Champions League Quarter-Finals (First Legs)

Manchester United 1 v 1 Bayern Munich Vidic (58), Schweinsteiger (67)
First Half: Welbeck has a goal ruled out for a high footed tackle. Muller spurns a decent chance from a Ribery cross. Robben has a curling shot from long range across goal pushed behind from a diving save. Rooney has a shot from the edge of the box blocked by Lahm. Welbeck goes past Boateng and through on goal but has a deft chip palmed away. Valencia has a driven shot deflected over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Schweinsteiger fires a shot over at the near side. Kroos has a low shot from long range blocked. Goal! 1-0, United take the lead as Vidic heads in from Rooney's corner into the far bottom corner. Boateng has a long range driven shot saved. Goal! 1-1, Bayern equalise as Mandzukic heads down towards Schweinsteiger who skilfully scores with a shot into the near top corner. Valencia is dives into a tackle and is lucky to not get a second yellow card. Robben fires a low shot just wide of the near post. OFF! Schweinsteiger fouls Rooney and is shown a second yellow card.
Full Time: 1-1.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Vidic. United were extremely resilient in defence after playing most of the game in their own half. Vidic was instrumental in keeping Bayern out but United struggled to pass the ball out of their own half as Bayern pressurised high up the pitch. Welbeck had a goal wrongly disallowed in my opinion for a high foot. Not convinced it was foul but Welbeck had another great chance in the first half which should have been buried after he was through on goal but opted to audaciously chip Neuer which didn't work out. They took the lead just before the hour mark which dramatically lifted the crowd inside Old Trafford when Vidic headed in from a corner. However, they were put under more pressure and couldn't keep a vital clean sheet which means that they have to score in Munich to avoid going out. Valencia was very lucky to stay on the pitch after crazily lunging in whilst already being on a yellow card. United are still in the tie which was a huge relief after recent performances but going through will be extremely tough now.
Bayern will be delighted that they managed to score an away goal. They will fancy their chances of winning the return leg after dominating for most of the match tonight. They had plenty of possession but didn't make it count on a number of occasions as many chances passed them by. The United goal seemed to wake them up and they looked much more of a threat going forward and the pressure eventually told as Schweinsteiger scored with a good finish. However, Schweinsteiger lunged in on Rooney late in the game and picked up a second yellow card which rules him out of the return leg in Munich. Guardiola and Bayern will be satisfied with their work tonight and go into the return leg as favourites to progress. 

Barcelona 1 v 1 Atletico Madrid Diego (57), Neymar (71)



My Opinion:
Barcelona have been struggling for form in recent weeks and didn't look quite up to their normal standards again tonight. They created chances but Messi just wasn't at his best. They went behind to an absolute wonder goal from Diego but managed to hit back as Neymar struck 14 minutes later to level the tie. The result doesn't favour Barcelona going into the return leg as they will be forced into scoring a goal as they are currently heading out on away goals. They will need a big performance from their start players in Madrid next week but many pundits are expecting them to face a champions league exit. 
Atletico were very strong and will be delighted to have scored such a vital away goal. It was a thunderous strike from Diego from so far out and not to mention the angle from which he struck it. Incredible goal. Despite conceding, Atletico will really fancy their chances of causing a big upset in Madrid as they prefer to counter teams on the break. Therefore, the scoreline really favours the way they like to play as Barcelona will be forced to push for a goal in Madrid. If Atletico play like they did tonight and Barcelona don't find the magic they need then it all points to Atletico progressing into the semi-finals. 

Best Goal: Schweinsteiger, Diego, Neymar. Winner: Diego

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below!

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.

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

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

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

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.

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Champions League: Round of 16 (Second Legs)

