Soccer Saturday Game Week 34

Fulham 1 v 0 Norwich City Rodallega (40)
First Half: Redmond has an acute shot/cross parried past the near post. Rodallega drags a low shot wide across goal. Van Wolfswinkel has a close range volley stopped by a great reaction save. Fer has a header parried before Johnson strikes a low shot just wide of the near post. Snodgrass strikes a free kick that hits the bar at the near side. Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead through Rodallega who prods in from close range Hangelaand's flicked header across goal from Sidwell's free kick.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Rodallega heads wide of the far post. Snodgrass puts an effort just wide of the near post. Hooper has a shot from the edge of the box deflected over the bar. Turner has a header that deflects wide. Sidwell has a low shot from long range saved. Dejagah breaks through on goal but fires a shot wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Fulham 18th, 27>30pts
Norwich 17th, 32pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Stockdale. Fulham keep hopes of survival alive with victory. That was a monumental result in terms of Fulham's hopes of avoiding relegation. Having Hangelaand return to the starting lineup proved to be a huge factor and massive boost to their run in as they managed to keep a clean sheet for the first time in ages. Stockdale deserves most of the credit for that win though after pulling off a string of stunning saves to keep Norwich out. A great day for Fulham who move in the right direction with those three points. 
That was a disastrous result for Norwich who were in desperate need of taking a point or three against a team who could quite possibly take their spot in safety next week. Things are looking really gloomy for Norwich who have possibly the worst run in you could dream of during their last four games. After that result, I strongly believe Norwich will go down now. They created plenty of decent chances but were partly denied by some poor finishing and some amazing saves from Stockdale. 

West Bromich Albion 3 v 3 Tottenham Hotspur Vydra (1), Brunt (4), Sessegnon (31), Olsson OG (34), Kane (70), Eriksen (90+4)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, West Brom take the lead through Vydra who volleys into the far bottom corner from Amalfitano's parried cross. Goal! 2-0, Brunt scores with a low volley into the far bottom corner. Kane fires a low shot from long range just wide of the near post. Rose drills a cross into the box that hits Kane and goes just wide of the near post. Penalty! Rose is fouled inside the box. Saved! Adebayor has a low penalty saved at the far side. Amalfitano has a blasted shot parried over at the near side. Goal! 3-0, Sessegnon goes past Chiriches and slots a low shot from the edge of the box into the near bottom corner. Goal! 3-1, Spurs get one back as a low cross from Lennon deflects off Olsson and over Foster into the far side. Paulinho has a low long range blast parried before Rose has an effort parried at the near side.
Half Time: 3-1.
Second Half: Lennon has a low shot from the edge of the box parried past the far post. Goal! 3-2, Spurs are back to within one as Kane heads in at the far post from a Lennon cross. Goal! 3-3, Spurs score a dramatic late equaliser as West Brom fail to clear a cross in their box which leads to Eriksen striking home into the far top corner.
Full Time: 3-3.
West Brom 16th, 32>33pts
Spurs 6th, 59>60pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Six goal thriller at the Hawthorns. West Brom made a quite brilliant start to the game, scoring twice in the first five minutes before adding a third on the half an hour mark. However, rather than seeing out the game into half time safely at 3-0, Olsson unfortunately scored an own goal. Still, with a two goal lead going into the second half, you would have expected them to hold on for the three points. In the position they are in, they really needed to hold on but incredibly they squandered it in the 94th minute. The Baggies must be gutted but in the end it was a point gained for their survival hopes.
Spurs were totally atrocious at the start of the game and thanks to some woeful defending found themselves 3-0 down with only half an hour played. However, despite a terrible start they showed some fighting spirit and got themselves back into the game via an own goal. They pressurised the Baggies area for much of the second half and got back to within one goal after Kane's goal and in the dying moments scored an equaliser thanks to a superb strike from Eriksen. Spurs were fortunate to come away with a point in the end but Sherwood will have plenty to think about after that shocking defensive display. 

