Birmingham Vs West Bromwich Albion
Result: 1 – 3
The Carling Cup heroes were brought back to reality with this harsh loss. Still in champagne, the brum players were punished for their poor defensive display. Paul Scharner sealed a welcome victory for West Bromwich in a pulsating 2nd half at St Andrew’s. West Bromwich eased their relegation fears with this victory on their local rivals and the onus is now back on Alex Mcleish and his men who find themselves placed in 17th at the relegation zone.
Arsenal Vs Sunderland
Result: 0 – 0
d The resilient Sunderland side put up an astute defensive display at the Emirates. With key players injured, Wenger’s fears were on display as a draw dented their title hopes. The fuming on referees decisions is just brooding over spilt milk because the crux of the matter is that Arsenal’s trophy hunt took another hit after they were held to a goal less draw.Bolton Vs Aston Villa
Result: 3 – 2
A stunning late show hauled Bolton form the dead in this Reebok classic. Gerard Houllier will rue Young’s penalty miss as post that Bolton twice came from behind to win a thriller. With Bolton in 7th place and in pole position for a top 8 finish, the pressure is right back on Aston Villa who are just 3 points above the drop zone.
Fulham Vs Blackburn
Result: 3 – 2
A late twist in the tale and referee Mark Clattenburg with another big decision, this match indeed had a great finish. This time the referee gets the benefit of the doubt. The penalty king Bobby Zamora was spot on again as Fulham picked up 3 valuable points in the race for the premier league survival.
Newcastle Vs Everton
Result: 1 – 2
Everton came back from behind to beat Newcastle at St Jame’s Park. With Phil Jagielka, the unlikely goal hero popping his first goal in 2 and a half years to nick this win. This was a much needed morale boosting win for Everton post the debacle against Reading last week. The toffees rallied to sink the Magpies who tried their best to get back in but lacked the craft or guile to get themselves on terms.
West Ham Vs Stoke
Reslut: 3 – 0
The Hammers gave their survival hopes a tremendous boost with a comfartable win over the Potters. The Stoke reject (Dem Ba) who is presently a hit with the Hammers struck the wrenching strike to give West Ham 3 deserving points. With 4 goals in his last 5 appearances, he sure is repaying the faith showed on him by Grant.
Manchester City Vs Wigan Athletic
Result: 1 – 0
The noisy neighbours did the Man Utd(this season) or in other words did just enough to earn them 3 points. With a lack lustre display from the City players and an error from Ali Al Habsi gifted Man City with 3 vital points. Though way behind in the title race, City needed the 3 points to gain a firm foothold for a finish within the top 4. With Spurs and Chelsea sniffing closely, Mancini will never the less be happy with this result. The City fans though will expect more from this expensive unit in the matches ahead.
Liverpool Vs Man Utd
Result: 3 – 1
The absolute shocker of the weekend. Though it was well deserving for Liverpool, not even their fans would have dreamt of such a commanding victory right from the start till the finish. Hat trick hero Kuyt walked away with the match ball, but the highlight was obviously on the January signing sensation Luis Suarez. His razor sharp teeth was on full display just as his sharp performance. His dribbling,movement,speed caused all sorts of problems to the make shift United defence. This result now truly leaves the title race wide open.
Wolves Vs Tottenham
Result: 3 – 3
The most open game of the weekend had every thing in place for a great finish and a great finish it indeed was. It was a late Fletcher header which denied Spurs the 4th spot after Defoe ended his goal drought with a stunning brace. In spite of controversial decisions in the match and much going against Wolves, the game was played in the right spirit. The tempo was enthralling right from the kick off and ended in just the same way. Both sides continued in search of the winner, but were forced to settle for a point in a game that would have even delighted the late Dean Richards. Before the start of the game however, all four stands rose as one to celebrate the life of former Wolves and Spurs defender Dean Richards who passed away last week, with a minutes applause observed by both sets of fans.
