20 years of the FA Premier League - Part 1

1992/93

THE new football revolution began in August 1992, when the 22 leading clubs in England broke away from the Football league to create the FA Premier League.  With a massive new live television deal with BSKYB, bigger sponsors and higher transfer fees, the English game changed forever.  The honour of scoring the first ever Premiership goal fell to Sheffield United’s Brian Deane.  Deane scored after five minutes in his side’s 2-1 win over Manchester United.  Title favourites Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at home to Norwich City on the opening weekend, losing 4-2 and only ending a disappointing 10^th in the final table.  Under Jack Walker’s millions, Blackburn Rovers were a fine 4^th in their first season in the top flight, with new English record signing Alan Shearer scoring 15 goals before a serious knee injury on Boxing Day 1992 ended his season prematurely.  Top scorer was Teddy Sheringham, who netted Sky’s first live televised goal in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 opening weekend success over Liverpool.  A week later, Sheringham moved to Tottenham and scored another 21 goals and with it, Forest lost all direction and form.  The late, great Brian Clough decided to retire from football management, but his legacy was clouded by relegation, after an emotional final home game at the City Ground; Forest beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United on May 1.  Afterwards, Clough admitted his side hadn’t been good enough to stay up.  Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace also went down, as unfancied Oldham Athletic pulled off a remarkable run of three wins at the end of the season.  Joe Royle’s team beat Southampton 4-3 on a dramatic final day to stay afloat.  Palace lost 3-0 on the final day at Highbury to drop out of the league, relegated by an Ian Wright hat-trick.  Despite their league failings, Arsenal did manage a cup double, beating Sheffield Wednesday in both FA Cup and League Cup finals.  It was QPR who ended up as London’s top finishers, winding up a creditable fifth.  Fellow London side Chelsea sacked Ian Porterfield in February, after failing to win in 12 matches between December and February.  Unfortunately for Porterfield, he became the first manager to lose their job at this level.  Another club who struggled were defending champions Leeds United.  They sold Eric Cantona to Manchester United in November for £1.2million and proceeded to finish a dire 18^th; failing to win an away match all season.  At the top, Manchester United held off stiff challenges from Aston Villa and Norwich City to win their first title in 26 years.  The title was secured by Villa’s shock 1-0 home loss to Oldham on May 2.  One evening later, Old Trafford partied in style with a 3-1 triumph over Blackburn the crowning glory.  Alex Ferguson’s men eventually finished ten points clear at the end of the season.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Aston Villa, 3^rd: Norwich City, 4^th: Blackburn Rovers, 5^th: QPR, 6^th: Liverpool, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: Manchester City, 10^th: Arsenal

RELEGATED: Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest

BIGGEST WIN: Blackburn Rovers 7-1 Norwich City (3 October 1992)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Oldham Athletic 5-3 Nottingham Forest (22 August 1992), Oldham Athletic 6-2 Wimbledon (3 April 1993), Liverpool 6-2 Tottenham (8 May 1993)

TOP SCORERS: Sheringham (Tottenham) 22, Ferdinand (QPR) 20, Holdsworth (Wimbledon) 19, Quinn (Coventry) 17, Shearer (Blackburn) 16, White (Manchester City) 16, Cantona (Manchester United) 15, Wright (Arsenal) 15, Le Tissier (Southampton) 15, Robins (Norwich City) 15

1993/94

AFTER their success in 1992/93, Manchester United went onto dominate the following season, although a mid-season wobble did almost throw away the title.  Having signed Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest in the close season, United looked awesome in the first half of the season.  Keane’s gritty determination, combined with the pace of Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis and the natural finishing from Mark Hughes and Eric Cantona meant they established a 15 point lead at the turn of the year.  Norwich City, Leeds United and Arsenal made sporadic challenges, but the only sustained threat came from Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn Rovers.  With Alan Shearer back to full fitness, Blackburn closed United down and capitalised on a dip in form from Ferguson’s side.  A 2-0 win at Ewood Park against the champions in April put Blackburn within striking distance.  However, a draw at home to QPR and defeats at Southampton and Coventry City ultimately meant the late surge didn’t happen.  The defeat at Highfield Road on May 2 ensured back-to-back titles for United, without kicking a ball to do it.  They beat Chelsea 4-0 in a one-sided FA Cup final to complete the double.  Newcastle United joined the Premiership fold and Kevin Keegan’s entertainers finished an excellent third in the table.  Andy Cole was in red hot form all season, finishing top scorer with a stunning 34 league goals.  One of Cole’s former sides, Arsenal had a better finish, with Ian Wright once again showing his predator striking class.  The Gunners ended the campaign 4^th and with the best defence in the league, only shipping 28 goals to opposition teams.  Graeme Souness’s miserable reign at Anfield came to an end in January, when he was sacked after a dismal FA Cup defeat at home to lowly Bristol City.  Liverpool finished a poor 8^th in the table, but did produce the comeback of the season on January 4, recovering from 3-0 down inside 21 minutes at home to Manchester United and rescuing a 3-3 draw.  Souness wasn’t the only manager to lose his job this season, with similar fates befalling Peter Reid (Manchester City), Bobby Gould (Coventry City) and Ian Branfoot (Southampton).  Swindon Town went straight back down after just one season, conceding a record 100 league goals in the process.  Relegation also befell Oldham before the final games, but the final day turned into a relegation dogfight between Everton, Southampton, Ipswich and Sheffield United.  Everton stormed back from 2-0 down to beat Wimbledon 3-2 and survive by the skin of their teeth.  Ultimately, Mark Stein’s last minute winner for Chelsea against Sheffield United sealed a 3-2 win and sent Dave Bassett’s team down, despite having been as high as 15^th, two weeks before the season’s end.  However, 93/94 belonged to one team only; Manchester United. 

