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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Midweek Football Game Week 31

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 31

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 30

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Champions League: Round of 16 (Second Legs)

Barcelona 2 (4) v 1 (1) Manchester City Messi (67), Kompany (89), Alves (90)
First Half: Messi has a penalty appeal turned down. Iniesta strikes a low dragged shot from long range wide across goal. Milner puts an effort across goal wide. Neymar has a goal ruled out for offside. Silva blazes a shot across goal from the edge of the box over the bar. Neymar has a low shot parried past the near post. Xavi has an effort parried away at the near side. Nasri has a low volley saved. Neymar has an effort headed off the line by Fernandinho.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Dzeko has a low shot saved. Messi cuts inside and hits the far post with a low shot. Dzeko is denied with a header by a great save away from the far top corner. Zabaleta slices a shot wide of the far post. Nasri fires a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Messi fires a low shot from long range wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Barcelona take the lead on the night as Lescott fails to clear, allowing Messi to chip the ball into the far side. Xavi has a strike from the edge of the box parried behind at the near side. Iniesta slices a long range shot wide. Dzeko has a penalty appeal turned down. OFF! Zabaleta is shown a second yellow card and sent off for dissent. Fabregas has a shot parried behind the near post. Goal! 1-1, City equalise on the night as Kompany scores with a close range tap in from the rebound of Dzeko's parried header across goal. Goal! 2-1, Barcelona take the lead again as Iniesta plays the ball to Alves who beats the defence before blasting a shot past Hart.
Full Time: 2-1
Barcelona win 4-1 on aggregate.



My Opinion:
A shame to see City go out but the task just proved too much for them. Barcelona controlled the majority of the game as you would expect but it took them until the 67th minute to break the deadlock in the second leg. Messi scored a delightful goal which all but ended the tie. They did concede a late goal which meant another City goal would put them out but Alves ended any hope for the English club by smashing past Hart in the last few minutes. They deserved to win this leg but it was a farcical first leg where the decisions favoured Barcelona. 
Man City gave themselves chances but they were unable to take any of them until it was too late. Kompany was their star player by quite a distance, proving himself to be a talisman at the back for City whilst leading by example. They really needed to score first to have any hope of going through but the Messi goal just killed them off. Kompany gave them a little bit of hope at the death but Alves soon saw to that. Another learning experience for City in the Champions League but I fully expect them to come back stronger next year. 


Paris Saint-Germain 2 (6) v 1 (1) Bayer Leverkusen Sam (6), Marquinhos (13), Lavezzi (53)
Paris Saint-Germain win 6-1 on aggregate.

My Opinion:
Well this was a pretty one-sided affair with Paris coming through with flying colours. The damage had been done in the first leg where Paris romped to victory and stacked up the away goals. However, Sam gave Leverkusen an early lead in the second leg but his efforts proved to be in vain as Paris equalised not long after before Lavezzi put them ahead on the night. In the end, Paris strolled into the quarters with ease, thrashing Leverkusen 6-1 on aggregate. Not many teams will want to face PSG in the quarters with the likes of Ibrahimovic, Cavani and Lavezzi leading their front line. 

Best Goal: Messi, Lavezzi. Winner: Messi

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Capital One League Cup Final 2014 - Manchester City v Sunderland (Wembley)

Manchester City 3 v 1 Sunderland Borini (10), Yaya Toure (55), Nasri (56), Navas (90)
First Half: Aguero has a shot from long range parried away. Goal! 0-1, Sunderland take the lead as Johnson plays a long ball into Borini who outmuscles Kompany before scoring with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Borini has a volley from the edge of the box deflected over the bar. Brown puts a header over the bar following a corner. Nasri has an effort saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Silva has a low shot from long range saved. Goal! 1-1, City equalize as Yaya Toure scores an absolute screamer from long range into the far top corner. Goal! 2-1, City take the lead as a Kolarov cross finds Nasri who strikes a sublime shot into the far side. Nasri misses with a curling shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Alonso has a free kick parried away. Fletcher has an effort saved. Kompany volleys wide of the near following a corner. Goal! 3-1, A fast break from City ends with Yaya Toure playing in Navas who coolly slots home into the near side.
Full Time: 3-1.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nasri. Manchester City win the first cup of the year, defeating Sunderland in a thrilling encounter. It was a nervy and tepid first half for City who couldn't find their feet. They conceded an early goal which really shook them up and it badly affected them for the rest of the half. However, an absolute wonder goal from Yaya Toure in the 55th minute completely changed the tone and flow of the game around. Suddenly, City were fired up and raring to go and it took less than a minute for them to take the lead as Nasri scored an absolute peach of a goal to turn the game around. It was relatively comfortable for City from there on out and they sealed the cup with a late counter attacking goal from Navas. This will be a big boost for City's confidence after winning in the fashion they did today. The first cup of a possible quadruple comes to the Etihad in thrilling style. 
Sunderland are no strangers to beating City and it looked like they were going to cause another massive upset in the final when they took an early lead through Borini. It was a brilliant goal and put Sunderland on the front foot. They were very impressive throughout the first half and were good value for their half time lead. However, they were just undone by two world class goals from City and in a flash, fell behind within the space of a minute. They were hard pressed for an equaliser but it didn't look like coming. As a result of pushing for a leveller, Sunderland were caught on the break by City in the final few minutes and conceded a third which all but ended the match. A commendable cup run from Sunderland, who knocked out both Chelsea and Man United on the way, didn't end in the fairytale way they had dreamed of and they will now have to concentrate on avoiding relegation from the premier league. 

Best Goal: Yaya Toure

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