Chelsea: Why the Unrest

You've just won the FA Cup followed by the Champions League, what do you do next? Do you take a well deserved holiday, possibly prepare for Euro 2012 (or court) and wait for the start of next season, or do you contemplate leaving the club you have just won two trophies for?

Well it seems that a few of these smiling faces are thinking about the latter. There were questions raised over whether Didier Drogba would be a Chelsea player next season even before the final in Munich and the Chelsea hero has already walked out of Stamford Bridge. He looks set on following former team-mate, Nicolas Anelka, by moving to China's Shanghai Shenhua alongside a healthy pay packet.

Fernando Torres may have raised a lot of eyebrows when he turned Blue for £50 million and failed to pay the fee back in terms of performance. But in the last remaining games, the Spaniard had raised his game and scored that famous goal against Barcelona in the semi-final. That even managed to get him called up to Spain squad for the Euros but he still revealed his discontent with the London side.

In an interview with Sky's Spanish correspondent, Guillem Balague, Torres stated that he needs 'the club to tell me what is going to happen and what sort of role I have within the club' before he 'judges whether it is worth it'. Despite coming a few days later insisting he is happy at Chelsea although may be because he has risen up the pecking order now Drogba has left.

Then there's the small matter of a certain interim coach. Roberto Di Matteo has probably been the best Chelsea leader since Jose Mourinho and has given Roman Abramovich his Holy Grail. So it is staggering to see Chelsea stall over wanting to appoint Di Matteo who has apparently turned down a measly one year deal at the club.

Okay, they had a poor season at league level and may have squeezed into the Champions League via the back door. But the fact that they beat Liverpool in the FA Cup and Barcelona followed Bayern Munich (on their home turf) in Europe would surely make any first team player want to stay and progress forward from this.

The only real finger that can be pointed must be at Abramovich and the businessmen sitting around his table. The sacking of Ray Wilkins brought unrest to the team before Frank Lampard, amongst others, uttered words of disappointment with the managerial quality of Andre Villas-Boas. Is it this lack of stability, and non-involvement of the players in these decisions, that are causing the players to feel uncomfortable?

Well it hasn't deterred Eden Hazard, who has since announced he'll be moving to Stamford Bridge, despite no manager in place. Whether this is a wise decision or not will be assessed during the course of next season.

Final Premier League Table 2011/2012

C. Manchester City        89 +64
2. Manchester United     89 +56
3. Arsenal                      70 +25
4. Tottenham                  69 +25
5. Newcastle                  65 +5
6. Chelsea                      64 +19
7. Everton                      56 +10
8. Liverpool                   52 +7
9. Fulham                       52 -3
10. West Brom              47 -7
11. Swansea                  47 -7
12. Norwich                  47 -14
13. Sunderland              45 -1
14. Stoke                      45 -17
15. Wigan                     43 -20
16. Aston Villa              38 -16
17. QPR                       37 -23
18. Bolton                     36 -31
19. Blackburn                31 -30
20. Wolves                    25 -42

2011/2012 Final Day Round-Up

Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United: When the whistle went at the Stadium of Light, Manchester United were champions. Just two minutes later, the title had changed hands and Manchester City were crowned champions. The only goal of the game came on 20-minutes when Wayne Rooney headed a Phil Jones cross home. United came close on numerous occasions, but United couldn't extend their lead and it was that goal difference throughout this season that ultimately cost them.

Manchester City 3-2 QPR: QPR stay up despite this defeat, which was five minutes away from being a victory. With news that United had taken the lead, City responded with Pablo Zabaleta hitting a shot that Paddy Kenny could only parry into his own net six minutes before half-time. The title was then heading to United when a Joleon Lescott mistake allowed Djibril Cisse to equalise three minutes into the second half. But QPR's chances of holding on looked to get slimmer when Joey Barton elbowed Carlos Tevez, he was subsequently sent off and decided to then kick-out at Sergio Aguero just ten minutes into the second period. Barton had to eventually be man-handled off the pitch which earned a chunk of stoppage time. Despite being a man down, QPR came up with a goal that would almost seal their safety and United's title; Jamie Mackie headed home a Armand Traore cross on 66-minutes. The game at United was finishing just as substitute Edin Dzeko was heading home a corner to make it 2-2 with three minutes of injury time left. Sergio Aguero then took the title from United's grasp with a 94th minute winner, the most dramatic win the most dramatic Premier league season.

Stoke 2-2 Bolton: If Bolton had won, they'd have stayed up. It looked bleak for the Trotters when Jon Walters looked to have bundled Adam Bogdan into the goal when the Hungarian clearly had the ball in his hands on 13-minutes. But Bolton came back and Mark Davies equalised when a Huth clearance was charged down by him six minutes before half-time. They would then have the lead by half-time when Kevin Davies' cross come shot bamboozled Thomasz Sorensen, but the Dane really should have saved it. Bolton then shot themselves in the foot when Bogdan seemingly brought Peter Crouch down, Walters stepped-up and sent Bolton down on 66-minutes.

West Brom 2-3 Arsenal: Arsenal secure third spot in another crazy game, Roy Hodgson's last at the Hawthornes. Arsenal took the lead on four minutes when Marton Fulop hesitated, allowing Yossi Benayoun to nip in a roll the ball into an empty net. West Brom equalised on 11-minutes when Shane Long was put though before Graham Dorrans made it 2-1 just four minutes later. Andre Santos equalised on the half hour mark when his shot could only be parried into his own net by Fulop. Fulop then made another mistake nine minutes into the second half; the keeper punched the ball backwards from a corner and into Laurent Koscielny's grateful path.

Tottenham 2-0 Fulham: Tottenham did all that they could to try and get third, but ultimately ended with fourth and must wait until next Saturday to see if they will be playing Champions League football next season. Emanuel Adebayor gave Spurs the lead after just two minutes when he finished off a one-two with Rafael Van Der Vaart. Jermain Defoe wrapped the points up for Tottenham on 63-minutes with a poacher's goal.

Everton 3-1 Newcastle: Newcastle's hopes of gaining fourth were crushed by the two London clubs winning but by losing themselves. Steven Pienaar gave Everton the lead with a deflected effort on 16-minutes. That became 2-0 on 27-minutes when Nikica Jelavic made it ten goals in ten games for the Toffees.  Johnny Heitinga headed his second Everton goal and their third of the day on 66-minutes before Tony Hibbert made it 3-1 with a headed own goal on 73-minutes. The season ended sour for Everton however, Tim Cahill was sent off after the final whistle for putting his hands around the throat of Yohann Cabaye.