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Blackburn Rovers, 3^rd: Newcastle United, 4^th: Arsenal, 5^th: Leeds United, 6^th: Wimbledon, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Liverpool, 9^th: QPR, 10^th: Aston Villa

RELEGATED: Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town

BIGGEST WIN: Newcastle United 7-1 Swindon Town (11 March 1994)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Norwich City 4-5 Southampton (9 April 1994), Everton 6-2 Swindon Town (15 January 1994), Oldham Athletic 2-5 Manchester United (29 December 1993)

TOP SCORERS: Cole (Newcastle) 34, Shearer (Blackburn) 31, Le Tissier (Southampton) 25, Sutton (Norwich City) 25, Wright (Arsenal) 23, Beardsley (Newcastle) 21, Bright (Sheffield Wednesday) 19, Cantona (Manchester United) 18, Wallace (Leeds) 17, Holdsworth (Wimbledon) 17, Ferdinand (QPR) 16, Cottee (Everton) 16, Campbell (Arsenal) 14, Rush (Liverpool) 14, Sheringham (Tottenham) 14

1994/95

HAVING come close the previous season, Blackburn stated their intentions in pre-season by breaking the English transfer record to sign Chris Sutton from Norwich City.  Together with Alan Shearer, the pair formed the deadly SAS partnership which would eventually spearhead Blackburn to their first championship in 81 years and in dramatic circumstances too.  Going into the final day, Rovers were two points clear of Manchester United, but were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at Anfield.  A win at Upton Park against West Ham would have been enough for the Red Devils, but some inspired Ludek Miklosko goalkeeping and wasteful finishing meant a 1-1 draw was not enough.  So, despite conceding to Jamie Redknapp’s injury time free-kick, Blackburn fans celebrated losing a match!  Shearer’s goal tally left him as top scorer and Tim Sherwood lifted the trophy afloat on a glorious May afternoon.  The season was to be dogged by many bad headlines which dragged football’s publicity down the gutter.  Dennis Wise was jailed for assaulting a taxi driver, Chris Armstrong failed a drugs test, Paul Merson had time off the game after admitting to excessive gambling and cocaine addiction and Eric Cantona was suspended for eight months after his famous kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park.  The temperament of the fantastic Frenchman had always been questioned and this time, it cost Manchester United.  Despite scoring five goals in one match against Ipswich, Andy Cole’s shock £7million move from Newcastle in January turned into an expensive flop for many Manchester United supporters.  A match-fixing scandal also gripped the game this season, with Bruce Grobbelaar, Hans Segers and John Fashanu all accused of taking money to fix matches.  All three would end up being acquitted.  Arsenal manager George Graham was sacked in disgrace in February and banned from the game for a year, after taking illegal transfer bungs for the signature of hopeless Danish midfielder John Jensen.  With the Premier League being reduced to 20 clubs from the following season onwards, there was increased pressure on managers throughout the season.  Phil Neal (Coventry), Ron Atkinson (Aston Villa) and Mike Walker (Everton) all lost their jobs during the season, due to the intense relegation scrap.  Ultimately, it was a miserable season for East Anglia with both Ipswich and Norwich City being relegated.  Norwich had started 1995 in 7^th position, but only one win in the second half of the season sealed their fate.  Crystal Palace and Leicester made instant returns to the Football League, but the other club that came up, Nottingham Forest, finished a brilliant 3^rd, having gone 12 games unbeaten at the start of the season.  Tottenham fans also had Jurgen Klinsmann to cheer on this season, as he scored on his debut, with a famous celebratory dive against Sheffield Wednesday.  Klinsmann guided Tottenham to 7^th and won the Football Writers award before returning home to Germany at the end of the season.

CHAMPIONS: Blackburn Rovers, 2^nd: Manchester United, 3^rd: Nottingham Forest, 4^th: Liverpool, 5^th: Leeds United, 6^th: Newcastle United, 7^th: Tottenham, 8^th; QPR, 9^th: Wimbledon, 10^th: Southampton

RELEGATED: Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 9-0 Ipswich Town (4 March 1995)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Manchester United 9-0 Ipswich Town (4 March 1995), Aston Villa 7-1 Wimbledon (11 February 1995), Sheffield Wednesday 1-7 Nottingham Forest (1 April 1995)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Blackburn) 34, Fowler (Liverpool) 25, Ferdinand (QPR) 24, Collymore (Nottingham Forest) 22, Cole (Newcastle & Manchester United) 21, Klinsmann (Tottenham) 20, Le Tissier (Southampton) 19, Sheringham (Tottenham) 18, Wright (Arsenal) 18, Sutton (Blackburn) 15

