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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Super Sunday Game Week 34

Liverpool 3 v 2 Manchester City Sterling (6), Skrtel (26), Silva (57), Johnson OG (62), Coutinho (78)
First Half: Goal! 1-0, Liverpool take the lead through Sterling who feints to go inside but turns both Hart and Kompany the wrong way before slotting a low shot into the near side. Yaya Toure fires a long range shot wide of the far post. Sturridge places an effort just wide of the far post. Gerrard has a header parried really well over the bar. Goal! 2-0, Skrtel heads in at the near post into the far top corner from a corner. Dzeko has a penalty appeal turned down. Silva has a header that deflects wide across goal. Kompany has a header headed against the bar from a corner. Fernandinho has an effort really well parried behind at the near post.
Half Time: 2-0.
Second Half: Suarez is lucky to avoid a second yellow card for diving. Goal! 2-1, City get back in the game through Silva who latches onto Milner's cross and scores with a low shot into the far bottom corner. Goal! 2-2, City equalise as a low Silva cross is deflected in off Johnson that beats Mignolet at the near post. Suarez has a penalty appeal turned down. Silva puts a sliding effort wide of the far post. Goal! 3-2, Liverpool reclaim the lead through Coutinho who controls Kompany's sliced clearance before scoring with a low shot from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. OFF! Henderson is shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle. Skrtel punches the ball inside the box but it goes unseen.
Full Time: 3-2.
Liverpool 1st, 74>77pts
Man City 3rd, 70pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Sterling. Liverpool beat City at Anfield. This was by far the biggest game of the season so far as the two title contenders went head to head. After an incredible and entertaining match, Liverpool are now the favourites to win the premier league and have their destiny in their own hands now. They started the game in their fast paced style and took an early lead through Sterling before doubling their lead before the half hour mark as Skrtel headed home. It was all looking rather rosy for the home side at half time but they pegged back to 2-2 in the space of five minutes during the second half which saw the momentum shift in City's favour. However, a brilliant goal from Coutinho ensured the three points went to Liverpool in what could turn out to be the moment that Liverpool won the league. I have to say that Liverpool look on course to actually win the league now and they deserve it.
City had a terrible first half which saw them concede twice and Yaya Toure forced off through injury. However, Milner came on for Navas in the second half in what proved to be a brilliant substitution as City managed to bring the game back to 2-2. Silva had a big part to play in both City goals but the second came via rather fortunate circumstances as Mignolet really should have done better to keep out Johnson's deflection. The momentum had shifted in the favour and they looked odds on to get the winner. Incredibly, Kompany sliced a clearance straight into the path of Coutinho and the rest is history. What a pivotal moment and goal that could turn out to be. All City can do now is win their remaining games and hope Liverpool slip up during the run in. Pellegrini will be gutted after that result but they have to keep fighting and believing. 

Swansea City 0 v 1 Chelsea Ba (68)
First Half: Salah places a low shot just wide of the near post from a low Ivanovic cross. Bony has a header tipped over the far top corner. OFF! Chico is shown a second yellow card and sent off for a foul on Schurrle. Dyer has a long range strike that deflects before the keeper parried it behind at the near side.
Half Time: 0-0.
Second Half: Oscar has an effort cleared away. Ba puts a glancing header from close range wide across goal. Eto'o drags a low shot wide of the near post. Routledge has a low shot from the edge of the box deflected wide of the far post. Goal! 0-1, Chelsea take the lead through Ba who scores with a low shot from the edge of the box that beats the keeper at the near side. Ba fires a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Eto'o strikes a low shot wide of the far post. Shelvey has a cross pushed over the bar at the far post. Eto'o has a low shot blocked.
Full Time: 0-1.
Swansea 15th, 33pts
Chelsea 2nd, 72>75pts



My Opinion:
My man of the match was Matic. Chelsea claim narrow victory at Liberty stadium. Swansea were dealt an early blow as Chico Flores was shown a second yellow card and sent off early on in the first half. That really scuppered their chances of winning and they were forced to defend for rest of the game and play on the counter attack. They created a few decent chances but Dyer, Bony and Routledge all failed to find the back of the net. They were close to keeping the game at 0-0 but conceded a goal that probably should have been saved. Disappointing how the game turned out for Swansea who still need a few more points to guarantee their safety.
Chelsea were not amazing by any stretch of the imagination and struggled to kill the game off. They were fortunate to score the goal they did and win the match as Ba's strike really should have been kept out. Nevertheless, they got the job done and picked up three more points to remain two behind Liverpool. They spurred plenty of chances today and should really have won by two or three but I'm sure Mourinho will be pleased with the result. Chelsea still have a decent shot at the title and still have to play Liverpool at Anfield which could really change things up once again. 

Best Goal: Coutinho - Watch the goal here

League Leaders
1. Liverpool P34 - 77pts
2. Chelsea P34 - 75pts
3. Man City P32 - 70pts
4. Everton P33 - 66pts
5. Arsenal P33 - 64pts

Relegation Battle
16. West Brom P33 - 33pts
17. Norwich P34 - 32pts
18. Fulham P34 - 30pts
19. Cardiff P34 - 29pts
20. Sunderland P32 -25pts

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