Wigan 3-2 Wolves: Wolves to fail to end their dreadful season with a win. They did take the lead on nine minutes when Matt Jarvis scored. Franco Di Santo equalised just three minutes later with a well placed bottom corner shot. Emerson Boyce headed Wigan ahead from a corner on 14-minutes before smashing a great half-volley home eleven minutes from time. Wolves did get the final say though when Steven Fletcher scored into an empty net with four minutes left.

Chelsea 2-1 Blackburn: Steve Kean failed to get a win in Blackburn's final Premier League game. John Terry opened the scoring on 31-minutes before his fellow suspended CL final colleague, Raul Meireles, made it two goals in three minutes. It was no surprise to see Yakubu score Blackburn's final PL goal on the hour mark.

Swansea 1-0 Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish's management may come under severe scrutiny after ending the season poorly. The only goal of the game came when Danny Graham scored his 100th career goal via an Angel Rangel low cross four minutes from time.

Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa: Villa's disappointing season comes to an end via another poor display at Carrow Road. Grant Holt finished his season off with yet another goal after just eight minutes, bundling a free-kick over the line. Simeon Jackson then made it 2-0 via the second attempt on 22-minutes.

Final Day Drama - Manchester Turned Red To Blue Within Two Minutes

Manchester City were crowned the Barclay's Premiership Champions in dramatic circumstances, a fine way to end a crazy season. Here's how it was won, the top four finished and who was relegated.

2 Minutes: Former Arsenal player, Emmanuel Adebayor, put Tottenham ahead against Fulham. Putting them third.

4 Minutes: Yossi Benayoun breaks the deadlock against West Brom, replacing Spurs in third.

11 Minutes: Shane Long equalises for West Brom, moving Spurs back into third.

13 Minutes: Jon Walters puts Stoke ahead against Bolton, almost succumbing the Trotters to relegation

15 Minutes: Graham Dorrans makes it a remarkable four minutes for West Brom, almost granting Tottenham that third place.

16 Minutes: Steven Pienaar gives Everton the lead, pretty much ending Newcastle's charge for a Champions League spot.

20 Minutes: Wayne Rooney puts Manchester United ahead, putting them top of the table.

27 Minutes: Nikica Jelavic makes it 2-0 for Everton.

30 Minutes: Andre Santos equalises for Arsenal, it's still not enough to overtake Spurs.

39 Minutes: Mark Davies equalises for Bolton as a Paddy Kenny mistake allows Pablo Zabaleta to give Manchester City the lead. The overtake United with the pressure building on QPR.

45 Minutes: Kevin Davies gives Bolton the lead, relegating QPR at this point.

48 Minutes: Djibril Cisse equalises for QPR, saving themselves and granting United the title.

54 Minutes: Laurent Koscielny puts Arsenal ahead again to seal third spot.

55 Minutes: A moment of madness sees Joey Barton get sent off and damaging QPR's hopes of surviving. He had to manhandled off the pitch after kicking Sergio Aguero.

63 Minutes: Defoe makes it 2-0 to Tottenham, keeping the pressure on Arsenal to maintain their lead.

65 Minutes: John Heitinga heaps more misery on Newcastle, making it 3-0.

66 Minutes: Jamie Mackie makes it 2-1 to QPR, securing their safety and putting the trophy in United's hands.

73 Minutes: A Tony Hibbert own goal gives Newcastle a consolation.

77 Minutes: A Jon Walters penalty condemns Bolton to the Championship, making it 2-2.

90+2 Minutes: It's all over at the Stadium of Light, United walk off as Champions. Just as Edin Dzeko levels at the Etihad with three minutes remaining in Manchester.

90+4 Minutes: Sergio Aguero nets to give Manchester City the lead and the title. Crushing United dreams as the Blue Moon rises over Manchester in unbelievable circumstances.

Penultimate Matches

Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City: Sir Alex Ferguson claims that City now have two hands on their first Premiership title after this victory. The turning point of the match came when Samir Nasri was substituted for Nigel De Jong, thus pushing Yaya Toure forward. The Ivorian would then share a slick one-two with Sergio Aguero before curling a beautiful shot into the bottom corner on 71-minutes. City then had countless chances to conceivably wrap the title up before Vincent Kompany headed a corner away to begin a counter attack. David Santon failed to control the ball properly and Sergio Aguero quickly dispossessed him and made his way into the Newcastle half. Suddenly, there were three City players up with him and it would be Gael Clichy who would slide the ball into Toure who lofted the ball past Tim Krul to make it 2-0 with two minutes to go. Newcastle remain in fifth, a point behind Tottenham whereas City host QPR in the final game of the season.

Manchester United 2-0 Swansea: United had already seen City win by the time they kicked off, knowing that only a win would still mathematically keep their title hopes alive. At the start of play, United also had a ten goal deficit they needed to try and claw back. The deadlock was broken when Antonio Valencia pulled the ball back to Michael Carrick, the midfielder’s shot was directed in by Paul Scholes for his fourth goal of the season on 28-minutes. Ashley Young curled the second goal into the bottom corner after Wayne Rooney’s shot came back out to him four minutes before half-time. United’s hunt for more goals seemed rather more subdued in the second half as David De Gea was called into action a bit more. The scoreline stayed at two meaning the two Manchester clubs remain level on points with City having an eight goal advantage. If QPR were to provide any heroics at the Etihad, United must make sure they beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Bolton 2-2 West Brom: Bolton remain two points from safety in a game where they almost had all three. Bolton took the lead on 24-minutes when Youssouf Mulumbu barged Mark Davies over in the box; Martin Petrov stepped up and converted the penalty. It was then 2-0 when Petrov’s cross was deflected into his own net by Billy Jones on 72-minutes. Chris Brunt made it 2-1 three minutes later with a neatly placed shot before James Morrison broke Bolton hearts with the equaliser in injury time. Bolton travel to the Britannia to fight for their Premiership survival on the last day of the season.

QPR 1-0 Stoke: QPR now move two points ahead of Bolton and the relegation zone with this victory over Stoke. Substitute Djibril Cisse scored the winner via a corner in the final minute of the game, his fifth goal in seven games. This could give them vital momentum going into the game against Manchester City.

Arsenal 3-3 Norwich: The only Saturday game saw Arsenal secure a see-saw draw against Norwich, seeing them stay third by a point. Yossi Benayoun celebrated his birthday with a curler after just two minutes to give the hosts the lead. Wes Hoolahan equalised on 12-minutes when his shot was spilled into the net by Wojiech Szczesny. Grant Holt then made it 2-1 on 27-minutes when his shot was helped over Szczesny by the boot of Kieron Gibbs. Arsenal were level on 72-minutes when Alex Song’s ball was volleyed home by Robin Van Persie, the Dutchman would then make it 3-2 eight minutes later, matching Thierry Henry’s goal record. But Norwich weren’t to be denied and Steven Morison scored the second equaliser with five minutes remaining.

Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham: Villa’s place in the Premiership is all but assured with this point putting them three clear of the relegation zone with a much superior goal difference. Tottenham remain fourth, a point behind Arsenal but a point ahead of Newcastle. Ciaran Clark gave Villa the lead ten minutes before half-time when his shot was deflected off William Gallas before looping past Brad Friedel on his return to Villa Park. Spurs were then down to ten men four minutes into the second half when Danny Rose was sent off for a studs in challenge on Alan Hutton.  Tottenham would then have a penalty on 62-minutes when Richard Dunne fouled Sandro in the box from a corner; Emmanuel Adebayor converted the spot-kick.

Fulham 2-1 Sunderland: Clint Dempsey gave Fulham the lead with a stunning free-kick on 12-minutes, his 50^th Premiership goal. Phil Bardsley equalised on his 150^th senior game 11-minutes before half-time. But parity lasted less than a minute when Moussa Dembele made it 2-1 via a deflection.

Wolves 0-0 Everton: With nothing to play for, it was always possible that this could be a damp squid despite Everton’s recent goalscoring form. Nikica Jelavic came closest for Everton, but his goal was ruled out for offside when it seemed that he was, in fact, onside. Denis Stracqualursi also thought he had scored in the second half, but his goal was also ruled out as Marouane Fellaini was offside and interfering with play. 

Blackburn 0-1 Wigan: Blackburn are officially relegated whilst Wigan guarantee their own safety with this Monday Night Football result. A draw wouldn't have been enough for Blackburn but the ultimate heartbreak  came with three minutes left, Antolin Alcaraz heading a corner home.

Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea: The replay of the FA Cup final couldn't have been any more of a contrast. Despite Branislav Ivanovic hitting the post for Chelsea, Luis Suarez caused Michael Essien to score an own goal on 19-minutes to give Liverpool the lead. A John Terry slip caused Jordan Henderson to make it 2-0 after being one-on-one with Ross Turnbull on 25-minutes. This was followed by a Daniel Agger header from a corner three minutes later to make it 3-0. The remainder of the first half saw Fernando Torres and Stewart Downing hit the crossbar before the Liverpool midfielder missed an injury time penalty, caused by Ivanovic elbowing Andy Carroll in the chest. Ramires made it 3-1 five minutes into the second half before Turnbull played the ball into Jonjo Shelvey's path just after the hour mark. The midfielder was more than happy to score his first Premiership goal by smashing it into the empty net. The result ends Chelsea's hopes of finishing fourth.

Games In Hand

The FA Cup semi-finalists have played out their games in hand this mid-week as the race for third hots up. Liverpool hosted Fulham on the Tuesday with the Cottagers going level on points with Liverpool with a win. The only goal of the game came within five minutes, Martin Skrtel putting the ball into his own net.

Everton stretch their lead over Liverpool to three points after gaining a point at the Britannia. Everton took the lead a minute before half-time when a scramble in the box saw a Tony Hibbert cross come off Peter Crouch and into the net. Cameron Jerome equalised for Stoke on 69-minutes to put them level on points with Swansea in 13th.

Wednesday saw Chelsea host Newcastle in a true battle for fourth place. The opening goal of the game came after 19-minutes when Papiss Cisse set the ball up with his right before volleying past Petr Cech with his left. Cisse would then equal the record of 13 goals in his first 12 goals with a fantastic curling shot from outside the boot in second half injury time to move themselves four points clear of Chelsea, but just a point behind Arsenal.

Newcastle still remain fifth though as Tottenham secured a win over Bolton to remain fourth on goal difference, also a point behind Arsenal. It was an emotional night at the Reebok as Fabrice Muamba was in attendance and came out before the game to a rapturous applause. Unfortunately for Muamba, the result didn't go as planned when Luka Modric curled a great shot into the net eight minutes before half-time. Bolton were much better in the second half and finally got their reward when Nigel Reo-Coker finished off an attacking move just six minutes after the restart. A counter-attack allowed Rafael Van Der Vaart to make it 2-1 on the hour mark before Emmanuel Adebayor made it two goals in two minutes to break Bolton hearts. Adebayor would then make it 4-1 a further seven minutes to create a scoreline that slightly flatters Spurs. Bolton remain in the relegation zone on goal difference. 

Advantage City

It was dubbed unmissable, the biggest derby ever and, like many others before it, the game itself was extremely underwhelming. But what we have learnt from the match, is that Manchester City are now in the driving seat to win their first Barclay's Premiership title.

The game ultimately came down to the better of the set-ups and City were clear winners. They played their typical 4-4-2 formation. Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta not only protecting their centre backs, but also providing support on the counter attack and with crosses. Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure would give strong protection to the back four, preventing that gap between the defence and midfield. This allows Samir Nasri and David Silva to provide width but also support Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, with Tevez being the one to hold the ball up from long passes/clearances.

As for United, they set up in the 4-5-1 formation, which will never work against a side that are a physical presence in the air. Wayne Rooney cannot hold the ball up against Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott in the air and the midfield is slow to support him. In a game that requires width and pace to win a game, playing both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes from the off is not the answer. It has to be one or the other at their stage of their careers. Antonio Valencia has, without doubt, been United's best midfielder this season and provides the best support to the strikers. To leave him on the bench and play Nani who has got two goals in his last two games and Ji-Sung Park who only really provides industry, doesn't equate to what Valencia brings to the table. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones haven't ever been in this position before and without Nemanja Vidic, there is a huge whole to fill. Which Smalling cannot do, he is a better right back than a centre-back and was at fault for the City goal.

This poor set-up is left United not having a shot target in a game for the first time since 2009. City didn't overly threaten David De Gea throughout the match but always looked the more likely to score. The only goal of the game came in first half injury time when Kompany broke free from Smalling and headed home a corner. The timing was a killer, as was the sending off for Johnny Evans when the sides met at Old Trafford.

Despite being level in possession for most of the second half, United lacked their killer instinct. Suddenly simple, defence-splitting five yard passes became impossible to pull off and corners were going no further than the first defender. But City's nerves could have been made easier when Nasri was ten yards out but tried taking on too many defenders when he had already made a space to shoot, Arsenal-esque. But still United couldn't break City down and Mancini's men reclaim top spot on goal difference with just two games to play. The title will most likely be decided next weekend when City travel to Newcastle before United host Swansea on a true Super Sunday showdown.

