more chances for themselves. Eventually, the equaliser came with three minutes left to play as Anichebe was on hand to head on a good cross from Berahino. A massive bonus point for the Baggies that gets them out of the relegation zone into 17th. Chelsea seemed comfortable but didn't really threaten too much going forward as much as they should have. They scored just before half time and Willian had some good shots saved in the second half. However, a very poor last twenty minutes invited lots of pressure on themselves and they inevitably conceded. Two points dropped for Chelsea and they bring others in the title race closer to themselves.
West Ham United 2 v 0 Norwich City Collins (84), Diame (90)
First Half: Hooper has a header parried away. Snodgrass is put through on goal but is denied by a blocked save. Tettey has a shot parried away from the far side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Hooper has a low shot from close range saved. Diame has a low shot from close range parried behind. Goal! 1-0, The Hammers take the lead as Collins heads in from a Diame cross. Goal! 2-0, The Hammers score with a fast break that ends with Diame scoring with a low deflected shot into the near side.
Full Time: 2-0.
West Ham (11th) 28pts
Norwich (16th) 25pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Diame. Hammers win yet again. West Ham will have Adrian to thank after that result as the keeper made plenty of decent saved to keep a vital clean sheet. They managed to keep themselves in the game and in the final ten minutes took their chances well to seal another 2-0 victory. With that win, they climb up four places in the league to 11th and enable some breathing space from the drop. Norwich only have themselves to blame for that result. They created plenty of chances but failed to take a single one. Adrian did have a brilliant game in goal but Norwich really should have scored. To add insult to injury, West Ham scored twice in the final six minutes as Norwich somehow went away with nothing. The result means that Norwich are only 1 point above the relegation zone.
Hull City 0 v 1 Southampton Fonte (69)
First Half: Lambert fires a shot just wide of the near top corner. Lambert has an effort denied by a blocked save. Long hits the far post with a flicked header before Boyd has the rebounded effort tipped over the bar. Rodriguez hits the bar with a long range strike.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Saints take the lead as Fonte has a header parried, Lallana has the rebounded effort parried and Fonte scores from close range with a low effort from the second rebound. Shaw has a low shot parried at the far bottom corner before Guly has the rebounded effort parried behind. Aluko has a low shot from the edge of the box parried away from the near bottom corner. Cork hits a long range driven shot against the bar/post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Hull (13th) 27pts
Saints (8th) 39pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Fonte. Saints seal win at KC stadium. Hull had their chances in this game but were unable to take any of them. Shane Long hit the post in the first half whilst Aluko kept threatening the Saints goal. However, it just wouldn't go in for Hull and they paid a heavy price as a result. With that loss, Hull fall two places into 13th. Southampton looked like the better team and deserved to win the game. Fonte scored the only goal but it could have been two or three. Rodriguez and Cork both struck shots against the bar but they will pleased to take three points back with them. With that win, they move ahead of Newcastle into 8th.
Cardiff City 0 v 0 Aston Villa
First Half: Campbell has an effort saved onto the far post before Noone hits the bar with a long range shot that deflects against the woodwork.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Bacuna drags a low shot wide across goal. Delph has a deflected driven shot from long range parried behind. Agbonlahor has an effort deflect wide of the near post. Weimann has an effort denied by a great save over the bar.
Full Time: 0-0.
Cardiff (19th) 22pts
Villa (12th) 28pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Goalless draw in Cardiff. Cardiff created the better chances in the first half but were unable to take the lead. Noone came closest to breaking the deadlock but his long range strike came back off the bar. They were on the back foot for most of the second half and Marshall made some top saves to deny Villa from scoring. An important point for Cardiff who close the gap to two points from safety. Villa should have won this match and will be disappointed they didn't. They were slow to get going but improved in the second half. However, they were constantly denied by a wonderful performance from Marshall.
