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Chelsea were the only team in the top four to lose, whilst Fulham claimed that elusive first-win under Felix Magath. Whether either will prove crucial in the long run is one that will be decided when the clock runs down on the current campaign.So let us take a look at the major talking points from the weekend.
#1 How long will the Old Trafford faithful keep the faith?
Nine defeats in the League, 2-0 down to the weakest team in the Champions League Round of 16, abysmal performances all-year round. At any other club, the fans would have been out baying for blood and mutiny would have been on the cards.
Fortunately for David Moyes, he isn’t at any other club. He is at Manchester United, where the fans, even whilst watching the side being thoroughly outplayed by their oldest rivals and drifting further into mediocrity, were still chanting “20 times. 20 times. Man United” in a loud, defiant show of support.
Moyes is a lucky man indeed. And although the fans have gone through a harrowing ordeal unlike any other in recent memory, they have still stood by the club. How much longer will this go on, well, that’s anybody guess. But if Moyes doesn’t turn it around quickly, you can be sure that, even at this most passionate of clubs, the fans might finally turn their back on the manager.
#2 Arsenal and Liverpool march along their merry way
Manchester City and Chelsea might well be the favorites for the title, but it seems nobody has told Liverpool or Arsenal that. Both clubs continued their winning ways this weekend in crucial encounters. While Arsenal managed to go back home with the bragging rights for now, the Reds showcased just why their attacking trio of Sterling, Suarez and Sturridge might just win them the League.
Whilst Arsenal relied on their defence as they have done on countless occasions this season, Liverpool looked to their attack to get them out of trouble. Neither side look like they are going to go away and for all their flaws, they are still there near the top, four points behind the Blues with a game in hand.
If either City or Chelsea slip up in the run-in, you can be sure that the duo will be there, waiting to pounce.
#3 Will Mourinho get his way?
José Mourinho criticizing a referee’s performance is nothing new. As the sun rises every day, the Portuguese manager continues to blame everybody but himself and his team. So, when he suggested that “Maybe it is helpful that the [PGMOL] committee doesn't send him to our matches,” it wasn’t a surprise to anyone.
But, this time around, he might just have a point. Although Willian’s red card was harsh, the two red cards now means that Chris Foy has now sent off six Chelsea players and Mourinho in his last eight matches involving the Blues. The truth is, although the clubs cannot tell Foy's employers, Professional Game Match Officials Limited to keep officials, they can very well try.
The Saints tried that in December but the claims were shrugged aside. Although PGMOL will adopt the same stance with Foy, it should come as no surprise if the Merseyside referee isn’t anywhere near a Chelsea game this season. The negative publicity alone will probably force PGMOL’s hand and might well give Mourinho what he wants.
#4 Is Marshall the best keeper in the League?
When David De Gea won the League's best goalkeeper award last season, it was one that was well deserved given his turbulent debut campaign. This time, the award isn’t so clear cut. Petr Cech, Hugo Lloris, Simon Mignolet, Wojciech Szczesny and the Spaniard too, have all had legitimate claims to that award.
Truth be told, all of them, have had more than their fair share of mistakes this season. But Cardiff City’s David Marshall has arguably been the standout goalkeeper this season. Against Everton he demonstrated just that and it took a mis-hit shot to beat the Scot on Saturday.
The performance wasn’t the first and probably isn’t going to be the last this campaign. So, when the gongs are given out next time, Marshall should be in with a shout, even if players in the bottom half of the table rarely get mentioned, as he been the most consistent and outstanding goalkeeper this season.
#5 Will the FA Cup ultimately lead to Hulls downfall?
The current campaign for Hull has been turbulent to say the least. The owner’s decision to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers is to be balloted on by the club's season ticket holders in April. And although they haven’t been in the relegation zone at all this season, the fears have slowly started to creep in.
The club’s first FA Cup semi-final since 1930, against Sheffield United next month is surely a cause for celebration. But, it has all the makings of a potential distraction from their quest of preserving their status as a Premier League club. Four crunch games against West Brom and Swansea at home and trips to Stoke and West Ham will define their season.
Although Steve Bruce's side are going well, should they lose sight of their aims or have their priorities mixed up, they could yet suffer the same fate as Wigan last season. FA Cup winners but relegated from the Premier League. A fate, the club supporters will be keen to avoid.
