Premiership greatest goals (Part 3)

THIS third part of a special selection and another ten goals that show just how many quality we have seen in the last 20 years of FA Premier League football;

Didier Drogba - Everton V CHELSEA (December 2006)

WAS this the goal of the season in 2006/07, well it's a contender.  For me, this was Didier Drogba's best season in England and the mercurial Ivorian struck in such stunning fashion against Everton to seal a brilliant comeback win for Mourinho's men.  A magnificent finish and the celebration across the Goodison turf wasn't half bad either.

Thierry Henry - ARSENAL v Tottenham (November 2002)

NORTH London derbies have seen their fair share of spectacular goals.  This was a remarkable solo effort from Thierry Henry, as he ran away from Tottenham's startled defence, finishing supremely, then went off on a long-distance celebration.  Happy days at Highbury for Henry and co, who was never empty on magic and class.  This goal was voted the Goal of the Season by viewers of ITV and it's hard to not to disagree.  Sit back and watch Henry literally go Va Va Voom!

Luc Nillis - ASTON VILLA v Chelsea (August 2000)

ASTON Villa paid big money for tall, Belgian Luc Nillis in the summer of 2000.  On his home debut against Chelsea, he hit a thunderbolt of a goal.  Sadly, an unfortunate collision with Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright in Villa's next match would tragically end Nillis's promising career.  Both incidents are on the video, enjoy the brief moment we saw of Luc in the FA Premier League.

Matt Taylor - Sunderland v PORTSMOUTH (October 2005)

POMPEY's 4-1 win at Sunderland highlighted the gulfing class between the two sides in the top division on this particular season.  The pick of the goals was this sensational strike from long-range specialist, Matt Taylor, from around 45 yards out. 

Juliano Belletti - Middlesbrough v CHELSEA (October 2008)

JULIANO Belletti broke Arsenal hearts in the Champions League final when playing for Barcelona.  He had a tricky spell at Chelsea, but did have a habit of coming up with a special strike from absolutely nowhere.  Here is the best of the bunch; a cracking drive in a 5-0 rout of Middlesbrough, one of the West London's stronger performance in the unhappy reign of Luis Felipe Scolari.

Erik Edman - Liverpool v TOTTENHAM (April 2005)
DOES this goal haunt me?  No, it doesn't, but the scorer really surprises me.  Erik Edman didn't do much in the Premiership for either Tottenham or Wigan.  However, this was a goal in a million, becuase he probably wouldn't be able to do it again if he tried it a hundred times.  From distance, he took aim, fired and left Jerzy Dudek staring into the net wondering; 'How did he do that?'  I think everyone at Anfield that afternoon thought exactly that too.  Stunning from the under-rated Swedish international.


Fernando Torres - LIVERPOOL v Sunderland (March 2010)
MANY Kopites don't appreciate Fernando Torres's decision to leave Liverpool in January for Chelsea but he did provide our fans with some moments of sheer quality and breathtaking genius.  This is my favourite goal he scored for the club; against Sunderland.  It is moments like these that made Roman Abramovich pay £50million for his services.


Wayne Rooney - EVERTON v Arsenal (October 2002)
HE WAS 16 years of age, earning £90 a week and not even a full-time professional when he did this.  Not only did it end Arsenal's ten month unbeaten run in the Premiership, it introduced England and the world to the 'The Next Big Thing.'  As commentator Rob Palmer says; 'Ladies and gentleman, introducing 16-year old Wayne Rooney!'


Gary Cahill - ASTON VILLA v Birmingham City (April 2006)
BOTH sides were in desperate relegation trouble, but this goal would have massive implications for the Second City.  Gary Cahill, an unknown central defender at the time, produced something quite amazing out of nothing.  His bicycle kick won Villa the derby and kept them afloat in the top flight.  Two weeks later, Birmingham were relegated.  Their defence was to blame for some suicidal moments during the season, but no backline stood a chance with this finish.


Daniel Agger - LIVERPOOL v West Ham United (August 2006)
ON THE Kop's 100th birthday, what a way to mark a memorable anniversary.  Daniel Agger's thunderbolt was a special goal on a special day.  The Dane revealing to the Premiership what power he has in his shots.  It certainly wasn't his last goal for Liverpool, but he will do very well to score another just as specatcular for the rest of his career.