Manchester United 3 (3) v 0 (2) Olympiakos Van Persie (25pen,45,52 hat trick)
First Half: Perez fires a shot over at the near side. Rooney heads against the near post. Penalty! Van Persie is fouled by Holebas. Goal! 1-0, United take the lead as Van Persie slots the penalty home into the near side. Dominguez has a shot from long range that deflects wide of the far post. Valencia has a low driven shot saved. Evra has a header tipped over the bar. Fuster has a header parried before Dominguez has a low strike brilliantly parried away. from the near post. Valencia has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 2-0, Rooney finds Van Persie with a low cross who slots in at the near side.  
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Goal! 3-0, Van Persie completes his hat-trick with a free kick into the far side. Dominguez has a free kick deflected wide of the far post. Perez heads wide of the far post. Jones fires an effort from the edge of the box well over the bar. Dominguez volleys over the bar from the edge of the box. Perez has a shot saved. Rafael has an effort that deflects behind at the near side. Campbell strikes a low shot from long range wide of the far post. Dominguez has a shot from an acute angle parried away. Rooney smashes a shot wide of the far post.
Full Time: 3-0.
Man United win 3-2 on aggregate.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Van Persie. United go through as Van Persie bags a hat-trick. Phew!! After a disastrous first leg result, United turned on the style to progress into the champions league quarter-finals. Van Persie was on absolute fire tonight, scoring a hat-trick that put United through by one goal. There were some huge performances from the likes of Giggs, De Gea and Valencia who all contributed to that result. It will hopefully give the players the confidence to go on and maybe even win the competition. Nevertheless, it will give Moyes and the fans a monumental lift after what has been a tough transitional season so far. United will want to avoid Real Madrid and Bayern in the Quarters but I'm just glad they went through tonight. 
Olympiakos looked very poor and played like a completely different team to the one that beat United 2-0 in the first leg. However, they did actually create some decent chances but kept being denied by the amazing performance of De Gea in the United goal. Even though they were defensively unstable, one away goal and they could just have easily gone through themselves. Thankfully, they didn't get it despite a nervous last ten minutes of hanging on from United. A great game of European football at Old Trafford that brought out the best of United and I'm absolutely chuffed to bits that I can finally celebrate something as a United fan this season.

Borussia Dortmund 1 (5) v 2 (4) Zenit St Petersburg Hulk (16), Kehl (39), Rondon (73)
Dortmund win 5-4 on aggregate.



My Opinion:
Dortmund scrape through despite Zenit fightback. After scoring four away goals you would have thought that things might have been a lot more straightforward for Dortmund. However, they made it difficult for themselves and ended up losing the second leg but doing enough to get them into the quarters. Kehl levelled for Dortmund on the night before half time but they were not at their best tonight. Although, they still pose a danger for any team in the quarters and will be tough to knock out.
Zenit were woeful in the first leg and pretty much lost the tie back in Russia. However, they put in a performance tonight despite the disadvantage of the scoreline. Hulk scored a typical screamer whilst Rondon netted in the second half but they still needed to score another two goals to go through. Dortmund held on to go through but Zenit can be proud of their run in the champions league this season. 

Best Goal: Van Persie, Hulk. Winner: Hulk

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Super Sunday Game Week 30

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



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

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



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

Best Goal: Suarez, Rosicky. Winner: Rosicky

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

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

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Soccer Saturday Game Week 29

Chelsea 4 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur Eto'o (56), Hazard (60pen), Ba (88,89)
First Half: Hazard skips past Lloris but puts a shot into the side-netting. Sandro has a low volley from long range parried away at the near side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead as Vertonghen slips over, letting Eto'o intercept the pass before scoring a low shot under the keeper into the far bottom corner. Penalty! Eto'o is fouled by Kaboul. Goal! 2-0, Hazard scores from the spot, low and straight down the middle. Oscar blazes a shot well over the bar. Goal! 3-0, Sandro makes a mistake and slips over which lets Ba score with a low shot from close range under the keeper at the near side. Goal! 4-0, Ba intercepts and beats the keeper to Walkers header backwards before calmly rolling the ball into an empty net.
Full Time: 4-0.
Chelsea 1st, 63-66pts
Tottenham 5th, 53pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eto'o. Chelsea thrash sorry Spurs. Although it took until the second half for Chelsea to break the deadlock, the goals poured in once it had been broken. Another very solid and strong defensive effort enabled Chelsea to press Spurs throughout and they reaped their rewards, scoring four goals against an error stricken Spurs defence. Job done for Mourinho and Chelsea but they looked at ease today. With that win, Chelsea remain top of the table. 
It could be argued that Spurs were actually still in the match at 1-0 down and were let down by the referee who awarded Chelsea a penalty and harshly sent off Kaboul for his challenge. The red card definitely changed the flow of the game and took Spurs out of it but they still let themselves down with some very sloppy defending. 