Sunderland 0 v 1 Everton Brown OG (75)
First Half: Deulofeu has a low shot saved at the near side. Naismith turns on the ball nicely but fires a shot over the far top corner. Borini has and effort blocked on the line by Stones at the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Borini has a long range shot that deflects wide of the near post. Barkley has a header cleared off the line. Ki heads wide of the near post. Deulofeu fires a low shot from an acute angle wide across goal. Naismith misses an open goal after sending a tough volley wide of the near post. Goal! 0-1, Everton take the lead as a cross from Deulofeu deflects in off Brown at the near post. Ki has a low shot saved. Borini curls a long range shot just wide of the far post.
Full Time: 0-1.
Sunderland 20th, 25pts
Everton 5>4th, 63>66pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Deulofeu. Everton claim narrow win at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have done themselves no favours recently and look like one of the favourites to go down unless they pull off a miracle. They endured a poor time of it in front of the Everton goal and just couldn't put it in the back of the net. Borini was their brightest spark and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but they need someone to step forward and start scoring goals - otherwise they are definitely going down.
It was a scrappy game but Everton kept their hopes of finishing in the top four alive with three important points. They were not at their very best but they did get the job done which is the most important thing when pushing for champions league qualification. They created some decent chances but it didn't look like the deadlock was going to be broken until Brown scored that own goal. Everton will take it and move on as they move up one place into 4th after that victory. 

Southampton 0 v 1 Cardiff City Cala (65)
First Half: Ramirez has a shot that deflects against the bar. Lambert has a free kick that is parried away at the near side. Lambert has a shot pushed behind at the near post. Ramirez has a long range shot saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Mutch has a long range driven shot punched away. Goal! 0-1, Cardiff take the lead through Cala who scores with a long range strike into the far side following a free kick. Gallagher has an effort stopped by a superb save. Clyne has a low shot from the edge of the box parried behind at the near post. Zaha goes past two defenders but has a low shot saved.
Full Time: 0-1.
Saints 8th, 48pts
Cardiff 19th, 26>29pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Cardiff shock Saints at St Mary's. Southampton can be forgiven for being a little shell-shocked after that result as they dominated most of the game but did everything but score. Lambert has a couple of good chances saved whilst Ramirez saw an effort bounce back off the bar. Even Gallagher was denied by a quite brilliant save from Marshall. Just one of those days for the Saints who will move on swiftly after that minor blip.
Cardiff needed a result today and they somehow pulled it off. It really was a great example of a snatch and grab as they were outplayed for the majority of the game but in the end it's goals that count. Marshall was quite magnificent in the Cardiff goal and was a deserved man of the match whilst Cala scored an unbelievable goal in the second half that came out of nowhere. With that victory, Cardiff's hopes of staying up gained some fresh belief and they are right back in with a chance now. 

Crystal Palace 1 v 0 Aston Villa Puncheon (76)
First Half: Villa have a header cleared off the line by Jerome. Bolasie has a penalty appeal turned down.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Agbonlahor has a long range shot saved. Bolasie fires a shot across goal which takes a deflection before the keeper parries the ball to Jerome who hits the crossbar with a close range effort. Bolasie fires a low shot from long range just wide of the near post. Penalty! Westwood handles the ball inside the box but the referee decides to overturn his own decision after consultation with his assistant. Goal! 1-0, Palace take the lead through Puncheon who scores with a low shot that goes in via the inside of the far post from a Bolasie cross. Lowton strikes a low volley from long range wide of the near post. Puncheon hits a low shot against the outside of the near post. Weimann has an effort denied by a great save.
Full Time: 1-0.
Palace 14>12th, 34>37pts
Villa 13>14th, 34pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Puncheon. Palace claim narrow victory over Villa. It was a good performance from Palace who played well and deserved to win. Puncheon starred along with Bolasie whilst Jerome somehow managed to miss from close range and hit the bar. They were awarded a penalty in the second half but amazingly it was overturned after the referee consulted his linesman. It could have been more but one goal was enough to seal three points for Palace who have become a real force under Pulis lately. With that win, Palace climb two places up to 12th.
Villa were pretty poor and got what they deserved. They created a few chances of note but not nearly enough as they failed to stamp their mark on the game. Their best achievement of the game was that they only conceded one goal after looking second best to Palace. Despite the result today, I still think Villa will be safe from relegation but they do need one more positive result from their remaining fixtures. A disappointing result for Villa today and they drop down one place into 14th after that defeat. 

Stoke City 1 v 0 Newcastle United Pieters (42)
First Half: Crouch hits the near post with a header from an Arnautovic cross. Gosling puts an effort from close range over the bar. Cisse has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead through Pieters whose cross finds the far top corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Crouch puts a header over the bar from an Arnautovic cross. Crouch has a header saved. Williamson has an effort blocked. Adam fires a low shot wide across goal. Anita heads over from close range at the far post.
Full Time: 1-0.
Stoke 10th, 40>43pts
Newcastle 9th, 46pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Arnautovic. Stoke claim narrow win over Newcastle. It was a decent victory for Stoke but Crouch really should have made it 2-0. How Crouch failed to get on the scoresheet today beggars belief with the chances he missed but thankfully for Stoke Pieters scored the winner via a mishit cross. Arnautovic was impressive and looked dangerous throughout. Hughes has done a good job at Stoke this season and deserves a lot of credit for what he's done so far. 
Newcastle's woes continue with yet another defeat. They looked like they are finding some better form as they played much better than they have done in recent weeks. Although anything would probably be better than what they've played like recently. They created some good chances but were unable to find the back of the net today which they paid the ultimate price for. The end of the season really can't come quick enough for Newcastle but what must be going through their fans minds watching this every week. 