Best Goal: Sturridge, Coutinho, Chadli. Winner: Chadli
League Leaders
1. Chelsea 57pts
2. Arsenal 56pts
3. Man City 54pts
4. Liverpool 53pts
5. Spurs 50pts
Relegation Battle
16. Norwich 25pts
17. West Brom 24pts
18. Sunderland 24pts
19. Cardiff 22pts
20. Fulham 20pts
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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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Stoke City 2 v 1 Manchester United Adam (38,52), Van Persie (47)
First Half: Rooney volleys a cross from Evra wide of the near post. Van Persie has a header deflected over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as a long range free kick from Adam deflects off Carrick and into the far side, wrong footing De Gea.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, United level as Mata plays in Van Persie who coolly slots into the far side. Goal! 2-1, Stoke go back in front as Adam scores an absolute screamer from the edge of the box into the far top corner. Arnautovic curls a low shot wide of the far post. Assaidi strikes a volley just over the bar. Young heads wide across goal. Rooney has a free kick well parried before Cleverly fires the rebound over the bar.
Full Time: 2-1.
Stoke (11th) 25pts
Man United (7th) 40 pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Adam. Adam stuns United at the Britannia. Charlie Adam scored twice to provide Stoke with three very important points and take yet another huge scalp at home this season. They battled hard throughout the match and earned the right to win. Their first goal was fortunate as it took a huge deflection but Adam's second was a worthy winner. Consequently, they move up five places into 11th. United had a day to forget at Stoke. The conditions were against them, both centre backs hobbled off injured and the luck went against them. It was clearly just one of those days. Overall, United played poorly but after equalising with a nice goal early in the second half, I expected them to go on and win it. However, they were denied by a world class strike five minutes later which killed any momentum.
Newcastle United 0 v 3 Sunderland Borini (19pen), Johnson (23), Colback (80)
First Half: Alonso heads just over the bar following a free kick. Penalty! Bardsley is fouled inside the box by Anita. Goal! 0-1, Sunderland take the lead as Borini smashes high into the far side from the spot. Goal! 0-2, Johnson scores after tapping in from close range Colback's parried deflected shot. Ameobi blazes over the bar from long range.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Tiote has a long range strike parried behind. Ameobi heads wide of the far post following a corner. Johnson goes on a dribble inside the box and hits the far post with a low shot. Ameobi has an effort block saved behind. Ameobi has a header cleared off the line. Goal! 0-3, Colback scores after being put through on goal and slotting through the keeper into the far side.
Full Time: 0-3.
Newcastle (8th) 37pts
Sunderland (14th) 24 pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Borini. Sunderland win Toon derby. It was clear to see that Newcastle badly missed the presence of Cabaye in midfield as they got completely outplayed. A very poor performance from the team which left the Magpies faithful with their heads in their hands. They will need to bounce back quickly from such a poor display and devastating loss to their fierce rivals. Sunderland were by far the better team and deserved to come out comfortable winners. It was a pretty dominant display and Poyet will be delighted with such a strong away performance. With that win, Sunderland climb three places in the table to 14th.
Cardiff City 2 v 1 Norwich City Snodgrass (5), Bellamy (49), Jones (50)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Norwich take the lead as Snodgrass slots in from close range from a deflected Olsson cross. Johnson blazes a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Mutch fires an effort wide of the near post. Johnson has a strike from the edge of the box deflected over the bar.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Cardiff level as Zaha plays in Bellamy who scores with a low shot under the keeper. Mutch fires a low close range shot just wide of the far post. Goal! 2-1, Cardiff take the lead as Jones has a close range header parried before converting the rebound into the near top corner. Johnson has a long range shot tipped against the bar. Mutch fires a shot that deflects off Jones before hitting the far post. Redmond is denied with a low shot by a great parry before Hooper has a header cleared off the line. Fer is denied with a header by a great parry before Hooper fires a shot into the sidenetting. Snodgrass hits the near post with a header following a corner. Bassong puts a header over the bar.
Full Time: 2-1.
