Showing posts with label Aston Villa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aston Villa. Show all posts

Saturday, 31 May 2014

Super Sunday Game Week 38

Manchester City 2 v 0 West Ham United Nasri (39), Kompany (49)
First Half: Noble survives a handball penalty appeal. Silva volleys over at the far post. Zabaleta has a penalty appeal turned down. Kolarov has a long range blast tipped over. Goal! 1-0, City take the lead as Nasri scores with a low shot from long range that goes in via the inside of the far post. Silva has a low shot across goal deflected onto the bar.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Kompany slots in from close range following a corner. Aguero heads wide of the near post. Aguero spurns a great chance from close range. Nasri has a low volley saved.
Full Time: 2-0.
Man City 1st, 83>86pts
West Ham 12th>13th, 40pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Nasri. Man City win Premier League title. Manchester City only needed a point to win the league but they sealed their second title in three years with a comfortable victory over West Ham. City were at ease and never looked like losing. Nasri gave them the lead six minutes before half time with a brilliant long range strike which put the crowd at ease whilst the players were able to relax. They have been on a fantastic run over the last ten games this season and came out on top.
West Ham didn't pose much of a threat going forward and never looked like defeating City. They spent most of the game defending as City were just too good for them. At 1-0 down they had a massive task on their hands to beat City but the concession of another goal soon after half time killed the game off. West Ham finish their season by falling one place into 13th.

Liverpool 2 v 1 Newcastle United Skrtel OG (20), Agger (63), Sturridge (65)
First Half: Suarez has a goal ruled out for taking the free kick too quickly. Goal! 0-1, Newcastle take the lead as Gouffran's cross is turned in by Skrtel across goal. Gouffran has an effort saved before Anita blazes a volley over from the edge of the box. Sturridge heads wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Liverpool equalise through Agger who volleys in from an acute angle at the far post from Gerrard's free kick. Goal! 2-1, Liverpool come from behind to take the lead as Sturridge taps in from close range at the far post from a Gerrard free kick. OFF! Ameobi is shown two yellows cards for dissent. OFF! Dummett is shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Suarez.
Full Time: 2-1.
Liverpool 2nd, 81>84pts
Newcastle 9th>10th, 49pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sterling. Subdued end to Liverpool's season. Liverpool got off to a sluggish start which may have happened as they knew their fate was not in their hands. They actually went behind after Skrtel turned into his own net but a better second half performance saw them turn things around. Two similar goals saw Agger and Sturridge put them in front but it was a rather sullen way to end their season.
Newcastle put in a decent performance in the first half which saw them go into half time ahead. However, they failed to cope with a couple of Gerrard free kicks which saw them trail in the 65th minute. Some very poor discipline after going behind saw both Ameobi and Dummett sent off in what was a poor end to the game and season for the toon army. 

Tottenham Hotspur 3 v 0 Aston Villa Paulinho (14), Baker OG (35), Adebayor (38pen)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Spurs take the lead through Paulinho who has his first attempt parried before tapping in the rebound. Goal! 2-0, Rose's cross is headed in by Baker at the near post. Penalty! Sandro's shot hits Agbonlahor's hand. Goal! 3-0, Adebayor scores from the spot with a high strike into the near side.
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Delph fires a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post.
Full Time: 3-0.
Spurs 6th, 66>69pts
Villa 15th, 38pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Paulinho. Spurs seal Europa League place. It was a pretty comfortable afternoon for Spurs who strolled past Villa with three goals. By the end of the first half it was all over and a place in the Europa league was sealed. Paulinho put in a very good performance and was the best player on the field. Sherwood has done a decent job with Spurs but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be the manager next season.
Villa arguably cost themselves the game after an own goal and avoidable penalty put them 3-0 down before half time. Thus, had some sloppy defending been cut out, Villa may have had a chance of taking a point. However, they were soundly beaten and finished the season with a disappointing result. Delph had their best chance of the match but fired a low shot just wide of the near post. 

Norwich City 0 v 2 Arsenal Ramsay (53), Jenkinson (62)
First Half: Redmond has long range driven shot parried past the near post. Podolski has a close range effort beaten away at the near post. Giroud has an effort well tipped over the bar. Giroud has a shot from the edge of the box parried at the far side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 0-1, Arsenal take the lead through Ramsay who scores with a majestic volley into the far top corner. Goal! 0-2, Jenkinson scores with a low shot into the near bottom corner. Loza has a driven shot parried away from the far side.
Full Time: 0-2.
Norwich 18th, 33pts
Arsenal 4th, 76>79pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ramsay. Arsenal too strong for Norwich. Norwich needed a 15 goal difference swing to stay up and it didn't happen which means the Canaries are relegated. They really struggled with their final five games against the top teams and it cost them dearly. Despite giving it a go, they were outplayed for the majority of the match and didn't really look like scoring. Redond and Loza came closest to finding the back of the net but it wasn't to be. 
Arsenal finished 4th once again and secured champions league football for the 16th season in a row. Their fans will be pleased to be playing in Europe's elite competition but it was a disappointing second half to their season that saw them fade away from the title race. Today's result reminded us why Arsenal were so strong earlier in the season and that was through Ramsay. What a great player he is and he scored quite a spectacular volley to open the scoring. Jenkinson doubled their lead with his first ever goal for the Gunners in what was a decent display from Arsenal. 

