I hope nobody is gambling based on my weekend previews. If you are, it's likely that you are now reading this blog on a computer at the public library, since you've had to pawn your computer to cover the losses. The Big 4 all tied this weekend, and this is turning into one of the tightest tables in recent memory. Everyone has dismissed Arsenal, even though the seven points they trail Liverpool by is the difference between 14th and 20th at the bottom. There's no frontrunner right now, just a whole bunch of inconsistent teams.Arsenal and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 at the Riverside. Adebayor knocked in the first goal, before Jeremie Aliadiere equalized against his former club(his makeout session with the Boro badge was some unsightly PDA). RVP blew a number of chances for Arsenal, who just lack that ability to close out a game. Stoke and Fulham drew at Britannia 0-0. This game was as ugly as promised, as Creswell's early chance only put the fans behind the goal in danger. Without DeLap Stoke looked toothless. Fulham had the majority of possession, but their two shots on goal were rather poor. Sunderland clobbered West Brom 4-0 at the Stadium of Light. Ricky Sbragia is making a case to be bumped up to the fulltime position. Kenwyne Jones starred against a terrible Baggie defense, netting a brace and nearly grabbing the hat trick. Andy Reid used his head for the third, and Cisse drilled a penalty right down the middle for the fourth. Sunderland could have added to their tally, but this game showed that WBA have a lot of work to do if they want to stay up. Aston Villa defeated Bolton 4-2 at Villa Park. Elmander continued his fine form, and put Bolton ahead early. Agbonlahor hit a brace, and along with Ashley Young who scored the fourth, looks destined for a big part in the England squad. Kevin Davies scored an own goal in the first half, and one for Bolton in the second. Bolton did put up a fight, but Aston Villa leapfrogged over Arsenal to take fourth place, and if the top sides keep slipping up they could go even higher.
Liverpool had to come back at Anfield to draw 2-2 with Hull. Paul McShane scored the opener, before a Jamie Carragher own goal put them two goals up. It then took Captain Steven Gerrard only eight minutes to net a brace, and secure Liverpool a point. Liverpool had a number of chances to grab all 3, but again they were unable to pull away from the pack. Everton defeated Manchester City 1-0 at City of Manchester Stadium. The advantage was really to Everton, who like Chelsea, play much better on the road. Everton had the better share of the chances, and Fellaini squandered a number of those. Robinho, Benjani and Jo were all rather anonymous, while Sean Wright-Phillips and Steven Ireland impressed, but couldn't find the back of the net. It was in the first minute of added time that Tim Cahill climbed the highest and headed home the winner. City are now only out of the drop zone based on goal differential, and Hughes may not last much longer. Manchester United and Tottenham drew 0-0 at White Hart Lane. United were more impressive, but Gomes had an incredible game in goal. Berbatov was booed heartily, but it was clear that United were missing Rooney and the pace of Evra on the left side. Giggs and Scholes were brought on for the final 20 minutes, but even their class couldn't create a goal. Wigan defeated Blackburn 3-0 at the JJB. The Blackburn fans seem like they are done with Paul Ince, and it's only a matter of time before the board agrees with them. Wigan were up two goals after only twelve minutes, and Blackburn didn't look that threatening.
Chelsea and West Ham tied 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. It was a nice return for Zola, who was rather reserved when Bellamy scored the equalizer. Robert Green had a good game overall, though he looked lost on a couple of play. Drogba's introduction at the start of the second half sparked some life into the club, and helped set up Anelka for Chelsea's only goal. Deco played horrible, and it seems clear that when he plays with Ballack and Lampard that the club is lacking the width. They have already dropped fourteen points at home, which is unacceptable for a club with title ambitions. Newcastle hammered Portsmouth 3-0 at Fratton Park. Owen scored the opener in the 51st minute, before Obafemi Martins and Danny Guthrie added to Portsmouth's misery. It was a toothless performance from Pompey, and in their current state it's hard to see them making it into Europe again.One Liners
- Benitez says Liverpool have 80% chance of winning title if they lead after the holidays, but that slips to 46.7% if they're tied and 23.2% if they're behind
- Scolari can't understand problems at Stamford Bridge, may I suggest starting Drogba
- Real Madrid want to sign Ashley Young, O'Neill praying he prefers rain to sunshine
- Redknapp says Arsenal have no hope at title, but says his own club are well short of a top four finish