Cardiff (19th) 21pts
Norwich (15th) 24pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Jones seals vital win for Cardiff. Three massive points secured for Cardiff who desperately needed that result today. It was clear to see that the introduction of Zaha completely changed the game as well as the atmosphere. He created more chances for team and looked a real threat in the attacking half. Consequently, they turned the game around and took the lead with two goals in as many minutes. Marshall was brilliant in goal and kept out numerous Norwich chances to ensure the win was sealed. Cardiff climb off the bottom of the table and move up one place into 19th. Norwich can count themselves unlucky. They deserved to take away a point from the match. They looked at ease in the first half but two early second half goals threw them off their goal a little bit. However, they created plenty of chances before full time and were unfortunate not to have scored a second goal. With that loss, Norwich move down three places into 15th.
Everton 2 v 1 Aston Villa Bacuna (34), Naismith (74), Mirallas (85)
First Half: McGeady hits the far post with a curling shot. Goal! 0-1, Villa take the lead as Bacuna slots a low shot under the keeper into the far side.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Osman fires a low shot wide across goal. Benteke nearly scores an own goal after his clearing header goes wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Everton level as Pienaar puts Naismith through on goal who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-1, Everton take the lead as Mirallas scores with a long range free kick into the top near corner. Naismith has a close range header saved.
Full Time: 2-1.
Everton (5th) 45pts
Villa (10th) 27pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Mirallas. Mirallas wonder free kick seals win. After going behind, Everton fought back strongly and deserved to win the game. They kept creating chances and eventually they paid off. Naismith took his goal well whilst Mirallas scored a superb free kick to put the Toffees ahead. With that win, Everton leapfrog Spurs up to 5th. On the whole, Villa played reasonably well. They took the lead and looked like they might take something away from the game but they were just beaten by two really good goals.
Fulham 0 v 3 Southampton Lallana (64), Lambert (70), Rodriguez (74)
First Half: Sidwell slices a clearance in defence but the keeper parries it away from goal. Hangeland has a header parried away following a corner. Bent has a volley well parried away. Bent is denied by a blocked save from the keeper.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Schneiderlin puts an overhead kick over the bar. Goal! 0-1, Saints take the lead as Lambert plays Lallana through on goal who slots a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-2, A Clyne low cross finds Lambert who fires a shot into the far side. Goal! 0-3, Rodriguez scores after cutting inside and unleashing a brilliant strike into the far top corner.
Full Time: 0-3.
Fulham (20th) 19pts
Saints (9th) 35pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Saints run riot at the Cottage. Fulham actually had the better of the first half but failed to take any of their chances before half time. However, they were outplayed in the second half and got soundly beaten. Morale is pretty low amongst the team, especially now that they fall to the bottom of the table. Southampton were lacklustre in the first half but kept themselves in it. A magical ten minutes in the second half proved pivotal as the Saints raced ahead, scoring three goals and sealing the three points.
West Ham United 2 v 0 Swansea City Nolan (26,45)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, West Ham take the lead as Carroll knocks a header down to Nolan who volleys into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-0, Carroll heads down towards to Nolan who heads into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: De Guzman has a long range shot deflect wide of the near post. OFF! Carroll is shown a straight red card for swinging an elbow at Chico. Bony sends a volley over the bar.
Full Time: 2-0.
West Ham (18th) 22pts
Swansea (12th) 24pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nolan. Nolan at the double for Hammers. The partnership and understanding between Carroll and Nolan proved pivotal in the outcome of this match as they linked up well for both goals. However, it looked like Carroll was unfortunate to receive a straight red card for supposedly elbowing Chico. They will most likely appeal as Carroll would be a massive loss for the next three games. The Hammers edge ever so closer out of the relegation zone with that win but remain in 18th. Swansea had a day to forget as they never got going in the match. Not one of their best efforts as they didn't create too many chances in front of goal . As a result, the Swans fall one place to 12th.
Hull City 1 v 1 Tottenham Hotspur Long (12), Paulinho (60)
First Half: Jelavic fires a volley just over the bar. Adebayor has a volley from the edge of the box well parried over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Hull take the lead as Long is put through on goal before slotting a shot past Lloris at the near side. Jelavic fires a free kick wide of the near post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Soldado has an effort parried past the near post. Goal! 1-1, Spurs level as Paulinho blasts the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. Jelavic hits the near post with a close range effort. Bentaleb fires a long range volley wide of the near post. Jelavic has a low shot across goal saved.