Cardiff City 3 v 1 Fulham Caulker (45,67), Hotlby (59), Reither OG (71)
First Half: Dejagah fires a shot into the side-netting from an acute angle. Campbell has blast from the edge of the box parried away. Jones has a header saved. Jones has a shot wonderfully parried over the near top corner. Goal! 1-0, Cardiff take the lead on the stroke of half time as Caulker taps in from close range Noone's low deflected shot across goal.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Holtby has a long range volley parried away. Jones heads wide of the near post from close range. Goal! 1-1, Fulham equalise as Holtby taps in from close range a Heitinga header from a corner. Kim has a low driven shot pushed behind. Goal! 2-1, Caulker puts Cardiff back in front after heading in from a corner into the near side. Goal! 3-1, Campbell has a header from close range parried onto Reither who has the ball deflected into the goal off of him. Mitroglou heads wide of the far post. Mitroglou has a shot really well punched away.
Full Time: 3-1.
Cardiff 19th>18th, 22>25pts
Fulham 20th, 21pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Caulker. Cardiff claim vital win over Fulham. This was an absolutely massive result for Cardiff who desperately needed the three points today. It should give them the belief and confidence they need to go into next week's game with renewed inspiration about their chances of staying up. Caulker proved monumental for the home side and led by example with two goals for himself. With that win, Cardiff move up to 18th and ever closer to survival. 
It was a terrible display and result for Fulham who had another day to forget. They got themselves level on the hour mark as Holtby tapped in from close range but the keeper was at fault for conceding the second goal to Cardiff. That proved to be the pivotal turning point of the match as Fulham crumbled and let in another couple of goals. Mitroglou doesn't look to be anywhere near sharp enough and spurned a couple of late chances as Fulham continue to score more goals. That loss means that Fulham remain rooted to the bottom of the table. 

West Bromich Albion 0 v 3 Manchester United Jones (34), Rooney (65), Welbeck (82)
First Half: Fellaini has a header cleared off the line. Rafael has a header across goal really well pushed against the bar. Goal! 0-1, United take the lead as a whipped free kick by Van Persie is headed in by Jones at the near side. Anichebe fires a low shot across goal just wide of the far post. Foster escapes a possible handball decision on the edge of the box.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Van Persie luckily avoids a second bookable offence. Fellaini has a low shot blocked. Rafael sends an overhead kick wide of the near post. Goal! 0-2, Rooney heads in from close range at the far post from a delightful Rafael cross. Goal! 0-3, Some lovely football ends with Rooney playing the ball into Welbeck who skilfully lifts the ball over the keeper into the far side.
Full Time: 0-3.
West Brom 17th, 25pts
Man United 7th>6th, 45>48pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rafael. United cruise past Albion. West Brom were simply outclassed and outplayed by a superior team today. They were unable to keep hold of the ball and failed to create many meaningful chances as Anichebe fired one of their few efforts wide of goal. In my view, Foster was fortunate to stay on the pitch he looked to have handled the ball on the edge of the box, denying Van Persie a clear goalscoring opportunity. Whether it was a deliberate handball was doubtful but what was clear was that it struck his hand outside the box. A disappointing display and result for the Baggies means that they remain just above the relegation zone in 17th place.
United had an interesting and eventful game. A positive result in the end but things could have turned out differently had the referee not been as lenient as he was towards Van Persie. The Dutchman was on a yellow card and early in the second half made a lunging tackle that could easily have produced another yellow and the red. Thankfully, he was let off with a strong warning and was taken off by Moyes soon after. The change actually saw United play much better and with more flow. Rafael had a good game and put in a lovely cross straight onto the head of Rooney for United's second goal whilst a lovely passing move ended with a delightful finish from Welbeck for United's third. Encouraging signs of improvement but it is becoming more obvious that Rooney, Van Persie and Mata are struggling to play together in the formation Moyes puts out. With that win, United move up one place into 6th. 