Three For Torres, Six For Chelsea, Tottenham Go Fourth

Super Sunday was all about the race for fourth and the battle to survive today. Up first was Chelsea as they hosted QPR. The deadlock was broken after 43-seconds when Daniel Sturridge put Chelsea ahead. John Terry headed the hosts 2-0 ahead on 13-minutes before Fernando Torres began what would be a great day for  the Spaniard, with their third five minutes later. Torres scored his second goal on 25-minutes to make it 4-0 at half-time and would then score his first Chelsea hat-trick on 64-minutes. Florent Malouda inflicted more pain on QPR with Chelsea's sixth ten minutes before the end but QPR would get a consolation four minutes later via Djibril Cisse. Chelsea now move to within a point of fourth place whereas QPR still remain outside the relegation on goal difference despite the heavy beating.

Tottenham would move into fourth with a win over Blackburn, and that's just what they did at White Hart Lane.  Rafael Van Der Vaart put Spurs ahead on 22-minutes when his strike had clearly gone over the line before it was cleared away. The points were then wrapped up when Kyle Walker curled a fantastic free-kick around the wall and the ball back inside and into the top corner with 15-minutes remaining. Blackburn are still three points from safety with Tottenham in fourth on goal difference.

Chelsea v Bayern Munich (Villa In Trouble Too)

The Champions League semi-finals have been concluded and Bayern Munich will host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. Chelsea travelled to Camp Nou with a 1-0 lead to protect. The lead was ruled out though when Sergio Busquets scored via a low cross ten minutes before half-time. It would then get worse for Chelsea when John Terry stupidly kneed Alexis Sanchez in the back and was shown a red card two minutes after going behind. Andres Iniesta then made it 2-0 Barcelona with two minutes of the first half to play, which would put Barcelona through. But, out of nowhere, Chelsea caught the Spaniards on the break and Ramires chipped Victor Valdes to make it 2-1 on half-time, a scoreline which would put Chelsea through on away goals.

Barcelona dominated much of the second half and it looked like they would again take the lead on aggregate when Didier Drogba brought Cesc Fabregas down three minutes into the second half. Lionel Messi stepped-up and uncharacteristically hit the cross bar, his first missed penalty (not saved) in his career. The Argentine then thought he had redeemed himself, but his 83rd minute effort came back off the post. Then the unthinkable happened, substitute Fernando Torres received the ball from a clearance and quickly found himself one-on-one with Valdes. He then took it around the keeper before nestling his eighth Camp Nou goal into the net in injury time. Chelsea draw 2-2 on the night but win 3-2 on aggregate. The bad news for Chelsea is that they will be without Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic due to suspension, Gary Cahill will be assessed after limping off early in the first half.

Bayern Munich will join them after progressing past Real Madrid after a nervy penalty shoot-out. Munich had a 2-1 lead to take with them to the Bernabeu. But that was instantly demolished when Luis Gustavo was adjudged to handball a cross in the box whilst he was slipping, it looked harsh and ended up receiving a yellow card which has ruled him out of the final. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped-up and converted his 25th consecutive penalty after just six minutes. The Portuguese then made it 2-0 after just 14-minutes to turn the tie on its head. But Bayern were allowed back into it when Mario Gomez fell under a Pepe push. Arjen Robben also converted the spot-kick against his former club on 27-minutes to level the aggregate.

The game would eventually fall into extra time and then into penalties. David Alaba was the first to step up to the plate and placed in coolly into the bottom corner. Ronaldo followed but Manuel Neuer prevented him from making it 26 consecutive scored penalties with a great right hand. It was deja vu when Kaka missed in the exact same way after Gomez had made it 2-0. Toni Kroos would then have his penalty saved by Iker Casillas before Xabi Alonso posted Madrid onto the ball. Philipp Lahm then took a soft penalty which Casillas easily saved, allowing Sergio Ramos the chance to equalise. But the defender smashed the ball high over the ball and Bastian Schweinsteiger won it for the German side.

Back in England, Aston Villa faced Bolton in the replay of their postponed match. The match saw three goals in two minutes to shake up the relegation battle. Stephen Warnock put Villa ahead just after the hour mark, they were dominant in the first half and finally took their opportunity. But their lead only lasted a minute when Carlos Cuellar tripped Mark Davies and Martin Petrov converted it. David N'gog then made it 2-1 Bolton a minute later to give them a crucial three points. They are now a point from safety with a game in hand, Villa have now slipped to just three points ahead of the relegation zone. 

Three Points at the Top, Wolves Relegated

Super Sunday very much lived up to it's name today as the Premiership has seen changes at the top and the bottom. The day kicked-off with Manchester United hosting Everton in another one of those games that produced a crazy result, including eight goals.

Everton very much started the better team as Manchester United looked extremely nervous. The visitors took full advantage with Nikica Jelavic scoring a header from a Tony Hibbert cross via a tight angle, giving Everton the lead on 33-minutes. This seemed to motivate United and they started getting back into the game. They would find an equaliser four minutes before half-time with Wayne Rooney heading United level.

United took the lead 12-minutes into the second half with Danny Welbeck scoring a superb curled effort into the top corner. This was followed up three minutes later when Nani finished off a great move to make it 3-1 and gave them vital breathing space. It became a little edgy again when Marouane Fellaini pulled a goal back on 67-minutes but Rooney made it 4-2 just two minutes later to restore the cushion. With nine minutes to go, Patrice Evra hit the post which would have sealed the three points. This would ultimately cost them as Jelavic volleyed Everton's third two minutes later before Steven Pienaar levelled with five minutes remaining. The match would finish 4-4 to bring an end to a fantastic match.

With United dropping points, Manchester City knew that a win would not only relegate Wolves but also move them to within three points of their rivals. Despite a good start to the game, Wolves found themselves 1-0 down on 27-minutes with Sergio Aguero benefiting from a defence splitting through ball. Wolves continued to fight throughout the match but City's presence up front was frequently felt with a host of close chances.

The final nail in Wolves' Premier League coffin came with 16-minutes left to play, Samir Nasri firing the ball into the bottom corner. The result has condemned Wolves to the Championship but City are now just three points behind United with the pair meeting in eight days. With goal difference almost certainly in City's hands, the result next Monday could determine which side of Manchester the trophy goes to.

Behind the television screens, Liverpool welcomed West Brom to Anfield. With the prospect of a potential domestic cup double, Liverpool's league form has been far from convincing. The only goal of the game came 15-minutes from with Peter Odemwingie giving West Brom the three points.

PL Round-Up 21/4/12

Newcastle 3-0 Stoke: The Toon Army sit fourth with a game in hand over Arsenal, who are just three points ahead, after another emphatic win. Yohan Cabaye broke the deadlock on 14-minutes, rebounding a Papiss Cisse header which came back off the crossbar and into the Frenchman's path. Cabaye then became provider, slipping the ball through for Cisse to net for the 11th time this season just four minutes after Newcastle had originally taken the lead. Cabaye was then on the score sheet for a second time, curling a sublime effort into the bottom corner 12-minutes into the second half to round off a fantastic performance.

