PL Round-Up 28/4/12 (Crazy Crazy Day)

Wigan 4-0 Newcastle: Wigan remain three points clear of the relegation zone but have boosted their goal difference after a sublime performance. Victor Moses scored two goals in the space of two minutes around the 15-minute mark to make it 2-0. Shaun Maloney was put through and the Irishman made no mistake nine minutes before half-time before Franco Di Santo marked his 100th English game with an excellent curled effort right on the stroke on half-time. Newcastle's best chances of getting a consolation both fell to Papiss Cisse who hit the crossbar and then the post in the second half.

Swansea 4-4 Wolves: It may be a little late for Wolves to show fight, but what a game it provided at the Liberty stadium. Andrea Orlandi scored after just 23-seconds, the fastest Premiership goal in six years to give the hosts the lead. It got worse when Joe Allen's shot was deflected by Richard Stearman to bamboozle former Swan, Dorus De Vries, and make it 2-0 after just four minutes. Nathan Dyer made it three with a header after 15-minutes to look like sealing the three points. Steven Fletcher headed, what was then thought of as, a consolation on 28-minutes but it was soon 4-1 three minutes later when Danny Graham finished off a Dyer cross. Matt Jarvis then made it 4-2 with 12-minutes to go in the first half when Ashley Williams should have cleared it off the line, ultimately gave Wolves momentum going into the second half. David Edwards pulled another back nine minutes into the second half before Matt Jarvis scored his second on 69-minutes to secure an unbelievable draw.

Bolton 2-2 Sunderland: Bolton remain in the relegation zone, but only on goal difference, after a point against Sunderland. Kevin Davies volleyed home a Martin Petrov cross on 26-minutes to initially give Bolton the lead. Nicklas Bendtner was put through by Jack Colback to give the Dane his fourth goal against Bolton, equalising ten minutes later. James McClean then rocketed a free-kick past Adam Bogdan to give Sunderland the lead just ten minutes into the second half. But Bolton deserved their point and it was none other than Kevin Davies who got it on 70-minutes.

Everton 4-0 Fulham: The deadlock at Goodison Park was broken on seven minutes when Pavel Pogrebnyak blocked a free-kick with his hand, Nikica Jelavic stepped up and sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way. Marouane Fellaini headed a corner home to make it 2-0 after 16-minutes. Jelavic then made it 3-0 with his second goal of the game, scoring from an angle he had no right to score from five minutes before half-time. The punishment was over when Steven Pienaar hooked the ball through to Tim Cahill and the Australian slid the ball home, making it 4-0 on the hour mark.

Norwich 0-3 Liverpool: Luis Suarez scores his first Liverpool hat-trick as they took full advantage of Norwich defensive errors. Steven Gerrard was quicker on his feet than David Fox, he then played the ball into the path of Suarez to net home on 24-minutes. The Uruguayan had his second four minutes later when another mis-placed pass was intercepted by him, he ran onto goal and calmly finished. The hat-trick came eight minutes from time when a Glen Johnson clearance found him 45-yards from goal. John Ruddy was off his line and Suarez lobbed him from distance in exquisite fashion.

Stoke 1-1 Arsenal: Arsenal stretch their lead over Newcastle to four points in third after a hard fought point over Stoke. It was in fact Stoke who took the lead on nine minutes when Peter Crouch headed home a Matthew Etherington cross. Who else was going to get the equaliser but Robin Van Persie? The Dutchman got it on 15-minutes when he volleyed in a Tomas Rosicky cross.

West Brom 0-0 Aston Villa: Villa also remain just three points ahead of the relegation zone after a goalless draw in a Midlands derby. Villa had a possible shout for a penalty in the first half when a cross hit Chris Brunt on the hand. But West Brom had a clearer claim in the second half when Alan Hutton blocked a shot on goal with his arm. Shay Given kept the point for Villa alive with a fantastic save with his knees late on.

Final Barclay's Premiership Table

Team PL GD PTS
1 Man Utd 38 41 80
2 Chelsea 38 36 71
3 Man City 38 27 71
4 Arsenal 38 29 68
5 Tottenham 38 9 62
6 Liverpool 38 15 58
7 Everton 38 6 54
8 Fulham 38 6 49
9 Aston Villa 38 -11 48
10 Sunderland 38 -11 47
11 West Brom 38 -15 47
12 Newcastle 38 -1 46
13 Stoke 38 -2 46
14 Bolton 38 -4 46
15 Blackburn 38 -13 43
16 Wigan 38 -21 42
17 Wolves 38 -20 40
18 Birmingham 38 -21 39
19 Blackpool 38 -23 39
20 West Ham 38 -27 33

Survival Sunday: How It Happened

Five teams were still able to go down at the start of yesterday's final matches. As it stood Blackburn and Wolves had forty points and were playing against each other at Molineux, Blackburn had a goal difference of -14 and Wolves -19. Birmingham started the day on 39 points with -20 GD away to Tottenham. Blackpool were at Old Trafford also on 39 points with a GD of -21. Wigan were away to Stoke and also had 39 points with a GD of -22, here's how Survival Sunday panned out:

