The sack

The dole(unemployment) line got a little longer in England, after Chelsea sacked Big Phil Scolari. The news was a big shock, with Scolari having been in charge for only seven months. Fergie expressed his shock, and said that "there is absolutely no patience in the world right

 now." He's right.

Scolari's reign at Chelsea had a strange start, when his appointment was announced while he was still coaching Portugal at EuroCup. A dramatic transfer window ensued, with a number of players linked with a Jose Mourinho reunion at Inter Milan. Those moves never materialized, and the only players who came in were Bosingwa and Deco. Scolari singled out Chelsea's inability to sign Robinho as a big failure, and his attempt to rejuvenate the squad. Chelsea's squad was built for a 4-5-1, and Scolari's 4-3-3 had square pegs fitting into round holes. Essien, Lampard, Ballack and Deco are all more comfortable in the center of the pitch, while Drogba plays best with his back to goal. He was also unlucky with injuries, losing Terry, Carvalho, Essien, Drogba, Cole and Malouda for extended periods. This led to their position in fourth place, after finishing in the top two for the past five season, the end of their streak at Stamford Bridge, and Scolari's dismissal.

It appears the decision came from Abramovich, and he must have been rather confident to pay Scolari £12  to go away. With their Champions League tie against Juventus coming up, and an FA Cup match against Watford, Abramovich decided a new coach was needed for the Cup runs. Who will be the coach is a hot question, with Hiddink and Mancini already linked, while Grant could make a surprise return. Abramovich had wanted "beautiful football(soccer)", but now is

 the time for results. Chelsea need a coach that can work with their current roster, and after three coaches in 18 months, they need stability.

In other, much less surprising news(excepting the man himself), Tony Adams was sacked by Portsmouth. Pompey have taken a nosedive since the departure of 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini. They are only a point above the drop, and have won only two of their last sixteen matches. Much of their problems are financial, and they've sold off Muntari, Diarra and Defoe. There is still enough quality that they shouldn't be dragged into a relegation battle with the likes of Stoke, West Brom and Middlesbrough. Saturday's 3-2 loss to Liverpool was a bitter pill to swallow, after they blew two leads, and choked hard in the last ten minutes. Given their place in the table, and financial constraints, it will be interesting who they can get in.

Recap

I think the Premiership is divided into those who like Manchester United and those who don't. They've put together an incredible run in football(soccer), as the other teams just can't seem to score (like my friends without alcohol). 

Manchester United defeated West Ham 1-0, when Ryan Giggs found the net with his right(weaker) foot. It was their 13th consecutive clean sheet in the Prem, and Van Der Sar hasn't conceded for 1,212 minutes. The Dutchman has the record, and United are now top by two, with a game in hand. West Ham played valiantly at home, but it wasn't enough.

Liverpool staged two comebacks, and Torres headed them to second place in a 3-2 victory over Portsmouth. The first hour was quiet, but then Nugent and Crouch linked up well for the opener. Aurelio put away an indirect free kick in the bottom corner, before Belhadj's free kick beat the credit crunch to find Hreidarsson's head. Kuyt then drilled David James' cookie jar, before Torres against snuck in at the front post, and his header did as well. Rafa's rotation is in full effect, as Kuyt, Torres and Xabi Alonso all came in off the bench. Gerrard's absence through injury was obvious, but Torres saved Rafa from answering some awkward questions over Keane.

Aston Villa defeated Blackburn 2-0 to move into third place. It was Villa's league leading tenth win on the road, and Allardyce's first loss at Blackburn. Milner opened the scoring in the 27th minute, when he played his way into the box on a short corner and showed off his (weaker) left foot. Friedel didn't have a shot to stop, but it took until the 90th minute for Villa to grab their second, thanks to Agbonlahor. Carew came off the bench, and Villa are almost fully fit, and a dangerous proposition.

Chelsea sputtered to a 0-0 with Hull, and Scolari does not seem at home in London. Hilario had one save to make, while Chelsea couldn't make anything of their possession and chances. Chelsea are 7 points bag, and the Champs still have a game in hand. It might be time to start focusing on other silverware, as they have a hard time coalescing and the pressure is mounting. Hull needed the point and fought for it.