Full Time: 1-1
Hull (13th) 24pts
Spurs (6th) 44pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jelavic. Spoils shared at KC stadium. Hull looked really good and deserved to win today. However, they just couldn't keep that clean sheet but it was a good point gained. Spurs had a tough day at the office and never looked like winning but they didn't look like they were going to lose either. They managed to get an equaliser on the hour mark but didn't create too much after. With that result, Spurs move down one place into 6th.
Best Goal: Van Persie, Nolan, Mirallas, Rodriguez, Adam. Winner: Adam
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Tottenham Hotspur 1 v 5 Manchester City Aguero (15), Y.Toure (51pen), Dzeko (53), Capoue (59), Jovetic (78), Kompany (89)
First Half: Aguero runs past the Spurs defence before firing an effort across goal that hits the far post. Dzeko heads wide of the near post. Goal! 0-1, City take the lead as Silva plays in Aguero who cuts back inside before slotting a low shot into the far bottom corner. Aguero is denied with a header by a wonder save. Kompany has a header cleared off the line. Aguero fires a left footed volley just over the bar. Dawson has a goal ruled out for offside.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Penalty! Dzeko is fouled inside the box by Rose. OFF! Rose is shown a straight red card for the foul. Goal! 0-2, Yaya Toure sends the keeper the wrong way from the spot to score. Goal! 0-3, Silva strikes against the far post before Dzeko volleys home into the roof of the net. Goal! 1-3, Capoue scores a scrappy goal following a corner. Goal! 1-4, Jovetic scores after cutting back inside before firing a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-5, Dzeko has a shot blocked from a corner before Kompany is on hand to tap in the rebound from close range.
Full Time: 1-5.
Tottenham (5th) 43pts
Man City (1st) 53pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kompany. City run rampant at the Lane. At 1-0 down, Spurs were still in the game but a very harsh penalty and sending off effectively ended their hopes. Capoue managed to score a consolation goal but that was about the only positive Spurs could take away from the game. City played really well and deserved to win regardless of a dodgy penalty and sending off that went their way. They dominated from the start and looked the more dangerous of the two teams going forward. The scoreline sends out a real statement of intent to their title rivals whilst the three points puts them top of the table.
Aston Villa 4 v 3 West Brom Brunt (4), Delph OG (9), Weimann (12), Bacuna (24), Mulumbu (43), Delph (57), Benteke (64pen)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, West Brom take the lead as Brunt scores with a long range screamer into the far side. Goal! 0-2, Morrison's low cross is turned in by Delph who scores an own goal. Goal! 1-2, Weimann latches onto a long ball and volleys over the keeper to score. Bacuna strikes a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post. Goal! 2-2, Villa equalise as Lowton's low cross is sliced in from close range by Bacuna. Goal! 3-2, Villa take the lead as Benteke heads down to Delph who unleashes a fierce shot from the edge of the box that goes in via the underside of the bar at the near top corner. Benteke is put through on goal but has a low shot parried past the near post. Goal! 3-3 West Brom equalise as Mulumbu is played through on goal before slotting a low shot under the keeper.
Half Time: 3-3.
Second Half: Lugano sends a diving header wide of the far post. Penalty! Benteke is fouled inside the box by Lugano. Goal! 4-3, Villa are back in front as Benteke sends the keeper the wrong way to score from the spot.
Full Time: 4-3.
Aston Villa (10th) 27pts
West Brom (15th) 22pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Benteke. A thoroughly entertaining seven goal thriller at Villa Park. Coming back from 2-0 down, Villa fought back valiantly and claimed a huge result for them. Another three points keeps the pressure off the team whilst it provides them with some valuable confidence going into their next few games. West Brom started very brightly and took advantage as they went 2-0 up within the first 12 minutes. However, some very poor defending ultimately cost them anything from the game. They were pegged back to 3-3 at half time and gave away a silly penalty to concede the lead. The loss means that the Baggies drop two places in the table down to 15th and only four points off the relegation zone.