21 minutes: Manchester United 1-0 Blackpool, Park slots home after Berbatov puts him through. Blackpool moved down to nineteenth.
22 minutes: Wolves 0-1 Blackburn, Salgado's shot was deflected in off Roberts. Wolves stayed sixteenth on goals scored.
37 minutes: Wolves 0-2 Blackburn, Emerton volleyed home after Robinson's free-kick wasn't dealt with. Wolves now moved to seventeenth, ahead of relegation by a goal.
40 minutes: Man Utd 1-1 Blackpool, Adam converts a free-kick after Taylor-Fletcher was fouled by Vidic. Blackpool now moved out of relegation on goals scored, putting Wolves and Wigan down.
45 minutes: Wolves 0-3 Blackburn, Hoilett ends a horrible half for Wolves. Half-time table: 15.Blackburn 43 -11, 16.Birmingham 40 -20, 17.Blackpool 40 -21, 18.Wolves 40 -22, 19.Wigan 40 -22
49 minutes: Tottenham 1-0 Birmingham, Pavlyuchenko fires Spurs ahead to see Birmingham head to nineteenth.
57 minutes: Man Utd 1-2 Blackpool, Taylor-Fletcher tapped home a Puncheon cross to give Blackpool perceived safety heading to 42 points, although there was a hint of off-side.
63 minutes: Man Utd 2-2 Blackpool, Anderson equalises for United to see Blackpool safe only by a goal.
73 minutes: Wolves 1-3 Blackburn, O'Hara pulls one back for Wolves to see them move a goal ahead of Wigan but behind on goals scored to Blackpool.
74 minutes: Man Utd 3-2 Blackpool, it's often you feel sorry for a footballer but Ian Evatt puts through his own net after Smalling's cross to give United the lead. Blackpool subsequently drop to nineteenth and look out of it.
78 minutes: Stoke 0-1 Wigan, Hugo Rodellaga heads Watson's cross to give Wigan salvation .
79 minutes: Spurs 1-1 Birmingham, Gardner equalises for Birmingham to see Wolves back in the relegation zone by a goal.
81 minutes: Man Utd 4-2 Blackpool, Owen seals Blackpool's fate after Anderson's through ball to give the champions the win.
87 minutes: Wolves 2-3 Blackburn, Hunt pulls another goal back to see Birmingham in the relegation zone on goals scored.
93 minutes: Spurs 2-1 Birmingham, Pavlyuchenko scores another screamer to seal Birmingham's fate. Final Table:

15. Blackburn 43 -13
16. Wigan 42 -21
17. Wolves 40 -20
18. Birmingham 39 -21
19. Blackpool 39 -23

End Of Season Results

Although only four of the ten final Barclay's Premier League games really mattered, the other six games still produced high entertainment. Manchester City knew a win away to Bolton would secure third place. It was City who took the lead two minutes before half-time when a corner hit Lescott on the head before looping over Jaaskelainen. Edin Dzeko wrapped things up for City after 62 minutes but Danny Sturridge's loan spell at Bolton ended with the former City player getting sent off four minutes from time for a high challenge on Dzeko. Bolton end the season fourteenth.

Liverpool were denied Europa League football next season as they lost away to Aston Villa. The only goal came after 33 minutes when an Albrighton cross was put away by Stewart Downing. Villa finish the season in ninth as the highest Midlands club.

Despite nothing to play for, St.James' Park witnessed a six goal thriller as Newcastle entertained West Brom. Steven Taylor made it three goals in three matches to give Newcastle the lead after sixteen minutes. Lovenkrands made it 2-0 six minutes before half-time and Olsson scored an own goal, thirty seconds into the second half to make it 3-0. But West Brom came back and Tchoyi made it 3-1 after 62 minutes and then made it 3-2 nine minutes later. The comeback was complete in injury time when Tchoyi headed home his hat-trick to make it 3-3. West Brom finish just ahead of Newcastle in eleventh.

With West Ham already down and now manager-less, Sunderland visited Upton Park to finish West Ham's Premiership in style. Zenden will be leaving Sunderland this summer and signed off with the opening goal after seventeen minutes. Sessegnon ended a bright debut half-season with another goal six minutes into the second half before Riveros scored his first Sunderland goal in injury time. Sunderland finish tenth.

Arsenal ended yet another disappointing season with a draw away to Fulham. Fulham took the lead after 26 minutes through Sidwell but that was cancelled out three minutes later with Van Persie scoring in his ninth consecutive away game. Zamora gave Fulham the lead again twelve minutes into the second half, Fulham were also on hand to receive Europa League football via the fair play award but Gera received red after 75 minutes for a two-footed challenge. This means that they or Blackpool will receive the accolade. Arsenal took advantage and equalised through Walcott a minute before injury time. Arsenal will now have to qualify for the Champions League and Fulham finish the season eighth.

Chelsea wasted no time in relieving Carlo Ancelotti of his managerial job. He was given the sack within an hour of Everton beating them 1-0 at Goodison Park. Beckford scored the winner with sixteen minutes left after Coleman had seen red eight minutes into the second half, but a win wouldn't have been enough for Ancelotti as a trophyless season means a job-less Chelsea manager.

FA Cup Final Replay

Just three days after Stoke's disappointment in the FA Cup final against Man City, they had to travel to Eastlands for the scheduled Premiership game that would have taken place at the weekend if it wasn't already the cup final. The FA Cup final was slightly disappointing in the way that it was only City you could see scoring but yesterday was even more one-sided than Saturday.

It took just fourteen minutes for City to carve open Stoke with Tevez returning to the starting line-up in the Premiership with a goal. Lescott made it 2-0 for City eight minutes into the second half before Tevez netted a second to round it off, this left the media reporting how Tevez will now be staying after doubts just a few weeks ago. City now move ahead of Arsenal into third and that last automatic Champions League place. Stoke remain ninth and will be a vital role in the relegation battle as they host Wigan on Survival Sunday.

One Down, Two To Go

We finally got one answer to the relegation battle yesterday as five Premiership matches took place in a Super Sunday bonanza. The early kick-off was a dead rubber as Chelsea hosted Newcastle but it was still a very eventful match. It took just two minutes for Stamford Bridge to celebrate something as Ivanovic broke the deadlock. But Newcastle were level eight minutes later through Gutierrez to spoil Chelsea's last home game of the season. Chelsea did re-take the lead seven minutes from time with another defender, Alex, finding the net. But Chelsea were undone yet again, this time in injury time courtesy of Steven Taylor. The point means Chelsea cement second place, but whether it'll be enough for Ancelotti to remain in charge is very debatable. Newcastle are in twelfth.

