The last weekend in the premiership was a very exciting one and can compete notably with some of the most exciting ones in the past throwing up some strong inferences which would be drawn out as we go on.
Liverpool versus Manchester United Match [1 - 1]
This particular derby also known as the Lancashire derby has a history of being the biggest and the greatest in England, but a series of events seemed to have overtaken the very famous fixture. Worthy of mention would be rivalries between Manchester United and Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, also Arsenal and Tottenham.
History is almost back to its best as this North West derby is fast becoming the biggest once again as it has shown in the last three seasons especially the Anfield version. The pudding gets more interesting throwing in players such as Luis Suarez, Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerard, Nani , Javier Hernandez (Chicarito),Patrice Evra , Wayne Rooney and the rest of the lot.
Liverpool is fast proving to be Manchester United’s albatross in recent times, considering how much dominion Manchester United seem to have exercised over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent Seasons. After Two straight losses at Anfield, it took a Chicarito equalizer to salvage a point and to preserve Manchester United’s unbeaten run in the league. It also speaks volumes about the Liverpool team fast returning to its best.
Manchester City versus Aston Villa [4 - 1]
If anything else can be drawn from this game, it is the fast emerging fact that Manchester City are beginning to cut the picture of genuine title contenders especially as they now sit atop the premier league in terms of points and Goal difference. The amazing thing was the mode of execution against an Aston Villa side that had been until that day. Roberto Manchini on the day chose to feature a team with David Silva, Kun Aguero, Edin Dzeko, or the embattled Carlos Tevez; and in spite of the omissions, the result was resounding with spectacular goals on display; especially the two from Mario Barlotelli and James Milner.
The Manchester City defence also kept a player like Agbolanhor quite for most of the game, to preserve their unbeaten run setting their title hopes on a firm footing, although it might be too early to talk about that, with thirty other match-days to go.
Chelsea versus Everton [3 - 1]
This may not go down as the best of games between the two; judging by the standard and quality of recent games in the last two seasons. Everton lacked that giant killer instinct that shows up almost every other time they get play a top four side. Although Kudos must be given to Chelsea on the night that remains without the services of Fernando Torres serving a second of his three match ban .It was nice to see players like Daniel Sturridge, Juan Mata and Ramires bringing in a bit of fresh air to the side.
The young but dynamic manager Andre Villas Boas is yet to convince some of the Chelsea fans, but that is a problem that might be fixed with time as Chelsea remain nicely poised third on the log, especially with the potentially beneficial timing of the Manchester Derby taking place next week.
Arsenal versus Sunderland [2 - 1]
Captain fantastic- Robin Van Persie is proving to be more than a talisman for an Arsenal team that has been under so much fire of late. His form in 2011 has been scintillating scoring twenty five goals in the last twenty eight games, even amidst calls by greats like Dennis Bergkamp that he could be of better use and value to the team if he were to be used behind a main striker, without having to shoulder the goal scoring burden of the whole team. So far, Arsene Wenger has been justified, but it remains to be seen if the club can tie down the striker in the long-term with the contract talks presently put on hold.
Sunderland gave a fairly good account of them, but no one understands how Steve Bruce expected to have taken maximum points or a draw at the least from such a game without fielding a clear cut striker, breathing down the necks of an Arsenal defence that is now known to be so generous. It is simply hard to forget the Asamoah Gyan Loan Scenario.
The win propelled Arsenal to the top half of the Table, placing them tenth on the log standing.
Newcastle versus Tottenham [2 - 2]
It was all fireworks from beginning to the end at St. James Park, on Sunday as Newcastle who remain both unbeaten and fourth on the log, twice had to come back from behind to draw level with a formidable Tottenham side. The Alan Pardew led team is brewing with so much confidence even after the exit of the important duo- Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton. After a strong showing on coming back last season, they are really building on that platform now.
Notable was the midfield duel between Tiote who is fast establishing himself as an enforcer in the middle of the pack and Scott Parker, who easily stands out as one of the best defensive midfielders in whole of the premiership.
The game was tough and exciting; with a fair enough result for both sides in the end.
Norwich versus Swansea City [3 - 1]
If anything Swansea city must realise that a mere display with beautiful passes and skills does not cut it at this level, if the cutting edge remains absent. Against a Norwich side that happened to have come up at the same time as Swansea, losing all three points in this kind of game was not the best of options on the day. Kudos to Norwich, as the whole idea is to get the job done- a prerequisite for staying on at this level. Norwich has now risen as high as ninth on the Table.
QPR versus Blackburn Rovers [1 - 1]
The trip to India happened to have done the Blackburn team some good as they went away to the Queens Park Rangers’ grounds to pick a precious away point, although the result does not improve their position as they stay rock bottom of the league table. It’s amazingly strange that Blackburn is performing this poorly even with the quality of players they can still hold on to. Houliett for one is doing a great job. It remains to be seen how long Stephen King can hold on to his job.
The Rest of the Bunch
Wigan versus Bolton [1 - 3]
Nice to see Bolton go to Wigan Athletic to pick up all three points, that effectively puts back on track Owen Coyle’s project which has been commendable albeit unlucky of late. Wigan now cuts the picture of a side fast on the decline, a departure from gallant performances put up when they first came to the premiership. This portends a dangerous trend that may see them on their way back to the championship if something different is not done soon enough.
Stoke City versus Fulham [2 - 0]
Stoke city maintain a fortress in their home ground as it is fast becoming a fact that any club visiting could forget about taking away all three points available on the cards. Fulham remain unconvincing only showing flashes of brilliance from time to time.
West Bromwich versus Wolves [2 - 0]
West Bromwich Albion did themselves a world of good by picking up all three points available on the night, with their striker Peter Odemwingie back on the score sheets. Roy Hodgson would be mightily relieved to have picked all available points against a Wolves side that haven’t had a bad start to the season so far. Mick McCarthy would be looking to put the team back on track with their next game.
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