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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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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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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Soccer Saturday Game Week 21

Fulham 1 v 4 Sunderland Johnson (29,69,85pen), Ki (41), Sidwell (52)
First Half: Berbatov has a header saved following a corner. Berbatov fluffs a chance wide of the far post. Bardsley has a long range deflected shot parried away before Fletcher heads over the bar from close range. Taraabt has a fierce strike really well parried over at the near post. Goal! 0-1, Johnson puts Sunderland in front with a free kick into the near top corner. Goal! 0-2, Ki scores with a low shot after a rehearsed free kick routine.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Goal! 1-2, Sidwell scores with a header from close range into the far top corner. Cattermole has a long range shot parried away. Goal! 1-3, Johnson scores with a low shot across goal inside the far post. Kasami has a misdirected cross parried away. Penalty! Altidore is fouled inside the box by Senderos. Goal! 1-4, Johnson scores from the spot to complete his hat trick. 
Full Time: 1-4.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Johnson. Johnson hat trick inspires Sunderland. Fulham started both halfs well but ended them both badly. This result will heap even more pressure on the team who are struggling in the relegation zone. Sunderland were inspired by a brilliant performance from Johnson who looked back to his best. They took their chances really well and this win will give them a huge boost. 

Cardiff City 0 v 2 West Ham United Cole (42), Noble (90)
First Half: Whittingham hits the far post with a misdirected cross. Campbell has a penalty claim turned down. Noone has a shot that deflects wide of the post. Kim has a deflected shot that hits the underside of the bar and bounces off the goal line. Goal! 0-1, Cole puts the Hammers ahead with a close range effort into the near top corner following a Jarvis cross. 
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Medel has a shot deflected wide of the post. Campbell has a shot well tipped over the bar. Bellamy strikes a free kick just wide of the near post. Red Card! Tomkins is sent off for a second yellow card offence (high foot). Goal! 0-2, Noble scores with a low shot across goal inside the far post from Carroll's pass. 
Full Time: 0-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Noble. Hammers seal vital win in Cardiff. Cardiff had plenty of chances but failed to convert either one of them whilst they had some interesting penalty shouts turned down. The Hammers put in a strong performance and picked up three very needed and vital points away from home. Noble was particularly impressive as the team showed some fighting spirit today. 

Hull City 0 v 2 Chelsea Hazard (56), Torres (87)
First Half: Livermore has a long range strike parries past the post. Bruce heads over the bar following a corner. Sagbo flashes an effort wide across goal. Oscar is denied by a wonder save over the bar. Luiz has a free kick tipped over the bar. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Luiz has a free kick parried away. Goal! 0-1, Hazard puts Chelsea in front with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. Goal! 0-2, Torres scores after running through the defence and firing a low shot into the near side. 
Full Time: 0-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hazard. Chelsea grind out win at KC stadium. Hull didn't pass the ball well enough which cost them lots of possession and the ability to create any meaningful chances. Chelsea managed to battle through a tough game today and pick up the three points. Hazard was in fine form whilst it was good to see Torres get on the score sheet. 

Manchester United 2 v 0 Swansea City Valencia (47), Welbeck (59)
First Half: Vidic slices an effort over the bar from close range. Valencia has a driven shot parried away. Januzaj hits the bar with a free kick. Fletcher hits a driven shot from the edge of the box over the bar. Welbeck hits a low shot just wide of the far post.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Valencia puts United ahead from close range with a low shot into the near side following a parried header from Kagawa. Goal! 2-0, Welbeck scores after getting a slight deflection from Evra's pass into the near bottom corner. Smalling spurns a great chance after volleying over the bar from close range. Amat has a header saved. Kagawa is played through on goal by Rafael but his shot is cleared off the line. 
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Januzaj. United march on at Old Trafford. It was a much better display from United who looked as though they may have found some confidence again. They were the dominant side and could have scored one or two more. Swansea really struggled to impose themselves on the game and never looked likely to threaten. 

