Premier League Review – Win, Lose or Draw???

Not a good weekend for the top two as neither managed to win, but third placed Manchester City did pick up three points whilst West Brom and West Ham both moved out of the relegation zone.

Manchester United looked to capitalize on Arsenal failing to win, but had a disastrous afternoon against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield. The game finished 3-1, Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick of tap-ins and Javier Hernandez did pull back a consolidation goal but it wasn’t enough. Kuyt is the first Liverpool player to score a treble in this fixture since Peter Beardsley in 1990.

After the disappointment of losing the Cup Final to Birmingham, the Gooners had some shooting practice against the Os as they ran out 5-0 winners in the week. On Saturday, Sunderland travelled to the Emirates – Steve Bruce did his old mentor Sir Alex a favour by pulling off a 0-0 draw.

 

In the Midlands derby, the Baggies beat Birmingham 3-1 at St Andrews after second half goals from Mulumbu, Morrison and Scharner. The win saw West Brom move above Brum and out of the relegation zone.

 

Bolton won a hard fought battle as they edged out Aston Villa in a five-goal thriller, highly rated centre back Cahill scored twice before Klasnic scored the winner four minutes before the end – the home side were helped by Ashley Young missing a penalty.

 

Mark Hughes continued his run of upsetting ex-clubs; having drawn with Manchester City last time out, his Fulham side beat Blackburn 3-2 on Saturday. Not only was it an ex-boss coming back to haunt Rovers but ex-Hero Damien Duff who scored twice. The London club are now 11th and just five points off sixth and hoping to qualify for Europe.

 

ESPN’s Saturday game saw Manchester City beat Wigan 1-0 – David Sliva scored when his shot slipped through Ali Al Habsi’s hands. City looked dangerous going forward but couldn’t extend their lead.

 

Everton moved level on points with Newcastle after a 2-1 win at St James Park and West Ham leapfrogged Birmingham when they beat Stoke 3-0. Ba and Da Costa put West Ham 2-0 up before Hitzlsperger scored a third. The German midfielder has impressed since regaining fitness and is always dangerous around the box. Wolves gained a credible point against Spurs, which leaves them two points from safety.

The only game left is Blackpool vs Chelsea on Monday evening …