The other matches kicked off at 4PM with two of them concerning the relegation battle. The televised match though was between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates. Villa were logically safe but needed a point to be completely, mathematically safe. It was Villa who came flying out of the traps and Kyle Walker floated a ball to Bent, who broke the offside trap, he controlled it majestically on his chest before poking past Szczesny after eleven minutes. Four minutes later Bent broke the offside trap again as Ashley Young slipped the ball in and Bent tapped it through the keeper's legs to make it 2-0. Arsenal arguably should have had penalty later in the first half when Dunne missed ball and Ramsey but in my opinion the referee got it right. Arsenal through everything at Villa in the second half but they stood strong until Van Persie managed to scramble the ball over in the final minute. Arsenal stay only two points ahead of Man City with City playing Stoke again on Tuesday, Villa jump up to thirteenth and are now guaranteed Premiership football next season.

The other non-relegation battle match was actually a battle for Europa League as Liverpool hosted Tottenham. Liverpool came into this game on the back of that 5-2 thrashing of Fulham but looked a different team yesterday. Van Der Vaart opened the scoring after just nine minutes with a brilliant placed lob from outside the box. Tottenham wrapped it up eleven minutes into the second half when Flanagan fouled Pienaar just inside the box, Modric converted the spot-kick. Tottenham now over-take Liverpool into fifth by a solitary point.

Birmingham had the chance to almost book their safety yesterday at home to Fulham. That didn't happen as Mark Hughes' men bounced back from that Monday Night thrashing. Brede Hangeland made the difference as he opened the scoring after just five minutes before finishing the match off four minutes into the second half. Fulham move into eighth place.

It was win or bust for West Ham as they took on fellow relegation candidates Wigan at the DW Stadium. It was looking good for West Ham as Demba Ba broke the deadlock after twelve minutes. The Hammers were then on cloud nine when Ba made it 2-0 fourteen minutes later. But Wigan pulled one back twelve minutes into the second half through N'Zogbia. Panic bells started ringing and it allowed Wigan to equalise through substitute Conor Sammon with twenty-two minutes to go. The final nail in the West Ham coffin was struck in injury time when N'Zogbia scored his second to give Wigan the 3-2 victory. Unfortunately for Avram Grant, he was given his marching orders shortly after the game and West Ham will be looking for a new manager in the Championship.

So West Ham are now officially relegated but the rest of the bottom end of the table couldn't be any closer:
15. Blackburn 40
16. Wolves 40
17. Birmingham 39
18. Blackpool 39
19. Wigan 39
20. West Ham 33
The final game of the season sees Blackburn take on Wolves in their winner takes all battle. Birmingham have to travel to Tottenham and Blackpool have to ravel to Champions Manchester United while Wigan have to travel to Stoke.

Great Day For Manchester

There were four Barclay's Premiership matches yesterday, all of which kicked-off at 12:45 due to the FA Cup final which kicked-off at 3PM. The penultimate fixtures of the season still left us none the wiser as to who will be relegated this season.

The Hawthornes saw a match with little to play for as West Brom hosted Everton. The game was settled after just ten minutes when Youssouf Mulumbu scored for West Brom. Everton were reduced to ten when Bilyaletdinov was shown a straight red for leaving the ground while tackling Morrison. Everton stay seventh while West Brom move to tenth.

At the start of play Blackburn and Manchester United both needed a point to secure safety and the Championship respectively. Despite Nani hitting the bar early on, United didn't play very well at all and deserved to be a goal down at half-time. After an earlier hesitation from Kuszczak, a cross was punched away but the Polish keeper started to run for the ball. Once he realised he wasn't going to get it, he ran back as Olsson just about managed to keep ball in. Olsson then found a cross that an unmarked Emerton half-volleyed home at the back post. United did get the point they needed when Hernandez was brought down by Robinson, although the ball was going out of play and Hernandez wouldn't have got to it, referee Phil Dowd consulted with his linesman and the penalty was given. Rooney stepped up and converted with seventeen minutes to go. United are now the guaranteed Premiership Champions for the record nineteenth time.

Wolves secured a vital win away to Sunderland. Jody Craddock gave Wolves the lead after 22 minutes before Sessegnon equalised twelve minutes later. Wolves re-took the lead through Flecther nine minutes into the second half before Elokobi secured the win twelve minutes from time.

All the goals came at Bloomfield Road as Blackpool hosted Bolton. The game reflected the Stanely Matthews FA Cup final as Blackpool won the affair 4-3. Kevin Davies gave Bolton the lead after six minutes but DJ Campbell equalised three minutes later. Puncheon then gave Blackpool the lead after nineteen minutes before Matthew Taylor equalised five minutes later. Blackpool then went 3-2 up at half-time with DJ Campbell getting a second just before the interval. Danny Sturridge made it 3-3 eight minutes after the restart but captain Charlie Adam gave Blackpool the vital win ten minutes later.

This mean that West Ham are on 33 and Wigan on 36, they meet today with the loser surely destined for relegation. Blackpool remain in the drop on 39 points but Birmingham are only ahead on goal difference and meet Liverpool today. Wolves move up to sixteenth on forty points level with Blackburn who still aren't safe.

The FA Cup final was unfortunately very one-sided as Manchester City took on Stoke. It was settled by the solitary goal as City's semi-final hero Yaya Toure struck again after 74 minutes to give Manchester City the FA Cup, meaning that next season's Community Shield will be a Manchester derby.

Liverpool Over-Take Tottenham With City In Champions League

There was the return of Monday Night Football this week plus the final rescheduled Premiership match yesterday, all of which concerned the matter of European football. Firstly, Liverpool travelled to Craven Cottage and it took thirty-two seconds for Maxi Rodriguez to put them ahead against Fulham. The Argentine then made it 2-0 after seven minutes before Kuyt pretty much finished the game off after just sixteen minutes thanks to a Schwarzer blunder. Fulham did start the second half better and pulled a goal back from Moussa Dembele twelve minutes after the restart But Rodriguez managed to bag his second hat-trick in three games with twenty minutes to go. The fantastic Suarez rounded the rout off five minutes however, the best goal of the night arguably came from Steve Sidwell four minutes from time when he curled one into the top corner to make the final score 5-2. Fulham remain tenth in the table.