QPR 1-0 Tottenham: Defeat for Spurs means that they are now three points behind Newcastle in the race for fourth. The win for QPR sees them move three points clear of the relegation zone. The only goal of the game came from the former Spurs player, Adel Taarabt, his free-kick finding the bottom corner after 24-minutes. It didn't end well for the Moroccan though, he received a second yellow card with 12-minutes to go for stupidly kicking the ball away.

Blackburn 2-0 Norwich: Blackburn still find themselves three points from safety despite this win over Norwich. Mauro Formica got on the end of a perfect Morten Gamst Pedersen cross to give Blackburn the lead four minutes before half-time. Junior Hoilett then ensured Rovers of the points with a fantastic top corner effort four minutes after the break.

Bolton 1-1 Swansea: Bolton are now four points from safety with two games in hand over their rivals. Scott Sinclair scored his first away goal of the season with a great strike into the top corner, giving Swansea the lead after just six minutes. Bolton's equaliser came eight minutes later when Chris Eagles finished off a Martin Petrov cross. A point may not be enough at this stage, but it's better than none for Bolton.

Fulham 2-1 Wigan: Wigan remain three points ahead of the relegation zone, but it could have been more after initially taking the lead. It was Emerson Boyce who put the visitors in front, his first goal in two years with a great strike into the bottom corner 12-minutes into the second half. But just a minute later Pavel Pogrebnyak equalised for Fulham with his sixth in a white shirt. Philippe Senderos scored his first goal in a Fulham shirt, heading a free-kick in the final minute of normal time to take the point away from Wigan.

Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland: Martin O'Neill's return to Villa Park saw a game where Sunderland perhaps should have won, but the draw sees Villa stand five points ahead of the relegation zone. Nicklas Bendtner looked to have scored on 75-minutes but the linesman flagged for offside, replays showed that the Dane was actually onside. It was a family reunion as Craig Gardner returned to Villa Park to face his brother, Gary. But Craig's match didn't end well after he received a second yellow card in injury time.

Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: A game full of yellow cards but not enough clear cut chances. The point sees Arsenal just three points ahead of Newcastle in third, but Newcastle do have that game in hand. Chelsea fall four points behind the Magpies and are starting to look desperate in their quest for Champions League football.

Pl Round-Up 14-16/4/12

Norwich 1-6 Manchester City: Carlos Tevez smashed a returning hat-trick to temporarily put City two points behind Manchester United. He opened the scoring after 17-minutes before Sergio Aguero made it 2-0 nine minutes later. Norwich did pull themselves back into the game when Andrew Surman netted five minutes into the second half. But any comeback hopes were diminished when Tevez and Aguero made it 4-0 with two goals in two minutes (72 & 74). Tevez would then have his hat-trick five minutes later and celebrated with a golf swing, Adam Johnson finished the rout off in injury time.

Sunderland 0-0 Wolves: The point really wasn't enough for Wolves as they still remain eight points from safety with only twelve points available. The curtain has almost come down for Wolves with Terry Connor still searching for his first managerial victory.

Swansea 3-0 Blackburn: Blackburn also remain in the relegation zone after this result, three points stands between them and safety. Gylfi Sigurdsson netted for the seventh time this season on 36-minutes with Nathan Dyer doubling the advantage three minutes before half-time. The points were wrapped up when Sigurdsson's shot came off the post and was rebounded into his own net by Scott Dann two minutes after the hour mark.

West Brom 1-0 QPR: QPR remain just points ahead of the relegation with Bolton having two games in hand. The only goal of the game came on 21-minutes courtesy of Graham Dorrans.

Manchester United 4-0 Aston Villa: United managed to sustain their five point advantage with win over Villa. The opening goal of the game came when Ciaran Clark tripped Ashley Young in the box. Young was in hot water over his dive against QPR and looked to go down very theatrically once again here. Wayne Rooney stepped up and made no mistake after just six minutes. Danny Welbeck made it 2-0 three minutes before half-time with Rooney virtually sealing the points with his second on 72-minutes. The icing on the cake came via substitute Nani who made it 4-0 in injury time. Villa are still six points from safety and look fairly certain to survive.

Arsenal 1-2 Wigan: Two shocks in the space of five days sees Wigan move five points clear of the drop zone. Franco Di Santo finished off a counter attack after just six minutes before Jordi Gomez took full advantage of weak keeping a minute later to leave Arsenal stunned. Thomas Vermaelen headed Arsenal back into the game on 20-minutes but couldn't prevent Wigan from securing another surprise victory.

PL Round-Up 10-11/4/12

Wigan 1-0 Manchester United: Wigan beat Manchester United for the first time ever in the Premiership as they move two points clear of relegation. Wigan thought they had took the lead in the first half when Victor Moses headed a corner home, but it was ruled out as Gary Caldwell was adjudged to have impeded David De Gea. But they did eventually take a deserved lead when Shaun Maloney benefited from a short corner and curled a shot into the far corner five minutes after the restart, although there are questions over whether it was a corner in the first place. United should have had a second half penalty when Maynor Figueroa handballed a cross, but it wasn't given and Wigan's refereeing decisions may have evened themselves out.

Manchester City 4-0 West Brom: Manchester City close the gap to five points in stunning fashion. Sergio Aguero fired City into the lead after just six minutes with a great long-range effort into the bottom corner. Aguero then made it 2-0, sliding a through ball past Ben Foster nine minutes into the second half. The points were wrapped up when Carlos Tevez scored from an Aguero pull back just after the hour mark to truly announce his return. David Silva added the fourth with a cheeky chip three minutes later.

QPR 3-0 Swansea: QPR are now also two points clear of the bottom three with this crucial victory over Swansea. The returning Joey Barton took full advantage of a non-cleared free-kick just before half-time to give QPR the lead. Jamie Mackie then doubled their advantage via a deflected shot, although Mackie did appear to be in a slight offside position when he received the ball ten minutes into the second half. Akos Buszaky added a magnificent third from outside the box to seal the points on 67-minutes.

Wolves 0-3 Arsenal: Wolves' time in the Premier League is looking ever shorter now as they slip nine points from safety at the foot of the table. Wolves' problems started after just eight minutes when Sebastian Bassong brought Theo Walcott down in the box. The defender received a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity and Robin Van Persie chipped in the subsequent penalty. Walcott then added the second after just a minute later when was put through on goal for his 11th of the season. The final nail in Wolves' Premiership coffin was hammered home by Yossi Benayoun from Alex Song's pull back on 69-minutes.