Emmanuel Eboue got himself sent off in the first half, and this North London derby ended 0-0. Eboue got two yellows for petulance, and each team wasted a couple of good chances. Keane wore

 the captain's armband for Spurs, while Arshavin never got off the bench for the Gunners. Wenger seemed satisfied after the game, but they sit in fifth place, and are five points back of a Champions League qualifying position. There are already suggestions of a mass exodus if they don't finish in the top four, and they need some more class if they're going to move up the table.

Everton defeated Bolton 3-0, as they continue their creep up the table. Jo sparkled in his debut for the club, and was involved in all three goals. He was brought down in the box, which Arteta converted, then scored with some Brazilian flair, and grabbed his second on a penalty. Megson was displeased, but Everton just showed that they are an echelon above the Wanderers.

Wigan and Fulham had a defensive stalemate, as they drew 0-0. Fulham squandered a couple chances, but this was a likely outcome from two of the better defensive sides.

Manchester City defeated Middlesbrough 1-0, to squeak into the top half of the table. Mark Hughes was made to look smart for once, when Craig Bellamy netted the winner in the 51st minute. Shay Given is already looking like a good buy, while Boro can't seem to buy a goal and sit joint bottom. 

Sunderland defeated Stoke 2-0, in the candy cane derby. Etherington got himself sent off, and Jones put Sunderland ahead(er) in the 78th minute. David Healy opened his account in the 90th, and Stoke are stuck in the drop zone. It's hard to see what they can do to survive, other than hope some other teams suck it up.

Joe Kinnear had to go to the hospital before Newcastle's match, but the Geordies responded with a 3-2 win over West Brom. Duff scored in the second minute, until Fortune leveled in the fourth minute. New signing Lovenkrands gave Newcastle the lead five minutes later, while Taylor converted a free header just before half-time. Fortune grabbed his second in the 73rd minute, but that was it for the Baggies.

Weekday Preview

Tony Mowbray looks rather upset because he's part of a bookend match, as top side Man U takes on bottom side West Brom. Man U have a number of injuries, but they should still be able to take care of the Baggies. New signing Emile Heskey could be unveiled for Villa's match against Portsmouth. Stoke and Tottenham face off in a classic six-pointer, while Fulham begin the post-Jimmy Bullard era at Sunderland.

Tuesday

Fulham at Sunderland- Fulham got some good money for Jimmy Bullard, but they now have a large void in their midfield. They have relied on their defense for results, they lead the league in draws, but they might have some problems with Sunderland. Kenwyne Jones, if he isn't sold in the morning, will trouble the Mighty Whites with his size. And Cisse's pace will cause them problems if they choose to play a high line. This match could get a little choppy, and I think Sunderland might squeak one out. Sunderland 1-0

Man U at West Brom- Man U could field an injured XI, but even they would have a good chance of beating the Baggies. West Brom is dealing with their own injury problems, with four central defenders currently out. United should make sure that the ball is in West Brom's half for most of the game, so their second string back line shouldn't be as tested. If the Baggies can keep it close until late, they might be able to grab something, but I wouldn't bet on it. Man U 2-0

Aston Villa at Portsmouth- After their defeat to Swansea, Portsmouth are starting to look like a team that have sold all their good players, are coached by a nutter, and haven't gotten an ounce of confidence. With Young still suspended, look for Heskey, Agbonlahor and Milner to lead the line. Villa have had to cobble together a back line, but they have a confidence that seems to overcome any amount of mistakes. Villa 2-1

Stoke at Tottenham- Both teams are stuck on 21 points, with Tottenham enjoying the superior goal differential. Tottenham seemed to lose their confidence quickly once Man U scored, and their new signings could be hurting the confidence of the rest of the squad. There's no doubt that even with all their injuries and 'Arry drama, Spurs have the much more talented side. They have had problems giving up late goals, and they'll have to be wary of Stoke's set pieces. Tottenham 1-0

The FA Cup

Any competition that gets us more 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini, I will support(Do you hear that Big Brother?). As this picture proves, Redknapp is the defending champion, with his former club. And the fact that Tottenham played Manchester United was quite enjoyable(especially since they're playing in the Carling Cup Final as well). During the week Redknapp repeatedly insinuated that the players in his squad were not his choice, and Tottenham's bidding on every fit attacking player belies the point. With the game at Old Trafford, and Gareth Bale starting, the Red Devils were heavy favorites. So it was rather a shock when Roman Pavlyuchenko headed Spurs in front in the fifth minute. 