The final rescheduled match saw Manchester City host Tottenham. The only goal of the game came on the half hour when Crouch turned a cross into his own net to give City the three points. Perhaps better news for City fans was that Carlos Tevez made a substitute appearance so should be fit for the FA Cup final on Saturday. The win for City also means that they are now guaranteed Champions League football but the defeat for Tottenham sees Liverpool over-take them in fifth. Stoke will also be pleased with result because no matter what happens on Saturday, Stoke will also be in Europe next season.

Three Is the Magic Number

There was a Super Sunday hat-trick with the results causing further twists and turns in the Barclay's Premier League. First off there was the Black Country derby as Wolves hosted West Brom. With all the sides around them picking up a point, Wolves couldn't afford to lose this game. Poor defending cost West Brom dear as Wolves took the lead after fifteen minutes when Fletcher took full advantage of an ill defended corner. Wolves were two up thirteen minutes later when another corner fell to Fletcher before bouncing off him for Guediora to tap home. Wolves sealed the match two minutes after the restart through Fletcher again but West Brom did score a consolation eight minutes later when Thomas fell under a Guediora slide tackle in the box, Odemwingie converted the penalty. The win sees Wolves move out of the relegation zone but still remain a point ahead of it. West Brom stay thirteenth and comfortably in a mid-table position.

The second installment saw Arsenal take on Stoke at the Britannia. Arsenal needed to win to secure third whereas Stoke needed momentum to take into the FA Cup final on Saturday. Again poor defending was punished as Stoke took the lead through Kenwyne Jones after 28 minutes. Stoke went 2-0 ahead five minutes before the break when a poor clearance was intercepted by former Arsenal student Pennant, he ran towards the goal before unleashing a deflected shot from outside the area past Sczcesny. Arsenal pulled one back nine minutes from time through Van Persie but any hopes of an equaliser were squashed instantly as Walters made it 3-1 a minute later. Stoke move ahead of Bolton into eighth on goal difference, Arsenal remain five points clear of Man City.

The final installment of the Super Sunday hat-trick saw three goals in the potential title decider. Manchester United took on Chelsea and it took just thirty-six seconds for United to show their title credentials in front of the Old Trafford faithful, Giggs found Park before the excellent Korean played Hernandez through one-on-one with Cech and the Little Green Pea secured his twentieth goal in his debut season for United. Chelsea were shell shocked and found themselves two down after twenty-three minutes; a short corner was poorly defended and a Giggs cross was headed home by Vidic, who may have been lucky to be playing after his handball last week. Branislav Ivanovic was also lucky to still on the pitch at half-time after persistent fouling could have led to a second yellow but Howard Webb was lenient. United should have had a penalty eight minutes into the second half when Lampard blocked a cross with his hand but again Webb gave nothing. It was then Lampard who pulled a goal back for Chelsea after sixty-eight minutes but it wasn't enough as United managed to see out the game 2-1. This means that Manchester United only need one point from their remaining two games to be crowned Champions for the record nineteenth time.

Bottom Sides Make A Point

With now only two games to go, yesterday's action still left us none the wiser as to who will finish where this season. There were another six games but no lunch-time kick-off so again we had to wait for the clock to strike three for the action to begin.

With Manchester City facing Tottenham on Tuesday and Stoke in the FA Cup next weekend, they were hoping to secure that final Champions League spot with a win away to Everton. It looked very much on the cards when Yaya Toure put City ahead after 28 minutes. But Everton fought back in the second half and former City player Sylvan Distin equalised for Everton although Hart probably should have saved it after 65 minutes. Everton then stole the points seven minutes later when Osman placed a superb header over Hart into the bottom corner. City remain six points ahead of Tottenham but both have three to play, as they both meet on Tuesday. Everton move to four behind Liverpool in sixth who play on Monday.

With Wolves not playing until today, West Ham, Wigan and Blackpool had the chance to take advantage. Wigan were away to Aston Villa and the Latics took the lead after ten minutes through N'Zogbia. But Wigan had to settle for a point when Ashley Young equalised with a good free-kick just seven minutes later. Wigan remain in the bottom three by a solitary goal, Villa stay fourteenth on 43 six points ahead of the drop.

West Ham also secured a point but it was a very nervy affair at home to Blackburn. Rovers took the lead after twelve minutes with Roberts tapping home. West Ham fought hard and managed to find that equaliser twelve minutes from time with Hitzlsperger smashing it home. West Ham remain three points behind seventeenth, Blackburn remain three points ahead of the drop in fifteenth.

With a catalogue of injuries and no recognised strikers, it was hard to see how Sunderland would score let alone win. Well they took the lead at the Reebok just before half-time when Zenden managed to beat the offside trap before taking it round Jaaskelainen. Bolton though they had rescued a point three minutes from time when Klasnic scored but Muntari fired a cross-shot that pin balled off Jaaskelainen then Knight before rolling into the net in the depths of stoppage time. Bolton remain eighth while Sunderland climb to eleventh.

Birmingham are still pressingly close to the drop after defeat away to Newcastle. Birmingham were the creators of their own downfall as Ridgewell received a straight red for hand balling on the line nine minutes before half-time, Ameobi converted the following penalty. If it wasn't for the outstanding Foster, Newcastle would have romped it and they did find themselves two up two minutes before half-time with Steven Taylor scoring on his return and on his 150th appearance. Birmingham did pull a goal back just before half-time through Bowyer but it wasn't enough. Newcastle stay tenth but Birmingham are just three points from the drop.

The tea-time kick-off saw Blackpool travel to Spurs. After seeing both Wigan and West Ham earn a point Blackpool knew they needed to follow suit or even better it. The deadlock was broken after 76 minutes with huge controversy; a minute before, Blackpool were awarded a penalty when Dawson handled, Adam stepped up but Gomes saved it. The resulting corner came in which Gomes flapped at before then bringing down Taylor-Flecther for a second penalty. Adam again stepped up, despite arguments with Campbell, and this time the Scot fired it home. But Spurs equalised before injury time through Defoe to leave Blackpool with just a point. Spurs move to six behind City but Blackpool remain seventeenth by that single goal.

