2011 started off where 2010 left off with all the glory, controversy and wonder goals. 2011 kicked off with the usual Saturday lunch-time kick-off, which was at The Hawthornes as West Brom took Manchester United. It looked good for United when they took the lead after just three minutes with a slight Rooney header that rolled past Carson. From there West Brom were the better side and James Morrison put West Brom level with a fantastic strike after fourteen minutes. It could have been better for West Brom when Gary Neville looked to have pulled down Dorrans but referee Chris Foy said no penalty which would have surely lead to a red card. West Brom continued playing better in the second half and got their just desserts when Ferdinand fouled Thomas and Foy did point to the spot, but Peter Odemwingie surprisingly put it wide to let United off the hook. United then had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Thomas elbowed the ball out of play, replays showed he moved his elbow into the ball, but Foy gave just a corner. The first corner lead to a second which Rooney took and substitute Hernandez headed past Carson. Bad news for United that Rooney looks to have suffered another ankle injury but United win ugly again to remain undefeated and stay top of the league.
Manchester City remain level with United after a close 1-0 win over Blackpool. Adam Johnson scored the only goal after 34 minutes but it could have been easier for City when Yaya Toure was pulled down in the box by Luke Varney. Tevez stepped up to take the penalty but also put it wide.
West Ham's unbelievable festive run continued with a 2-0 over fellow strugglers Wolves. Ronald Zubar scored the first own goal of the year six minutes into the second half to put West Ham ahead. Youngster Freddie Sears, who was recalled from his loan spell just before Christmas, made it 2-0 eleven minutes before the end.
Gareth Bale scored the only goal three minutes before half-time to give Tottenham to win over Fulham. Fulham are now second from bottom and in real trouble, Tottenham go above Chelsea in fourth with Chelsea playing today.
Sunderland moved into sixth with a 3-0 win over Blackburn. In form Danny Welbeck scored again to break the deadlock after eleven minutes. The other two top goalscorers for Sunderland scored with Darren Bent making it 2-0 eight minutes later and Asamoah Gyan made it three just before second half injury time.
Liverpool came from behind to secure victory over Bolton. Kevin Davies put Bolton ahead three minutes before half-time but it was cancelled out by Torres four minutes into the second half. Joe Cole gave Liverpool the win in second half injury time to give Hodgson a bit more time as manager.
Everton scored their second own goal in two goals in their defeat away to Stoke. Kenwyne Jones put Stoke ahead after 23 minutes. Phil Jagielka's return from injury ended with an own goal after 69 minutes to see Stoke win.
New Year's tea-time kick-off saw Birmingham host Arsenal. Arsenal needed a win to put daylight between themselves and Tottenham in third place. Robin Van Persie bought Arsenal's first goal with a bit of a dive to earn a free-kick, the Dutchman took the free-kick which deflected off Bowyer and found the net. Another piece of Nasri excellence made it 2-0 thirteen minutes into the second half. The match was rounded off with a Fabregas shot that Foster could only parry two yards to defender Dann, after hitting him it hit Roger Johnson and unluckily found the net to make it 3-0.
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