Premier League Boxing Day Football

It was a thrilling Boxing Day of football in the Barclays Premier League on Wednesday with Manchester United extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points after an entertaining win over Newcastle United, Manchester City slipped up against Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur cruised to victory over Aston Villa.

At Old Trafford Manchester United hosted Newcastle United in what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable fixture. The visitors took the lead very early on with a James Perch strike from close range in the fourth minute to make it 1-0. They managed to hold on to the lead for a short period of time before Jonny Evans equalised in the 25^th minute which was a fitting way to celebrate signing a new four year deal with the club. However, the defender then put the ball in his own net which restored Newcastle’s lead. Danny Simpson had crossed the ball in which was turned in by Evans at the near post. Originally, the goal was disallowed by the linesman who deemed Cisse to be in an offside position. Match referee Mike Dean then consulted his assistant referee who gave the decision and it was overturned so the goal stood. Some would say that was a very brave thing do at Old Trafford on Mike Dean’s behalf. This certainly infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson who continued complaining to the officials as the teams came out for the second half.

Hernandez grabs the winner.

Newcastle could only maintain their lead for 13 minutes in the second half as Patrice Evra equalised with his second consecutive goal for the home side after opening the scoring against Swansea on Sunday.  Of course, Manchester United are renowned for their ability to come back from behind so often which meant this was going to be a tense end for the Magpies with over 30 minutes still to play. Despite this, it was Newcastle who scored next as Papiss Cisse claimed only his third goal of the season in the 68^th minute. Four minutes later the Red Devils were level as Robin Van Persie scored to make it 3-3. Then in the 90^th minute Javier Hernandez snatched a winner after putting in a cross from Michael Carrick. Once again, the home side had sealed victory after going behind three times in the game.

It’s an incredible quality within this side and 24 of their 46 points this season, which is the equivalent to 52%, have come in games where they have been behind. Newcastle deserve a lot of credit for their brave performance though. To score three goals at Old Trafford and not come away with a single point is extremely unlucky and even a draw would have been significant with their poor run of form. They can take a lot of confidence and positives from their display though. It is understood that referee Mike Dean did not mention the complaints from Sir Alex Ferguson regarding Newcastle’s second goal, in his match report and therefore the Football Association will take no action against the manager.

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland looked to gather some consistency after their 1-0 win away at Southampton at the weekend. They hosted Manchester City who came in to this on the back of a 1-0 win against Reading after a late winner from Gareth Barry. Sunderland managed to defeat Mancini’s side in the same fixture last season with a 1-0 win courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Ji. They also drew 3-3 at the Etihad stadium last season after being 3-1 up.

The away team had the best chances in the first half with captain Vincent Kompany hitting the bar and Simon Mignolet being forced in to some vital saves from Yaya Toure and David Silva. Initially, City played well with the attack of Tevez, Aguero and Silva looking too good for Sunderland’s defence but the home side began to structure themselves better and hold a good shape. Steven Fletcher had a good opportunity before half-time which was well saved by England’s number one Joe Hart.

Adam Johnson celebrates a goal against his former club.

The league champions began to fall short of ideas in the second half and it was a former Manchester City player who broke the deadlock. Adam Johnson’s left foot effort was well struck and caught Joe Hart out who made minimal contact with the ball as it crept under him and it in to the bottom corner. There were complaints from the away team as it appeared Pablo Zabaleta had been fouled in the build-up to the goal by Craig Gardner. They protested but the goal was allowed. Replays showed that the Argentine had been caught by the Sunderland midfielder quite badly.

Nevertheless Sunderland held on despite City’s best efforts, which included bringing on Joleon Lescott as a temporary striker, and they were condemned to their first away defeat of the season.

Tottenham were looking to get back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke on Saturday and they took on Aston Villa at Villa Park. The home side were thrashed 8-0 against Chelsea on Sunday and were looking to recover in what would inevitably be a nervous game for them. From the beginning of the game, it was evident that Villa looked out of place and were clearly suffering from that heavy defeat with a lack of confidence. Spurs dominated the opening exchanges and had a large proportion of possession in the first half. Gareth Bale had an excellent effort brilliantly saved by Brad Guzan and Emmanuel Adebayor came close with a header which was slightly fumbled by Guzan who then grabbed the ball firmly on the second attempt. Somehow, it was goalless at half-time and Villa had managed to resist the constant attacking football from Tottenham. Andre Villas-Boas would have been worried that his side may have rued missed opportunities.

Gareth Bale enjoys his hat-trick.