A Sunday Supplement

Yesterday saw an unusual four games in the Barclay's Premiership. Perhaps even more surprisingly, three of the matches were televised so could witness all the drama from both ends of the table.

The first of the matches to kick-off was at Anfield where Liverpool hosted Newcastle on ESPN. It was a midday kick-off and Liverpool were ahead after just ten minutes with Rodriguez following on from his hat-trick last week. The second half saw Williamson foul Suarez in the box just before the hour and Dirk Kuyt stepped up to make it 2-0 for Liverpool. The match was finished six minutes when a sweet Liverpool move was rounded off by Suarez. Liverpool move ahead of Tottenham in fifth on goal difference while Newcastle remain twelfth.

The non-televised match also kicked-off at midday with Birmingham taking on rivals Wolves at St. Andrews. Wolves took the lead after seven minutes when Fletcher converted a penalty after Foster brought down Ward. Birmingham equalised after 27 minutes with Larsson making it 1-1. Wolves may be a little disappointed with the point because two minutes after Birmingham's equaliser, Gardner received a red card after picking up to yellows but the Blues hung onto the draw. Wolves are now a point from safety whereas Birmingham are four points ahead of the relegation zone.

The first of Sky's televised matches saw Arsenal host Manchester United in a crucial match for the title. After Chelsea's two pieces of immense luck yesterday, United also received a little bit of their own; Walcott produced a cross on 32 minutes which Vidic got to before Van Persie as it went away for a corner, however replays showed that Vidic used his hand and the Serb was extremely lucky to get away with it because it may have resulted in a red card as well as a penalty. The only goal of the game came eleven minutes into the second half with Ramsey slotting home to give Arsenal a deserved win as United didn't really turn up. Justice prevailed in the end because United also had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Clichy fouled Owen from behind with two minutes to go. The defeat sees Chelsea remain three points behind United with the two meeting next Sunday at Old Trafford, they also both have identical goal difference. Arsenal are now six points behind with three games to go.

The final game yesterday saw Manchester City take on West Ham. The game looked to be all over after just fifteen minutes when de Jong opened the scoring on ten before Zabaleta made it 2-0. But West Ham fought back and Demba Ba pulled one back after 33 minutes but City were able to hold on to the win. City are now seven points ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham in fourth, although City and Tottenham will meet in their game in hand. West Ham remain rooted to the bottom of the league but are still only just three points from safety.

Barcaly's Premiership: 30/4/11

With four games taking place today, yesterday's Premiership roster only had six games. Without an early kick-off we had to wait for the five three o'clock kick-offs before Chelsea took on Tottenham at half past five.

Blackburn helped their chances of survival with a win at home to Bolton in the Lancashire derby. Bolton were again without Sturridge and again looked nonthreatening up front. The only goal came from Martin Olsson after twenty minutes to see Blackburn move three points ahead of the relegation zone.

Wigan missed their chance to move out of the bottom three but are now eighteenth on goal difference after their draw at home to Everton. Wigan took the lead through N'Zogbia 21 minutes, N'Zogbia then became the villain when he conceded a penalty for fouling Arteta after 35 minutes, but Arteta's penalty was saved by Al-Habsi. Everton equalised twelve minutes from time via a second penalty; Rodallega penalised for handball and with Arteta off the pitch, Baines stepped up and converted to give Everton the point to stay seventh.

Blackpool could only muster a goalless draw against Stoke but the point keeps them out of relegation on goal difference. Stoke are in tenth. With Sunderland's injury list full of strikers, a goal against Fulham was never really going to materialise. Fulham made it back to back 3-0 wins with Kakuta scoring his first English goal after 33 minutes. Simon Davies made it 2-0 just after the hour before then making it three after 73 minutes. Fulham move to ninth with Sunderland sixth points from safety with a clump of teams on 41 points.

One of those in that clump is Aston Villa who lost away to West Brom. Villa did take the lead after just four minutes with Meite scoring an own goal. Odemwingie equalised for West Brom on the hour but the Baggies were reduced to ten two minutes later when Scharner received his second yellow. But West Brom went onto win the game with Mulumbu scoring six minutes from time.

Chelsea had the chance to move within three points of Manchester United at home to Tottenham and they managed to do so in controversial circumstances. Spurs did take the lead through Sandro on nineteen minutes. Chelsea equalised just before half-time when Lampard's long shot was spilt through his own legs by Gomes, the ball trickled on the line but Gomes looked to have stopped the ball before the whole of it went over, but the goal was given and Chelsea were level. Chelsea won the game just before stoppage time when Kalou finished off a through ball but replays showed that Kalou was offside and again the goal shouldn't have stood. But Chelsea keep the pressure up but Tottenham's chances of Champions League football seems to be all but over.

Deja Vu Wednesday

Like on Tuesday, yesterday saw a Champions League semi-final first leg and a rescheduled Premiership match. But both games had the same results as Tuesday's matches. Man United beat Schalke 2-0 away from home on Tuesday and yesterday it was Barcelona's turn at the Bernabeu in the latest El Classico.

Fireworks had began before the match had even kicked off with Mourinho playing mind games and unusually Pep Guardiola took the bait and ended swearing in his television interview. Unfortunately the game was much like the press conferences, two teams making snide remarks, although this resulted into a half-time bust up with Arbeloa upsetting Barca's sub keeper Jose Pinto who reacted and was sent off. However Real Madrid were then down to ten men just after the hour when Pepe went in high and with studs showing on Alves. Whether referee Wolfgang Stark was going to send him off before the Barca players surrounded is unknown but Pepe was shown red, Mourinho followed after showing his disgust to the decision. The deadlock was broken on 76 minutes with Messi tapping in a low cross from sub Afellay. Messi then finished off the match and possibly the tie with another spectacular solo goal three minutes from time.

Tuesday saw Stoke beat 3-0 at home, yesterday saw Fulham beat Bolton 3-0 at Craven Cottage. It's quite telling that in the last two games Sturridge has been missing, Bolton have lost 8-0 on aggregate. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead after fifteen minutes before doubling Fulham's lead three minutes into the second half. Brede Hangeland finished it off after 65 minutes to see Fulham move up to ninth, Bolton are four points ahead in eighth.