Everton 2 v 0 Norwich City Barry (23), Mirallas (59)
First Half: Lukaku heads wide of the far post from close range. Hooper has an effort saved. Goal! 1-0, Barry puts Everton in front with a long range screamer into the far side. Coleman strikes a shot wide and over the far post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Wolfswinkel puts an effort over the bar. Goal! 2-0, Mirallas scores with a free kick into the near side. Lukaku has a low shot saved. Johnson fires a long range shot just wide of the near post. Snodgrass heads onto the far post. Wolfswinkel snatches a shot wide of the near post. 
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Barry. Comfortable win for Everton. It was a very solid and dominant performance from the Toffees who deserved to win the game. Barry scored an absolute pearler of a goal to put them ahead whilst Mirallas scored a world class free kick. Norwich created chances for themselves but were very poor in front of goal which really cost them. 

Tottenham Hotspur 2 v 0 Crystal Palace Eriksen (50), Defoe (72)
First Half: Puncheon fires a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the far post. Penalty! Chamakh is fouled inside the box by Dembele. Puncheon misses from the spot with a terrible effort that goes very wide and very high. Jerome has a long range shot parried away. Puncheon has a low shot that deflects wide of the near post. Bentaleb hits the inside of the post from long range shot across goal. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Eriksen has a shot deflect wide of the far post. Goal! 1-0, Eriksen puts Spurs ahead after converting an effort into the near side following Adebayor's headed knock on. Defoe flashes a shot wide across goal. Goal! 2-0, Defoe scores from close range after a low chip over the keeper into the far side. 
Full Time: 2-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Eriksen. Eriksen inspires Spurs at the Lane. Spurs were pretty average in the first half but came out a much better side in the second. The early second half goal from Eriksen settled the team down and they continued to press on from there. Palace dominated the first half but failed to score a goal before half time. They tailed off after going behind and didn't look like getting back into it. 

Southampton 1 v 0 West Bromich Albion Lallana (66)
First Half: Lallana has a shot from the edge of the box saved. Lambert drags a low shot wide of the far post. Lambert volleys over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Rodriguez flashes a shot from the edge of the box wide of the near post. Goal! 1-0, Lallana puts the Saints in front with a low shot through the keeper's legs. Long has a low shot from close range brilliantly saved. 
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lallana. Saints get the job done. Southampton were the better team and deserved to win as they created plenty of chances. 1-0 is always a dodgy scoreline but they played out the game well. West Brom were largely poor on the whole but should have snatched a draw but for a great save from the Saints keeper in the closing stages. 

Best Goal: Johnson, Hazard, Torres, Barry, Mirallas. Winner: Barry

Soccer Saturday Game Week 19

Hull City 6 v 0 Fulham El Mohamady (49), Koren (60, 84), Boyd (63), Huddlestone (67), Fryatt (74)
First Half: Reither has a low strike parried away at the near post. Huddlestone hits a free kick just wide of the near post. Boyd has an effort tipped over the bar from close range. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Huddlestone hits a long range strike just wide of the post. Stockdale makes a double save to deny both Sagbo and Koren. Goal! 1-0, El Mohamady puts Hull ahead with a volley at the near side following a corner. Goal! 2-0, Koren scores from close range by poking home into the near top corner. Goal! 3-0, Boyd scores from the edge of the box with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 4-0, Huddlestone scores from long range with a low strike into the bottom corner. Huddlestone has a long range free kick parried onto the bar. Goal! 5-0, Fryatt scores after tapping in from close range a rebounded shot. Goal! 6-0, Koren scores from close range after tapping in from Graham's parried shot. 
Full Time: 6-0.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Huddlestone. Rampant Hull hit Fulham for six. It was a fairly tame first half but Hull exploded into life during the second half, scoring an incredible six goals. They fully deserved to win and it will boost their confidence following their home defeat to United on boxing day. Fulham's best player was Stockdale and yet they still lost 6-0. They managed an away win at Norwich but today they had 45 minutes to forget. 

Manchester City 1 v 0 Crystal Palace Dzeko (66)
First Half: Milner has a shot that deflects just wide of the far post. Hart takes a very hefty knock from Jerome. Fernandinho volleys over the bar. Fernandinho has a header parried over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Puncheon has a long range shot parried wide of the post. Chamakh heads over the bar following a corner. Puncheon hits a curling shot from long range just wide of the post. Jedinak has a long range driven shot parried over the bar. Goal! 1-0, Dzeko pust City ahead after converting from the near side following a pass from Navas. Ward has a long range shot parried wide of the post. Ward heads wide of the far post following a corner. Dzeko heads over the bar from close range. 
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Hart. Dzeko scores the winner for City. It wasn't an easy game for City as Palace proved tough to breakdown. Hart made plenty of world class saves to keep a clean sheet whilst Dzeko and Navas provided that touch of class to seal victory. Palace can come away with their heads held high. They gave it a real go and were just constantly denied by Hart. On another day Palace could easily have come away with a point or even a win. 