Blackburn 2-3 Liverpool: Tuesday's action saw a last minute winner place Blackburn three points from safety. The visitors took the lead on 13-minutes when Maxi Rodriguez finished off a counter attack from a Craig Bellamy cross. The Argentine then doubled the advantage three minutes later, scoring a rebound from an Andy Carroll attempt. Liverpool's goalkeeping problems worsened on 25-minutes when Alex Doni brought Junior Hoilett down in the box and had to be sent off. Yakubu stepped up, but provided an awful attempt that third-choice keeper, Brad Jones, easily saved with his first touch of the game on his Liverpool debut. But Yakubu made amends, heading a David Dunn cross home nine minutes before half-time to make it 2-1. Jones, who will now play in the FA Cup, almost missed out when he pushed Yakubu in the box and was lucky to only receive a yellow card. This time Yakubu finished the penalty to make it 2-2 just after the hour mark. But Andy Carroll prevented Blackburn from the point with a header in the 91st minute to give them momentum going into that Merseyside semi-final derby on Saturday.

Easter Monday PL Round-Up

Tottenham 1-2 Norwich: Spurs' grip on Champions League has now seriously come under threat after another disappointing result. Anthony Pilkington gave Norwich the lead, finishing off a nice passing move on 13-minutes, his eighth of the season. Jermain Defoe equalised for Tottenham when Jake Livermore played the striker through on 33-minutes, just moments after Grant Holt felt he should have had a penalty for a shirt tug. Gareth Bale hit the crossbar in the second half but the winner came from Elliot Bennett, smashing his first Norwich goal past Brad Friedel on 66-minutes.

Newcastle 2-0 Bolton: Newcastle go level on points with Tottenham as the race for fourth well and truly heats up. Chris Eagles had Bolton's best chance of the match early in the second half but Tim Krul saved smartly with his leg. Newcastle were dominant in the first half and after Bolton's good start to the second, they were on top for much of the second. Bolton's resistance was finally broken when Hatem Ben Arfa picked the ball up in his own half and run it all the way into the Bolton goal, a truly majestic solo goal on 73-minutes, his first goal at St. James Park unbelievably. The points were sewn up when Papiss Cisse scored his tenth goal in his nine goals from a Shola Ameobi, although replays showed he was offside with seven minutes remaining.

Fulham 1-1 Chelsea: Chelsea go two behind Newcastle and Spurs after dropping further points at Craven Cottage. Chelsea were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Danny Murphy fouled Ryan Bertrand, Frank Lampard made no mistake from the spot. Fulham's equaliser came from, who else, Clint Dempsey, heading home a cross eight minutes from time.

Everton 4-0 Sunderland: Everton's FA Cup semi-final preparations went completely to plan with a convincing victory over the resurging Sunderland. Magaye Gueye scored his first Everton goal, screaming a rebound into the net seven minutes into the second half to get the ball rolling. Steven Pienaar scored the second of the game, his second since his return, curling the ball into the bottom corner on 75-minutes. Leon Osman matched Pienaar to make it 3-0 just 90-seconds later to put the game beyond all doubt. The icing on the cake came from substitute Victor Anichebe whose deflected shot baffled Simon Mignolet, making it 4-0 nine minutes from time.

Aston Villa 1-1 Stoke: Villa move seven points clear of the relegation zone with yet another draw. It perhaps could have been more when Andreas Weimann put Villa ahead with a brilliant curler on 32-minutes.  Stoke's equaliser came via Villa's Achilles heel; a Jermaine Pennant free-kick was headed home by Robert Huth on 71-minutes.

Eight Points

With just six games remaining, the title race looks to be nearing the end after Manchester United were able to stretch their lead to eight points on today's Easter Super Sunday. United hosted QPR before Manchester City went to Arsenal.

For the first ten minutes, Manchester United had 92% possession and a goal looked ominous. But the matter in which the deadlock was broken was shrouded in controversy. The ball was played through to Ashley Young, the winger then theatrically fell under a Shaun Derry and Lee Mason pointed to the spot and sent the QPR captain off. It wasn't as clear cut as that, however, as Young was clearly in an offside position when the ball was played and the contact under which he fell was minimal to say the least. After Mason, wrongly, pointed to the spot, he had no option but to send Derry off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Once the seventh red card of the season for QPR had made the long walk down the tunnel, Wayne Rooney stepped up and placed his 22nd goal of the season past Paddy Kenny.

From there, United looked in formidable form but failed to take advantage. QPR managed to hold on up to half-time with the scoreline remaining 1-0. It was more of the same in the second half but United's casual attitude prevented them from extended their goal difference further. The safety net finally came on 68-minutes when Paul Scholes rifled a shot into the bottom corner, his third since his return. Michael Carrick nearly added a third but his effort smashed back off the post and the game finished at 2-0.

With City knowing their rivals had extended the lead to eight points, they knew they had to perform against Arsenal. But that is exactly what they didn't do. Mario Balotelli will once again grab the headlines and again it's not for the right reasons. Arsenal had secured 72% possession in the first 15-minutes as City were looking extremely sluggish. But they were lucky to have all eleven men on the pitch when Balotelli slid in, studs showing, and collided into Alex Song, knee high. Referee Martin Atkinson didn't even give a free-kick and the young Italian got away with one.

As for the attacking, it looked like it was going to be one of those games for Arsenal as they just couldn't squeeze the ball home. A first-half Robin Van Persie header from a corner was blocked off the line, by Thomas Vermaelen. The second half saw Yossi Benayoun have his shot stopped by Joe Hart before Vermaelen tried to slid it home, instead it rolled back to Benayoun who could only slip it wide. City didn't provide a shot on target throughout the game and would soon pay the price. Arsenal finally found their breakthrough when Mikel Arteta smashed a shot past Hart and possibly ended their title dreams with three minutes remaining. It got worse for City when Balotelli received a second yellow card for a late challenge in injury time, forcing Roberto Mancini to concede that it may be better for the striker to leave Eastlands in the summer.

PL Round-Up 6-7/4/12

Chelsea 2-1 Wigan: Wigan provided heroics in the first half with Ali Al-Habsi making some superb saves. The same resistance was held until Branislav Ivanovic netted on 62-minutes, but, what could be a pivotal goal in the battle for survival, he was clearly offside. But the bottom table scrappers found an equaliser eight minutes from time through Mohamed Diame to feel that justice was served. Unfortunately, it would be heartbreak for Wigan when a Fernando Torres shot came off the post and was rebounded in by Juan Mata in injury time, again replays showed he was offside and again the points were taken away from the spirited Wigan.

Bolton 0-3 Fulham: The deadlock was broken when Clint Dempsey fired his 20th goal of the season via a free-kick on the half hour mark. Dempsey was on the mark again just before half-time, this time a header from a Damien Duff cross beating Adam Bogdan. The points were wrapped up ten minutes from time when Mamadou Diarra slid home a John Arne Riise cross, Diarra's first for Fulham.