Cardiff City 1 v 2 Chelsea Bellamy (15), Schurrle (72), Torres (75)
First Half: Torres has an effort blocked behind an open goal. Goal! 1-0, Cardiff take the lead through Bellamy who scores with a long range deflected strike across goal into the far side. Oscar places a low effort wide of the far post. Campbell blazes a shot wide of the near post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, Chelsea equalise as Azpilicueta has a header parried against the bar before hitting the rebound against the bar from close range which leads to Schurrle volleying into the ground and over the keeper. Goal! 1-2, Chelsea come from behind and take the lead through Torres who chests the ball down and scores with a low shot from close range into the far bottom corner. Schurrle has a shot from the edge of the box across goal parried over.
Full Time: 1-2.
Cardiff 20th, 30pts
Chelsea 3rd, 79>82pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Schurrle. Chelsea comeback against Cardiff. Despite already being relegated, Cardiff gave Chelsea a really good run for their money. Bellamy put them ahead in the 15th minute thanks to a deflected shot from long range and they managed to keep Chelsea out for 70 minutes. However, the story of the their season was summed up after they conceded twice in the space of three minutes to fall behind. Not the way they would have wanted to bow out from the league and it may be a while before we see them playing the premier league again.
Chelsea got off to a slow start which probably comes as no surprise but they dug in well to grind out a good comeback. Schurrle was very impressive and got them back on level terms in the 72nd minute before Torres scored a rare goal to put them in front. Chelsea may not have finished in the top two this season but they can go into next season with strong aspirations. 

Southampton 1 v 1 Manchester United Lambert (28), Mata (54)
First Half: Vidic survives a handball penalty appeal. Lallana has a flicked effort saved, Wanyama has a low shot from long range saved. Goal! 1-0, Southampton take the lead through Lambert who gets played in on goal and coolly fires into the near side.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, United equalise through Mata who scores with a brilliant free kick over the wall and into the near top corner. Fletcher heads wide of the far post. Welbeck prods an effort wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-1.
Saints 8th, 55>56pts
Man United 7th, 63>64pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. United held by Saints. Southampton played pretty well but the game had that end of season feel about it as both teams didn't really have much to play for. Saints went ahead in fairly controversial circumstances as Lambert seemed to elbow Vidic, whose face was covered in blood, before going through on goal and slotting neatly past De Gea. However, they were pegged back by a brilliant free kick from Mata and that ended up being that. Shaw and Lallana were the two players who stood out as both enjoyed a strong performance.
United were nowhere near their best but went behind to a goal that I don't think should have stood. Vidic received a head injury in the build up to Lambert's goal and therefore play should have been stopped. Instead, all the United players stopped playing which allowed Lambert an easy chance to open the scoring. However, they were back on level terms early in the second half thanks to a wonderful free kick from Mata who found the top corner. Fletcher and Welbeck had chances to win it but a draw was a fair result. 

Hull City 0 v 2 Everton McCarthy (9), Lukaku (46)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Everton take the lead through McCarthy whose strike is pushed into the far side. Lukaku has a low effort saved at the near post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 0-2, Lukaku is played through on goal and slots an effort over the keeper into the far side. Davies heads wide of the near post. Meyler has a long range driven shot parried across goal.
Full Time: 0-2.
Hull 16th, 37pts
Everton 5th, 69>72pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lukaku. Everton at the double to beat Hull. It was not the best display from Hull who most likely have the FA cup final next week in their minds. They went behind early on and never recovered, instead going two down early in the second half. More chances were created by Hull in the second half but both Davies and Meyler failed to find the back of the net. I'm sure we will see more effort from them next week against Arsenal. 
Everton have been very impressive this year and ended with a decent victory which saw McCarthy get his first goal for Everton. Lukaku doubled their lead straight away in the second half as the result never looked in doubt. Martinez has done a brilliant job with the team this year and although they just missed out on a champions league spot, they will be playing European football next season in the Europa League. 

Sunderland 1 v 3 Swansea City Dyer (7), Emnes (14), Borini (50), Bony (54)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Swansea take the lead through Dyer who curls a shot into the far top corner from close range. Goal! 0-2, Emnes turns on the ball and fires a fierce strike into the near side. Amat's flicked header bounces back off his own far post. Bardsley has a long range driven shot tipped over.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Goal! 1-2, Borini heads in from a corner at the near post to half the deficit. Johnson has a low strike across goal beaten away. Goal! 1-3, Bony scores with a low shot that goes in via the inside of the far post. Johnson fires a low driven shot from close range just wide of the near post.
Full Time: 1-3.
Sunderland 14th, 38pts
Swansea 13th>12th, 39>42pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dyer. Swansea fire three past Sunderland. Going two goals down inside the first fifteen minutes proved pivotal for Sunderland who gave it a real go but were unable to get themselves back on level terms. Borini gave them a little ray of hope early in the second half but they conceded only four minutes later which pretty much settled the outcome. 
Swansea started the game brilliantly and found themselves two goals up as Dyer and Emnes scored inside the first quarter of an hour. They didn't start the second half as strongly but restored their two goal advantage in the 54th minute through Bony. Dyer was particularly impressive for the Swans in what was good final performance of the season. That result means that Swansea move up one place to finish 12th. 

Fulham 2 v 2 Crystal Palace Gayle (28,84), Woodrow (61), David (90+4)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Palace take the lead through Gayle who latches onto Ward's long range shot to turn it past the keeper at the near side from close range.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Rodallega heads against the far post. Goal! 1-1, Fulham equalise through Woodrow who cuts back inside and curls a shot into the far top corner. David has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 1-2, Palace retake the lead through Gayle who scores with a curling free kick around the wall and into the near side. Murray hits the bar with an effort at the near side. Goal! 2-2, Fulham equalise again through David who scores with a long range shot across goal that goes in via the underside of the bar and into the far top corner.
Full Time: 2-2.
Fulham 19th, 31>32pts
Palace 11th, 44>45pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Gayle. Fulham claim dramatic draw at Craven Cottage. Fulham played a pretty youthful team in their last game of the season and they looked pretty good. Promising signs ahead for the team who will have to fight it out in the championship next season with players such as Woodrow impressing today. It looked like they were going to lose when Gayle scored his second but a late equaliser sealed a point. Both Woodrow and David scored great goals but they needed more of that earlier in the season.
Palace played well and probably should have taken all three points. They created lot of chances but it was Gayle who scored twice to put Palace in the lead on two occasions. After going 2-1 up, Palace really should have held on but they conceded a goal that would have beaten most keepers in the 94th minute. 

