Super Sunday saw the two defeated Europa League teams try to bounce back from their disappointment. The first installment saw Sunderland host Liverpool who lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sporting Braga. In fairness, Liverpool always looked the better team as they set out to maintain European status next season. They were awarded their goal, but in controversial circumstances; Mensah brought down Jay Spearing just outside the box and although referee Kevin Friend was about to give a free-kick, his linesman flagged, wrongly, for a penalty and that was what was given. Kuyt stepped up and sent Mignolet the wrong way eleven minutes before half-time. Life without Torres isn't turning out to be so bad as a Uruguayan at half the price is doing just a good a job. Suarez finished the game off after 77 with another piece of imaginative improvisation, dodging numerous tackles he fired a ferocious shot from an acute angle, past the young Belgian, who would probably be disappointed to be beaten from that angle, to make it 2-0. It got worse for Sunderland when Mensah received a red card eight minutes from time. Liverpool now move five points clear of Bolton in fifth with Sunderland two behind Bolton ninth.
The second installment saw Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea take on defeated Europa League hopefuls Manchester City. City were without Tevez but the game was still the richest game ever at just over half a billion pounds spent on the starting XIs. City were clearly missing Tevez but Torres was still not shining for Chelsea and was again substituted. But Chelsea's other January buy is proving a handful, with David Luiz breaking the deadlock with twelve minutes left. His Brazilian team-mate Ramires then danced through the City defence to make it 2-0 in injury time. As a result, Chelsea move a point ahead of City into third with still a game in hand.
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