1995/96

THE primary title contenders in 1995/96 were Manchester United and Newcastle United.  Newcastle topped the table from day one and after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on January 19, established a staggering 12 point lead over the men from Manchester United.  United started the season poorly, having sold Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis and still missing Eric Cantona through suspension.  They lost 3-1 at Aston Villa on the opening day, giving Alan Hansen the chance to say ‘you can’t win anything with kids.’  Defeats at Liverpool, Leeds and 4-1 at Tottenham on New Year’s Day left United with a mountain to climb, but Cantona quickly turned the title battle into a one man crusade.  He inspired his team to an amazing run of results in the spring, which saw Newcastle’s lead disappear.  On March 4, the Frenchman scored the only goal of the game at St. James Park to make Manchester United title favourites.  A month later and Newcastle lost the greatest game in FA Premier League history; 4-3 at Liverpool, thanks to a stoppage time winner from Stan Collymore.  Despite a 3-1 loss at Southampton a week later, which was blamed on hideous grey away shirts, Ferguson’s side turned on the screw.  He started playing mind games, questioning Leeds outstanding performance at Old Trafford in mid-April and the scheduling of a Nottingham Forest v Newcastle fixture near a Stuart Pearce testimonial at the end of the season.  Kevin Keegan responded live on Sky Sports, losing his rag after an away win at Leeds on April 29.  The ‘I will love it if we beat them!’ rant has gone down in folklore, but no more.  Ian Woan scored a brilliant late goal to earn Nottingham Forest a point against Newcastle three days later and Manchester United completed the job with a comfortable 3-0 away win on the last day at Middlesbrough.  Four points was the difference at the end of the season and with the prominence of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford, such as Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, a new generation of dominance began to blossom.  Whilst United were rejoicing, it was misery for their Manchester rivals, Manchester City.  A 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool on the final day of the season was not enough to keep them in the Premiership.  It was heartbreak for Alan Ball in his first season in charge at Maine Road; his side not recovering from a dismal start.  QPR and Bolton Wanderers also lost their fight against the drop.  Defending champions Blackburn never looked a factor all season, but Alan Shearer still ended top scorer again as they finished a poor 7^th, not helped by Kenny Dalglish’s decision to step aside after the title glory of the previous May.  Meanwhile, Liverpool broke the British transfer record to lure Stan Collymore to Anfield from Nottingham Forest.  He and Robbie Fowler began a formidable partnership which shot Liverpool to third place.  Chelsea had another unspectacular season, but an 11^th place finish was enough to convince England to appoint Glenn Hoddle as Terry Venables successor after Euro 96! 

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Newcastle United, 3^rd: Liverpool, 4^th: Aston Villa, 5^th: Arsenal, 6^th: Everton, 7^th: Blackburn Rovers, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: Nottingham Forest, 10^th: West Ham United

RELEGATED: Manchester City, QPR, Bolton Wanderers

BIGGEST WIN: Blackburn Rovers 7-0 Nottingham Forest (18 November 1995)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 Leeds United (16 December 1995), Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (3 April 1996), Southampton 3-4 Nottingham Forest (19 August 1995)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Blackburn) 31, Fowler (Liverpool) 28, Ferdinand (Newcastle) 25, Yorke (Aston Villa) 17, Kanchelskis (Everton) 16, Sheringham (Tottenham) 16, Wright (Arsenal) 15, Armstrong (Tottenham) 15, Cantona (Manchester United) 14, Dublin (Coventry City) 14

1996/97

MANCHESTER United achieved their fourth title in five years, but struggled to show any superiority throughout the season.  Luckily, all their nearest challengers had stuttering campaigns, which meant Alex Ferguson’s side got over the line, once again by not playing.  Despite 17-year old sensation Michael Owen coming off the bench to score at Wimbledon, Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at Selhurst Park, combined with Newcastle’s 0-0 stalemate at West Ham was enough for Ferguson’s side to be crowned the best in the land again.  This was despite a horrifying six days in October, which saw his champions lose 5-0 at Newcastle and then, 6-3 to Southampton.  Liverpool established a five point lead at the turn of the year, but threw the advantage away, with costly defeats at Aston Villa (1-0) in March and Coventry (1-2) in April.  Roy Evans side had only themselves to blame, with David James guilty of several high profile blunders in the run-in.  In the end, they finished only fourth, when title glory could have been theirs.  Newcastle suffered a huge shock when Kevin Keegan resigned at the beginning of January; the previous season’s toil had taken his stress levels to new extremes.  Kenny Dalglish took up the reins and despite a leaky defence, qualified for the Champions League with a 5-0 battering of Nottingham Forest on the final day.  Newcastle also managed to persuade Alan Shearer home to Tyneside, in a record £15million move from Blackburn Rovers at the start of the season.  However, his partnership with Les Ferdinand didn’t quite blossom as many expected, due to injuries.  Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal in September and guided his ageing Gunners side to third place, with Ian Wright once again scoring goals for fun.  Chelsea went global, by signing Gianfranco Zola.  Zola’s impact was instant when he moved from Parma in November, walking away with the Football Writers award at the end of the season.  Ruud Gullit’s side finished sixth and won the FA Cup, lifting the gloom over the Bridge, as they had to deal with the tragic death of club director Matthew Harding in a helicopter crash on the way back from a Coca Cola Cup tie at Bolton in late October.  Another side who spent the money were Middlesbrough, with Emerson and Fabrizio Ravanelli arriving at a colourful Riverside Stadium.  The season turned into a nightmare for Boro, as they lost in both domestic cup finals and were docked three points for failing to fulfil a fixture at Blackburn on December 20, claiming they had 21 players out through illness and injury!!  Consequently, they were also relegated, despite Juninho’s heroics at Leeds on the final day of the season.  Incredibly, Coventry City beat Tottenham 2-1 at White Hart Lane to stay up against the odds, with Sunderland going straight back down after a 1-0 defeat at Wimbledon.  Wimbledon themselves finished a creditable 8^th, having strung together a 20-game unbeaten run at one stage in all competitions.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Newcastle United, 3^rd: Arsenal, 4^th: Liverpool, 5^th: Aston Villa, 6^th: Chelsea, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Wimbledon, 9^th: Leicester City, 10^th: Tottenham