Champions Win For United, Costly Win For Stoke

The Champions League semi-finals kicked-off yesterday with Schalke entertaining Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen. There were a few omens surrounding the game with United not having a great record against German sides and Rooney was famously sent off there in 2006, with a certain winking Ronaldo causing riots. But, surprisingly, the match turned out to be one of the most one-sided semi-finals ever. For sixty-six minutes, though, it was United versus Manuel Neuer who impressed throughout the game and boosted is already growing reputation of being one of the best up and coming keepers. In the first half United had countless chances with Rooney, Hernandez, Giggs and Fabio all missing great chances, mostly due to some fantastic saves by Neuer. But Schalke's surprising invisibility throughout the match made it far too easy for United and the English side finally broke Neuer's resistance after 67 minutes; Giggs scoring after being put through by Rooney, the Welshman became the oldest goalscorer in the Champions League and is still impressing at the age of 37. After waiting for one, two came at once with Rooney making it 2-0 two minutes later after being put through by Hernandez. Neuer has hinted at a move to Bayern Munich which would halt Fergie's attempts of buying him, but the good news is Van Der Sar may end up staying one more year despite announcing that he would retire at the end of the season.

Back in England there was also Premiership action as Stoke hosted Wolves in their game that would have took place the weekend before last except for Stoke's FA Cup semi-final win over Bolton. The momentum looks to have carried forward as Stoke seemed comfortable against the struggling Wolves; the opener came after just sixteen minute through Kenwyne Jones. Then Wolves were hit with a sucker punch with Shawcross making it 2-0 just before half-time, making Mick McCarthy's team-talk that much harder. The job was completed six minutes into the second half with Jermaine Pennant scoring the third, the bad news for Stoke though is that Matthew Etherington had to be substituted with a hamstring problem and looks like he'll miss the FA Cup final. Wolves remain nineteenth but still only a point from safety, Stoke have moved into ninth and looking to cement a top-half finish.

Arsenal Out Of Title Race, City In Champions League

With eight games taking place on Saturday, Easter Sunday and Monday only witnessed one game apiece, although both games were crucial in different aspects. Super Sunday saw Bolton host Arsenal in a game Arsenal had to win to keep up with United and Chelsea who both won on Saturday, Bolton needed to bounce back after their crushing FA Cup semi-final defeat. The big influence for Bolton was the return of cup-tied Daniel Sturridge and it was he who broke the deadlock after 38 minutes. Arsenal failed to deal with a corner, Cahill headed it towards goal but Nasri stopped it from going in until Sturridge dived in to head home.

Sturridge then earned Bolton a penalty in the opening minute of the second half when he was brought after turning Djourou, Davies took it but it was weak and Szczesny was able to save it. Two minutes later Arsenal were level with a typical Arsenal goal which ended in Van Perise playing a one-two with Fabregas before placing it into the bottom corner. Arsenal had numerous chances to take the lead but were guilty of over-playing or lack of finishing, Nasri had the best chance but was saved by Jaaskelainen one-on-one before Cahill blocked the following acute angled shot. The winner was scored one minute from injury time when another corner found Tamir Cohen heading into the net, it was an emotional goal as Cohen's father had recently passed and he took his shirt off in dedication, but due to the stupidity of the FA Cohen then received a yellow card. Arsenal are now nine points behind United with four games remaining, the two meet next Sunday and if Arsenal lose they are mathematically out of the title race but are also now three points behind Chelsea. Bolton move to eighth and have a game in hand over Everton who are just a point ahead.

Monday Night Football was also staged in Lancashire as Blackburn played Manchester City. After Torres broke his Chelsea duck on Saturday, it was the turn of £27Million Edin Dzeko to break his Premiership duck scoring the only goal after 75 minutes. City are closer to clinching that Champions League spot as they are now four points ahead of Tottenham but they still have to meet in each other's game in hand, more worryingly for Arsenal is that City are only five points behind them with that all important game in hand.

Barclay's Premiership: 23/4/11

The Premiership boasted eight games on yesterday's Easter Saturday. The lunch-time kick-off saw Manchester United host the in form Everton, however United hadn't gone three games without a goal since the end of the 06/07 season. It was all United throughout but they just couldn't find that killer pass and when they did Tim Howard was there to produce some great saves. Throughout the match Everton only really forced Van Der Sar into one major save from a deflected Rodwell shot, however they arguably could have had a penalty in the 71st minute when half-time substitute Anichebe went down under a Ferdinand challenge but the ball had already trickled to Van Der Sar. The only goal of the game came seven minutes from time when Valencia charged down a slow Distin clearance, the ball fell to Anderson who played it back out wide to Valencia, the Ecuadorian played a cross to the back post where Hernandez was waiting to score his nineteenth goal of his debut season. This meant United opened the gap to nine points with Chlesea playing in the evening and Arsenal playing today.

Tottenham missed the chance to overtake Man City in fourth place with City not playing till Monday. They were at home to West Brom and Roy Hodgson's side took the lead after five minutes through Peter Odemwingie. Pavlyuchenko equalised for Spurs after 27 minutes and Defoe made it 2-1 after 66. But West Brom earned themselves a point when substitute Simon Cox equalised nine minutes from time. Tottenham do close the gap to just one point on City whereas West Brom are twelfth but have now hit the 'magic' forty point mark.

Aston Villa drop to eleventh on goal difference with a draw at home to Stoke. Gary McAllister took charge of Villa with manager Houllier in hospital after suffering more heart problems. Stoke had no sympathy however and took the lead through Kenwyne Jones after twenty minutes. Darren Bent equalised for Villa two minutes before half-time to seal a draw that sees Stoke in fourteenth, just two points behind Villa who are on 41.