20 years of the FA Premier League - Part 4

2007/08

PREMIERSHIP title no.10 arrived for Manchester United on the final day of the season and in fitting fashion too.  Ryan Giggs, who had featured and scored in every Premier League campaign, came off the bench to score the second goal in a 2-0 success at Wigan Athletic.  They held off Chelsea’s challenge, as the Blues drew 1-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers.  More agony faced the West Londoners in the Champions League final; beaten by United on penalties in the Moscow showpiece, which led to Avram Grant’s sacking.  Both established frontrunners had sluggish starts to the season.  The Red Devils failed to win any of their first three matches, while Jose Mourinho resigned from Chelsea in mid-September following some dodgy results and more pressure on transfers from the interfering Roman Abramovich.  For a long while, it looked like the youngsters from Arsenal were going to get over the finish line.  Despite losing Thierry Henry in the summer to Barcelona, the Gunners strolled into an advantage as big as seven points at one stage.  However, a horrific double leg fracture for Croatian striker Eduardo seconds into the match with Birmingham City on February 22 totally derailed their challenge.  Arsene Wenger made some poisonous comments about Birmingham centre-back Martin Taylor, who made the accidental challenge on Eduardo and William Gallas furious reaction to a late penalty for the home side didn’t go down well either.  Arsenal fell away in the final two months, and ultimately slipped to third, but only four points behind the champions.  Chelsea kept piling on the pressure, helped by a crucial 2-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 26, but the form of Cristiano Ronaldo was pivotal to Man Utd’s success.  Ronaldo scored a remarkable 42 goals in all competitions, 31 of these in the Premiership.  They kept their noses infront all the way to the final day win at the JJB Stadium.  Liverpool finished fourth, but had a new hero in Fernando Torres to cheer on.  ‘El Nino,’ scored 24 Premiership goals in his debut season.  At the bottom of the league, Derby County became the first side to be relegated at the end of March and ended up with the worst points tally ever.  They won just one game all season; 1-0 at home to Newcastle United in September.  Under Roy Hodgson, Fulham managed the great escape, with four wins in their last five matches.  Danny Murphy headed a dramatic late winner at Portsmouth on the final weekend, with his winner sending both Reading and Birmingham City down to the Championship, despite both relegated clubs winning big on the final day. 

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

RELEGATED: Reading, Birmingham City, Derby County

BIGGEST WIN: Middlesbrough 8-1 Manchester City (11 May 2008)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Portsmouth 7-4 Reading (30 September 2007), Tottenham Hotspur 6-4 Reading (29 December 2007), Middlesbrough 8-1 Manchester City (11 May 2008)

SCORERS: Ronaldo (Manchester United) 31, Adebayor (Arsenal) 24, Torres (Liverpool) 24, Santa Cruz (Blackburn) 19, Berbatov (Tottenham) 15, Yakubu (Everton) 15, Benjani (Portsmouth & Manchester City) 15, Keane (Tottenham) 15, Tevez (Manchester United) 14, Carew (Aston Villa) 13, Rooney (Manchester United) 12, Defoe (Tottenham & Portsmouth) 12, Gerrard (Liverpool) 11

2008/09

FOR the second time in Premiership history, Manchester United managed to win three successive league titles.  A 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal on the final Saturday of the season was enough to see them over the finishing line.  They were pushed all the way by a much-improved Liverpool side, who recorded their highest ever Premiership points tally on the way to second spot.  Rafa Benitez would lookback on some silly home draws against the likes of Stoke City, Hull City and Fulham which ultimately cost them the title.  Liverpool lost only two games all season (away at Tottenham and Middlesbrough), and held a five point lead at the turn of the year, but a succession of draws in January gave Manchester United the chance to overhaul the lead the Reds had built-up.  Benitez ranted about United’s record of arguing with referees, which made the battle between the two clubs even more personal.  The deciding results were three games in April.  After losing 1-4 at home to Liverpool at Old Trafford, then 2-0 at Fulham the following week, United needed a stoppage time winner from teenager Federico Macheda to beat a fading Aston Villa side 3-2 at the beginning of the month.  A fortnight later, Liverpool dropped points in a pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal, in which Andrei Arshavin scored all four goals for the visitors in a stunning individual performance.  Four days later, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez, Manchester United stormed back from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 5-2 at Old Trafford.  Later results didn’t matter and it was a special title for United, as they equalled Liverpool’s record of 18 league championships.  Chelsea struggled for most of the season and sacked the unpopular Luis Felipe Scolari in February, following a dismal draw at home to Hull City.  Guus Hiddink took temporary charge and improved results helped the men from West London finish third and win the FA Cup.  On transfer deadline day, Manchester City got bought by the Abu Dhabi United group, turning them into one of the richest football clubs in the world.  Although they only finished mid-table this campaign, they showed the flexible wealth by persuading temperamental Robinho to join from Real Madrid in a new British transfer record deal; £32.5million.  It was a terrible season on Tyneside, as Sunderland only just survived, while both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough were relegated.  Newcastle’s demise came under four managers, and not even club legend Alan Shearer could save the club from the drop.  Newcastle’s final day relegation meant despite winning only one of their last 17 matches, Hull City survived.  Cue Phil Brown’s horrific singing!  Tottenham sacked Juande Ramos after only managing two points in their first eight games, but Harry Redknapp left Portsmouth to steer the club to eighth, behind Fulham, who managed seventh and their best ever finish in the top flight.    