RELEGATED: Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest

BIGGEST WIN: Newcastle United 7-1 Tottenham Hotspur (28 December 1996)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Southampton 6-3 Manchester United (26 October 1996), Everton 7-1 Southampton (16 November 1996), Chelsea 6-2 Sunderland (16 March 1997)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Newcastle) 25, Wright (Arsenal) 23, Solskjaer (Manchester United) 18, Fowler (Liverpool) 18, Yorke (Aston Villa) 17, Ferdinand (Newcastle) 16, Ravanelli (Middlesbrough) 16, Le Tissier (Southampton) 13, Dublin (Coventry City) 13, Bergkamp (Arsenal) 12, Juninho (Middlesbrough), Collymore (Liverpool) 12, Claridge (Leicester) 12, Cantona (Manchester United) 11 

Barclays Premiership season review (Part 2) Club-by-club

West Brom

ROY Hodgson was appointed manager of West Brom in February.  Despite losing 13 out of 16 games between November 1 and February 6, Roberto di Matteo’s dismissal was a gamble by the Albion board.  However, it turned into a shrewd move.  Di Matteo’s inexperience at the top level cost him, whilst the experience Hodgson has at the top level steered West Brom clear of trouble.  He had a point to prove after the Liverpool experience, but he should never have been doubted.  Hodgson was able to provide a perfect balance between attack and defence.  West Brom produced some sterling results during the campaign.  They won at the Emirates, drew at Old Trafford, thrashed Everton 4-1 at Goodison in November and beat Liverpool at home.  Lows included a 6-0 thumping by a rampant Chelsea on the opening weekend and a 3-1 loss at bitter rivals Wolves in May, which ultimately helped keep Wolves in the Premiership.  For once, Albion provided the consistency required staying at the top level, and Roy Hodgson has given them a solid platform for which he can build on next season.

HIGHS: A flying start to the season under Roberto di Matteo and comfortable survival under the guidance of Roy Hodgson

LOWS: A 6-0 thumping at Chelsea on the opening day of the season and a 3-1 reverse at bitter rivals Wolves in May

Newcastle United      

NEWCASTLE United have always had a tendency to provide drama in any previous Premiership campaign, but by their standards, it was a quiet and solid season.  However, they did sack Chris Hughton controversially in December.  Hughton was not being offered a new contract and was ditched, despite lying a comfortable 12^th in the table at the time.  He had steered the club to a 6-0 win over Aston Villa, a memorable 5-1 hammering of rivals Sunderland and a shock victory at the Emirates.  Mike Ashley was criticised for bringing in Alan Pardew, who has struggled at the top level in the past, with both Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.  However, Pardew defined the critics with a debut victory over Liverpool, and Newcastle never looked in any relegation trouble, finishing a comfortable midtable in the league.  Their fans will be disappointed though by being pipped in the league by Sunderland.  Under Pardew, they came from 4-0 down at home to Arsenal and produce the greatest comeback in Premiership history, to earn a 4-4 draw.  Chiock Tiote’s 90^th minute screamer saw the roof almost come off St. James Park. 

Andy Carroll was sold to Liverpool for £35million, so there is money to spend next season and the Magpies supporters will demand that money to be spent wisely and progress to continue.

HIGHS: Coming from 4-0 down to rescue a 4-4 draw with Arsenal and the 5-1 home hammering of Sunderland

LOWS: Sacking Chris Hughton, selling Andy Carroll and being beaten in the final league table by Sunderland

Stoke City                        

IF STOKE fans had been offered a place in the FA Cup final and comfortably in midtable in the Premiership at the start of the season; they will have bitten your hands off!  However, 13^th place is a poor reflection on a side that deserved a top-half finish, certainly more than Aston Villa or Sunderland.  Tony Pulis side never looked in relegation danger, although it took till the middle of April to totally banish those fears.  They did lose their first three games of the season, but then a 2-1 late win against Villa in September was the platform for another amazing campaign.  Robert Huth became a major goalscoring threat, Jonathan Walters was the best player to be signed outside of the top flight and Jermaine Pennant looks revitalised and finally at home, after a career that looked like it was stalling into reverse gear.  Stoke don’t have any world class players, but are a brilliant team unit, who play to their strengths.  That can be seen as an ugly way of playing football, but it is effective and Pulis often has a Plan B of the attractive route, should Plan A not work.  Beating Liverpool and Arsenal at home were the result highs, whilst heavy losses against West Ham and Manchester City were the lows of the campaign.  If Stoke want to break out of the midfield group in the table, they must improve their away form.  Three wins this season on the road (Newcastle, West Brom and Blackburn) is not good enough, and spoils their season.  At the Britannia, only Manchester United, Tottenham and Blackpool won and if anything, it is one of the hardest grounds around to get a positive result for visiting sides.  Steady progress for a likeable club. 