West Bromich Albion 1 v 2 Stoke City McCauley OG (22), Sessegnon (56), Adam (87)
First Half: Sessegnon hits the underside of the bar from close range whilst the ball bounces away off the line. Walters has a shot across goal from an acute angle parried away. Walters heads wide from close range of the near post. Odemwingie has a low shot across goal parried away. Goal! 0-1, Stoke take the lead after a low Arnautovic cross is deflected in off McCauley at the near post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Goal! 1-1, West Brom equalise through Sessegnon who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Arnautovic curls a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. Mulumbu hits the far post with a strike across goal. Goal! 1-2, Stoke go back in front as Adam scores with a low strike from long range into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 1-2.
West Brom 17th, 36pts
Stoke 10th>9th, 47>50pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Arnautovic. Late Adam strike stuns Baggies. West Brom were much better in the first half but found themselves a goal down going into half time. They were back on level terms when Sessegnon struck just before the hour mark but they came undone from a late strike from Adam. I felt West Brom could have taken more from that game but they were just poor in front of goal. They created some good chances but scuppered most of them. 
Stoke proved themselves to be the better team and were much stronger in the second half. Victory was deserved in the end but it came down to a great goal from Adam to decide it. Those three points move Stoke up one place into 9th in what was a decent season for Hughes and Stoke. 

Best Goal: Nasri, Ramsay, Mata, Emnes, Gayle, Woodrow, David, Adam. Winner: Ramsay Watch the goal here

League Leaders:
1. Manchester City P38 - 86pts Champions
2. Liverpool P38 - 84pts CL
3. Chelsea P38 - 82pts CL
4. Arsenal P38 - 79pts CL
5. Everton P38 - 72pts EL
6. Tottenham Hotspur P38 - 69pts EL

*CL - Champions League
* EL - Europa League

Relegation Zone:
16. Hull P38 - 37pts
17. West Brom P38 - 36pts
18. Norwich P38 - 33pts Relegated
19. Fulham P38 - 32pts Relegated
20. Cardiff P38 - 30pts Relegated

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Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Mid-Week Football Game Week 37

Manchester City 4 v 0 Aston Villa Dzeko (64,72), Jovetic (89), Yaya Toure (90+4)
First Half: Kolarov has an effort from an acute angle parried past the near post. Kolarov scuffs a shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Yaya Toure has a low shot cleared off the line. Bowery volleys wide of the near post. Silva has an effort blocked. Nasri sends a long range volley wide of the near post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Kompany has an overhead kick saved. Kolarov has a long range free kick pushed away from the near top corner. Goal! 1-0, City take the lead through Dzeko who latches onto Zabaleta's low cross to tuck in under the keeper. Goal! 2-0, Dzeko scores from Nasri's rebounded shot to tap in from close range. Weimann heads against the underside of the bar from close range which bounces away off the line. Goal! 3-0, Yaya Toure lays the ball across to Jovetic who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Goal! 4-0, Yaya Toure goes on an incredible run that starts within his own half, going past the villa defence and slots past the keeper at the near side.
Full Time: 4-0.
Man City 2nd>1st, 80>83pts
Villa 14>15th, 38pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Yaya Toure. City battle past Villa. City knew that victory today would mean that a point against West Ham on the final day of the season would see them lift the trophy. It took just over an hour for them to break the deadlock as Dzeko opened the scoring before doubling the lead eight minutes later. Once the first goal went in, the floodgates opened and it turned into a rout. It may have taken them a while to take the lead but Villa put up a stern defence which proved tough to break down. All the nerves in the stadium were settled once Dzeko scored that first goal and for me it's all over now. I can't see City losing at home to West Ham so it looks like City will be champions for the second time in two seasons.
Villa were worthy opponents and kept City at bay for an hour. They parked a bus or two and it worked as it frustrated City for the majority of the game. However, the endless City pressure proved too much and their defence was broken and severely breached. There really wasn't much threat from Villa going forward so in the end they were didn't really deserve much out of the game. That defeat means that Villa fall one place into 15th.

Sunderland 2 v 0 West Bromich Albion Colback (13), Borini (31)
First Half: Borini has a fierce long range strike parried over. Goal! 1-0, Sunderland take the lead through Colback who latches onto Alonso's cross before converting at the near side. Goal! 2-0, Larsson plays in Borini who volleys in at the near side. Berahino has a curling shot from the edge of the box parried away from the far side.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Berahino fires a shot wide of the near post. Sessegnon sends a low shot wide of the near post. Altidore puts a close range effort wide of the near post. Vergini drags a low shot wide across goal. Morrison has a long range strike saved.
Full Time: 2-0.
Sunderland 17>14th, 35>38pts
West Brom 16>17th, 36pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cattermole. Sunderland march to safety. Sunderland are now safe from relegation and have produced quite a run of form to incredibly avoid the drop. They got the job done in the first half, taking a two goal lead into half time. More goals could have come in the second half but in the end Colback and Borini sealed those three points early on. Poyet has pulled off a minor miracle with Sunderland who move up three places into 14th with that win whilst Norwich are as good as relegated. 
West Brom created chances for themselves but failed to take any of them. Berahino and Sessegnon came closest for the Baggies but both failed to provide a goal. It wasn't their best performance by any stretch of the imagination and they were soundly beaten in the end in what was Sunderland's night to remember. That defeat means that West Brom fall one place into 17th but they can sleep easy knowing that they are not going to be relegated unless there is a tremendous swing in goal difference on Sunday.  