The Russian(who Redknapp doesn't seem to rate highly) took advantage of Man U's defensive problems. For anybody who doesn't know, Man U has twin Brazilian wingbacks, Fabio and Rafael. Rafael(like Ferdinand, Brown, Evra and Johnny Evans) is currently injured, but Fabio started at left back and spent a good deal of the game in Tottenham's half. Vidic and Neville settled down after their early failure to mark Pavlyuchenko, and the United back line and Ben Foster looked a lot more comfortable as the game progressed. At the other end of the pitch, Michael Carrick(former Spur) controlled the game wonderfully. Thanks to his pass and a heavy deflection, Scholes leveled in the 35th minute. Less than a minute later he floated one in to Berbatov(former Spur) and United won the day 2-1. 

There weren't many upsets over the weekend, but a couple of draws. Defending champions Portsmouth were knocked out by Swansea City, 2-0. Doncaster held Aston Villa to a 0-0 draw, in a game where the goal posts earned their keep. Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw thanks to some impressive goal keeping. For the second time in a week, Everton held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Liverpool refuses to mark Tim Cahill, which is rather foolish. This means that Fellaini will actually get a chance to play against Liverpool for the first time this season, unless he gets another suspension in the mean time(I wouldn't be surprised). The other big news was Hull's 2-0 defeat of Millwall, with the Millwall fans rioting. They tore up seats, pelted the Hull supporters, and destroyed lavatories and concession stands. It's rather shocking to see this behavior in this day and age, and the police and FA are both getting involved.

Weekend Preview

Another exciting weekend in the Prem. Man U could be top of the tape by Saturday night, Chelsea have a chance to do a thrashing of their own, and on Monday the battle between the Red half and the Blue half of Mersey resumes.

Saturday

Newcastle United at Blackburn - Big Sam faces his old club, and he really wants this one. Don't be surprised if Roque Santa Cruz is suddenly fit, to help Sam get all three points, and to fetch a higher price for Blackburn. Newcastle have a host of injuries(surprise), and predicting this game is like predicting the wind(can you predict the wind?). Tie 1-1

Man U at Bolton - Man U has a chance to go top of the table if they win this game. Bolton beat them last year, and United have Rooney, Evra and Rio out for this match. Bolton will rely on set pieces, but with Nolan and Elmander out they'll have their own problems. Look for a bit of class from Berbatov, Tevez and Ronaldo to make the difference in this match. Man U 2-0

Stoke at Chelsea - This is the kind of game you would circle as a gimme, but due to Chelsea's current form and their home problems, things may not be so simple. Drogba is supposed to come back, but Joe Cole is injured and Deco has fortuitously picked up a calf injury. With Malouda fit, it will be interesting to see who starts, and who comes off the bench for Chelsea. James Beattie will start for Stoke, while Fuller is still suspended for hitting Andy Griffin. Stoke will want to play physical, and take advantage of throw ins and free kicks. Last week's loss was bad, but anything less than three points from this match would be apocalyptic. Chelsea 3-0

Wigan at Man City - Wigan are the in form team, and they travel to a Man City team that is having all sorts of problems. Kaka, Bellamy and the rest of the world have been linked with the club, so their is probably a lack of confidence in the side. Wigan played a tight game with Man U, and as long as Valencia is still in their side they should be confident. Robinho is fit, but Ireland is out and Wright-Phillips has a knock. If Wigan's defense can hold, they should grab a point. Tie 1-1

Aston Villa at Sunderland - Villa are unbeaten in their last nine, and there's no reason they shouldn't make this ten. Carew and Bouma are both close to coming back, but expect Agbonlahor, Young and Milner to lead the line. Malbranque is suspended, while McCartney and Gordon are still injured. Villa have been as lucky as they have been good, and they'll need that luck against a physical Sunderland side. Villa 2-1

Middlesbrough at West Brom - Middlesbrough have looked the opposite of confident(unconfident?), while West Brom are playing with the house's money(definitely not a sponsor's). Morrison is injured for the Baggies, while Teixeira could start and loan signing Fortune could factor. Gareth Southgate is relying on the class of Downing, Alves and Mido to push Boro through. West Brom have gotten four of their five wins at home, and will be hoping for another, and this one could go either way. Tie 1-1