Cardiff City 2 v 2 Sunderland Mutch (6), Campbell (58), Fletcher (83), Colback (90)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Mutch puts Cardiff in front with a low shot from the edge of the box that deflects over the keeper into the near side. Kim has a long range shot tipped over the bar. Whittingham has a low free kick saved at the near post. Altidore spurns a great chance at the far post. Borini has low long range shot parried away. Borini has a shot from the edge of the box parried away.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Goal! 2-0, Campbell doubles the lead from close range after tapping in a cross from Mutch. Goal! 2-1, Fletcher gets one back for Sunderland with a volley from close range. Roberge has a volley parried away at the near post. Goal! 2-2, Colback levels for Sunderland with a deflected shot into the near top corner. 
Full Time: 2-2.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Mutch. Sunderland fightback for an incredible draw. Cardiff played really well for 80 minutes and deservedly took a two goal lead. However, the last minutes was really poor from Cardiff and they should have held on for three points. Two points lost for Cardiff. Sunderland were nowhere for most of the game but valiantly scored twice in the last 10 minutes to claim a vital point. 

West Ham United 3 v 3 West Bromich Albion J. Cole (4), Anelka (40, 45), Maiga (65), Nolan (67), Berahino (69)
First Half: Brunt volleys into the side netting from close range. Goal! 1-0, Joe Cole puts the Hammers ahead with a low shot under the keeper at the near side. Demel hits the outside of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Anelka levels for West Brom after finding himself through on goal and chipping over the keeper into the far side. Goal! 1-2, Anelka puts West Brom ahead from close range, tapping into the centre of goal following a corner. 
Half Time: 1-2.
Second Half: Anelka has a tame effort from close range saved. Berahino hits a low shot wide of the far post. Maiga has a curling shot parried away from the top corner. Goal! 2-2, Maiga levels for West Ham from the edge of the box with a low curling shot into the far corner. Goal! 3-2, Nolan puts the Hammers ahead after converting from close range into the roof of the net. Goal! 3-3, Berahino levels for West Brom with a low shot across goal that goes in via the inside of the far post. Berahino hits the far post with a free kick.
Full Time: 3-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Anelka. Six goal thriller at Upton Park. West Ham took an early lead but a five minute lapse of concentration before half time saw them go into the break behind. They put themselves back in the lead with two goals in two minutes but just couldn't hold on for victory. West Brom played well and deserved at least a point. From half time they would have wanted to win but after going behind, a draw would have been suitable. 

Norwich City 0 v 1 Manchester United Welbeck (57)
First Half: Kagawa has a cross/shot parried away. Martin has a shot across goal from close range well parried away. Hooper has a shot at the centre of goal parried away. Hoolahan has a shot blocked by Evans. Hernandez has a low shot saved. Snodgrass drags a shot from long range wide of the post. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Young fires over the bar from the edge of the box. Redmond has shot across goal parried away. Goal! 0-1. Welbeck puts United ahead after being played through on goal, rounding the keeper and tapping in. Hernandez has a long range shot saved. Murphy fires over the bar from long range. 
Full Time: 0-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Welbeck. United grind out win at Carrow Road. Norwich deserved a point from the game. They had more chances but just couldn't take one. United really got away with that one. They didn't play particularly well and were under threat for most of the game. However, Welbeck provided some real class to claim all three points for a lucky United today. 

Aston Villa 1 v 1 Swansea City Agbonlahor (7), Lamah (36)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Agbonlahor puts Villa ahead after being played through on goal and slotting a low shot into the far bottom corner. Hernandez has a low shot saved. Davies heads over from close range following a corner. De Guzman fires a low shot from the edge of the box just wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Lamah levels for Swansea after heading in at the far post from close range. 
Half Time: 1-1.
Second Half: De Guzman has a long range free kick tipped over the bar. Shelvey has a shot saved. 
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Lamah. All sqaure at Villa Park. Aston Villa deserved to take a point from the game but they never looked like winning it. Swansea played well but were unfortunate not to win the game after creating more chances. 