HIGHS: A glorious run to the FA Cup final, reviving Jermaine Pennant's career and impressive home wins over Arsenal and Liverpool

LOWS: General inconsistency, especially on the road, which cost them a better finish

Bolton Wanderers

OWEN Coyle has got Bolton playing his brand of football and now, the Reebok Stadium doesn’t always akin itself to a wrestling match.  Gone are the physical abuse Bolton could give teams, and although still a strength, Coyle has got his style embedded into the squad and it worked for most of the season.  Consequently, 14^th place doesn’t merit their efforts this season, which saw Bolton closer to Europe than a predicted relegation dogfight for the majority of the campaign.  In fact, before the FA Cup semi-final, Bolton looked comfortable in 8^th, so this highlights their loss in confidence and form after the shameful 5-0 battering at the hands of Stoke City at Wembley.  Finally, Johan Elmander looked like a potential goal threat, after a load of underachievement under the previous regime.  However, he has moved onto Galatasaray in the close season.  Coyle’s best signing was the loan acquisition of Daniel Sturridge on deadline day from Chelsea.  Frozen out at Stamford Bridge, Sturridge loved first-team football in Lancashire and scored goals on a regular basis.  I would imagine Bolton will try to do another loan deal for next season, after his impressive form in the second half of the season.  This was an encouraging season for Bolton and despite the final league position, its upwards and onwards for Owen Coyle and the Trotters.

HIGHS: The loan signing of Daniel Sturridge, beating Tottenham 4-2 in November and a more attractive style of football

LOWS: The FA Cup semi-final humiliation at the hands of Stoke, which saw their season never recover afterwards

Blackburn Rovers       

NEW owners for Blackburn, but they already aren’t greatly popular with the fans and a fatal decision nearly ended their decade stay in the Premiership.  The club were sitting a comfortable 11^th when they travelled to Bolton on December 12.  A last-minute Stuart Holden strike gave Bolton a 2-1 triumph and 24 hours later, the Indian new boys sacked Sam Allardyce.  It was a baffling and strange decision, and it angered a lot of people within the game.  The relatively unknown Steve Kean was given the chance to manage the club and initially, things started well.  A league double over West Brom and a handsome 3-1 home success over Liverpool gave Rovers fans a glimmer of new hope.  However, a diabolical run of form after beating West Brom 2-0 on January 23 saw the Lancashire side drop from 7^th to 16^th.  Luckily, a 1-0 win over Bolton at home in late April steadied a very rocky boat.  Nevertheless, it took until the last day for Blackburn’s safety to be confirmed.  They did this with an impressive first half display at Molineux, which had them 3-0 up at half-time, eventually winning 3-2.  This came on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United, on the day United clinched their record-breaking championship.  The form of Paul Robinson and the emergence of Junior Hoillett were the positive points of a difficult campaign for Blackburn.  Having sold Phil Jones to Manchester United for £17million, there is money in the bank, so the supporters will be expecting it to be spent wisely or the club will disintegrate in the near future. 

As for Steve Kean, he has a point to prove at the start of next season; to show he really is the right man for the Ewood Park hotseat.

HIGHS: The emergence of Junior Hoillett, Paul Robinson's consistency and a stunning first half display at Molineux on the last day of the seasonLOWS: Sacking Sam Allardyce, the worst decision of the entire season! 

WolvesA STUNNING 87^th minute strike from Stephen Hunt was enough for Wolves to survive in the Premiership by the skin of their teeth.  They still lost 3-2 at Blackburn on the last day, but scored more goals than Birmingham to keep themselves afloat.  It was a character building season for Mick McCarthy, who steered the club to some of its most memorable results in its history, yet witness some shambolic performances elsewhere, particularly on the road (3-0 at Stoke, 4-1 at Newcastle, 3-0 at Blackburn).  They won at Anfield against Liverpool in December and at Molineux, beat the top three fair and square; Manchester City (2-1 in October), Chelsea (1-0 in January) and Manchester United (2-1 in February), as well as a thrilling 3-3 draw with Tottenham in March.  However, their form against the clubs around them was disastrous.  They picked up 0 points against Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan, only 1 against West Ham and 3 collected in the meetings with Blackpool.  Amongst the great were the ugly moments.  Karl Henry’s x-rated challenge on Bobby Zamora, which broke Zamora’s ankle, received widespread criticism in a match with Fulham, as did a similar challenge which saw the quickest dismissal of the season; inside ten minutes in a 2-0 loss at Wigan in October.  Henry can’t play football; it’s as simple as that.  Steven Fletcher was a good buy and scored some crucial goals in the run-in, particularly his memorable double in the 3-1 result against West Brom.  On the final day, Wolves were lucky, but for the results they collected this season against the big boys, they thoroughly deserved their place in the top flight next season.

HIGHS: Beating Liverpool at Anfield and deserved home successes against the top three (Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City

LOWS: Poor results against the teams around them and Karl Henry's inability to time a tackle correctly!

Wigan Athletic            

TWO nil down against West Ham in the penultimate game of the season, and it looked like the game was up for Roberto Martinez and Wigan Athletic.  However, they produced a stunning comeback, led by the inspirational Charles N’Zogbia.  The last-minute winner from the Frenchman sent the DW Stadium into raptures and gave the club a fighting chance on the final day of the season.  They followed those heroics with a professional display at Stoke and Hugo Rodallega’s priceless 77^th minute header, which won the game and kept the smallest club in the Premiership for a fanbase, up for a seventh successive season.  Martinez has to be praised for never losing his spirit, especially as they were written on (including me) on several occasions this season.  He wants to play attractive football, which sometimes asks for trouble, especially against the top elite.  However, Wigan had the ability to grind out some priceless results, win ugly or win by playing brilliant and ultimately, that’s why they stayed up and Blackpool didn’t.  After a 0-4 demolition at home against Blackpool on the opening weekend, followed by Chelsea’s 6-0 annihilation the following week, the writing looked on the wall for Wigan.  A week later, Rodallega stole a shock 1-0 win at Tottenham, which in a way, summed up their season – being able to produce some unexpected results.  Two draws against Liverpool and an epic 5-3 triumph over Blackburn in February back this opinion up.  Martinez will find it tough to hold on to his star assets this summer, notably Rodallega, N’Zogbia and Maynor Figueroa.  However, he defied the odds this time around, and don’t be surprised to find Wigan doing it again same time next season.