This wasn’t the case though as Spurs became rampant in the second half. Jermaine Defoe opened the scoring for the visitors after getting on the end of an accurately placed Kyle Naughton pass to finish with the outside of his foot for his 10^th goal of the season. Christian Benteke came close to creating an equaliser but his pass could only find a Tottenham defender which then instigated a counter attack as Gareth Bale used his pace and skill to round Guzan and flick the ball in to the net from eight yards out doubling Spurs’ lead. Scott Parker, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon were all involved in an impressive move which led to Bale putting the ball in to the bottom corner and effectively finishing the game off. Then as Walker played in Sigurdsson, Bale met the cross to strike the ball powerfully beyond Guzan and complete a very impressive hat-trick.

This win lifted Spurs in to 4^th place just two points behind Chelsea who have a game in hand and they are the only side to have scored in every away game in the Barclays Premier League this season.

In the evening kick off live on Sky Sports, Stoke City entertained Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium. The Potters were on an unbeaten run of 8 games going in to this one which was a Premier League record for them. Liverpool have failed to win at the Britannia in the league since Stoke were promoted in 2008. With Stoke unbeaten at home all season along with the most number of clean sheets and the least goals conceded, this was going to be a difficult contest for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Kenwyne Jones gives Stoke a 2-1 lead.

Within the first minute there was drama as Luis Suarez raced forward on to the ball down the right hand side and then took on Ryan Shawcross who pulled the Uruguayan’s shirt and went down in the area. Howard Webb immediately pointed to the penalty spot and there could be no arguments about the decision as it was clearly a foul. Steven Gerrard maintained composure as he stepped up to take and tucked the ball nicely in to the left bottom corner sending Begovic the wrong way. Even if the keeper had gone the correct way, it would have been hard to stop. Liverpool had the lead much to the delight of the visiting supporters. Their lead did not last long though as Ryan Shawcross hit a long ball forward which was met by the head of Kenywne Jones. He knocked it down to Jon Walters and a Martin Skrtel slip gave him enough space to prepare the shot and with an eat finish equalise for Stoke. It was a rapid response from Stoke and the atmosphere increased again. The drama wasn’t over though as Stoke took the lead when a Glenn Whelan corner found Kenwyne Jones who’s header went in to the bottom left hand corner and couldn’t be dealt with by the defender on the line. Suddenly, Stoke had turned the game around and they led 2-1. The pressure from Stoke as remarkable as they didn’t allow Liverpool any time and space on the ball trapping them deep in their own half at times showing tremendous work rate and effort. Steven Gerrard came close to equalising but his shot on the edge of the box wasn’t executed properly and it went wide of the post. It remained 2-1 at half-time.

Brendan Rodgers replaced the ineffective Suso with Raheem Sterling at half-time which was a potential threat to Stoke. But the Potters began the second half in the way they ended it. A throw from Andy Wilkinson was flicked on by Jones to Walters who took a delicate touch with his chest and volleyed the ball past Reina with a magnificent finish and they now had a two goal advantage. Stoke continued to pressure and frustrate Liverpool. They were resilient and at times came close to scoring more on the counter. Asmir Begovic was forced in to a fine save towards the end of the game after a testing effort from Gerrard.

Stoke extended their unbeaten run to 9 games in the Premier League and continued their fantastic form on home soil. The victory meant that they leapfrogged Liverpool in to eighth place and the Reds dropped to tenth. After picking up a 5^th yellow card, Ryan Shawcross will miss the game at home to Southampton on Saturday. Liverpool play QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday in what will surely prove to be another tough encounter. Luis Suarez and Jose Enrique put in very good performances and stood out from a mediocre Liverpool side.

Everton were up against Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park as they looked to continue what has been an excellent first half of the season. The first half was goalless as both sides failed to find the back of the net.

Jagielka rises above Caldwell to score the header.

 It didn’t take long for the breakthrough to be made in the second half though as Leon Osman gave his side the lead in the 52^nd minute. His shot from just outside the area was probably heading wide but a huge deflection off Caldwell’s arm guided it in and Al-Habsi didn’t have much of a chance. Just before the hour mark there was a big call for a Wigan penalty as Maloney went down under a challenge inside the area which looked to be a clear foul. Referee Lee Mason allowed play to continue. Phil Jagielka made it 2-0 13 minutes before the end after powerfully heading home a cross from Phil Neville who was celebrating his 500^th appearance in the Premier League.

 The game looked to be over but an 82^nd minute goal from Kone gave Wigan hope leading to a nervous end. Everton resisted intense pressure from Roberto Martinez’s men and held on for the three points. After Tottenham’s win they stay in 5^th level on points with them and on the same goal difference.

Juan Mata with a fine strike.