Best Goal: Boyd, Huddlestone, Maiga, Berahino. Winner: Huddlestone.

Soccer Saturday Game Week 17

Fulham 2 v 4 Manchester City Toure (23), Kompany (43), Richardson (30), Kompany (69,OG), Navas (78), Milner (85),
First Half: Taraabt has a low shot saved. Silva hits the bar. Goal! 0-1, Toure puts City in front with a stunning free kick into the top corner. Taraabt has a low shot parried behind. Dzeko has a shot saved. Goal! 0-2, Kompany scores after poking in from Demichelis' parried header. 
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Silva has a shot saved. Goal! 1-2, Richardson gets one back for Fulham after tapping in from close range. Sidwell heads wide of the post. Navas misses with a shot wide of the near post. Goal! 2-2, Kompany slices a freak clearance into his own far top corner of the goal. Goal! 2-3, Navas puts City back in front with a low driven shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-4, Milner scores with a low shot into the near bottom corner.
Full Time: 2-4.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Negredo. City rally late on to take three points from Craven Cottage. Fulham fought back really well from two goals down but were undone in seven minutes which cost them a point. City were on top during the first half but a lapse in concentration and a freak goal saw all their hard work undone. However, they managed to score another two goals and rightly took all three points.

Liverpool 3 v 1 Cardiff City Suarez (25,45), Sterling (42), Mutch (58)
First Half: Noone has a long range curling effort saved. Suarez has a shot deflected wide of the post. Goal! 1-0, Suarez puts Liverpool in the lead with a long range volley into the near side. Coutinho strikes the near post. Flanagan has a shot cleared off the line. Sterling has a shot parried away. Goal! 2-0, Sterling is through on goal but squares for Suarez to tap into an open net. Goal! 3-0, Suarez scores again with a curling shot into the far side from the edge of the box. 
Half Time: 3-0.
Second Half: Goal! 3-1, Mutch gets one back after heading into the far side following a free kick. Suarez strikes the near post.
Full Time: 3-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Suarez. Liverpool rampage their way past Cardiff. The home side were worthy winners after they dominated the first half and deservedly led 3-0. Didn't create too much but Suarez was denied a hat trick when his effort came back off the post. Cardiff were not that bad but they just came across an in form Suarez.

Manchester United 3 v 1 West Ham United Welbeck (26), Januzaj (36), Young (72), Cole (81)
First Half: Cleverly has a shot well saved. Valencia has a driven shot parried behind. Goal! 1-0, Welbeck puts United ahead with a low driven shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-0, Januzaj scores after going past a defender and firing a low shot into the far bottom corner. 
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Evans heads just wide of the post. Hernandez has a goal ruled out for offside. Goal! 3-0, Young scores with a curling shot from the edge of the box into the far top corner. Goal! 3-1, Cole scores after being put through on goal and slotting a low shot under De Gea.
Full Time: 3-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rooney. United ease to victory over Hammers. It was a solid and decent performance from United who continued their form over from last week. Pleasing to see three different scores whilst Rooney was in fine fettle. West Ham failed to pose a real threat in front of goal for most of the game and got what they deserved.  

Crystal Palace 0 v 3 Newcastle United Cabaye (25), Gabbidon (39,OG), Ben Arfa (86, pen)
First Half: Goal! 0-1, Cabaye puts Newcastle in front with a low deflected strike into the near side. Jerome has a shot saved. Goal! 0-2, Debuchy's cross is turned into his own goal by Gabbidon. 
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Cabaye has a long range free kick well saved. Jerome volleys over the bar from close range. Gouffran hits the post. Penalty! Parr fouls Ameobi inside the box. Goal! 0-3, Ben Arfa converts from the spot.
Full Time: 0-3.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Cabaye. Newcastle trounce Palace to claim all three points. Palace were involved in the game and competed well. However, they missed their fair share of chances in goal which really cost them. Newcastle were the better team and deserved to win today as they put in a very strong performance.

