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

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

Feel free to leave a comment below!

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

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

Feel free to leave a comment below!

Super Sunday 36

Liverpool 0 v 2 Chelsea Ba (45+3), Willian (90+4)
First Half: Cole has a long range driven shot across goal parried away. Coutinho sends a volley into the side-netting. Sakho volleys over the bar. Flanagan survives a handball penalty appeal. Goal! 0-1, Gerrard slips on the ball which allows Ba a clear path through to goal before slotting a low shot from the edge of the box under the keeper.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Gerrard has a deflected shot from long range saved. Allen has a low volley from the edge of the box saved at the far side. Schurrle has a low drive shot from the edge of the box across goal parried away. Gerrard has a long range strike saved at the far side. Suarez has an effort tipped over the bar. Goal! 0-2, Chelsea break away with Torres and Willian from the halfway line before Torres squares the ball across to Willian who simply taps in.
Full Time: 0-2.
Liverpool 1st, 80pts
Chelsea 2nd, 75>78pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Matic. Chelsea dent Liverpool's title hopes. Liverpool were largely dominant throughout but they just couldn't score. Chances came and went whilst Suarez was particularly quiet in front of goal. That defeat will come as a huge blow to their title aspirations as it brings both Man City and Chelsea right back into the mix. Liverpool will need to win their remaining games and hope City slip up but their inferior goal difference to City could prove pivotal at the end of the season. 
Chelsea were very negative but took their chances superbly well to claim what might seem a surprising victory to some.  Mourinho opted to rest his star players for the champions league semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid but the team that was put out was still a strong side. They were defensively immense and kept an impressive clean sheet against a very strong attack. Ba pounced on Gerrard's unfortunate slip to open the scoring whilst a very late counter attack was enough to seal the win. Another tactical masterclass from Mourinho who has put his team back in the hunt for the title. 

Crystal Palace 0 v 2 Manchester City Dzeko (4), Y. Toure (43)
First Half: Goal! 0-,1 City take an early lead through Dzeko who heads in from Yaya Toure's cross at the near side. Kompany heads wide of the near post. Goal! 0-2, City double their lead just before half time as Yaya Toure cuts inside and curls a shot into the top far corner.
Half Time: 0-2.
Second Half: Puncheon has a low shot from long range across goal pushed past the far post. Yaya Toure curls a shot from the edge of the box over the far top corner. Dzeko has a deflected shot saved. Ince has a penalty claim turned down. Fernandinho hits the back of the bar with a misdirected cross.
Full Time: 0-2.
Palace 11th, 43pts
Man City 3rd, 74>77pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Yaya Toure. Impressive City too much for Palace. Crystal Palace were outplayed by a strong City team and there is no shame in that. They went behind early on which set the tone of the match before Yaya Toure scored a brilliant goal to put the game to bed. Puncheon had their best chance in front of goal but Hart managed to cope easily enough with it. A tough game for Palace to endure but they won't play teams as good as that every week. 
City were magnificent and took full advantage of Liverpool's defeat earlier in the day to Chelsea. They are back in pole position to win the title now and can go top of the league by winning their game in hand on goal difference. Yaya Toure was instrumental in midfield and was clearly the major difference between the two teams. His goal was pure class that would have been a worthy winning goal of any game. I fancy City to go on and win the title now as they have a much easier run in compared to Liverpool and I just can't see them slipping up with an in form Yaya Toure. 

Sunderland 4 v 0 Cardiff City Wickham (26,86), Borini (45+1pen), Giaccherini (76)
First Half: Campbell has a penalty claim turned down. Goal! 1-0, Sunderland take the lead through Wickham who heads into the far top corner from a corner. Penalty! Wickham is fouled inside the box by Cala. OFF! Cala is shown a straight red card. Goal! 2-0, Borini scores from the spot with a low strike into the far bottom corner.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Whittingham has a deflected free kick parried away. Borini has an effort from close range saved at the near post. Goal! 3-0, Giaccherini scores with a low shot at the near side. Goal! 4-0, Wickham heads into near side from a corner kick.
Full Time: 4-0.
Sunderland 20>17th, 29>32pts
Cardiff 18>20th, 30pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Wickham. Sunderland thrash Cardiff. That was a huge victory in more ways than one for Sunderland who have incredibly moved out of the relegation zone. They were clearly the better team today and deserved to win the match. The sending off only pushed the momentum further in their favour and they took full advantage. Wickham has been a revelation of late and bagged another brace whilst Borini and Giaccherini both got themselves on the scoresheet. Poyet has done a brilliant job so far to get them into safety from the position they were in and another positive result should guarantee them premier league football for next year. 
On the other hand, Cardiff have had an absolute nightmare here. That result means that they fall to the bottom of the table and two points from safety. It seemed like a harsh penalty that was given against them as it could be argued the foul was just outside the box. However, it was given and Cala was consequently sent off which made it a near impossible job to salvage a point out of. In the end it proved too much of a challenge for Cardiff and they were soundly beaten. With two games left to go, Cardiff have to get at least four points which seems unlikely. I fear the end is near for Cardiff. 