Crystal Palace 0 v 1 Southampton Rodriguez (37)
First Half: Rodriguez has a shot blocked. Goal! 0-1, Saints take the lead as a fast break ends with Rodriguez going past the Palace defence, tackling a rushed out Speroni and scoring with a low shot into an empty net. Davis has an effort across goal cleared away. Lambert hits the far post with a low poked shot. Bolasie has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Shaw has a shot from the edge of the box parried away.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Jedinak fires a free kick over the bar. Shaw has a low shot from long range saved.
Full Time: 0-1.
Palace 16th, 27pts
Saints 9th, 39>42pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Rodriguez strikes for Saints. Palace put in a battling performance but in the end it was not to be. They gave it a real go but failed to find the back of the Saints net. The goal they conceded could have been avoided as the keeper came rushing out but was beaten to the ball by Rodriguez who managed to slot home from long range into an empty net. Not the result they were hoping for but they remain in 16th with the relegation zone not far from them. 
Southampton played well and if any team was going to win today then it was the Saints. They created more chances in the first half but were unable to break the deadlock before fortune favoured the brave and Rodriguez was able to win the ball from an onrushing keeper to score the only goal of the game. Not the most memorable encounter but Southampton will be delighted to have taken three points out of that one. 

Norwich City 1 v 1 Stoke City Johnson (56), Walters (73pen)
First Half: Crouch has a low shot saved at the near side. Walters has a low shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Olsson fires a long range volley over the bar. Martin puts a low effort into the side-netting. Snodgrass has an effort across goal parried away. Van Wolfswinkel misses with a glancing header wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Van Wolfswinkel has a swerving shot from long range parried past the near post. Goal! 1-0, Norwich take the lead as Johnson heads in at the near side from a Snodgrass free kick. Redmond has a driven shot across goal from long range parried away. Penalty! Bassong fouls Guidetti. Goal! 1-1, Stoke equalise as Walters slots the penalty into the far top corner. OFF! Walters fouls Tettey and is shown a straight red card.
Full Time: 1-1.
Norwich 15th, 28>29pts
Stoke 13>12th, 30>31pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Johnson. Walters goes from hero to zero. Norwich gained an important point but just have easily claimed two more. They took the lead just before the hour mark through Johnson but Bassong gave away a silly penalty to give Stoke a brilliant opportunity to equalise. They did and two points fell down the drain for the Canaries. The result puts more pressure on manager Chris Hughton but they remain in 15th place.
Stoke put in a performance but looked like they were not going to get any rewards for it. They went behind and all looked gloomy for Hughes and Stoke. However, they were gifted a penalty when Guidetti was brought down by Bassong in the box and took full advantage when Walters scored from the spot. Amazingly, Walters went from being a hero straight down to zero when he put in a crazy tackle on Tettey and was shown a straight red card. In the end it was a big point gained for Stoke who would probably have taken it after the mad events that went on in the second half. With that point, Stoke moved up one place to 12th. 

Best Goal: Eto'o, Welbeck, Rooney, Rodriguez. Winner: Welbeck.

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott

Leave your Comments below guys!

Champions League Round of 16 (First Legs)

Olympiakos 2 v 0 Manchester United Dominguez (38), Campbell (55)
First Half: Dominguez has an effort blocked by Vidic. Cleverley slices a volley over the bar. Perez fires a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Olympiakos take the lead as Dominguez directs a long range shot into the opposite corner to wrong-foot De Gea. Rooney has a shot blocked.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Campbell doubles the lead with a curling shot from long range into the near bottom corner. Olaitan fires a volley wide of the near post. Van Persie fires a shot over the bar. Young has a shot blocked.
Full Time: 2-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dominguez. United slump to defeat in Greece. Olympiakos were the better team and deserved to win the first leg. They took full advantage of a very poor United performance and put themselves in a good position heading to Old Trafford. their first goal looked fortunate at first but after viewing the replays, it was clear to see Dominguez intentionally directed the ball into the opposite corner. There was no doubt about the class of the second goal as Campbell scored a lovely curling shot into the bottom corner. 
United were simply atrocious. It was a terrible performance and it leaves them with a huge task to turn this tie around in the second leg. United failed to create many chances but their best one fell to Van Persie who fired over the bar. They never got going and it was extremely lacklustre. Very disappointing as United needed a good champions league run this year with their troubles in the league. It will be a massive task to turn this around but United are capable of putting on a performance at Old Trafford, it just remains to be seen if they can pull it off. Heaps of pressure will be placed on Moyes to turn things around but at the moment, every mistake and poor result is being scrutinised. 

Zenit St. Petersburg 2 v 4 Borussia Dortmund Mkhitaryan (4), Reus (5), Shatov (57), Lewandowski (61,71), Hulk (69pen)

Best Goal: Campbell, Reus, Lewandowski. Winner: Campbell

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mattaylott