HIGHS: A sensational final day victory at Stoke which saw the club beat the drop against the odds

LOWS: Kamikaze defending which led to some batterings, particularly at the hands of Blackpool and Chelsea

Birmingham City

ALEX McLeish has resigned and looks set to be appointed as the new boss of Midlands rivals Aston Villa.  To be honest, you can’t blame him.  McLeish clearly has had several disagreements with the board at St. Andrews, so the way he has left the club can’t be seen as surprising, if definitely acrimonious.  Birmingham got a case of Second Season Syndrome, and the club were relegated by a 2-1 loss at Tottenham on the last day of the season.  All this came after their greatest day at Wembley at the end of February.  Obafemi Martins 89^th minute winner snatched the Carling Cup final against the overwhelming favourites, Arsenal.  Afterwards, poor form and a shocking injury list took its toll on the Blues, who only won two of their last 11 Premiership games.  Ultimately, it is the players who need to take the blame.  Once Scott Dann got injured in January, Birmingham’s previously steady backline looked shaky for the reminder of the campaign.  In midfield, Sebastian Larsson had a poor season, while Jean Beausejour failed to shine on his impressive World Cup form he showed with Chile.  Nikola Zigic might have scored in the Carling Cup final, but was a real letdown and Birmingham simply didn’t score enough goals.  My advice to teams for next season, DON’T WIN THE CARLING CUP!  Birmingham certainly have the quality to bounce straight back up and can look forward to playing in the UEFA Europa League this season.  However, I bet they’d swap it all for another season in the Premiership.  It was a sorry tale of dismay in the Blue half of the Midlands.

HIGHS: Winning the Carling Cup final

LOWS: Winning the Carling Cup final

Blackpool 

BLACKPOOL may have dropped straight back into the Championship, but they won many fans throughout their epic journey this season and the club will be missed in the Premiership next season.  Ian Holloway offered colour, charisma and panache on the touchline, and his post and pre-match press conferences were always a joy to listen to.  Holloway has a strong opinion on almost any topic in the game and is the perfect interviewee for any budding sports journalist out there.  Whether he will stay at Blackpool remains to be seen; I hope he does.  Like Roberto Martinez, Holloway opted to play the attractive football route and refused to back down after a negative display which saw them overwhelmed 4-0 at Chelsea in September.  However, it ultimately was to be their downfall.  Blackpool could only win matches playing attractively, not ugly and having the worst defensive record in the Premiership didn’t help.  The fans will never forget a league double over Liverpool, an impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham and stunning away victories at Wigan, Newcastle and Sunderland.  However, their inability to hold onto leading positions, throwing away 2-0 leads against Manchester United, Bolton and Blackburn during the campaign ultimately cost them.  Charlie Adam was the Tangerines star player and I’d expect him to be in the Premiership next season, with Liverpool and Tottenham favourites for his signature.  Although it ended with the crushing low of relegation, Blackpool fans shouldn’t be too downhearted.  It was a journey their supporters will never forget.

HIGHS: Ian Holloway, Charlie Adam, more Ian Holloway, their supporters, beating Liverpool (TWICE!) and Ian Holloway

LOWS: The worst defensive record in the Premiership, which turned out to be very costly.

West Ham United

UPTON Park looked more like a pantomime performance at the London Palladium this season.  David Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady have come in to run the club, and have turned it into the new ‘Newcastle,’ i.e.; the laughing stock of English football.  After crushing Gianfranco Zola’s morale, they’ve now ruined Avram Grant’s reputation and treated him very unprofessionally.  Grant was sacked after relegation was confirmed, and although he kept his dignity throughout a nightmare experience, I bet he has been scarred forever by the haunting campaign at Upton Park.  After a 3-0 loss at home to Arsenal in January, Grant threw his claret scarf into the crowd, which suggested he had been fired.  However, Martin O’Neill turned his back on the job and Avram was given a stay of execution.  Not even a run to the Carling Cup semi-finals, FA Cup quarter-finals, the return from injury for Thomas Hitzlsperger and the incredible form of Scott Parker could prevent the inevitable happening for the Hammers.  They were bottom at Christmas and bottom at the end of the season.  Brady got into a slanging match over the sexism Sky Sports row in January, which didn’t help matters within harmony in the board.  The loan signings of Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge turned into absolutely disastrous deals.  Sam Allardyce has taken over the reins, and he will do well to keep his patience with an impatient board behind him.  It is a poisoned chalice at Upton Park.  Of course, I feel sorry for the fans, but ultimately, West Ham got what they deserved this season and they won’t be missed in the top flight next season.

HIGHS: None

LOWS: Everything

Survival Sunday - How it happened

YESTERDAY, the tightest relegation battle in the history of the FA Premier League took place and the nerves were intense.  It was a day full of joy, agony, ecstasy and of course, tears.  Here is how it all happened in the four affected games, as Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic fought for survival in the top flight.

22 minutes:        Manchester United 1-0 Blackpool

The first breakthrough of a critical afternoon comes at Old Trafford.  Korean Ji-Sung Park pounces on some sloppy defending by Ian Evatt to have the champions infront.  Blackpool face a huge battle now. 