Arsenal at Hull - Hull defeated Arsenal at the Emirates to begin the Gunners slide, and they'll be wanting revenge. Hull have looked a shell of their former selves, but new signings Kilbane and Manucho could start. Arsenal are still dealing with injuries, and have Gallas and Silvestre on the short term list. This should be similar to their game against Bolton, and Arsenal will be relying on some brilliance to put them ahead. RVP or Nasri should supply it. Arsenal 2-1

Sunday

Fulham at West Ham - A London derby, with both teams doing pretty well. Fulham's defense has become one of the league's best, while Bellamy and Cole have been pouring it in for the Hammers. A number of West Ham players are linked with moves away, while Bullard could shortly leave the Mighty Whites. If Bullard is fit, this could be a good battle of the Hammers counter attack versus the back to front build up of Fulham. Tie 1-1

Portsmouth at Tottenham - Harry's revenge, or is it Pomepy's revenge? It will be a battle of former strike partners, as Defoe leads his line against Peter Crouch. Each will want to prove their supremacy, and 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini will want to show why he was worth all that money. Tottenham have been struggling late, and if Portsmouth can hold it tight, they might be able to nick one. Tottenham 2-1

Monday

Everton at Liverpool - Everton have been playing a 4-6-0(Cahill isn't really a striker), and will be without Fellaini this game. That should really hurt them, as Torres and Alonso are both expected to start, and Kuyt will be able to use his aerial ability. Liverpool will know what they need to be in first place at this point, and if Man U wins, three points is all that will suffice. Liverpool 2-0

Red Devils in Striking Distance

Manchester United defeated Wigan 1-0, and now sit only two points back of Liverpool with a game in hand. Wayne Rooney banged in a cross from Ronaldo in the first minute, and that was all the Red Devils needed for all three points. There was bad news, as Rooney had to come off early with a hamstring injury that will see him miss three weeks. It was also interesting to see the changes Ferguson made from the side that defeated Chelsea. Ronaldo was the only midfield holdover, as Nani, Carrick and Scholes all started. This game was really a showcase of the depth that Man U have, with youngsters and veterans combining for the win. Their game in hand is against Fulham, and while the Mighty Whites are having their best spell in years, that game in hand should translate to three points. Liverpool have a Mersey derby, and then play Chelsea in a couple of weeks, so Man U could be sitting in first by February.

What has been most impressive about United's surge up the table is their defense. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man City have all scored more goals than United. However, United have conceded the fewest goals all season with only 10 goals allowed in 20 matches. This has really showcased their depth at the back, as they have dealt with a number of injuries. Gary Neville has been battling injuries for the past two years, and even when he is healthy it looks like Rafael is the preferred choice. Neville did start the Chelsea match, but Rafael has more starts than the United skipper this year. He is extremely dangerous going forward, and a perfect compliment to Evra on the left. Evra has missed games through suspension and injury, and in his stead John O'Shea has played brilliantly. While not gifted with Evra's pace or ball control, his size and strength make up for it. Along with youngster Jonathan Evans, they have deputized for Rio Ferdinand during his injuries. Vidic has played almost every minute, and his goals against Sunderland and Chelsea were huge morale boosters. It's easy to forget that West Brown will be coming back from injury shortly, and explains why Silvestre was sold in the summer. United have an understudy for every player on their backline, which explains why they are still challenging for four trophies and won the FIFA World Club Championship in Japan.

There were also a couple of FA Cup games today, and judging by his selection it looks like Scolari reads my blog. He dropped Deco and Drogba, and instead had Anelka, Kalou and Joe Cole leading the line. Sherlock Holmes would have had dropping finding any evidence in the fog that plagued the game, and Southend was able to take advantage of Chelsea's woeful defending of set pieces. Ballack fired home a loose ball in the box right before halftime to boost the morale. Chelsea then turned it up a notch, with Kalou, Anelka and Lampard all scoring in the second half. After this win, Scolari will be hardpressed to feature Drogba against Stoke. Hull defeated Newcastle in their replay, while Crystal Palace defeated Leicester in a lower league matchup.