There was also a 1-1 draw at Molineux where Wolves played Fulham. Steven Flecther gave Wolves the lead after 22 minutes but Fulham equalised through Andy Johnson ten minutes from time. Wolves move up to 33 points but have a game in hand over Blackpool who sit seventeenth and just a point ahead. Fulham move level with Stoke on 39 points.

1-1 was the average scoreline as Bloomfield Road also witnessed this draw. Visitors Newcastle took the lead after seventeen minutes with Peter Lovenkrands breaking the deadlock. DJ Campbell equalised for Blackpool after 32 minutes to seal a draw which lifts them out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Newcastle are ninth on goal difference with 41 points.

Half-time at the Stadium of Light saw Sunderland and Wigan goalless, no-one would have believed you if you'd have said there would be six goals in the second half. Well that's what happened with Wigan breaking the deadlock seven minutes after the restart through Diame. Gyan equalised three minutes later but had to go off soon after with a hamstring injury. Despite playing without any strikers, Sunderland took the lead with Jordan Henderson proving why people are scouting him after 66 minutes. Sessegnon then made it 3-1 after 73 minutes after he was bundled over by Alcaraz before converting the following spot-kick. Henderson made it 4-1 with his second four minutes later. Wigan pulled one back with a collector's item, Franco Di Santo scored only his second goal in 66 games in injury time (plus he's supposed to be a striker!). The win sees Sunderland move up to tenth on goal difference while Wigan slip back into the relegation zone on goal difference.

The thrashing of the day came at Anfield where Liverpool hosted Birmingham. Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool ahead after just seven minutes before Kuyt added a second after 23 minutes. However Birmingham were hit by a bigger blow when Foster had to come off six minutes before half-time Colin Doyle replaced him and didn't cover himself in any glory. Liverpool went three up with Rodriguez getting his second after 66 minutes, the Argentine then scored his hat-trick seven minutes later after Doyle spilt the initial shot. The rout was wrapped up by Joe Cole four minutes from the end although Doyle should have saved it at his near post. Liverpool edge to within four of Man City who have two games in hand, Birmingham edge closer to the relegation zone in fifteenth but only four points from safety.

The evening kick-off saw Chelsea take on West Ham at Stamford Bridge where the rain started making the pitch a bit water logged. West Ham had some great chances but didn't take them which allowed Chelsea to make a scoreline that flattered them somewhat. Lampard gave Chelsea the lead a minute before half-time after some poor defending. Chelsea have waited since January but finally Fernando Torres broke his duck coming off the bench, a run into the box was halted as the ball got stuck in the water but he was quickest to react, turning and smashing the ball past Rob Green six minutes from time. Chelsea made it 3-0 in injury time when a miss-placed Torres pass actually found the on-running Malouda who put the ball home. Chelsea close the gap on United to six whereas West Ham are still two points from safety at the bottom of the league.

United Stumble, Chelsea Level With Arsenal

There were three mid-week games this week with the top three teams all involved. Tuesday saw Manchester United travel to St. James' to face Newcastle in the fixture that was due to take place last weekend, but Manchester United were involved in the FA Cup semi-finals, which they lost. Questions were asked whether United would suffer an FA Cup hangover but the answer was almost a no within two minutes; Carrick finding a beautiful cross-field ball to the returning Rooney, Rooney then laid the ball across the box where Hernandez was waiting four yards out to tap it in, but Krul bravely saved Hernandez's shot and Newcastle escaped. From there Newcastle grew in confidence and were all over Man United but just couldn't find the breakthrough. The second half saw Man United start better but just couldn't break Newcastle down, the first bit of controversy came just before the hour mark when Lovenkrands went down in the box; he dribbled through two defenders before Anderson stuck out a leg, the ball moved as if Anderson had kicked it away but it was actually Lovenkrands before slight contact was made. Referee Kevin Friend said play on but Newcastle arguably had a case. The second bit of controversy came in injury time when Hernandez went down in the box after Danny Simpson left his leg out, this time there seemed to be less if any contact and Hernandez was booked for simulation. The game therefore finished goalless moving Newcastle to ninth on goal difference.

Wednesday's games were the reschedulements due to the League Cup final. Arsenal had a chance to close the gap on United away to Tottenham. It turned out to be a thriller with Arsenal breaking the deadlock after five minutes with Walcott scoring. However the lead lasted only two minutes when Van der Vaart equalised. Arsenal then re-took the lead after twelve minutes with Nasri getting the goal before Van Perise made it 3-1 five minutes before half-time. Earlier on this season Arsenal lead 2-0 at half-time before losing 3-2 and Huddlestone pulled a goal back just before half-time to make it 3-2 here. The sixth goal was a penalty when Szczesny brought down Lennon, Van Der Vaart stepped up and converted the penalty to make the final score 3-3. Tottenham are now just two points behind Manchester City.

The winners of the League Cup, Birmingham, headed to Stamford Bridge in a crucial match at both ends of the table. But it wasn't looking good for Birmingham as Chelsea took the lead within three minutes with Malouda getting the goal. Kalou made it 2-0 after 26 minutes before Malouda wrapped it up two minutes after the hour mark. Birmingham did get a consolation when Luiz brought Derbyshire down in the box after 76 minutes, Larsson converted it but the score finished 3-1. Birmingham stay fifteenth, five points ahead of relegation.

United's draw sees them now six points ahead of Arsenal but Chelsea are now second on goal difference after closing the gap. Harry Redknapp said Arsenal have no chance of winning the league now and many have already written off Chelsea but United's next five games reads as this: Everton (h), Schalke (a), Arsenal (a), Schalke (h), Chelsea (h). So the next two weeks are going to be extremely crucial in the league and for Manchester United's season.