24 minutes:        Wolves 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Wolves are looking very nervous and deservedly fall behind at home.  Jason Roberts turns in Michel Salgado’s shot from seven yards out.  It’s a big goal for Blackburn, in their quest to beat the drop.

40 minutes:        Wolves 0-2 Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn’s supporters can breathe a sigh of relief, as Brett Emerton fires the visitors into a deserved 2-0 lead.  It’s a beautiful volley from outside the penalty area, but Wolves defending is simply comical.

41 minutes:        Manchester United 1-1 Blackpool

Blackpool will not go down without a fight and their talisman is at it again.  Charlie Adam’s well-placed free-kick leaves Edwin van der Sar, in his farewell Old Trafford appearance stranded.  The Tangerines supporters begin to believe.

FIRST HALF STOPPAGE TIME:      Wolves 0-3 Blackburn Rovers

Wolves will be relying on other results now, as their defence is showing more accidents that what a traditional episode of Holby City does!  Junior Hoillett makes it 3-0 to complete Mick McCarthy’s nightmare scenario.

49 minutes:        Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Birmingham City

Disaster for Birmingham City, as Spurs substitute Roman Pavyluchenko curls home a strike past the despairing Ben Foster.  As things stand, Birmingham will be heading for the Npower Championship.

57 minutes:        Manchester United 1-2 Blackpool

Gary Taylor-Fletcher beats the offside trap to flick in David Vaughan’s cross and have Blackpool ahead at the Theatre of Dreams.  The ‘Impossible Dream’ of survival for Ian Holloway is now looking like the ‘Probable Dream.’

63 minutes:        Manchester United 2-2 Blackpool

Blackpool return to the brink, as Anderson pulls Manchester United level with a left-footed drive.

72 minutes:        Wolves 1-3 Blackburn Rovers

Jamie O’Hara gives Wolves some hope at Molineux, not so much in the game, but more on the goal difference count.  However, the home side still remain in the bottom three at this stage.

75 minutes:        Manchester United 3-2 Blackpool

Ian Evatt will want the ground to swallow him up.  He slices a clearance into the back of his own net, and with it, Blackpool drop back into the relegation zone.  Is the fairytale dying?

77 minutes:        Stoke City 0-1 Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez’s tactics have been spot-on, and now Wigan can have the security of a priceless lead at the Britannia.  Maynor Figueroa’s beautiful cross is met perfectly by the head of Hugo Rodallega.  The reaction from the Wigan players says it all.

78 minutes:        Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Birmingham City

Birmingham’s supporters are going wild at White Hart Lane, as Craig Gardner produces a stunning blot from the blue.  Carlo Cudicini had no chance, and Wolves join Blackpool in the dreaded drop zone.

81 minutes:        Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool

Blackpool’s high offside trap is exposed by the champions.  Michael Owen’s cool finish, in his final game for the club seals the Seasiders fate.  Despite winning over many neutrals, Blackpool will NOT be in the top flight next season.

87 minutes:        Wolves 2-3 Blackburn Rovers

This is a goal worthy to keep any side up.  Stephen Hunt produces curls one past Paul Robinson to send the Wolves supporters into delirium.  On goals scored, Birmingham drop below Wolves again in this staggering drama.

STOPPAGE TIME:             Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Birmingham City

Roman Pavyluchenko produces the killer blow.  Birmingham City, Carling Cup winners, will be playing in the UEFA Europa League, representing the Championship.

FT: Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool:                        BLACKPOOL ARE RELEGATED

FT: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Birmingham City:              BIRMINGHAM ARE RELEGATED

FT: Wolves 2-3 Blackburn Rovers                              BOTH BLACKBURN AND WOLVES SURVIVE

FT: Stoke City 0-1 Wigan Athletic                              WIGAN SURVIVE

It was an incredible final day, and one of the most breathtaking seasons in Premiership history is completed.  Commiserations to the fans of Birmingham City and Blackpool, who have to deal with the heartache of being relegated from the top flight, whilst congratulations to Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, for producing the results they required to keep themselves in the Premier League.  Although they were lucky yesterday, Wolves’s victories over Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United over the course of the campaign means that ultimately, they deserve another crack next season.  We only have to wait ten weeks for the drama to happen again!  HURRY UP SUMMER!

FA Barclays Premiership Report (14th - 15th May)

RECORDS and hearts were broken in the penultimate weekend of the Premiership season, which saw Manchester City’s FA Cup win against Stoke City pale into almost total insignificance.

United make it 19

PROOF: Yes, they are champions, AGAIN!

Manchester United made it 19 English league titles, overtaking Liverpool long-standing record with a nervy 1-1 draw at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday lunchtime.  Sir Alex Ferguson took a risk in resting Edwin van der Sar for Thomas Kuszczak and Kuszczak looked totally indecisive in the first half.  He was partly to blame for Rovers opener, which was fired in by Brett Emerton on 20 minutes.  You could tell it was going to be United’s day when Martin Olsson’s header hit the post in the second half.  With 17 minutes remaining and the one point required to clinch the title still deserting them, Javier Hernandez went on a game breaking run.  The Mexican was brought down by Paul Robinson and after some consultation with his linesman; Phil Dowd rightly gave the penalty.  Wayne Rooney kept his cool and scored the penalty.  The full-time whistle bought an element of relief, but more delight as the new champions were crowned.  When Sir Alex first came to Old Trafford in November 1986, the record stood at 18-7 Liverpool.  So, this is no doubt, one of the finest achievement every in the history of football.  It is a 12^th Premiership title in 19 seasons and that also means 12 titles for the amazing Ryan Giggs.  There is no doubt that this team lacks the class and qualities of previous title winning teams, particularly those of 1999 and 2008.  However, you don’t win the title by accident.  Hernandez’s goals, Rooney’s return to form, Vidic and Ferdinand’s partnership at the back, Nani’s radical improvement, the experience of Giggs and Van der Sar all have played their part in this title.  They may only have won five away matches all season, but 17 wins from 18 at Old Trafford have set the stone for another title-winning season.  Plus, think of all the comebacks this season; 2-0 down at Aston Villa in November, 2-0 down at Blackpool in January and 2-0 down at West Ham in April and they turned no points into seven.  That makes the difference between a good side and a championship winning team.  Congratulations to all the players and staff at Manchester United for achieving this piece of history.