Manchester United 3 v 1 Hull City Wilson (31,61), Van Persie (86), Fryatt (63)
First Half: Januzaj has a penalty appeal turned down. Lawrence has a long range shot deflected over. Goal! 1-0, United take the lead as Fellaini heads down to Wilson who scores with a low volley under the keeper.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Fellaini has an effort parried straight to Wilson who scores from the rebound. Goal! 2-1, Fryatt scores with a low strike from long range into near bottom corner. Fellaini fires a shot high and wide at the near side. Goal! 3-1, Van Persie has a shot blocked but volleys in from the rebound into the near side. Giggs has a free kick parried over the near top corner.
Full Time: 3-1.
Man United 7th, 60>63pts
Hull 15>16th, 37pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Januzaj. Dream debut for Wilson. Giggs made plenty of changes and gave debuts to both Wilson and Lawrence. They both played pretty well whilst Wilson managed to bag a brace to round off a dream start to his United career. On the whole it was a pretty decent performance whilst Van Persie found the back of the net for the first time since coming back from injury. However, Fellaini really struggled and looks to have no confidence in his game whatsoever. Overall, encouraging signs for United whilst Giggs bid farewell with his last ever game at Old Trafford in a United shirt. A true legend bows out.
Hull were largely there for the occasion as it all centred around Ryan Giggs. They went 2-0 down but came back into the game when Fryatt scored a cracker from long range to half the deficit. The game could have turned at that point but they failed to capitalise and ended up conceding a late goal. Their main problem was that they failed to contain the threat of Januzaj down the wings who proved to be a constant thorn in their side. Hull may have fancied their chances coming to Old Trafford and taking something home, especially after seeing the team sheet but it didn't work out for them and that defeat means that they drop down one place into 16th. 

Best Goal: Yaya Toure, Jovetic, Borini, Van Persie, Fryatt. Winner: Yaya Toure

League Leaders:
1. Man City P37 - 83pts
2. Liverpool P37 - 81pts
3. Chelsea P37 - 79pts
4. Arsenal P37 - 76pts
5. Everton P37 - 69pts

Relegation Battle:
16.  Hull P37 - 37pts
17. West Brom P37 - 36pts
18. Norwich P37 - 33pts
19. Fulham P37 - 31pts Relegated
20. Cardiff P37 - 30pts Relegated

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Soccer Saturday Game Week 37

Everton 2 v 3 Manchester City Barkley (11), Aguero (22), Dzeko (43,48), Lukaku (65)
First Half: Zabaleta slices a shot wide of the near side. Goal! 1-0, Everton take the lead as Barkley scores with a long range curling beauty into the far top corner. Barkley has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 1-1, City equalise through Aguero who is played in by Yaya Toure before firing a shot into the near side. Dzeko has a low effort blocked at the near side. Goal! 1-2, City come from behind to take the lead as Dzeko scores with a header into the near bottom corner.
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Naismith has a low effort really well tipped past the far post. Goal! 1-3, City double their lead as a low cross from Nasri is slotted home by Dzeko from close range at the near post. Goal! 2-3, Everton go back to within one as Lukaku scores with a diving header that hits the inside of the far post before going in across goal. Zabaleta has a low effort saved. Deulofeu has a low shot blocked into the side-netting.
Full Time: 2-3.
Everton 5th, 69pts
Man City 3rd>1st, 77>80pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dzeko. City stay on course for title. Despite playing pretty well, Everton were just beaten by the better team today. They went ahead through quite a brilliant goal from Barkley who will definitely have caught the eye of Roy Hodgson after his performance. However, some sloppy defending saw them concede three times which all but ended the match. Lukaku managed to score with a diving header but an equalising goal seemed beyond them. That defeat means Everton will most likely be being in the Europa league next season.
City were in for a tough ride at Goodison but they handled the game really well and came out deserved winners. That was their biggest chance of slipping up and they came out with flying colours. After going behind to a wonder goal, Aguero levelled before having to go off injured. However, Dzeko took responsibility of the situation and netted either side of half time to give City a commanding lead. They were pegged back to 3-2 but they defended valiantly to hold on for three vital points. With that win, City go top of the table and look set to win the title. 

Manchester United 0 v 1 Sunderland Larsson (30)
First Half: Nani fires a shot from the edge of the box just over the bar. Goal! 0-1, Sunderland take the lead as Wickham's cross is volleyed in by Larsson into the far bottom corner. Mata has a low strike from long range saved.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Hernandez has a close range effort deflected wide of the near post. Vidic heads wide of the far post. Giaccherini strikes a low against the far post. Van Persie puts an effort from close range just wide of the near post. Welbeck fires a shot over from the edge of the box. Hernandez fluff an effort over the bar. Borini strikes a shot across goal that hits the bar.
Full Time: 0-1.
Man United 7th, 60pts
Sunderland 17th, 32>35pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Larsson. After the joyous first match in charge for Giggs last week, it quickly turned back to reality as United slumped to yet another home defeat this season. It was a very poor performance from a United team who looked completely out of form. This led to an eerily quiet atmosphere inside Old Trafford which clearly affected the United players. Van Persie came off the bench in the second half but failed to make a difference. It seems that even Giggs remains baffled by United's poor performances and is struggling to change their fortunes. Very disappointing result but at least we now know it wasn't just the Moyes factor that has caused United's huge slump.
Sunderland have pulled off a fantastic result here. In their desperate time of need they turned up and gave it a real go which paid off. Larsson scored a really good goal on the half hour mark and their organised defence managed to keep an impressive clean sheet. All in all they deserved to win as they quite clearly wanted it so much more. Poyet has pulled off another great result and I think Sunderland will stay up after that. 

Newcastle United 3 v 0 Cardiff City Ameobi (18), Remy (87), Taylor (90+1)
First Half: Campbell volleys a shot into the ground that goes just wide of the near post. Debuchy has a driven shot parried over at the near side. Debuchy has a header tipped against the bar at the far post from a corner. Goal! 1-0, Newcastle take the lead as Ameobi heads in from close range at the far post from Sissokho's cross. Sissokho strikes a low shot from long range that takes a deflection before hitting the far post. Zaha has a low shot denied by a great save at the near post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Campbell sends a cross that just goes wide of the far post. Jones has a close range volley well parried away. Gunnarsson has a low effort blocked on the line. Goal! 2-0, Tiote has a shot that deflects into the path of Remy who scores with a low shot from close range at the near post. Sissokho has a shot that deflects wide of the near post. Goal! 3-0, Taylor scores. latching onto a Remy shot to score with a close range effort at the centre of the goal.
Full Time: 3-0.
Newcastle 9th, 46>49pts
Cardiff 20th, 30pts Relegated

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sissokho. Newcastle have actually avoided defeat and won a match for the first time in ages. Remy being back out on the pitch was a massive bonus for them as they just play like a completely different team when he plays. It was a much better performance than we have seen in a while from Newcastle who were good value for their 3-0 victory. However, they were playing against poor opposition but that result may calm the pressure on Pardew for at least a week. 
Cardiff are relegated after one season in the premier league with defeat at Newcastle. It was just one of those days where nothing was going in with Campbell and Zaha going close. On a day where you need to score they just couldn't manage it. A disappointing season ends horribly for Cardiff who will be back in the hard slog of the Championship next season.