West Brom 3-0 Blackburn: West Brom took the lead when Gareth McAuley's header from a corner was netted by Martin Olsson, scoring the own goal after just seven minutes. Blackburn had chances to equalise but Marc-Antoine Fortune broke the momentum with his fifth goal of the season on 69-minutes. Liam Ridgewell sealed the victory with a header from a free-kick five minutes before the end, his first for West Brom. It got worse when substitute Anthony Modeste was sent off for an impetuous reaction for Billy Jones kicking the ball away.

Norwich 2-2 Everton: Nikica Jelavic continued his good start to life on Merseyside with his fourth goal for Everton on 22-minutes. Norwich levelled when a lack of Everton defending allowed Johnny Howson to net from a Wes Hoolahan low cross six minutes before half-time, his first for Norwich on his home debut. Everton went ahead again when Jelavic scored his second, slotting home a Steven Pienaar low cross just after the hour mark. But Norwich weren't to get beaten and Grant Holt placed the equaliser into the bottom corner 14-minutes from time.  

Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa: Villa took the lead when Chris Herd scored his first Villa goal from a Barry Bannan pull back on ten minutes. Villa's defence was breached a number of times throughout the match, but Shay Given's goal remained untainted. Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy both hit the post in the second half before the resistance was finally broken when Suarez headed the rebound when Daniel Agger's header came off the cross bar eight minutes from time.

Stoke 2-1 Wolves: For the third game in a row, Wolves took the lead and ended up losing. Michael Kightly put the visitors ahead on 26-minutes before Robert Huth headed Stoke level 11-minutes later. Peter Crouch broke the Wolves hearts with another header just after the hour mark.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham: The day's early kick-off provided little to talk about. Both teams carved chances but didn't do anything to finish them off.


Swansea 0-2 Newcastle: Good Friday turned out to be another good day for the inspirational Papiss Cisse. Cisse scored his seventh goal in his seventh game after just five minutes before adding an eighth with a delightful chip on 69-minutes.

Two For Adebayor, Two For Cisse, Two For United

With no live games on Saturday, we had to wait for the Super Sunday double bill and Monday Night Football to get out weekend's fill. Newcastle moved level on points with Chelsea after a vital 2-0 win over Liverpool, the visitors are now nine eleven points behind the Toon Army. Papiss Cisse continued his amazing start to life in the Premiership, scoring their first after just 19-minutes before scoring the crucial second just before the hour mark. Any chances for Liverpool to come back were ended when Pepe Reina was sent off with eight minutes remaining. He was enraged at a perceived trip by James Perch, the two came together before the goalkeeper leant in with his head. Perch did make the most of it but referee, Martin Atkinson, had no other choice as you cannot lead in with your head. With all three subs used, Jose Enrique spent the rest of the game in goal but only had one punch to make in the final eight minutes.

Tottenham went level on points with Arsenal and, more importantly, five ahead of Chelsea with a home win over Swansea. Rafael Van Der Vaart placed a great shot past Michel Vorm via a pull back to give Spurs the lead on 19-minutes. Gylfi Sigurdsson continued his impressive start to the league with another good finish just before the hour mark. Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench to make an impact, giving Tottenham the lead again in 73-minutes before wrapping the game up four minutes from time.

Manchester United travelled to Ewood Park and just about managed to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table. Despite dominating much of possession, David De Gea was the much busier keeper with some expert saves just before half-time. United tried turning the screw more in the second half but were still under fire from Blackburn's counter attacking threat. The breakthrough finally came, however, when Antonio Valencia fired a cross-come-shot past Paul Robinson and into the net with nine minutes left. Substitute Ashley Young wrapped the vital three points up with a shot on the turn that beat Robinson into the bottom corner five minutes later.

PL Round-Up 31/3/12

Manchester City 3-3 Sunderland: Sunderland end City's 100% home record with their first ever Premiership point at Eastlands. It perhaps should have been more as the hosts had to come from behind to earn the point. The opening goal of the game came from Sebastian Larsson whose placed shot found the bottom corner just after the half hour mark. City looked to be level before half-time when Edin Dzeko rode a tackle from Craig Gardner in the box, Mario Balotelli stepped-up an calmly slotted the spot-kick home. But a Nicklas Bendtner header from Stephane Sessegnon in first half injury time meant that City would be behind at half-time for the first time this season. Sunderland then extended their lead just nine minutes after the restart when Bendtner played a low cross which Larsson slid past Joe Hart to make it 3-1. All seemed unwell in the City camp when Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov almost came to blows over the taking of a free-kick. That may have spurred both players on however as Balotelli smashed a goal back five minutes before the end and then Kolarov found an equaliser sixty seconds later to seal the point. The lead at the top is now down to two, but Manchester United play Blackburn on Monday where the lead could now be stretched to five.

Aston Villa 2-4 Chelsea: Stiliyan Petrov was at the ground for the game, just a day after being diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia. The dream start, however, came at the other end when Daniel Sturridge poked the ball home after just nine minutes. There was an emotional 19th minute when the Villa fans all stood up for a minute's applause in support for their stricken number 19. Chelsea doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when another poorly defended corner was taken advantage of, Branislav Ivanovic scoring the goal. But Villa fought back when a long throw was headed home by James Collins on 77-minutes. The comeback was seemingly complete when Eric Lichaj made it two goals in three minutes with his first ever Premiership goal, turning in a Marc Albrighton cross. But the hard work ultimately counted for nothing, Ivanovic heading from another poorly defended corner to make it 3-2 with seven minutes left. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Fernando Torres scored his first league goal since September in the league, finishing off a counter attack. Chelsea are now two points behind Tottenham who play Swansea today, Villa are now only five points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolves 2-3 Bolton: The battle at the bottom is getting tighter and tighter with every game played, although for Wolves, it is starting to look rather bleak. In times of need, Terry Connor didn't want to see Wayne Hennessey and Roger Johnson almost come to blows. Wolves had much the better chances in the first half and, on another day, they could have had three or four. But they finally broke the deadlock when Michael Kightly found the bottom corner from outside the box just eight minutes after the restart. Bolton were awarded a penalty when former Wolves player Mark Davies went down under a Roger Johnson challenge, although replays suggest he went down too easily. Martin Petrov stepped up and converted before sending a get well message to his countryman and namesake on 63-minutes. Bolton then took the lead when Mark Alonso scored his first ever Bolton goal, finishing a rebound from a David N'gog header with ten minutes left, Kevin Davies then secured the points four minutes later. Wolves tried to mount a late charge and Matt Jarvis pulled a goal back with two minutes remaining, but it wasn't enough to gain a point. Wolves are now six points adrift at the bottom whereas Bolton are now a point ahead of the relegation zone in 16th.

