In what is fast becoming one of the most nerve-jangling Premiership seasons ever there were yet more suprises from arguably the best league in the world.
The major shock of the weekend came at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, where Manchester United (a.k.a 'Champions of the World') were thrashed 4-1 by rivals Liverpool who have just about kept their waining title bid alive with the three points.
An early penalty scored by Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead before an uncharacteristic error from Nemanja Vidic allowed Fernando Torres to steal in and slot past Edwin Van Der Sar. Liverpool went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Steven Gerrard was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Patrice Evra. The Liverpool skipper cooly slotted home from 12 yards (and celebrated in unusual fashion by kissing a nearby camera?!).
Things went from bad to worse for the Red Devils after half-time when Vidic saw red for hauling Gerrard down on the edge of the box. Fabio Aurelio curled the ball brilliantly into the back of the net from the resulting free-kick. The misery was compounded for United when Andrea Dossena latched onto a hopeful punt from Pepe Reina and lobbed Van Der Sar in stoppage time.
The result is sure to be a huge confidence booster for Liverpool and may dent United's. However, it would take a very brave man to back anybody other than Ferguson's side to take the title after the breathtaking season they've had thus far.
Title challengers Chelsea were in action on Sunday securing a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Some excellent attacking football from the home side was enough to see off a poor Man City team who never really got going. Michael Essien scored his second goal in as many games since returning from a horrendous injury which kept him out for the best part of six months. The Ghanaian has always been a favourite of mine and it looks like he is quickly getting back into the swing of things.
Chelsea should have scored more but one goal proved to be enough to secure the three points and move them into second, as well as maintaining a good unbeaten run since Guus Hiddink took over from Felipe Scolari. Manchester City drop to tenth place with Mark Hughes looking to the UEFA Cup to save what has been a disappointing season.
Onto the race for fourth place and Arsenal were granted a huge favour by rivals Tottenham after Harry Redknapp's side beat Aston Villa 2-1 away from home on Sunday. Jermaine Jenas scored only his third goal of the season early in the first half to put the visitors ahead. Aaron Lennon, who put in yet another excellent performance, saw his cross parried by Brad Friedel and Jenas was there to head home into an empty net. Aston Villa dominated possession in the first half but failed to really trouble Heurelho Gomes in the Spurs goal.
Tottenham extended their lead early in the second half with top scorer Darren Bent prodding home from close range after Robbie Keane had shot past Friedel. Villa got one back through substitute John Carew's header late on but couldn't find the second. The result leaves Villa in fifth place behind Arsenal, while Spurs moved up to eleventh, the highest they have been for nearly two years.
Arsenal themselves thrashed struggling Blackburn Rovers 4-0 on Saturday to heap the pressure on Martin O'Neill's Villa side. An own goal by Andre Ooijer set the tone of the game as the Gunners dominated from start to finish. Andrey Arshavin opened his account with a fantastic solo goal before much-maligned Emmanuel Eboue scored two late goals, first tapping in a rebound and then converting a penalty after Carlos Vela had been tripped. Arsenal move up into fourth place with the win while Blackburn continue to hover dangerously over the relegation zone.
At the bottom, Marlon King netted a dramatic equaliser for 10-man Middlesbrough in their game against fellow strugglers Portsmouth. Peter Crouch's first-half volley had looked to have secured the three points for Pompey but Boro, who had Matthew Bates sent off for two yellow cards, piled on the pressure in the dying moments and snatched a point after King pounced on a David James save. The point could potentially be priceless for Gareth Southgate's team who are languishing in 19th place. They are, however, only two points off Portsmouth who are two place above them.
Elsewhere, Hull City and Newcastle drew 1-1 at the KC Stadium in a nervy encounter. Geovanni put the hosts 1-0 up with an excellent header after nine minutes but Newcastle bagged the equaliser through Steven Taylor who turned in Nicky Butt's low cross.
Everton marked the seventh anniversary of David Moyes' appointment with a 3-1 home win over Stoke City. Goals from Jo and Joleon Lescott gave Everton a 2-0 lead at half-time but a resurgent Stoke got one back through Ryan Shawcross' header. Marouane Fellaini sealed the victory for Everton in injury time after his shot deflected wickidly off Shawcross and past Thomas Sorensen.
Fulham finally scored their first away win of the season with a 3-1 victory at Bolton. Andy Johnson netted after a bizarre defensive mix-up but Kevin Davies quickly equalised for Bolton. Simon Davies put Fulham ahead before Diomansy Kamara finished off a disappointing Bolton side.
Finally, Wigan took advantage of a poor Sunderland performance to sore a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light. Ben Watson drove in a shot from just outside the area to score his first goal since joining Wigan from Crystal Palace in January. Grant Leadbitter equalised for the Black Cats but Charles N'Zogbia scored a stunning solo goal to bag Wigan three deserved points.
West Ham host West Brom in tonight's remaining Premier League fixture.
West Ham have been in good form of late and will be looking for their third victory on the spin. West Brom are the most out-of-form team in the league and so I fully expect a home win. However, with Carlton Cole injured I feel the Hammers may struggle to score many goals.
Prediction: West Ham 1-0 West Brom
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i'm impressed well done!
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