Stoke City 4 v 1 Fulham Odemwingie (39), Arnautovic (54), Assaidi (73), Richardson (80), Walters (82)
First Half: Assaidi blazes a shot over and wide. Assaidi has a low strike from long range parried at the near post. Goal! 1-0, Stoke take the lead as Ireland has a shot deflected against the bar before Odemwingie scores from the rebound, tapping in from close range. Arnautovic has a strike across goal parried away.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Parker has a long range shot saved. Dejagah has a penalty appeal turned down. Goal! 2-0, a fast break leads to Arnautovic scoring with a shot into the far top corner. Goal! 3-0, Arnautovic has a low cross parried at the far post before Assaidi is on hand to convert the rebound from close range. Goal! 3-1, Fulham score a consolation goal through Richardson who scores with a low volley into the near bottom corner. Goal! 4-1, Walters goes through on goal and scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Full Time: 4-1.
Stoke 10th, 44>47pts
Fulham 19th, 31pts Relegated

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Assaidi. Fulham relegated at Britannia Stadium. Stoke proved to be too good for Fulham and they romped their way to victory. Arnautovic and Assaidi starred as Stoke put four past the Fulham keeper in what was a really commanding performance. Hughes has done a really good job so far at Stoke and results such as today's are becoming more common.
Fulham have been relegated after Sunderland took three points at Old Trafford. It was a defensive nightmare for Fulham who just awful defensively. Once the first goal had been conceded, there was no fight amongst the Fulham players who had pretty much given up on survival. Changing the manager three times this season didn't help their cause and it all just turned into a terrible season for them. 

Aston Villa 3 v 1 Hull City Westwood (1), Bowery OG (28), Weimann (41,45+3)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Villa take the lead through Westwood who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-1, Hull score an equaliser as a low cross from Rosenior deflects in off Bowery from close range. Huddlestone has a long range strike parried over the far top corner. Baker has an effort headed off the line by Jelavic before heading the rebound against the bar which leads to Goal! 2-1, Villa go back in front as Weimann heads into the near top corner. Goal! 3-1, Weimann scores his second with a flicked header into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 3-1.
Second Half: Bowery has a strike pushed over the near top corner. Huddlestone has a low shot from long range saved.
Full Time: 3-1.
Villa 16>14th, 35>38pts
Hull 13>15th, 37pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Weimann. That was a much better performance from Villa who came out deserved winners. The result means that they will are now safe and will be playing the Premier League next season. It only took them a minute before taking the lead through Westwood before Weimann struck twice before half time to give them a two goal cushion. Relief for Villa who move up two places into 14th with that victory. 
Hull started the game poorly but managed to get themselves back in it thanks to an own goal from Bowery. However, they came undone when they conceded twice before half time which killed the game off. There were few chances created in the second half whilst Huddlestone came closest with a long range shot saved. Disappointing result for Hull who fall two places into 15th after that defeat. 

West Ham United 2 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur Kane OG (27), Downing (44)
First Half: Adebayor has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. OFF! Kaboul is shown a straight red card for fouling Downing and being deemed to be the last man. Carroll has a free kick really well parried over the far top corner. Goal! 1-0, West Ham take the lead as Carroll heads back across goal at the far post which deflects in off Kane at the far side. Taylor has a low volley from the edge of the box really well tipped past the near post. Goal! 2-0, Downing scores with a low free kick that goes through the wall and in at the near side.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Diame has an overhead kick well saved before Nolan sends the rebound wide of the far post. Nolan has an effort well blocked. Rose has a shot really well tipped over the bar.
Full Time: 2-0.
West Ham 14>12th, 37>40pts
Spurs 6th, 66pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Carroll. West Ham played really well which was largely thanks to Carroll who proved to be too much to handle for the Spurs defence. They went ahead through an own goal from Kane before Downing doubled their lead just before half time. There was only going to be one winner from how the game played out and that was West Ham. It was obvious they have really missed Carroll for a large part of the season as he was just too strong and powerful for Spurs to cope with. With that result, West Ham move up two places into 12th. 
Spurs just had to endure a day when it wasn't going their way. I wasn't convinced Kaboul should have been shown a straight red card but he was and they had to play most of the game with ten men because of it. However, they struggled to get in the game and were below par. They failed to cope with Carroll as he created so many chances for West Ham but Lloris made top save after top save and was clearly Spurs' best player by a mile. They still look on course to finish in sixth but Sherwood will be very disappointed with that result. 

Swansea City 0 v 1 Southampton Lambert (90+3)
First Half: Hernandez has a shot from the edge of the box parried before De Guzman blazes the rebound over. Bony heads wide of the far post. Lovren strikes a free kick just over the near side. Gallacher heads just over from Clyne's cross. Bony volleys just over across goal.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Lallana has a low shot from long range saved. Goal! 0-1, Saints score a late winner as Lambert bundles the ball in from close range after Williams fails to clear the ball.
Full Time: 0-1.
Swansea 12>13th, 39pts
Saints 8th, 52>55pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Shaw. It was a really poor game but Swansea will be gutted to have lost it right at the death. They created a few decent chances in the first half through Hernandez and Bony but both failed to find the back of the net. A 0-0 draw would have been a fair result as nobody really deserved to win. That defeat means Swansea fall one place into 13th. 
Southampton played below their normal standard but didn't look like losing. Gallacher, Lovren and Lallana all had chances but neither managed to open the scoring. However, they were very fortunate to take home three points as Lambert bundled the ball home in what was a really scruffy goal in the 93 minute. 