Bye-bye West Ham

DISMISSED: Avram Grant gets the sinking feeling at Wigan

In a dramatic and frenetic game at the DW Stadium on Sunday, West Ham’s six-year stay in the Premier League was ended by another second half capitulation.  At half-time against rivals in distress, Wigan, the Hammers were coasting at 2-0 up, courtesy of two headers from Demba Ba.  However, defending that would even shame a pub team saw Wigan turnaround the deficit to win 3-2 and keep alive their hopes of beating the drop alive.  This was the final straw for the West Ham board and manager Avram Grant was sacked shortly after relegation was confirmed.  Charles N’Zogbia was superb for the home side, scoring twice.  The winner came in the fourth minute of stoppage time.  Conor Sammon also netted his first goal in English football, which turned the atmosphere around in the stadium, from one of misery to one of joy.  A win at beaten FA Cup finalists Stoke next Sunday could keep Wigan in the top flight.  For West Ham, the search begins for a new manager, with former England coach Steve McLaren already ruling himself out of the running.  Expect a host of their top players like Scott Parker, Robert Green, Matthew Upson and co to be at alternative clubs next season.   

Birmingham dragged into the mire

Carling Cup winners Birmingham City are now only above the drop zone on goal difference.  They face Tottenham on Sunday knowing that a heavy defeat could seal their fate.  Alex McLeish could only look on in horror, as his side produced a terrible performance at home to Europa League-bound Fulham.  Norwegian Brede Hangeland scored twice to seal a comfortable 2-0 win for Fulham at St. Andrews, only their third away success of the season.  Had Fulham taken all of their chances, they could have won this game by a cricket score, such was their domination.  Even goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer nearly scored from his own goal kick!  Saturday’s results really hurt Birmingham, as Blackpool and Wolves both collected valuable victories.  In a ding-dong match at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool edged out Bolton Wanderers 4-3.  Charlie Adam netted the winner in a seven-goal thriller.  In the North East, Mick McCarthy finally won a match at the Stadium of Light in the Premiership, at the 20^th attempt of asking (he won none as Sunderland boss in 2003, 2005 & 2006!).  Jody Craddock, Steven Fletcher and George Elokobi scored the goals in a 3-1 win at Sunderland.  With Blackburn still in the mix too, it is two sides from five who will drop out of the Premiership come 6pm on Sunday evening.

Spurs move into pole position & the rest of the action

DIPPING: Van der Vaart's precise effort had Spurs on their way

The Europa League showdown at Anfield went Tottenham’s way.  Harry Redknapp’s side beat a lethargic Liverpool 2-0, to move one point clear in fifth spot.  Tottenham know that beating Birmingham on Sunday will guarantee them European football next season, and leave Liverpool out of a continental competition for the first time since 2000.  A brilliant goal from Rafael van der Vaart had the visitors infront on eight minutes.  Luka Modric banged home a second half penalty, which shouldn’t have been given as John Flanagan barged over Steven Pienaar outside the penalty area.  It didn’t even look like much of a foul to be honest.  However, Liverpool looked flat and suffered a deserved first home defeat of 2011.  It is Tottenham’s first league win at Anfield since August 1993.  Chelsea wrapped up the runners-up position at the weekend, despite only managing a 2-2 draw against a battling Newcastle United side at home.  Branislav Ivanovic gave Chelsea the lead inside two minutes; a good volley from Frank Lampard’s corner.  Newcastle’s first equaliser came fortuitously, as Ryan Taylor’s free-kick was deflected in wickedly by his own player, in the form of Jonas Gutierrez.  A dreadful second half only livened up in the last seven minutes.  It looked like Alex had won the game, when the centre-back met Lampard’s free-kick to head home.  However, Fernando Torres stood around in the penalty area and allowed his marker, Steven Taylor to nod home in stoppage time and earn the Magpies a deserved point.

In the other games, Arsenal’s home season ended with another dreary performance.  The summer break can’t come quick enough for the Gunners, who lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa.  Darren Bent scored both goals for the visitors.  At the Hawthorns, West Brom overcame Everton 1-0, courtesy of an early goal from Yusuf Mulumbu.  Diniyar Bilyadetinov was harshly sent off for the Toffees and David Moyes was so incensed, he decided that no Everton representative should speak to the media after the match.  It is West Brom’s first Premier League clean sheet since August.

I will be back next week with a round-up of the final Sunday of the season, plus a comprehensive review on the entire Premiership season.  It is Survival Sunday for Blackburn Rovers, Wolves, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic.

  

FA Barclays Premiership Report (30th April - 1st May)

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.

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 89^th 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 7^th 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.

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!