Chelsea 0 v 0 West Ham United
First Half: Oscar has a curling shot across goal tipped onto the bar. Tomkins has a header parried away. Terry has a header saved right on the line. Eto'o has a fierce blast parried past the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Ba hits the near post with a close range flicked effort. Hazard has a low shot saved. Lampard has a low driven shot well saved. Ba heads wide at the near post.
Full Time: 0-0.
Chelsea (3rd) 50pts
West Ham (18th) 19pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Adrian. Goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. How Chelsea did not win or even score a goal will remain a shock to many after that performance. They dominated the match and continuously peppered the Hammers goal throughout. A really disappointing result for Mourinho and Chelsea who would have expected to win that game. Allardyce will be absolutely thrilled with what must be seen as a miracle point. Adrian deservedly took the man of the match after making numerous top saves whilst somehow keeping a clean sheet. They pretty much parked the bus during the whole game but the tactic paid off as the defence put in a massive effort. It is a huge point for the Hammers who look as though they need every point they can muster in their bid to avoid relegation.
Sunderland 1 v 0 Stoke City Johnson (17)
First Half: Larsson has a long range shot parried away. Goal! 1-0, Sunderland take the lead as Borini's long range shot is parried to Johnson who taps in from close range from an acute angle. Crouch has an effort saved. Shawcross has a header stopped by a great save.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: OFF! N'Zonzi is sent off for a second yellow card offence. Altidore has a low shot saved. Larsson has a long range strike parried past the near post. Odemwingie has a low shot saved. Shawcross hits the top of the bar with a looping header.
Full Time: 1-0.
Sunderland (17th) 21pts
Stoke (16th) 22pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Johnson. Johnson seals win at Stadium of Light. Three massive points for Sunderland who now climb out of the relegation zone into 17th. They took the lead in the 17th minute as Johnson scored with a tap in and held on well to keep a clean sheet. They well able to control more of the game after N'Zonzi got sent off in the second half. Not the result Stoke were hoping for as their poor form away from home continues. They were still in the match at 1-0 down but N'Zonzi really let the team down for stupidly getting a second yellow card. It was an uphill battle from then on and they couldn't find an equaliser. The result means they fall two places to 16th and ever closer to the relegation zone.
Liverpool 4 v 0 Everton Gerrard (21), Sturridge (33,35), Suarez (50)
First Half: Suarez has a long range low shot parried past the post. Sterling is put through on goal but has his effort parried behind. Suarez has an effort deflected behind. Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead as Gerrard heads into the near top corner from a Suarez corner. Barry has a shot parried. Goal! 2-0, Sturridge scores after being played through on goal and slots a shot into the far side. Goal! 3-0, Sturridge scores again after running onto a long ball and lobbing over the onrushing keeper into the far side.
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Osman has a curling shot across goal parried away. Goal! 4-0, Suarez is put through on goal before scoring with a low shot across goal into the far bottom corner. Penalty! Sterling is fouled in the box by Howard. Sturridge steps up to take the penalty but fires over the bar. Sturridge puts an effort over the bar.
Full Time: 4-0.
Liverpool (4th) 46pts
Everton (6th) 42pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sturridge. Rampand Liverpool win derby. It was a dominant and deserved victory for Liverpool who thrashed Everton in the derby. They simply ran riot from start to finish and the result really doesn't flatter them at all. Although Sturridge scored twice, he will be bitterly disappointed to have missed the penalty and not complete his hat-trick. Everton were poor overall but had a shocker in defence. Injury meant that Stones had to step in and he simply struggled to cope with Liverpool's pace of attack. It meant they kept leaving themselves too open at the back which saw them concede four times. A night to forget for the Evertonians!
