THE most pivotal weekend in this season’s Premiership saw some crucial results for those at the bottom of the table and a pivotal moment at the top, which give us an unexpected title race to look forward to. Plus, it was another dodgy weekend for referees and their linesman in the Barclays Premier League.
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| SIGNIFICANT: Ramsay's winner could change the Premiership destination |
It was by far a classic, but Arsenal’s famous 1-0 win over Manchester United yesterday blows the title race wide open again. It could turn out to be a significant result in the destination of this season’s Premiership. There was a clear injustice against Arsenal in the first half, when Nemanja Vidic clearly handballed in the penalty area, denying Robin Van Persie a clear goal scoring opportunity. Then again, Chris Foy had a dreadful game and missed a penalty shout for United as Michael Owen tumbled under the challenge from Gael Clichy. It looked a hopeful claim, but replays suggested minimal contact was made and penalties have been given this season for far less. The only goal came just before the hour mark. Made by Van Persie, Aaron Ramsay stroked the ball in beautifully into the bottom corner of Edwin Van der Sar’s net. It is a landmark goal for the Welshman, his first for the Gunners since his horrible broken leg at Stoke in February 2010.
There would have been loud cheers from Stamford Bridge at Ramsay’s goal and Chelsea’s title ambitions were renewed on Saturday evening in controversial circumstances against Tottenham. Sandro did power Tottenham into the lead, before the equaliser which started up the rumble of goal-line technology once again. Frank Lampard’s shot was spilt by calamity Spurs keeper Hereulho Gomes and the ball landed on the line. Replays were inconclusive, yet the linesman gave the goal, despite not being in any position to give it! Lampard deserved some fortune after Bloemfontein and the World Cup last summer, but although Gomes proved again that he can’t catch a football, it was staggering to see such a certain decision made. In the 89th minute, Salomon Kalou stabbed the ball home from close range, despite looking like in a clear offside position. Chelsea won 2-1, but got their fair share of fortune for the result. It is now 21 years since Tottenham last won at Stamford Bridge.
The basement battle at the bottom this weekend was the Midlands clash between Birmingham City and Wolves. A scrappy 1-1 draw edges Birmingham closer to safety, but Wolves remain in the bottom three. It started well for the visitors, as Steven Fletcher struck from the penalty spot in the 7th minute. However, Wolves conceded another terrible goal, as Sebastian Larsson gobbled up a chance, gifted as an early Bank Holiday present by Michael Mancienne. Craig Gardner was dismissed in a dramatic first half by referee Kevin Friend. The Birmingham midfielder got a second yellow card for simulation and ultimately, it was the right decision. However, Wolves couldn’t make the extra man advantage count. Still propping up the table is West Ham, following a spirited 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. The Hammers looked brittle in the first 15 minutes and looked like they might capitulate at Eastlands. They went 2-0 down, courtesy of a powerful strike from Nigel de Jong (his first goal in over 100 City matches) and Pablo Zabaleta. At this stage, the home side took their foot off the gas pedal and Demba Ba capitalized on slack defending to produce a good finish and make a game of it. However, City held on and the Champions League edges ever closer for Roberto Mancini.
City’s closest challengers are now Liverpool, although the Reds are seven points behind and have played a game more. They sit in England’s final Europa League spot after cruising to a 3-0 success over Newcastle United. Maxi Rodriguez opened the scoring, via a cruel deflection off Danny Simpson in the ninth minute. Dirk Kuyt continued his rich vein of scoring form, scoring a penalty after Mike Williamson dumped Luis Suarez to the ground. Sizzling Suarez bagged the third with 25 minutes to go and the good times seem to be back at Anfield. Only Chelsea and Manchester United have gathered more points than Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish took over in January.
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| DECISIVE: Martin Olsson celebrates his pivotal winner for Blackburn |
There was plenty of pride and passion from Wigan at the weekend, but they only picked up a 1-1 draw against Everton, on a weekend when they probably needed the three points. Charles N’Zogbia smashed Wigan into a first half lead, but Mikel Arteta dragged Everton level after a stupid handball from Hugo Rodallega in the penalty box. Ali Al-Habsi saved an Arteta penalty in the first half, so the result could have been even worse for Wigan. At Ewood Park, Bolton’s poor away form continued, allowing Blackburn to record a 1-0 win and their first maximum three points in the league since January 22. Martin Olsson scored the decisive goal in the first half, which eases some of the pressure on Steve Kean. The first ever 0-0 draw in the Premiership at Bloomfield Road happened on Saturday. There was little to report from the Blackpool v Stoke game, as both teams attacking was poor and defences ended up well on top.
In the academic matches, West Brom beat Aston Villa 2-1 to record their first win against the Villains in the league since 1985, when ‘Easy Lover’ by Phil Collins was no.1 in the music charts! Yusuf Mulumbu wrapped up the victory for Albion, despite Paul Scharner seeing red for a rugby tackle on Villa captain Stilian Petrov. Meanwhile, Gary McAllister is still in charge of Villa, as Gerard Houillier continues his recovery at home, having now been released from hospital. Lastly, goals from Gael Kakuta and two from Simon Davies pushed Fulham to a 3-0 win at Sunderland, who always looked like enduring a tough afternoon at home, with no first-choice recognised striker fit to play.
Next Sunday, all eyes are on the title showdown: Manchester United v Chelsea! BRING IT ON!
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