Best Goal: Ba, Yaya Toure, Wickham. Winner: Yaya Toure - Watch the Goal here

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

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

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

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

Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Mid-Week Football Game Week 34

Manchester City 2 v 2 Sunderland Fernandinho (2), Wickham (73,83), Nasri (88)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, City take the lead through Fernandinho who slides a shot past the keeper at the near post after latching onto Aguero's through ball. Aguero has a long range blast parried before Fernandinho fires a shot over the bar. Aguero blasts a long range shot over the bar. Borinin fires a low shot from an acute angle wide across goal. Nasri fires a shot from long range over the bar.
Half Time: 1-0.
Second Half: Negredo heads over the bar. Jovetic has a low shot from long range saved at the far side. Colback has a low effort parried behind at the near side. Goal! 1-1, Sunderland equalise through Wickham who volleys Giaccherini's cross in from close range. Jovetic fires a shot from long range wide. Dzeko strikes a shot wide of the near post. Goal! 1-2, Sunderland come from behind to take the lead as Giaccherini plays in Wickham who fires past Hart at the near side. Dzeko fires a shot wide of the near post. Goal! 2-2, City equalise through Nasri who scores with a low shot that is parried into the far side of the net. Nasri puts a good chance over the bar.
Full Time: 2-2.
Man City 3rd, 70>71pts
Sunderland 20th. 25>26pts



My Opinion
My man of the match was Wickham. Man City scrape point at Etihad. It was clear to see that City were still suffering from their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday as they looked out of sorts tonight against a battling Sunderland side. They started the game well, taking a very early lead but paid the price for spurning chances and failing to build on their lead. Aguero, Negredo and Jovetic were all denied goals before they were pegged back and fell behind. Nasri managed to salvage a late equaliser but missed a really good chance to win the match right at the death. That draw means that City have their title hopes dented and they really need Liverpool to slip up if they are to win the premier league. 
Sunderland were caught out early on but managed to keep themselves in the game at 1-0 down. Incredibly, a Wickham double in the space of ten minutes gave their hopes of survival a massive push as they went ahead. From that position they probably should have held on for the three points but City really threw the kitchen sink at them before eventually scoring an equaliser to make it 2-2. Poyet would most likely have taken a point if it was offered to him before the game but in the situation they are in, three would have been just what the doctor ordered. That result could be exactly what Sunderland needed to boost their confidence going into their next few games. 

Everton 2 v 3 Crystal Palace Puncheon (23), Dann (49), Naismith (61), Jerome (73), Mirallas (86)
First Half: Barry heads over the bar. McGeady fires a long range shot over the far top corner. Goal! 0-1, Palace take the lead through Puncheon who scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Mirallas fires over the bar from an acute angle. Bolasie strikes a low shot from long range against the near post. Lukaku has a low shot parried past the near post. Bolasie fires a long range shot over the near side.
Half Time: 0-1.
Second Half: Ledley has a shot parried past the near post. Goal! 0-2, Palace double their lead through Dann who who heads in a Bolasie corner into the far side. McGeady fires a long range shot wide of the far post. Goal! 1-2, Everton half the deficit as Baines heads the ball back across goal to Naismith who taps in from close range. Mirallas puts an effort over the bar. Osman has a shot tipped against the top of the bar. Goal! 1-3, Palace restore their two goal lead through Jerome who scores with a low curling shot into the far bottom corner. Barkley has a low shot across goal pushed past the far post. Goal! 2-3, Everton go back to within one goal as Mirallas guides the ball over the keeper before tapping in after latching onto Barkley's through ball.
Full Time: 2-3.
Everton 4>5th, 66pts
Palace 12>11th, 37>40pts



My Opinion
My man of the match was Bolasie. Palace stun Everton at Goodison Park. That was a terrible result for Everton who's hopes of a champions league place took a massive blow tonight. They have fallen one point behind Arsenal but with the games left to play for either team, Arsenal have the much easier run in and I think it's all over now for Everton this year. They created plenty of chances going forward but it was in defence where their problems lay. Going 2-0 down was a huge shock to their system and it left them with too much to do. They scored twice but the game had gone. Disappointment for Everton who move down one place into 5th after that defeat. 
Palace were mightily impressive and thoroughly deserved to take all three points. It was a massive performance from everyone and credit must go to Pulis who has turned this club around. That victory ensures their safety in the league and it looks like they could end up in mid-table by the end of the season. Nobody would have thought that was going to happen earlier on in the season. Bolasie was a constant threat with his pace and power whilst Jerome took his goal nicely. With that win, Palace move up one place into 11th. 

Best Goal: Wickham, Puncheon, Jerome. Winner: Wickham 

League Leaders
1. Liverpool P34 - 77pts
2. Chelsea P34 - 75pts
3. Man City P33 - 71pts
4. Arsenal P34 - 67pts
5. Everton P34 - 66pts

Relegation Battle
16. West Brom P33 - 33pts
17. Norwich P34 - 32pts
18. Fulham P34 - 30pts
19. Cardiff P34 - 29pts
20. Sunderland P33 - 26pts

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

Feel free to leave a comment below!