Southampton 2 v 2 Arsenal Fonte (21), Giroud (48), Cazorla (52), Lallana (54)
First Half: Gallagher fires a shot across goal that is parried away. Goal! 1-0, Saints take the lead as Fonte heads in from close range at the back post from Shaw's cross. Gallagher misses a great chance wide of the far post. Koscielny has an effort well saved.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Arsenal equalise as Giroud scores from close range with a flick into the far bottom corner from Sagna's cross. Goal! 1-2, Arsenal take the lead as Cazorla scores from the edge of the box with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-2, Saints equalise as Lallana scores with a low shot from the centre of the box following a layoff from Rodriguez. Ozil has a shot that deflects against the bar. OFF! Flamini is shown a straight red card. Shaw has a cross that is parried after it gets deflected. Fonte has a volley parried away.
Full Time: 2-2.
Southampton (9th) 32pts
Arsenal (2nd) 52pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Arsenal held at St Mary's. Overall, Southampton played well and were good value for their point. They led going into half time but a sloppy seven minutes straight into the second half saw them fall behind. However, Lallana struck back almost straight away to equalise which seemed a fair result. Not the result Arsenal were hoping for as they dropped two points but in the end I think they will be satisfied to have taken at least a point. They were pretty average in the first half but came out a different team in the second. After going ahead they should have seen the game off but they conceded very soon after scoring their second which cost them. The result means they have been knocked off the top of the table by City and move down to second.
Manchester United 2 v 0 Cardiff City Van Persie (6), Young (59)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, United take the lead as Van Persie heads in at the near side following Valencia heading against the bar before Van Persie has the headed rebound parried. Van Persie fires a close range low shot from an acute angle just wide of the far post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Young scores after cutting inside and unleashing a fierce long range low strike into the far bottom corner. Valencia has a driven shot parried onto the far post.
Full Time: 2-0.
Man United (7th) 40pts
Cardiff (20th) 18pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Mata. Normality restored at Old Trafford. United got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over struggling Cardiff. An early goal from RVP proved pivotal as it set the tone for the rest of the game. I would have liked to have seen United score more goals but 2-0 got the job done. Good to see Mata settle in nicely and he played really well. A much better performance from United overall and hopefully this result will spark a decent run of form for United. Cardiff were largely outshone by United and didn't get going. They failed to create any worthy chances in front of goal and never looked likely to. The result means that Cardiff remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Swansea City 2 v 0 Fulham Shelvey (61), Chico (75)
First Half: Hangelaand heads over the bar. Dejagah has a header saved. Shelvey rattles the bar from the edge of the box with a curling shot.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Swansea take the lead as Shelvey scores with a long range shot that deflects into the far side, wrongfooting the keeper.De Guzman has a blast from the edge of the box parried behind. Goal! 2-0, Chico scores with a header from a free kick that deflects into the near side.
Full Time: 2-0.
Swansea (11th) 24pts
Fulham (19th) 19pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Shelvey. Swans too strong for Fulham. Swansea moved up four places to 11th with that important win. Their were not too many chances created during the game but Swansea took theirs very well as they scored twice. Shelvey was instrumental for the Swans as they eased to victory. Fulham were very poor and failed to create much in front of the Swansea goal. They never threatened and deserved to lose. The result means that Fulham drop two places and into the relegation zone to 19th.
Crystal Palace 1 v 0 Hull City Puncheon (16)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Palace take the lead as Puncheon fires a shot into the far top corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Livermore fires a shot over the bar. Rosenior puts an effort from close range wide of the near post. OFF! McGregor is shown a straight red card.
Full Time: 1-0.
Palace (14th) 23pts
Hull (13th) 23pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Puncheon. Palace claim narrow win at Selhurst Park. A robust performance from Palace saw them ground out a vital victory over Hull. Chances were few and far between but Puncheon scored the only goal of the game to seal the win. As a result, Palace move up two places to 14th. Hull had some decent chances to score but failed to take any of them which proved costly. Even worse for Hull was the fact that they will now be without McGregor for the next three games as he was sent off for a straight red card offence. The result means that Hull drop down two places to 13th.