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Liverpool 3^rd: Chelsea, 4^th: Arsenal 5^th: Everton, 6^th: Aston Villa, 7^th: Fulham, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: West Ham United, 10^th: Manchester City

RELEGATED: Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, West Brom

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester City 6-0 Portsmouth (21 September 2008)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur (29 October 2008), Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (21 April 2009), Manchester United 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (25 April 2009)

SCORERS: Anelka (Chelsea) 19, Ronaldo (Manchester United) 18, Gerrard (Liverpool) 16, Robinho (Manchester City) 14, Torres (Liverpool) 14, Rooney (Manchester United) 12, Kuyt (Liverpool) 12, Lampard (Chelsea) 12, Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 12, Bent (Tottenham) 12, Davies (Bolton) 12, Van Persie (Arsenal) 11, Carew (Aston Villa) 11, Fuller (Stoke City) 11, Crouch (Portsmouth) 11

2009/10

THE world of football was rocked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s record transfer fee departure from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £80million before the start of the season.  The game also lost the great Sir Bobby Robson, who passed away after a long, brave fight with cancer in July.  Manchester City continued to flex their muscles in the transfer market, bringing in Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Emmanuel Adebayor and controversially, Carlos Tevez in the summer.  Mark Hughes was sacked in December, after a run of eight successive Premiership draws, a new record.  Roberto Mancini was installed as new boss, but City lost out on a Champions League spot, following a 0-1 loss at home to rivals Tottenham in the final week of the season.  Tottenham finished in the lucrative position ahead of City, Aston Villa and Liverpool, who finished in their worst position in the league since 1999.  Rafa Benitez parted company with the club the following summer.  Once again, Arsenal’s title challenge faded in the closing stages of the season, which included a dramatic collapse away to Wigan Athletic in mid-April.  2-0 up with ten minutes to go at the DW Stadium, the Gunners somehow lost 3-2; a result which kept Wigan in the Premiership.  Burnley, Hull City and Portsmouth were the three clubs who were relegated at the end of the season.  Despite beating Manchester United in their first home Premiership match at Turf Moor, the Clarets lost manager Owen Coyle to Bolton Wanderers in the New Year in acrimonious circumstances.  With it was a loss of form, which saw them, condemned to the drop at the end of April.  It was even worse for Portsmouth, as their financial mess unravelled during the season.  In February, Pompey became the first club in the history of this era to enter administration and hence earn themselves a nine point deduction.  For Avram Grant, it was mission impossible and he went to West Ham United at the end of the season; once the Hammers board decided to crush Gianfranco Zola’s morale and dismiss him.  Another side that impressed in the season were Birmingham City.  Under Alex McLeish, the side went on the longest unbeaten run of the season, which stood at 12 games between late October and the end of January.  The Blues finished a commendable ninth.  At the top of the table, it was Chelsea and Manchester United who once again took the title battle down to the final day of the season.  Carlo Ancelotti’s side were one point clear at the start of play and ultimately didn’t have to worry about matters.  The Blues crushed Wigan 8-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Didier Drogba hitting a hat-trick to secure himself the Golden Boot.  It meant Manchester United had to settle for runners-up spot, despite a 4-0 trouncing of Stoke City at Old Trafford.  For the third time in Premiership history, in Ancelotti’s first season and with over 100 goals too, Chelsea became Premiership champions.  