One Liners

• Kaka rejects £100 million move to Man City, I guess money can't buy everything
• Bolton makes bid for Bullard, but he probably has too much hair for the Reebok
• Hammers reject another Bellamy bid, why?
• Chelsea unsure of Joe Cole injury, hope that magic spray can work its magic

Weekend Review

There are decisive wins, and then there are decisive wins. Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Chelsea was an emphatic declaration of their title intent. Cold weather caused two games to be postponed, but this could be the start of a week where Man U show that they're interested in a 3-peat.

Aston Villa defeated West Brom 2-1, in a game that was a lot more lopsided than the score suggests. Curtis Davies opened the scoring against his former club(and had the class to not celebrate), and then Gabby Agbonlahor(who apparently had the flu) fired one at Scott Carson, who did his best impersonation of Swiss cheese. Morrison grabbed one back in the second, and the Baggies had some chances, but Villa showed that the Big 4 should be concerned. Everton defeated Hull 2-0, as they continue to play without a recognized striker. Fellaini used that big afro to score the opener(he later picked up his tenth yellow card in only 17 games), with Arteta's perfect free kick giving them some cushion. Hull looked impotent, and look like they'll soon be in a relegation battle.

Middlesbrough and Sunderland drew 1-1, thanks to a late equalizer from Kenwyne Jones. Stewart Downing and Afonso Alves combined well for the opener, and Southgate will need to keep the young England winger if they have any hope of staying up. Newcastle and West Ham drew 2-2, as Michael Owen continues his audition for a bigger club. After Owen's opener, it was Bellamy and Carlton Cole who scored for the Hammers, before Andy Carroll secured the point for Newcastle. Neither team looked very impressive, and with only eight points separating 9th and last place, they will have to keep their eyes on the rear view mirror.

Arsenal defeated Bolton 1-0, in a match where they looked like they'd be held to a draw. Bolton only managed two shots the entire game, and had possession for less than a quarter of the match. RVP had a number of chances, but it was the one that he created for Nicklas Bendtner that made the difference. Bolton only named four players to their bench, due to injuries and suspension, and will feel hard done by to lose a point in the final six minutes. Liverpool drew with Stoke 0-0, meaning the Potters come away with two points from their two matches against the leaders. Stoke parked a whole caravan in front of goal, and while Liverpool dominated possession they couldn't seem to penetrate the final third. Torres looked dangerous in the thirty minutes he played, but the decision to leave Robbie Keane on the bench must be questioned. New signing Matthew Etherington shone for the Potters, and looks to win them a lot of throw ins(which Stoke have gotten nearly half their goals from).

Manchester United defeated Chelsea 3-0, in a game that saw Chelsea look as uninspired as Liverpool. The trio of Deco, Ballack and Lampard could not create any chances, so Drogba and Cole were left out to dry. Malouda's injury means Chelsea are lacking width, and replacing the ineffectual Deco with Kalou seems like a good solution. Vidic's header right before halftime opened up the scoring, while Rooney and Berbatov piled on the humiliation. Ryan Giggs did a great job stifling Bosingwa and controlling the game, with Fletcher mopping up in the midfield. There was a lot of class on the pitch, but Chelsea seem like they've forgotten how to score. Whether this is a confidence issue, a tactics issue or something else, they are drastically under performing. Wigan defeated Tottenham 1-0 in injury time, as 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini seems to have lost his magical touch. Wigan used none of their substitutions, while 'Arry tried a Defoe-Bent combination in the second half that looked lost. The Spurs have been giving up too many late goals, and while they are better than at the start of the season, there is still seem to lose their head over the course of a game.

One Liners

• Ronaldo wins top award, accepts award and says they like me, they really really like
• Beckham impresses in Italy, Posh reportedly eats a carb
• Stoke wrap up signing of James Beattie, which I will preemptively call the worse signing of the Winter transfer window
• Man City bid on Bellamy, Mark Hughes getting desperate
• Klinsmann saddened by Podolski's desire to leave club, Podolski saddened by shortage of strudel
  

We're back

Much like the Bundesliga, yours truly likes to take a little winter break every year. But you didn't think I would leave you without an update before the Man U-Chelsea game(if you did think that, you were almost right)? The reason the handsome mug of the Special One is gracing the top of this post is because Jose Mourinho will be the Special Guest of Manchester United(a little strange because Inter Milan face Man U in the Champions League). Abramovich is out of town, so there won't be any awkward hugs, but it will be Mourinho's first appearance at a Premiership game.