Stoke City 2 v 1 Aston Villa Adam (50), Kozak (66), Crouch (70)
First Half: Whelan has a misdirected cross tipped over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Goal! 1-0, Adam puts Stoke ahead with a close range low shot into the far side. Goal! 1-1, Kozak levels for Villa after slotting home from close range. Goal! 2-1, Crouch taps in from close range into the centre of the goal. Crouch strikes the shot against the post. Kozak has a volley tipped over the bar. 
Full Time: 2-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Crouch. Crouch claims all three points for Stoke. It was a really needed victory and Stoke managed to achieve it. Took the lead twice and it paid off. Not the result Villa were hoping for as their poor run of form continues.

West Bromich Albion 1 v 1 Hull City Livermore (28), Vydra (86)
First Half: Chester heads over the bar. Goal! 0-1, Livermore puts Hull in front after slotting a low shot under the keeper to the centre of goal. 
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Berahino has a volley parried behind. Mulumbu fires a deflected shot wide of the post. Both Huddlestone and El Mohamady have shots parried away. Goal! 1-1, Vydra equalises for West Brom with a low shot into the near bottom corner. Huddlestone fires a free kick wide of the post. 
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Livermore. Spoils shared at the Hawthorns. It was a vital point for West Brom who have been struggling of late. This result may boost their confidence for their upcoming games. Hull were the better team for large parts of the game and will be disappointed they failed to hang on for all three points.

Sunderland 0 v 0 Norwich City
First Half: Redmond is denied by a great save. Altidore has a deflected shot go wide of the post. Bardsley has a long range strike saved. Hooper is a denied from long range by a great save. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Brown heads against the near post. Wolfswinkel has a low shot saved. Ki fires over the bar from long range. Red Card! Brown is sent off with a straight red card after a bad tackle on Wolfswinkel.
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Bardsley. Goalless draw at the stadium of light. Sunderland really lacked a cutting edge in front of goal but were decent apart from that. Norwich deserved a point from the game as they were not outplayed. 

Best Goal: Toure, Suarez, Young. Winner: Toure

Soccer Saturday Game Week 16

Manchester City 6 v 3 Arsenal Aguero (14), Walcott (31, 63), Negredo (39), Fernandinho (50, 88), Silva (66), Mertesacker (90), Toure (90pen)
First Half: Wilshere drags a shot wide of the post. Goal! 1-0, Aguero puts City ahead with a stunning volley into the far top corner following a corner. Negredo slices an effort wide of the near post. Goal! 1-1, Walcott levels with low strike into the near far corner from the edge of the box. Negredo curls a shot wide of the far post. Goal! Negredo taps in from Zabaleta's cross. 
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Goal! 3-1, Fernandinho scores with a long range curling shot into the far side. Giroud scuffs a chance over the bar from close range. Giroud misses with a glancing header past the far post. Goal! 3-2, Walcott curls a shot into the far top corner. Goal! 4-2, Silva scores from close range with after firing into the roof of the net. Giroud has a goal ruled out for offside. Wilshere has a long range strike tipped over the bar. Fernandinho has a long range driven shot parried away. Goal! 5-2, Fernandinho chips the ball over the keeper into the near side. Bendtner has a goal ruled out for offside. Goal! 5-3, Walcott has a shot parried before Mertesacker heads in from Sagna's cross. Penalty! Milner is fouled by the keeper inside the box. Goal! 6-3, Toure converts from the penalty spot. 
Full Time: 6-3.



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Fernandinho. It was a thoroughly entertaining game but City proved too strong for Arsenal. City were powerful and impressive as they romped their way to victory. It sends out a big message to the rest of the league after putting six past Arsenal. It was a naive formation that Wenger opted to enforce. They were overpowered in midfield and struggled to stop leaking in the goals. 

Everton 4 v 1 Fulham Osman (18), Berbatov (67pen), Coleman (73), Barry (84), Mirallas (90)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Osman puts Everton in front with a left footed strike inside the near post. Lukaku has an effort parried round the post. Osman fires a long range volley just wide of the post. Karagounis puts an effort wide of the far post. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Sidwell has a shot saved. Penalty! Barry fouls Kacaniklic inside the box. Goal! 1-1, Berbatov levels for Fulham from the spot. Goal! 2-1, Coleman puts Everton back in front after tapping in from close range Pienaar's cross. Goal! 3-1, Barry heads in from close range following a corner. Goal! 4-1, Mirallas scores with a long range low strike into the near side.
Full Time: 4-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Osman. Everton rally during the final quarter of the game to take all three points. It was a strong finish from Everton who deserved to win the game. Fulham coped really well and managed to level the score at 1-1. However, a disastrous last twenty minutes meant they left with nothing.

