This was definitely one of the most exciting weekends in the history of the Premiership. Xabi Alonso(with the help of a deflection off Jose Bosingwa) scored the only goal as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0. Titles are not won in October, but statements are made. Chelsea had not lost at Stamford Bridge in the league in four and a half years, so for Liverpool to grab three points in West London was huge. The absence of Drogba and Torres contributed to an ugly game, but Liverpool deserved the points. Gerrard was unlucky not to score on a dipping shot, but was lucky not to be sent off for a foul on Bosingwa. Anelka and Kalou are disappointing replacements for Drogba and Cole, and Scolari will need a healthy team if he wants some silverware. With the victory Liverpool open a three point lead at the top of the table, and have defeated Man U and Chelsea. This is definitely their most convincing domestic campaign in recent years.Liverpool were helped by their derby rivals Everton, as Manchester United and Everton tied 1-1. Man U looked much the better side in the first half, and were unlucky to only score once in this game. Fellaini used his head to secure a point for Everton, and Rooney did not gain any supporters after kissing his United badge in reaction to a yellow card. There are days where he looks one brain cell away from Joey Barton. Sunderland defeated Newcastle 2-1 for their first home win over the Geordies in nearly three decades. Led by Cisse, Richardson and Malbranque, this game wasn't as close as the scoreline suggests. Sunderland found the woodwork a number of times, and Newcastle will test the "too big to be relegated" theory if they continue to play like this. Hull defeated West Bromwich Albion 3-0 in another game where the score line doesn't tell the true story. WBA dominated the game for long periods, but couldn't find the back of the net. Hull didn't have the same problem, and used set pieces and direct football in their goals. They are now tied with Chelsea for 20 points, and if that's not the most shocking thing you've ever heard than you've heard some things. Blackburn and Boro tied 1-1 thanks to a late Rovers goal. Alves scored what looked to be a late winner for Boro, but when everybody and the keeper came up for the injury time corner, Benedict McCarthy's head found the ball, which found the back of the net. We all know the only reason he scored was Roque Santa Cruz's presence on the pitch, having been declared fit at kickoff.
Manchester City defeated Stoke 3-0 in the Robinho show. The Brazilian scored the hat trick, which meant a whole lot of thumb sucking. Joe Hart signed a five year deal before the match, and a couple of spectacular saves shows why City wanted to keep him. At least until they sign Buffon. A Juande Ramos-less Tottenham defeated Bolton 2-0. Bolton was reduced to ten men after Gavin McCann's second yellow, with Pavlyuchenko's head doing the damage along with a penalty from Bent. Aston Villa defeated Wigan 4-0 as the Villains continue to cruise. From the looks of things Steve Bruce had a fight on his hands before the game started(he had stitches under his eye), but his team capitulated rather easily once things began. Villa are lying in wait in case any of the Big Four slip up(though they still have to catch Hull). Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0 in a game that could not have been comfortable for Gunners fans to watch. Van Persie should have found the net a few times(my fantasy team could have used the points), but a Faubert put one in the back of his own net and Adebayor scored the second. Robert Green and Manuel Almunia look like they might be the top two (soon to be)English keepers. Portsmouth and Fulham tied 1-1 in a game that was just this side of ugly. It looked like Mr. Beanpole's(Peter Crouch) 61st minute strike would be enough for maximum points until Clint Dempsey turned in a cross for the tie.
One Liner
- Tim Sherwood considering offer to join Redknapp at Spurs, hoping for some serious shekels
- Ronaldo wins FifPro World Footballer of the Year, and what might be the world's ugliest trophy
- Freddie Ljungberg set to join Seattle in MLS, he is expected to be paid in coffee beans
- German coach Low says he wants to speak to Ballack before including him in squad, Ballack plans on giving him silent treatment
- Rooney not in trouble for kissing badge, though his wife thought someone said Madge and threatens Madonna with a beatdown