Saturday

WBA at Aston Villa- This would seem a simple game, except for Villa's poor home form this season. Villa also have a number of injuries, with Laursen, Cuellar and Carew out, while Gareth Barry and Luke Young missed their FA Cup match. The Baggies have Zuiverloorn, Morrison and Teixeira struggling to be fit, as they try to grab their second road win. It's a bit of a surprise that neither team has done much business in the transfer market, but it has been quiet so far. Expect a wide open game, and Villa's attack should be too much for the West Brom defense. Villa 3-1

Hull at Everton- The wheels have come off Phil Brown's bus, and Hull are beginning their descent down the table. Hull fans will not be comforted by the news that they are targeting Luis Boa Morte, as Phil Brown tries to find more players his age. Everton look to have regained the defensive form that propelled them last season, and Cahill may continue to lead the line even with Anichebe fit. Everton 1-0

Blackburn at Fulham- Which team has allowed the fourth fewest goals in the Premiership? That would be the Mighty Whites of Fulham, whose defense has pushed them to ninth in the league. Sam's club(clever) will have a tough time playing long ball, with the size of Fulham's back line. Bullard is likely to miss out, while Davies and Gera hope to feature. Santa Cruz will probably never play a game for Big Sam, so this game could be a bit toothless. Draw 0-0

Sunderland at Middlesbrough- After a strong start, Boro are again flirting with the drop, while Sunderland are only a couple points clear of the drop as well. Boro are desperately trying to keep hold of Stewart Downing, while Sunderland are doing the same with Kenwyne Jones. With Aliadiere out, Mido and Alves will need to pour in the goals in the second half of the season if they want to stay up. Draw 1-1

West Ham at Newcastle- These teams may be a little higher up the table, but this is another six-pointer. Zola's team has lacked any consistency, and just about every player on the roster has been linked with a move away. Newcastle will want to forget about their 5-1 demolition at the hands of Liverpool, but they've also had a number of players linked with moves away. Martins is out for Newcastle, but this is Michael Owen's chance to sell himself for a move away. Newcastle 2-1

Manchester City at Portsmouth- City are a point behind Pompey, even though they've scored 17 more goals. With Defoe leaving, a number of other players being linked with moves away, and the club for sale, the confidence of Portsmouth players will be at an all-time low. Mark Hughes will have Wayne Bridge to bolster his back line, but with Robinho and Ireland likely to be out, the Welshman knows he is hanging on by a thread. City 2-1

Bolton at Arsenal- With Gallas and Silvestre out, this is just the kind of team the Gunners did not want to be facing. Fabregas, Walcott and Rosicky are all out for a while, so this will look like a Carling Cup team. This will be a chance for those young players to prove they should be playing, before Monsieur Wenger brings in some replacements. Bolton are without Kevin Nolan and Gretar Steinsson, but they might fancy themselves a point. RVP and Adebayor will be the key, and if they get any decent service they should win this game for the Gunners by themselves. Arsenal 2-1

Liverpool at Stoke- Stoke nicked a draw at Anfield earlier in the season, but this is a much different side. Fuller is still serving a ban for hitting a teammate, but its unlikely that they'll end their slide against the Reds. With Chelsea and Man U facing off, Liverpool will want to try and create some distance between themselves and the rest Big 4. Torres will probably play, but not start for the Reds. Liverpool 3-0

Sunday

Tottenham at Wigan- Wigan have quietly got themselves up to seventh in the league, which has led to some of their players being linked to Real Madrid(a lesson to all those teams that hope to do well). Tottenham have just seen 100% inflation on Defoe, and it will be interesting if he partners with Pavlyuchenko up front. Jenas and King should be back for Tottenham, but Spurs are dealing with a number of other injuries. Draw 1-1

Chelsea at Man U- The camera men will be busy, and expect a number of closeups of Ferguson, Scolari and Mourinho. Ferdinand and Evra should be back for United, while Terry is back for Chelsea. After their draw in the FA Cup, the pressure is on Chelsea and they'll want to show that they are still in the title race. Draw 1-1