Best Goal: Barkley, Larsson, Walters. Winner: Barkley Watch the goal here

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Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Soccer Saturday 36

Manchester United 4 v 0 Norwich City Rooney (41pen,48), Mata (63,73)
First Half: Welbeck has a blast parried round the near post. Valencia has a low driven shot across goal parried away. Penalty! Welbeck is fouled inside the box by Whittaker. Goal! 1-0, United take the lead as Rooney scores with a low penalty into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Rooney scores with a low curling shot from long range into the far bottom corner. Welbeck has a blast from the edge of the box parried behind at the near side. Vidic heads over at the back post. Goal! 3-0, Rooney has a shot parried before Jones fires in a cross that gets tapped in by Mata. Goal! 4-0, Mata heads Valencia's cutback from close range. Olsson has a long range shot that takes a big deflection, looping the ball over the keeper and hitting the bar. Hernandez is played through on goal but places his effort wide across goal.
Full Time: 4-0.
Man United 7th, 57>60pts
Norwich 17th, 32pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. Giggs off to winning start. It was Ryan Giggs' first game in charge of United after David Moyes was sacked earlier this week and it only took 40 minutes before United settled back into their old ways. The hugely anticipated game started slowly as United struggled to open the scoring but once Rooney slotted home the penalty, it all suddenly came together. Rooney struck once again early in the second half before Mata came off the bench to bag a brace. That was much more like the United we are accustomed to seeing with pace and direct football coming to the forefront once again. Happier days look to be ahead at Old Trafford and I'm actually looking forward to watching United play their remaining games.
Norwich managed to contain United for most of the first half but gave away a silly penalty which let United settle down. They were simply outplayed and blown away during the second half. It was not the best time to play United but Norwich's situation becomes increasingly worse with each loss. They are in a terrible situation where they are going to struggle to pick up the points they need to stay in the league with two games to go now and they really need results to go in their favour if they are to avoid relegation. 

Fulham 2 v 2 Hull City Dejagah (55), Amorebieta (58), Jelavic (75), Long (87)
First Half: Rodallega spurns a decent chance. Long has a penalty appeal turned down.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Fulham take the lead through Dejagah who cuts back inside before striking a lovely shot into the far top corner. Goal! 2-0, Fulham double their lead three minutes later as Amorebieta scores with a glancing header into the far bottom corner from a Richardson cross. Goal! 2-1, Hull half the deficit as a shot is deflected against the bar before Jelavic heads in from the rebound. Aluko strikes an effort from the edge of the box against the bar. Dejagah has an effort denied by a top save before Bent sends a low curling shot just wide of the far post. El Mohammady has a shot tipped against the far post. Goal! 2-2, Hull equalise as Long scores with a header at the far post.
Full Time: 2-2.
Fulham 19>18th, 30>31pts
Hull 14>13th, 36>37pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Dejagah. Fulham put themselves in a great position at 2-0 up and Craven Cottage was rocking with belief. However, they managed to concede twice before the end of the match and surrendered two vital points from a game which they should have held onto and won. Hugely disappointing result in the end for Fulham who rise one place into 18th with that point but really needed to take those three points today. 
Hull started the game poorly and it didn't look like it was going to be there day when they went 2-0 down. However, they fought back valiantly and managed to salvage an unlikely point from a difficult situation. It was their two strikers Long and Jelavic who dealt the blows and pretty much sealed their safety in the league. With that point, Hull rise one place into 13th. 

Swansea City 4 v 1 Aston Villa Bony (10,90+4pen), Agbonlahor (22), Shelvey (26), Hernandez (73)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Swansea take the lead through Bony who is played through on goal by Shelvey before slotting a low shot from the edge of the box into the near side. Albrighton fires a long range driven shot just wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Villa equalise through Agbonlahor who scores from close range at the centre of the goal from a whipped Albrighton cross. Goal! 2-1, Shelvey controls the ball just inside the halfway line and then scores an utterly ridiculous volley from 40-50 yards into the far top corner. Bony has a low driven shot from long range saved.
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Shelvey has a low shot from long range parried past the near post. De Guzman puts an effort wide of the far post. Goal! 3-1, Hernandez fires a shot into the far top corner. Albrighton curls a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Penalty! Emnes is fouled inside the box by Baker. Goal! 4-1, Bony scores from the spot with an effort over the keeper.
Full Time: 4-1.
Swansea 13>12th, 36>39pts
Villa 15>16th, 35pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bony. Swansea cruise past Villa. That was a strong performance at home from Swansea whilst Shelvey scored one of the goals of the season. It was an absolutely incredible goal which saw Shelvey control the ball and score with a long range volley from just inside the halfway line that went over the keeper into the top corner. Sheer class. Bony continued his good form with another couple of goals in what was a resounding win for the Swans. With those three points, Swansea move up one spot into 12th.
Villa looked like they were in for a game at 1-1 but they just fell away after that wonder goal went it. Very disappointing display from 2-1 down which doesn't help their nerves as they lie just a few points above the relegation zone. Another win should do the trick but after that performance, there is cause for concern. That defeat means that Villa fall one place into 16th. 

West Bromich Albion 1 v 0 West Ham United Berahino (11)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, West Brom take the lead through Berahino who scores from close range into the roof of the net after Amalfitano squares the ball across goal. Carroll has a header really well saved at the near post. Jones sends a header wide across goal. Demel has a shot parried away from the near post. Dorrans drags a low shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Jones has a low shot parried round the near post. Berahino has an effort stopped at the near side. Sessegnon fires a shot over the bar. Carroll heads against the bar at the far side.
Full Time: 1-0.
West Brom 16>15th, 33>36pts
West Ham 12>14th, 37pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Foster. Berahino sinks Hammers. That was an important victory for West Brom who managed to hold on for three points for once. It got to a stage where Anichebe was being cheered in the final few minutes for holding the ball in the opposite corner flag. They are not quite safe just yet but that was a massive step in the right direction. Foster made some terrific saves in what was a match winning performance. I think the Baggies will be safe after that result which moves them up one place into 15th.
West Ham can feel hard done by today as they did everything but score. After conceding an early goal, they created plenty of chances to level but spurned all of them. Carroll should really have scored at some point and came closest when heading against the bar late in the match. A disappointing result for the Hammers who fall two places down into 14th.