Chelsea 2 v 1 Crystal Palace Torres (16), Chamakh (29), Ramires (35)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Chelsea take the lead as Torres slots home from close range after Willian strikes the post from long range. Ivanovic fires a long range low strike just wide of the far post. Goal! 1-1, Chamakh levels for Palace with a left footed volley into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-1, Ramires puts Chelsea back in front with a long range strike into the near top corner. Willian has a shot saved.
Half Time: 2-1.
Second Half: Mata puts an effort wide of the post. Delaney has a header saved by Cech. O'Keife has an effort saved before Delaney heads wide of the post. Torres and Ba are both denied before Ramires shoots wide of the post.
Full Time: 2-1

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Ramires. Chelsea grind out tough win against a stern Palace. Chelsea managed to get the job done and take three points but they still aren't all that in front of goal. They really need to put the chances they create away. Palace put in a strong performance and could possibly have taken a point. Encouraging signs for Palace who can take plenty away with them albeit not points. 

Cardiff City 1 v 0 West Bromich Albion Whittingham (65)
First Half: Whittingham has a free kick parried over the bar. Medel fires a long range strike over the bar. Caulker puts an effort wide of the far post. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: McCauley has a low effort cleared off the line. Goal! 1-0, Whittingham puts Cardiff in front after heading in at the near side Campbell's cross. Long has a header denied by a great save.
Full Time: 1-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Whittingham. Cardiff take all three points thanks to Whittingham. Cardiff were the better team and it was no surprise to see them win the game. West Brom had a poor game in which they were lacklustre and ineffective in the attacking half. 

Newcastle United 1 v 1 Southampton Gouffran (27), Rodriguez (65)
First Half: Debuchy fires a long range volley just wide of the post. Remy has a low show cleared off the line. Goal! 1-0, Gouffran puts Newcastle ahead after rounding the keeper and slotting home. 
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Davis hits the post with a long range volley. Goal! 1-1, Rodriguez levels for the Saints with a low shot into the bottom near corner. Rodriguez has a header saved. Remy misses a great chance after placing an effort wide of the post.
Full Time: 1-1.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Rodriguez. Southampton fight back to claim a draw. Newcastle were the better team in the first half and rightly led going into half time. Remy missed a glorious chance to score a late winner but a point was well deserved. Southampton failed to find their feet in the first half but came out a different team for the second. Overall, a draw seemed a fair result.

West Ham United 0 v 0 Sunderland 
First Half: Altidore drags a low shot across goal and wide of the far post. Ki has a volley deflected wide of the post. Demel has a goal ruled out for a foul in the build up. Borini has a low shot saved. Bardsley hits the bar with a long range strike. Cattermole had a shot parried away. 
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Altidore has a shot that deflects wide of the post. Diame fires a shot into the side netting. Ki has a close range shot saved. Cole has a misdirected cross tipped over the bar. 
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Jaaskalainen. Goalless draw played out at Upton Park. West Ham had chances but were very poor in front of goal. Sunderland looked like they were the better team but were unable to make it count in front of goal. 


Hull City 0 v 0 Stoke City 
First Half: Graham has a long range shot deflected wide of the post. El Mohamadi has a long range volley tipped over the bar. Sagbo has a shot parried round the post. Davies heads wide of the far post. Sagbo volleys over the bar.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: El Mohamadi has a header denied by a great save. Crouch has a header denied by a great save. Ireland has a goal ruled out for offside. Crouch has a low shot parried round the post. Shawcross heads onto the bar following a corner.
Full Time: 0-0.

My Opinion:
My man of the match was Begovic. Goalless draw played out at the KC stadium. Hull largely dominated the game but were denied by some terrific saves from Begovic. Stoke did well to keep themselves in the game and could even have taken all three points with some great chances not taken.

Best Goal: Aguero, Fernandinho, Walcott, Osman, Ramires. Winner: Aguero