Chelsea were looking to continue their good form after beating Aston Villa 8-0 at the weekend and they travelled to Carrow Road to face Norwich who, after a run of 10 games unbeaten, were defeated by West Brom at the weekend. It was a tight game and a 38^th minute strike from Juan Mata proved decisive in separating the two sides. The Spaniard confidently struck the ball from 20 yards out with his left foot after receiving the ball from Oscar who had avoided a tackle well to find his team mate. Victor Moses came close to increasing Chelsea’s advantages with a near post effort which was kept out by Bunn and then he hit a low strike following a cross from Azpilicueta which was a good chance.

Sebastian Bassong almost found an equaliser in the latter stages the game when his header went downwards but over the bar. The win for Chelsea meant that they stayed in third position four points adrift of second placed Manchester City and with a game in hand. If they’re victorious in that extra game and build consistency then they’re still in the race for the title. They must continue winning and then they’re in a good position to take points off teams near them when they play them.

QPR suffered their first defeat under Harry Redknapp last weekend after a 1-0 loss away at Newcastle. They came up against flying West Brom who after a small blip in their fascinating form so far this season, appear to have recovered. They managed to beat Norwich City 2-1 at the weekend after a run of four games without a win. The game was delayed by 15 minutes because the West Brom team were stuck in traffic on their way to the game.

Chris Brunt celebrates in the rain.

Chris Brunt gave the Baggies a 1-0 lead in the 29^th minute with a brilliant 30 yard shot which was struck low. The second goal of the game was rather controversial. Armand Traore’s header to clear went very high and it came down to Robert Green. The QPR keeper could only parry it into his own net but he felt that he was being pushed back slightly by Marc-Antoine Fortune which prevented him from dealing with the issue. The complaints were ignored though and Albion had a 2-0 lead in the 49^th minute.

Green didn’t let it affect him and managed to deny Romanu Lukaku twice in one-on-one circumstances smothering both of the opportunities effectively. QPR did find a goal to give them some hope as Stephane Mbia played a cleverly weighted ball in to the path of Djibril Cisse and the striker lofted his shot over Ben Foster to make it 2-1. The home side started to attack as they searched for an equaliser but despite a chance from Clint Hill being saved and claims for a penalty as Mbia's header hit the elbow of Liam Ridgewell, they couldn’t find a second goal. QPR were sent to the bottom of the table whilst Steve Clarke’s side continued their great form and went up to 5^th before Tottenham’s win demoted them to 6^th which is still a wonderful position for them.

Fulham took on newly promoted Southampton at Craven Cottage looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Berbatov reveals a humorous shirt.

Dimitar Berbatov gave the home side an early lead when Southampton goalkeeper couldn’t deal with Sascha Reither’s cross and the Bulgarian international took his 6^th goal of the season. The visitors didn’t get their heads down though and reacted positively with Mark Schwarzer making a fine save from a powerful drive by Jack Cork. There were chances for Puncheon who hit an effort just wide and Steven Davis couldn’t find the target with a header. Rickie Lambert had the best chance when he volleyed a flick on from Jose Fonte which went just over the bar. They found a way through though when Chris Baird deliberately handled the ball inside the box resulting in a penalty which was converted by Lambert. Steve Sidwell and Brede Hangeland had chances to win it for the home side but they couldn’t find the goal and it finished 1-1 leaving Southampton in 17^th place before they take on Stoke and Fulham remain in 14^th ahead of their clash with Swansea City at home.

Reading played Swansea City at the Madjeski Stadium. The Swans denied reading promotion in 2011 when they beat the Royals 4-2 at Wembley Stadium in the Championship Play-Off final.  Swansea have done very well so far this season under Michael Laudrup and have spent the majority of the campaign so far in the top half of the table. Reading have struggled to come to terms with the requirements of the Premier League and results have been hard to find. They went in to this bottom of the league after a very harsh defeat to Manchester City at weekend where they conceded in stoppage time to lose 1-0. That was their seventh straight defeat.

Ashley Williams battles Reading's Jobi Mcanuff.

This one finished goalless but Reading did have the ball in the back of the net but Adam Le Fondre had handled the ball in the 74^th minute so the goal was rightly disallowed. Swansea almost took the lead in the first half when Reading defender made a poor pass back to his keeper but Michu could only hit the ball over from about six yards as he failed to capitalise on the mistake. With Hal Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre Reading were threatening and Le Fondre tested Michel Vorm on several occasions. Reading shot stopper Adam Federici helped the home side earn a point making a save from Nathan Dyer’s diving header and then managing to hold on to a venomous effort from Ki Sung-Yeung.  Chico Flores made an important clearance off the line when Adam Le Fondre headed the ball towards the goal.