Southampton 2 v 0 Everton Alcaraz OG (1), Coleman OG (31)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Saints take an early lead as Alcaraz scores an own goal after heading into his own net at the near side from a Lambert cross. Davis fires a shot wide of the far post. Goal! 2-0, Saints double their lead thanks to Coleman heading into his own goal into the far bottom corner from a Clyne cross. Lovren has a header saved. Lukaku heads over the bar from close range.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Lambert strikes a low free kick that flicks off the edge of the box and hits the outside of the near post. Osman has a penalty appeal turned down. Lukaku has a header saved. McCarthy has a penalty appeal turned down. Ward-Prowse has a shot from the edge of the box saved.
Full Time: 2-0.
Saints 8th, 49>52pts
Everton 5th, 69pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Davis. Everton own goals gift Saints victory. Southampton came out worthy winners as they controlled the majority of the match. They were the better team on the day and deserved to take all three points. However, both goals came from Everton defenders who both scored in their own net. It was a great start to the game for Saints who took the lead within the opening minute before doubling their advantage on the half hour mark. It was a strong performance from the home side as Pochettino continues to impress.
Everton's hopes of fourth place have surely gone now after that defeat. Some sloppy defending really cost them as both Alcaraz and Coleman both scored own goals. They may feel that decisions didn't go their way as they had a couple of penalty shouts that could have been given on another day. Lukaku threatened to score on a few occasions but came closest with a free kick that struck the outside of the post. A great season for Everton comes to a disappointing conclusion but they will be in the Europa League. 

Stoke City 0 v 1 Tottenham Hotspur Rose (33)
First Half: Ireland fires a shot from the edge of the box wide across goal. Goal! 0-1, Spurs take the lead as an Adebayor cross is headed in by Rose at the far post.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: OFF! Shawcross is shown a second yellow card and sent off. Arnautovic has a low shot from the edge of the box saved. Paulinho has a low shot saved.
Full Time: 0-1.
Stoke 10th, 44pts
Spurs 6th, 63>66pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Kaboul. Rose strike sinks Stoke. Decisions went against Stoke today and they will have plenty to argue about after Shawcross was sent off for what seemed to be a harsh second yellow card. Ireland and Arnautovic came closest to scoring for the home side but it just wasn't their day. 
Spurs got the job done in what was a really tough atmosphere to cope with as the Stoke fans became increasingly more riled throughout the game. Rose put them ahead just after the half hour mark but was on the receiving end of Shawcross' sending off which meant he suffered some really nasty abuse from the fans. Sherwood did well to take him off and out of the game before he could have done something silly and they held on well to claim all three points. 

Best Goal: Shelvey, Rooney, Dejagah. Winner: Shelvey - Watch the Goal here

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Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Soccer Saturday 35

Chelsea 1 v 2 Sunderland Eto'o (12), Wickham (18), Borini (82pen)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead through Eto'o who volleys into the centre of the goal following a corner. Goal! 1-1, Sunderland equalise soon after as Alonso has a long range shot parried which Wickham pounces onto and slots over the keeper. Terry has a goal ruled out after a Matic foul. Ivanovic has a header tipped against the bar. Matic has a low, long range shot parried at the near side before Salah has an effort parried at the near post. Chelsea have a handball penalty appeal turned down. Ramires heads wide of the far post. Ramires is fortunate that a swinging elbow goes unseen.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Eto'o fires a curling shot across goal just wide. Ba sends an effort wide of the far post. Penalty! Altidore is fouled inside the box by Azpilicueta. Goal! 1-2, Sunderland come from behind and take the lead as Borini scores from the spot with a low shot into the centre of goal. Schurrle has a long range blast parried over.
Full Time: 1-2.
Chelsea 2nd, 75pts
Sunderland 20th, 26>29pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Alonso. Sunderland shock Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea suffered their first ever home defeat under Mourinho in what turned out to be massive upset. That result will be a huge blow for Chelsea's title hopes as they fall further behind Liverpool. It was all smiles early on as Eto'o put the home side ahead after 12 minutes but they conceded an equaliser soon after. They came really close to taking the lead once again but a second goal never materialised. This proved costly as Azpilicueta gave away a silly penalty from which they fell behind. All this goes to prove is that Mourinho desperately needs to recruit a goalscorer as they have failed to put away the lesser teams this season. 
That was totally unexpected but Poyet has seen his Sunderland side pull off a small miracle. No side has gone to Stamford Bridge and beaten a Chelsea team managed by Mourinho until now. They took their chances as Wickham pounced to score an equaliser before they were gifted a penalty from such a poor tackle from Azpilicueta. Sunderland really needed to get something from the game but to win came as a complete shock. With those three points, Sunderland move closer to safety and with a couple more wins could incredibly stay up. 

Tottenham Hotspur 3 v 1 Fulham Paulinho (35), Sidwell (37), Kane (48), Kaboul (62)
First Half: Rodallega fluffs a shot from the edge of the box wide of the far post. Rodallega is denied and effort by an onrushing save. Lennon has a volley parried onto the near post. Goal! 1-0, Spurs take the lead through Paulinho who taps in from close range at the far post from a whipped Eriksen free kick across goal. Goal! 1-1, Fulham hit straight back and level through Sidwell who pushes through the defence before slotting an effort into the far side.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Goal! 2-1, Spurs go back in front as Kane scores with a flicked header into the far side from a Lennon cross. Rodallega has a powerful header tipped over the bar. Goal! 3-1, Eriksen whips in another great cross across goal which Kaboul volleys in from close range at the far post. Penalty! Eriksen handles the ball inside the box. Save! Lloris saves Sidwell's penalty which was struck straight down the middle.
Full Time: 3-1.
Spurs 6th, 60>63pts
Fulham 18>19th, 30pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Spurs battle past Fulham. That turned out to be a decent performance from Spurs but they started slowly. After taking the lead, they conceded almost straight away but it was a strong opening to the second half that shifted the momentum in Spur's favour. Lloris made some terrific saves whilst Eriksen was on form. That win means that Spurs are still favourites to take the last Europa League spot.
That was just not Fulham's day as everything seemed to be going against them. Rodallega spurned multiple good chances but they went into half time level at 1-1. However, they were undone by two brilliant free kicks from Eriksen and a decent header from Kane. They should have made it 3-2 but Sidwell saw his penalty saved which all but ended the game. Disappointment for Fulham who fall down one place into 19th and become increasingly desperate to pick up a win or two. 