Best Goal: Brunt, Eriksen, Cala, Pieters. Winner: Cala - Check out the goal here Cala Goal

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Monday Night Football Game Week 33

Tottenham Hotspur 5 v 1 Sunderland Cattermole (17), Adebayor (28,86), Kane (59), Eriksen (78), Sigurdsson (90+2)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Sunderland take the lead through Cattermole who intercepts a pass along the back four from Chiriches before scoring with an accurate low strike from long range into the near bottom corner. Goal! 1-1, Spurs equalise through Adebayor who bundles in a great cross from Eriksen at the far post.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Spurs come from behind and take the lead through Kane who slots home from close range into the near side from an Eriksen cross. Goal! 3-1, Eriksen scores with a low long range strike into the far bottom corner. Goal! 4-1, Kane has a low shot parried across goal which Adebayor taps in from close range. Goal! 5-1, A scramble in the box leads to Sigurdsson slotting neatly into the near top corner.
Full Time: 5-1.
Spurs 6th, 56>59pts
Sunderland 19>20th, 25pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Spurs smash five past Sunderland. Despite a slow start from Spurs, they found their rhythm in the second half and eased past a sorry Sunderland. Eriksen was absolutely top class and instrumental in most of Spurs' attacking football. Adebayor netted a brace but both goals were simple tap ins whilst Kane managed to get himself on the scoresheet. Sherwood will be delighted with the way his team came out in the second half as the first half display was pretty forgetful. Spurs keep themselves in touch with Everton Arsenal for 4th but it still seems more likely that we will be seeing them in the Europa League next season.
Sunderland were desperate for a result with the situation they found themselves in but they came away with nothing and four goals worse off. They actually started the game really well and took the lead after Cattermole scored a really neat goal from long range. However, they went into half time at 1-1 and faltered away in the second half as Eriksen proved too much of a handful for their defence. Poyet will be disappointed but it's amazing what a few wins on the bounce could do for them - if they could manage that. With that defeat, Sunderland fall one place and sit at the bottom of the table. 

Best Goal: Cattermole, Eriksen. Winner: Eriksen

League Leaders
1. Liverpool 74pts
2. Chelsea 72pts
3. Man City 70pts
4. Arsenal 64pts
5. Everton 63pts

Relegation Battle
16. West Brom 32pts
17. Norwich 32pts
18. Fulham 27pts
19. Cardiff 26pts
20. Sunderland 25pts

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Monday Night Football Game Week 32

Sunderland 1 v 2 West Ham United Carroll (9), Diame (50), Johnson (65)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, West Ham take the lead as Carroll heads in at the far post from a corner. Cattermole has a low shot saved before firing the rebound wide across goal. Carroll has a header saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, West Ham double their lead as a long free kick is headed down by Carroll to Diame who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the near bottom corner. Downing fires a low shot just wide of the far post. Goal! 1-2, Sunderland half the deficit as Johnson scores with a curling shot into the far top corner.
Full Time: 1-2.
Sunderland 18>19th, 25pts
West Ham 11th, 34>37pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Carroll. Hammers seal victory at Stadium of Light. It was a poor result for Sunderland who needed to take something from that game. With the position they find themselves in, they need all the points they can get and that game was winnable for them. However, they went two goals down and could only manage to half the deficit. Carroll proved to be a huge handful and they just couldn't cope with the big man up front. That disappointing defeat means that Sunderland drop down one place into 19th and are four points from safety. 
That was a good away win for West Ham who earned those three points. Carroll was the star performer and proved to be a real handful for the Sunderland defence. Long balls kept going towards Carroll and Carroll kept on winning headers. It was a gameplan that worked out and West Ham were good value for their victory. Those three points pretty much guarantee that West Ham will be in the premier league next season and you have to give plenty of credit to the board for sticking by Allardyce through the tough times as they look to have come out of it and survived. 

Best Goal: Johnson

League Leaders
1. Liverpool 71pts
2. Chelsea 69pts
3. Man City 67pts
4. Arsenal 64pts
5. Everton 60pts

Relegation Battle
16. Palace 31pts
17. West Brom 29pts
18. Cardiff 26pts
19. Sunderland 25pts
20. Fulham 24pts

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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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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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