QPR 2-1 Arsenal: QPR are now only in the relegation zone on goal difference following a shock victory over Arsenal. Adel Taarabt scored his first Premiership goal on 22-minutes to give the hosts the lead. Theo Walcott equalised for Arsenal when he tapped the ball home after his initial effort came back off the post eight minutes before half-time. The winner came on 66-minutes when Jamie Mackie's pull back was met by Samba Diakite who sent a rocket into the top corner. Arsenal remain three points clear of Tottenham in third who play later today.

Wigan 2-0 Stoke: Wigan are now also only in the relegation zone on goal difference after this victory, only their second this season at the DW. Antolin Alcaraz headed home a Jean Beausejour cross to give Wigan the lead nine minutes into the second half. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Victor Moses rounded Asmir Begovic to make it 2-0.

Everton 2-0 West Brom: Everton move a point ahead of Liverpool with their third consecutive 2-0 win. It was an emotional game for Peter Walton who was refereeing his final Premiership game before moving to the MLS. Leon Osman's shot took a wicked deflection off Gareth McAuley on 18-minutes to open the scoring, replays deciding it was an own goal on the defender's behalf. Victor Anichebe fired his shot in off the post to seal the three points on 68-points. Liverpool have their chance to move back above Everton in their game against Newcastle today. There was yet another round of team mates arguing when Peter Odemwingie and Ben Foster went head to head late on in the second half.

Fulham 2-1 Norwich: Fulham move above Norwich on goal difference courtesy of this victory at Craven Cottage. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead when a John Ruddy save rebounded off the American and into the net after just two minutes. Damien Duff then made it 2-0 with a stunning finish after thirteen minutes. Norwich's consolation came via a deflected Aaron Wilbraham cross with 13-minutes remaining, the goal means Wilbraham has now scored in all four divisions.

Toon Level With Chelsea, United Scramble Three Points Clear

With eight games on Saturday, there was only one instalment of Super Sunday and an episode of Monday Night Football. Newcastle travelled to West Brom in a match that saw them go level on points with Chelsea, eight ahead of seventh place Liverpool and five behind fourth place Tottenham. Papiss Cisse continued his fantastic start to the Premiership by opening the scoring after just six minutes. It became two in 12 when Hatem Ben Arfa doubled Newcastle's advantage with Cisse adding his second 11-minutes before half-time. Shane Long made it 3-1 seven minutes into the second half but it wasn't enough to inspire what would have been a phenomenal comeback.

Old Trafford was the destination for Monday Night Football as Manchester United crept back to the top of the table. Fulham were the visitors and managed to grow into the game after the initial 20-minutes when United's possessional dominance began to subside. The only goal of the game came four minutes before half-time with Wayne Rooney making it 17 goals in 17 games, putting him just five goals behind Robin Van Persie in the Premiership. United failed to claw back the goal difference on Manchester City in the second half and could have had two of the three points taken, Michael Carrick looked to have bundled Danny Murphy over in the box in injury time but referee, Michael Oliver, didn't give it. 

PL Round-Up 24/3/12

Bolton 2-1 Blackburn: Bolton showed amazing character in their first game since the collapse of Fabrice Muamba. The first goal of the Lancashire derby saw David Wheater head home from a cross on 28-minutes, his first Premiership goal for Bolton. Wheater then made it 2-0 with another header, this time from a corner ten minutes before half-time. Steven N'Zonzi replied with a header of his own, from a long throw 11-minutes into the second half. Bolton move three points clear of the relegation zone with that game in hand, Blackburn remain three points ahead of their Lancashire rivals.

Stoke 1-1 Manchester City: Man City move back on top of the table, on goal difference, despite dropping points. Peter Crouch set the Britannia alight with a tremendous volley from 25-yards 14-minutes into the second half. Yaya Toure matched it with a thunderous 40-yard strike that deflected off the head of Ryan Shawcross with 14-minutes left. Manchester United play on Monday against Fulham with that chance to go three points clear. Stoke remain twelfth, two points ahead of Fulham.

Liverpool 1-2 Wigan: Wigan move a point behind safety with a shock victory over Liverpool. Wigan earned a penalty on the half hour mark when Martin Skrtel's boot just missed Victor Moses' head, Shaun Maloney stepped up and placed into the bottom corner. Liverpool came out in the second half and Luis Suarez finished off a Steven Gerrard low cross within two minutes of the restart. Wigan's winner came from captain Gary Caldwell when he beat the offside trap on 63-minutes. Liverpool remain five points behind Newcastle in seventh with Newcastle playing West Brom tomorrow.

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa: Arsenal move three points ahead of Spurs and eight ahead of Chelsea with a win without a goal by Robin Van Persie. Kieron Gibbs put Arsenal ahead on 16-minutes before Theo Walcott doubled their advantage nine minutes later. The icing on the cake came in injury time with Mikel Arteta firing a beautiful free-kick past Shay Given. Villa are now eight points ahead of the relegation zone.

Sunderland 3-1 QPR: Sunderland move two points behind Liverpool as QPR remain one point from safety. Nicklas Bendtner headed home a James McLean cross four minutes before half-time to give Sunderland the lead. QPR's task got worse when Djibril Cisse received a second red card in only five Rangers games for a shocking two-footed challenge on Frazier Campbell ten minutes after the restart. McLean took full advantage by making it 2-0 with 20-minutes left with Stephane Sessegnon adding a third on 76-minutes. Taye Taiwo scored QPR's consolation three minutes later via a free-kick, the AC Milan player's first Rangers goal.

Norwich 2-1 Wolves: Wolves are now four points from safety with just eight games remaining. Their quest for survival looked to easing when Matt Jarvis turned in a low cross on 25-minutes. But their lead lasted less than a minute as Grant Holt chipped the ball over Wayne Hennessey before rolling the ball home. Norwich would then have the lead before half-time when Eggert Jonsson conceded a penalty for handball, Holt stepped up and converted the spot-kick. Holt's day would end sour however as he received a second yellow card four minutes from time.

Swansea 0-2 Everton: Everton move to within two points of their Merseyside rivals with a win over Swansea. Leighton Baines became Everton's top goalscorer this season with his fifth from a fantastic free-kick 14-minutes into the second half. Nikica Jelavic wrapped the points up 14-minutes from time turning in a Marouane Fellaini through ball.

Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham: The London pair played out a lunch-time goalless draw in the race for fourth. Chelsea's best chance came when Juan Mata hit the post from a second half free-kick. Tottenham arguably created the better chances, Gareth Bale came closest when he hit the bar nine minutes from time.