The game ended and with QPR losing, Reading moved off the bottom of the table into 19^th place but are 6 points behind Southampton. Swansea stayed in 9^th position after this result. 

Barclays Premier League Preview

The busy Christmas period for football begins today with 8 games taking place in the top flight.

Wigan vs. Arsenal, 12.45pm

The early kick-off is between Wigan Athletic and Arsenal which starts at 12.45pm. The Gunners cruised to victory against Reading on Monday night winning 5-2 after going being 4-0 up at half-time. After a poor run of form which included a 2-0 defeat at home to Swansea, this was a significant victory for Arsene Wenger. So far it has been a good week with Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere all signing new deals with the club. Now Wenger awaits Theo Walcott to sign, amid speculation of a January move elsewhere. Wigan go in to this match on the back of a defeat to Norwich City and are now in the relegation zone for the first time this season.

In terms of injuries, Wigan’s Adrian Lopez is out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring problem and James McCarthy is also doubtful after picking up a knock to the ankle in the defeat to Norwich. On the brighter side for Wigan, Gary Caldwell, Antolin Alcaraz and Ivan Ramis are all close to returning to action. For Arsenal, Abou Diaby and Andre Santos are still out for the long-term.

The most anticipated decision for this game is whether Wenger will play Walcott in a central attacking position where he impressed against Reading.

Arsenal are only two points off fourth place so this is a crucial game for them and with it being at lunch time they have a good chance to apply some pressure on Tottenham and Chelsea.

Wigan have won only one Premier League game against Arsenal so the odds are very much in favour of the Gunners to claim three points in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Manchester City vs. Reading, 3pm

Manchester City take on Reading at the Etihad stadium looking to reduce the gap between them and neighbours Manchester United. They’ll be expecting a victory against the side who are struggling at the bottom of the league. Brian McDermott has remained defiant and insists that he is the right man to help the Royals survive the drop showing a determined attitude. Roberto Mancini has spoken about how a second title would be better than last season’s remarkable achievement. The dispute between the club and Mario Balotelli appears to have been sorted but it’s certainly becoming a farcical situation which may do more bad for Man City than good. They go into this game after an excellent 3-1 victory over Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Samir Nasri is out of action after picking up a groin injury and could be absent until the New Year. Captain Vincent Kompany is in a similar situation with a groin problem and is unlikely to play against Reading. Mario Balotelli has a virus and Aleksander Kolarov has a bad knee so both will be unavailable for today’s match. James Milner and Gareth Barry are both ready to play again. Reading’s Jason Roberts is out of contention with a hip issue but Jem Karacan, Jimmy Kebe and Danny Guthrie should be back for the visitors.

Interestingly, Reading have beaten Man City in three of their four Premier League battles. City can decrease the gap to 3 points behind United with a win today as they play Swansea City tomorrow at the Liberty Stadium. Reading will remain in the relegation zone at Christmas regardless of the result but points will be extremely valuable to them.

Newcastle United vs.QPR, 3pm

After being last year’s surprise package finishing 5^th in the league and proving to be a very competitive team, Newcastle Untied have started poorly in comparison and find themselves in 15^th place. They face Queen’s Park Rangers who are unbeaten under Harry Redknapp and picked up their first victory last weekend at home to Fulham.  The Magpies are looking for three points in this fixture as they look to build a platform for them to continue as we head in to the New Year. The Christmas period is a great opportunity to completely change the season. With so many fixtures and the league being so tight, a set of consistent results could really move a side up the table and transform their fortunes.

James Perch is an uncertainty after sustaining a minor neck injury and Hatem Ben Arfa, Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye are all out of this one. Gabriel Obertan is fit after having toe surgery.  QPR shot stopper Julio Cesar and former Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa are both out with back injuries. Kieron Dyer, Park Ji-Sung, Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora are all sidelined.

Redknapp’s side want to progress from their first victory last week but this is a hard place to come and get a result. However, West Ham United and Swansea City have been victorious here this season so they can take some confidence from that. Newcastle have shown a desire for stability by agreeing an 8 year contract with Pardew but he will still feel under pressure to deliver and this is a big match for the Toon to start climbing the league.

Southampton vs. Sunderland, 3pm

At the St. Mary’s Stadium Southampton are up against Sunderland. Nigel Adkins’ side had last weekend off because their scheduled opponents Chelsea were participating in the Club World Cup so they have a game in hand which gives them a slight advantage over sides near them albeit being against Chelsea. Southampton are in a precarious position as they hover just above the relegation zone with a superior goal difference over Wigan. They have collected some good results though and in their last match they defeated Reading 1-0 at home. This was an important win with it being against a side that are likely to be near them in the table come the end of the season. Sunderland aren’t enjoying a great season and have had some poor results with speculation over Martin O’Neill’s future becoming rather intense. The Black Cats are one place above their opponents and only a point separates the teams so this is a massive game for them with the gap being so small.