CHAMPIONS: Chelsea, 2^nd: Manchester United 3^rd: Arsenal, 4^th: Tottenham 5^th: Manchester City, 6^th: Aston Villa, 7^th: Liverpool, 8^th; Everton, 9^th: Birmingham City, 10^th: Blackburn Rovers

RELEGATED: Burnley, Hull City, Portsmouth

BIGGEST WIN: Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic (22 November 2009)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic (22 November 2009), Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland (18 January 2010), Chelsea 8-0 Wigan Athletic (9 May 2010)

SCORERS: Drogba (Chelsea) 29, Rooney (Manchester United) 26, Bent (Sunderland) 24, Tevez (Manchester City) 23, Lampard (Chelsea) 22, Defoe (Tottenham) 18, Torres (Liverpool) 18, Fabregas (Arsenal) 15, Adebayor (Manchester City) 14, Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 13, Saha (Everton) 13, Malouda (Chelsea) 12, Berbatov (Manchester United) 12, Anelka (Chelsea) 11

2010/11

WAYNE Rooney had a largely troubled season, but his 76^th minute penalty on May 14 earnt Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers; good enough for United’s 19^th league title, overtaking Liverpool’s long-standing record.  They did it, despite only winning five games away from home all season, with the lowest points tally to win the league since 1997/98.  However, only newly promoted West Brom managed to take a point from Old Trafford all season in the league.  Despite finishing second, Chelsea sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, after a fairly unconvincing campaign.  For long periods, it was Arsenal who became Manchester United’s closest challengers, but once again, they screwed up dramatically in the run-in.  Wenger’s side were knocked out of three cup competitions in 11 days, threw away a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 at Newcastle in February and only two wins in their last ten league matches saw them drop to fourth and out of the automatic Champions League qualifying spots.  This meant that despite uncertainty about the future of Carlos Tevez, Manchester City stole third place, their best ever Premiership finish.  Tevez ended joint top scorer with Dimitar Berbatov for the season, and to cap things off for Roberto Mancini’s side, they won the FA Cup too.  It was a miserable season for Liverpool, who looked like they were going to be in a relegation battle in mid-season.  Roy Hodgson was sacked after an unhappy six months in the job, Fernando Torres was sold to Chelsea on deadline day for a record £50million and unpopular owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks had to sell the club in October despite numerous attempts to stop the process.  Kenny Dalglish returned to the dugout and guided the Reds to sixth place, including memorable late season wins over both Manchester clubs.  He also signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, but ultimately, the Reds missed out on Europe for the first time since 2000.  Hodgson eventually turned up at West Brom in February and proved that his management skills still were up to scratch, by easing the Baggies comfortably away from a relegation scrap into a solid 11^th place finish.  Respected Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray were shamed in a sexism row over women in football.  They made off-air sexist comments about West Ham chief executive Karen Brady and female line assistant Sian Massey before the televised Wolves v Liverpool game in January.  Further damming video revelations in the week forthcoming saw Gray sacked and Keys resigning in disgrace.  Also having a disgraceful season were West Ham United, who treated Avram Grant badly all season.  They looked a liability throughout and despite Scott Parker’s heroic efforts, a 3-2 defeat at Wigan Athletic on the penultimate weekend sent the Hammers down.  Grant’s humiliation was complete when he sacked just an hour after the match.  On ‘Survival Sunday,’ five clubs still might end up being relegated.  Blackburn Rovers new Indian owners had made a catastrophic mistake by sacking Sam Allardyce in December, with the club in comfortable mid-table security!  Although they were in the race for the drop, a wonderful first half at Wolves saw them 3-0 up at half-time and secure of any relegation threat.  It put Wolves right in the mire, despite Mick McCarthy’s team winning at Anfield and beating Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United at Molineux during the campaign.  Blackpool had entertained all neutrals throughout the season, with their flowing attack or nothing football.  They did take a surprising 2-1 lead at Manchester United on the last day, but their poor defensive record cost them and a 4-2 loss meant Ian Holloway’s brave Tangerines joined West Ham in relegation misery.  For a long duration of the campaign, Wigan Athletic looked destined for the drop, but put together a strong end to the season which saw them unbeaten in their last five matches.  A Hugo Rodallega header beat Stoke City at the Britannia to keep Roberto Martinez’s side up against the odds.  This left Birmingham City in huge peril.  Although they won the Carling Cup, two wins in their last eleven matches had seen Alex McLeish’s side slip into the relegation battle.  Ultimately, a late Stephen Hunt goal, which pulled Wolves back to a 2-3 defeat against Blackburn, combined with an even later Roman Pavyluchenko strike for Tottenham against Birmingham sent McLeish’s men down and kept Wolves in the league, on the most incredible final day in the league’s history.  However, despite being unconvincing at times, it was Manchester United’s season once again and a fitting way for Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar to bow out of the game, as both retired after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Wembley.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Chelsea 3^rd: Manchester City, 4^th: Arsenal 5^th: Tottenham, 6^th: Liverpool, 7^th: Everton, 8^th; Fulham, 9^th: Aston Villa, 10^th: Sunderland