Cardiff City 1 v 1 Stoke City Arnautovic (45+3pen), Whittingham (51pen)
First Half: Mutch has a low shot saved at the near side. Campbell has a long range shot that deflects over the bar. Odemwingie has a long range blast across goal parried away. Whittingham has a free kick tipped against the near post. Penalty! Kim fouls Odemwingie inside the box. Goal! 0-1, Stoke take the lead deep into the first half stoppage time as Arnautovic scores from the spot with a low penalty down the middle.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Penalty! N'Zonzi fouls Campbell inside the box. Goal! 1-1, Cardiff equalise through a penalty of their own as Whittingham scores with a low strike down the middle. Campbell spurs a decent chance to volley in. Caulker has a low shot really well parried at the near side before hitting a shot against the near post which leads to Cardiff having a goal ruled out for offside. Campbell has a penalty appeal turned down. Odemwingie has a low shot from long range parried away at the near side. Assaidi has a low shot saved Walters strikes a long range shot against the bar.
Full Time: 1-1.
Cardiff 19>18th, 30pts
Stoke 10th, 43>44pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Marshall. Stoke denied by brilliant Marshall. In the end that was a point gained for Cardiff who could easily have lost that game. Instead Marshall was brilliant in goal and made some top saved to limit Stoke to one goal. They were cruelly given a penalty against them right before half time which should not have been given but they were given one themselves early in the second half to level the playing field. With that point, Cardiff move up into 18th but their performances need to improve.
Stoke created plenty of chances and will go away disappointed they only took a point. It was a soft penalty but things were levelled up as the referee gave another one in Cardiff's favour which could easily have been avoided. On another day they could have won by two or three but they kept being denied by a goalkeeper who is in form. 

Newcastle United 1 v 2 Swansea City Ameobi (23), Bony (45+1,90+2pen)
First Half: Bony puts an effort wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Newcastle take the lead through Ameobi who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 1-1, Swansea equalise through Bony who heads into the far side from the near post following a corner.
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: Gosling has a low volley turned past the near post. Anita fires a long range shot across goal just wide of the far post. Bony has an effort snuffed out by Krul. Penalty! Emnes is fouled inside the box by Tiote. Goal! 1-2, Swansea score a late winner as Bony scores from the spot into the far top corner.
Full Time: 1-2.
Newcastle 9th, 46pts
Swansea 15>13th, 33>36pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bony. Bony double sinks Newcastle. Despite a better start to the game and taking the lead, Newcastle were just not that good and went away with nothing once again. They seemed to be creating better chances but a lack of confidence in front of goal was clear to see. It's been a huge slide downhill for Newcastle and lots of sorting out needs to be done by Pardew. 
Swansea looked like the better side and deserved to win but it was all thanks to Bony that they claimed three points. He looked dangerous throughout but both of his goals came right at the end of each half. It was a clinical finish from Bony who looks to have struck some form at the end of the season. With that victory, Swansea move up two places into 13th and must be safe now from the drop. 

Aston Villa 0 v 0 Southampton
First Half: Lambert has a header saved at the near side. Lambert puts an effort wide of the far post. Davis has a shot stopped by a good save.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: El Ahmadi has a low shot from the edge of the box saved at the near side. Lallana fluffs a good chance from a Shaw cross. Albrighton has a long range blast saved. Betrand survives a handball penalty shout
Full Time: 0-0.
Villa 14>15th, 34>35pts
Saints 8th, 48>49pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Albrighton. Goalless draw at Villa Park. It was an important point gained for Villa who held on for a goalless draw. They created more chances in the second half but never forced the Saints keeper into making an outstanding save. With a few more positive results I think Villa should be safe in the premier league for another year but they aren't quite there yet.
Southampton played well but not to the level that they have shown for the majority of the season. Lambert had a few good chances in the first half whilst Lallana messed up a decent chance in the second. Shaw put in another strong performance and looked great down the left hand side but in the end a goalless draw looked like the most likely result after the way the game played out. 

West Ham United 0 v 1 Crystal Palace Jedinak (59pen)
First Half: Dikacoi has a header cleared off the line. Dann has a header slightly deflected over the bar. Nolan survives a handball penalty appeal. Diame has a driven shot from long range tipped over the bar. Carroll has a penalty appeal turned down. Diame has a low shot saved at the near side. Carroll has a header saved.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Puncheon has a penalty appeal turned down. Carroll has a low shot blocked. Penalty! Jerome is fouled inside the box by Armero. Goal! 0-1, Palace take the lead as Jedinak scores from the spot into the near top corner. Puncheon has a low shot blocked. Puncheon sends a low shot wide of the far post.
Full Time: 0-1.
West Ham 12th, 37pts
Palace 11th, 40>43pts

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bolasie. Palace claim narrow win at Upton Park. That was a pretty poor performance from the Hammers who just didn't take their chances. They made chances for themselves but struggled in front of goal as they kept on firing blanks. It was a really silly penalty to give away as Armero fouled Jerome inside the box. That result won't do big Sam any favours as the fans seemed to have turned against him. 
Palace were resolute and deserved to win today. They created lots of chances in front of goal although they needed the assistance of a spot kick to actually take the lead. Another great result for Pulis and Palace in what has been quite a remarkable turnaround from earlier on in the season. 

Best Goal: Eto'o, Sidwell. Winner: Sidwell - Watch the goal here

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