Norwich City 0 v 0 Newcastle United
First Half: Sissokho has a close range effort that hits the near post. Remy hits the far post with a curling shot from the edge of the box. Hooper has a long range low shot parried away.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Remy strikes a free kick against the bar. Hooper hits a volley from close range against the bar. OFF! Remy and Johnson are both shown a straight red card for headbutting each other. Snodgrass has a header parried away from the near side.
Full Time: 0-0.
Norwich (12th) 24pts
Newcastle (8th) 37pts
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Krul. Goalless draw at Carrow Road. Norwich had their chances in this game but struggled in front of goal. They came closest through Hooper who hit the bar with a decent volley. In the end it was a point gained that saw them stay 12th in the table. Newcastle looked the more likely to score and will disappointed they didn't win. Remy hit the woodwork twice whist Sissokho hit the post as the ball kept eluding the Norwich net. Newcastle will probably be more disheartened that Remy got himself sent off for squaring up to Johnson who was also shown a straight red.
Best Goal: Aguero, Brunt, Delph, Sturridge, Young. Winner: Young
League Top 5
1. Man City 53pts
2. Arsenal 52pts
3. Chelsea 50pts
4. Liverpool 46pts
5. Tottenham 43pts
League Relegation Battle
16. Stoke 22pts
17. Sunderland 21pts
18. West Ham 19pts
19. Fulham 19pts
20. Cardiff 18pts
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Chelsea 3 v 1 Manchester United Eto'o (17,45,49), Hernandez (78)
First Half: Young has an effort across goal saved. Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead as Eto'o scores with a shot from the edge of the box that deflects into the far top corner. Welbeck has a tame low close range shot saved. Oscar volleys over from close range. Goal! 2-0, Eto'o scores with a low shot into the centre of the goal from a low Cahill cross.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Goal! 3-0, Eto'o completes his hat trick after scoring from close range into the centre of the goal following Cahill's parried header from a corner. Goal! 3-1, Hernandez scores a tap in from close range from a Jones low shot at the far post. Red Card! Vidic is shown a straight red card for a foul on Hazard. Rafael gets a yellow card for a terrible tackle.
Full Time: 3-1.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eto'o. Chelsea got their tactics spot on and deserved to win after a very strong performance. Eto'o produced his first hat trick for Chelsea and took the game away from United. The goals just before and half time killed the game off as it took away United's belief. Disappointed by United once again but Chelsea have always been a bogey team so it is not much of a surprise they lost. They started the game well but couldn't create a meaningful chance to show for it. The first goal they conceded was unfortunate as it took a deflection but the goal right on half team proved costly. Hernandez scored a consolation but they were well beaten today.
Swansea City 1 v 3 Tottenham Hotspur Adebayor (35,71), Chico OG (53), Bony (78)
First Half: Shelvey has a long range shot parried. Bony fires a long range shot wide of the far post. Bony smashes a long range shot against the crossbar. Goal! 0-1, Spurs take the lead after Adebayor heads in at the far post from an Eriksen cross. Chadli fires an close range blast over the bar. Adebayor has a volley punched away. Eriksen has a tame low shot saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Chico Flores taps into his own net from close range after trying to clear a low Walker cross. Bony has a driven shot from the edge of the box saved. Dembele is put through on goal but his low shot goes just wide of the far post. Goal! 0-3, Adebayor is played in on goal by Rose and slots a low shot under the keeper. Goal! 1-3, Bony scores with a controlled volley into the far side.
Full Time: 1-3.
My Opinion:
My man of the match was Adebayor. Defensive errors from Swansea ultimately cost them the game today as they struggled to cope with the Spurs attack. At 1-0 down they were still capable of levelling but an unfortunate own goal by Chico put the result to bed. Bony scored an impressive consolation but they will need to improve. Spurs played really well and came out deserved winners. They are very much in form and it didn't stop today. Two goals from the rejuvenated Adebayor on top of an goal capped a solid display away from home.
Best Goal: Eto'o, Adebayor, Bony. Winner: Bony