Captain Adam Lallana has knee ligament damage and is expected to be replaced by Jay Rodriguez. Paulo Gazzaniga has recovered from a shoulder injury whilst Richard Chaplow and Frazer Richardson should also return. Sunderland are hopeful that Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson, Danny Rose and Phil Bardsley will feature after their respective injuries. David Meyler will be recalled from his loan spell at Hull after their 2-1 win against Derby last night to provide some cover for the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Stoke City, 3pm

At White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur face Stoke City and Spurs go into this after a 1-0 win against Swansea City last week thanks to a neat finish from Jan Vertonghen which lifted Spurs to 4^th and level on points with Chelsea. Stoke are on a good run of form themselves unbeaten in their last 7 games with four wins and three draws. They go in to this on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Everton. If they manage to avoid defeat at Spurs it will be a record unbeaten run for them.  Stoke have won at White Hart Lane before and that came in 2009 when Glenn Whelan scored in the 86^th minute to snatch victory. 

Unfortunately for Stoke Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson return to the Tottenham side after hamstring injuries.  Emmanuel Adebayor will face a late fitness test and Scott Parker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto may feature. After his father passed away earlier in the week, Charlie Adam will not travel to London for this match after being granted compassionate leave. Ryan Shotton is back for selection after serving a one match ban for a controversial sending off against Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago.

Spurs can go third in the table with victory but Chelsea will then have two games in hand which will become one after their match with Aston Villa tomorrow. Stoke can climb three places with a victory but that depends on other results. If they could avoid defeat then they will be in a good position ahead of two consecutive home matches against Liverpool and Southampton.

West Bromwich Albion vs. Norwich City, 3pm

Steve Clarke’s West Brom host the in form Norwich at the Hawthorns. The Baggies started the season in spectacular fashion and at one point were third in the league but since a defeat to Swansea their form has dipped with losses at home to Stoke and away at Arsenal which has seen them go four matches without a win. Norwich are on a fantastic run of 10 games without a loss which includes some impressive wins against Arsenal and Manchester United but they have also defeated teams around them which are the most important results.

Youssouf Mulumbu is suspended for the home side after receiving a fifth booking in his last game. Claudio Yacob is unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury but Ben Foster is looking for a recall after coming back to training. Grant Holt has a hamstring problem so is a doubt. Harry Kane could be in the squad though. Andrew Surman and John Ruddy are still out of action.

West Ham United vs. Everton, 3pm

West Ham welcome Everton to Upton Park after a 0-0 draw away to West Brom. Sam Allardyce’s side have made the best start out of the promoted teams and had been sitting nicely in the top half but they have slipped down to 11^th after a defeat to Liverpool and that draw with Albion. Everton have had a great season so far and are only two points off the Champions League places. They drew 1-1 with Stoke last weekend which was a good result as many know how difficult the Britannia Stadium is to go and get a result.

Jack Collison is in the Hammers’ squad for the first time this season after a serious knee injury. Yossi Benayoun has a knee problem and will not feature this afternoon.  Marouane Fellaini starts the first game of his three match ban which he picked up after maliciously head butting Ryan Shawcross last weekend. Many feel that Fellaini was lucky to escape severe punishment after he also appeared to elbow and punch the Stoke captain in two other separate incidents. It’s extremely peculiar that he was only punished for the head butt. Phil Neville has recovered quickly from a knee injury but this game is too soon for him to return.

Liverpool vs. Fulham, 3pm

Liverpool are at home to Fulham and are looking to avoid a similar to last week where they lost 3-1 at home to Aston Villa thanks to a brace from Christian Benteke. They performed well against West Ham but showed a lack of consistency with the defeat to Paul Lambert’s side. Fulham became the first team to lose to QPR last weekend and will be looking to bounce back at Anfield. They’ll look to emulate Villa’s performance and try to capitalise on Liverpool’s vulnerability at home.

Jose Enrique was back in training this week and may have some part to play in this clash after recovering from a hamstring problem. Nuri Sahin is fit to play after undergoing surgery on a broken nose but Oussama Assaidi has been ruled out because of a knee injury. David Stockdale has been recalled from his loan spell at Hull as back up for Mark Schwarzer after other goalkeeper Neil Etheridge sustained a leg injury. Steve Sidwell is banned but full-back Sascha Riether is back after a knee injury.