Stoke Batter Bolton, Tale Of Two Late Penalties At Arsenal

Due to the FA Cup semi-final, Super Sunday was cut down to just one match at the Emirates between Arsenal and Liverpool although you only needed to watch sixteen minutes of that match. The more eventful football match, although one-sided, was at Wembley where Stoke and Bolton met for a place against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

As a contest the match was over before it had started, there were already fears over how much Bolton would miss the cup-tied Sturridge. The answer was soon apparent, although he couldn't do much about some awful defending that led to Stoke's goals. Matthew Etherington put Stoke ahead after Bolton had failed to clear the danger, he fired it from the edge of the box into the bottom corner after eleven minutes. It was 2-0 six minutes later when a Huth miss-hit volley ended up going past the unsighted Jaaskelainen. It was all over after half an hour when Kenwyne Jones fired Stoke 3-0 ahead. The second half produced no comeback, or even a hint of one and Bolton were 4-0 down after 68 minutes with substitute Walters getting in on the act. His cameo was complete nine minutes from time when he got his second and Stoke's fifth.

Back in the Premiership where the action didn't really start until the 57th minute when Carragher and Liverpool debutant Flanagan collided, causing Carragher to be knocked unconscious. Thankfully Carragher was okay and was stretchered off after all the safety measures had been carried out on Carragher. This led to eight minutes of injury time although the game finished after 102 minutes. In the 97th minute Arsenal attacked with Fabregas surging into the box, he was brought down by Spearing and Arsenal had a late late penalty. Van Perise converted it but time was added on due to the decision and the goal. Liverpool went straight up the other end and earned a free-kick right on the edge of the box, Suarez took it but it was deflected and looked to be going harmlessly away from goal. Lucas and Eboue were chasing it and Eboue stupidly brought Lucas down and Liverpool were rightly awarded a penalty in the eleventh minute of injury time. Kuyt stepped up and converted the penalty to give Liverpool the draw in unbelievable circumstances. Arsenal could only close the gap on Manchester United to six points with both teams having played the same amount of matches. Liverpool move to within five points of Tottenham in fifth but Tottenham have two games in hand, one of which is against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Barclay's Premiership 16/4/11

With the FA Cup semi-finals taking place this weekend there was only five crucial Premiership games yesterday but all of them were three o'clock kick-offs. Everton have hit top form and maintained seventh place after a home win against Blackburn. Leon Osman fired Everton ahead nine minutes into the second half before Baines converted a penalty after 75 minutes to ensure the win. Blackburn are now in serious trouble as they are just two points ahead of the relegation zone in sixteenth.

Wigan have been at the bottom of the table for six weeks, but they have now finally moved out of the relegation zone, at Blackpool's expense. Wigan's away win at Bloomfield Road was largely helped by Blackpool; Hugo Rodallega made it 1-0 after just three minutes from a Blackpool free-kick inside Wigan's half, the free-kick went to no-one before being intercepted by Wigan. Wigan's second goal then came from a Blackpool throw when Adam was caught napping in possession, N'Zogbia scored in the first half injury time from that poor throw. The game was wrapped up after 67 minutes when a Diame shot badly deflected off Eardley to wrong foot the returning Gilks. Blackpool got themselves a consolation seven minutes from time through DJ Campbell but Blackpool now face life in the relegation zone.

Birmingham are now five points clear of relegation and level on points with Sunderland after beating them at St.Andrews'. Seb Larsson broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time with Craig Gardner firing a long range effort past Mignolet after 66 minutes. Not a happy return for Steve Bruce to St.Andrews' as Sunderland continue their free-fall.

After their European disappointment on Tuesday, Chelsea were faced with a battle against West Brom who, despite being eleventh, are six points ahead of relegation. It looked like their European disappointment was going to spill over into the Premiership when Odmewingie put West Brom ahead after seventeen minutes. But Chelsea fought back and equalised Drogba, who arguably should've started on Tuesday, after 22 minutes. Kalou then made it 2-1 four minutes later before Lampard rounded it off in first half injury time. Chelsea now sit a point behind Arsenal who have a game in hand and eight points behind leaders Manchester United.

Two weeks ago Villa were languishing in seventeenth place and in a big fight for relegation. However last week's win over Newcastle saw them rise to fourteenth and after a win against West Ham, Villa now sit in ninth place on forty points. It wasn't looking that way when West Ham took the lead after just two minutes when Robbie Keane broke the offside trap after a corner. Villa equalised nine minutes before half-time when Bent headed from a Luke Young cross. Villa won the game in second half injury time when Agbonlahor also fired a header past Green this time from an Ashley Young cross. West Ham sit nineteenth level on points on Wolves in twentieth who have a game in hand, but are still three points away from Blackburn in sixteenth.

City Lose, United Win, Barca Round Off Tie

Monday Night Football last night as Liverpool hosted Manchester City at Anfield. City were struck a double blow with a crushing defeat and Tevez being forced off with a torn hamstring, as for Liverpool a new era may have materialised. It took Liverpool thirteen minutes to break the deadlock when Andy Carroll scored his first ever Reds goal. Dirk Kuyt made it 2-0 eleven minutes before half-time and then Carroll sealed the win with his second just a minute later. Liverpool now move four points clear of Everton in sixth while City remain three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth.

Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final opponents on Saturday will be their neighbours Manchester United, who were at Old Trafford tonight playing their Champions League quarter final second leg against Chelsea. With United leading 1-0 on aggregate, the first goal was always going to be the most crucial. Hernandez thought he had it after heading a Rooney cross home but the linesman flagged for the marginal offside decision. But it was Hernandez who did break the deadlock two minutes before half-time, this time tapping in a low Giggs cross. It was a tense second half but it looked to be all over when Ramires received a second yellow card for a late, clumsy challenge on Nani with twenty minutes to go. But half-time substitute Drogba took full advantage of some slack defending before slotting the ball past Van Der Sar seven minutes after going a man down. It was set to be a nervy final fifteen minutes but within thirty seconds of equalising on the night, Park found the ball inside the Chelsea box and fired it past Cech to make it 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. United look to face Shalke in the semi-finals as they have a three goal cushion at home to Inter tomorrow.

The other Champions League tie tonight saw Barcelona nurse their 5-1 aggregate lead in the Ukraine. The only goal of the game also came two minutes before half-time with Lionel Messi making it 6-1 on aggregate and look to set up the all Spanish affair with Real Madrid who are 4-0 ahead going into tomorrow's game at Tottenham.