RELEGATED: Birmingham City, Blackpool, West Ham United

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn Rovers (27 November 2010)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn Rovers (27 November 2010), Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal (5 February 2011), Everton 5-3 Blackpool (5 February 2011)

SCORERS: Berbatov (Manchester United) 20, Tevez (Manchester City) 20, Van Persie (Arsenal) 18, Bent (Sunderland & Aston Villa) 17, Odemwingie (West Brom) 15, Hernandez (Manchester United) 13, Kuyt (Liverpool) 13, Van der Vaart (Tottenham) 13, Carroll (Newcastle & Liverpool) 13, Malouda (Chelsea) 13, Campbell (Blackpool) 13, Drogba (Chelsea) 12, Dempsey (Fulham) 12

2011/12 (Table & scorers after three matches)

THE 20^th season has begun with the two Manchester clubs looking unstoppable.  Manchester United handed Arsenal their biggest defeat in Premiership history, with an 8-2 mauling at Old Trafford.  Only hours earlier, Manchester City thumped Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane, with Edin Dzeko scoring four goals.  Under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool spent big to acquire Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing to the club in the summer.  The good times seem to be coming back to Anfield, with two wins in three games, including an impressive success away at Arsenal, with Luis Suarez looking like the natural replacement for Fernando Torres.  Torres’s new club Chelsea have a new gaffer, as Andre Vilas-Boas arrived in the summer.  They have looked unconvincing so far, but have signed youngster Romelu Lukaku and Valencia playmaker Juan Manuel Mata and kept pace with the leading contenders.  Wolves, Stoke City, Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic have all made solid starts too, remaining unbeaten but with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri gone, plus numerous suspensions and injuries, Arsenal are contemplating life in the bottom four.  However, there is plenty of time to go in what is turning out to be a special season already.

1^st: Manchester United, 2^nd: Manchester City 3^rd: Liverpool, 4^th: Chelsea 5^th: Wolves 6^th: Newcastle United, 7^th: Aston Villa, 8^th; Wigan Athletic, 9^th: Stoke City, 10^th: Bolton Wanderers

IN BOTTOM THREE: West Brom, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (28 August 2011)

SCORERS: Dzeko (Manchester City) 6, Rooney (Manchester United) 5, Aguero (Manchester City) 3, Young (Manchester United) 3, Klasnic (Bolton) 3, Best (Newcastle) 2, Long (West Brom) 2, Suarez (Liverpool) 2, Silva (Manchester City) 2

Barclays Premiership season review (Part 1) Club-by-club

NEARLY a month now since the Premiership season finished.  Here is my club-by club review in order of their finishing positions.

Manchester United                                                                                                                                                                                            

MANCHESTER United may have won another Premiership title and it is their 19^th league championship, overtaking Liverpool at last.  However, they came up short in the Champions League final by some distance and Sir Alex Ferguson will know that the squad must improve over the summer to become a European force again.  At home, Old Trafford was a fortress, with only West Brom (2-2) in October stealing a point.  Away from home was a different matter, with just five wins, the lowest of any side on their way to winning the title.  Luckily, there were enough turning points which showed the class of champions.  Fightbacks against Aston Villa in November, Blackpool in January and West Ham in April were the foreground for the title success, with a New Years Day away win at West Brom when they were comprehensively outplayed being another deciding factor.  Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes have ended their glittering careers, whilst who knows where Ryan Giggs head will be at next season, after all the recent tabloid allegations.  Javier Hernandez was definitely the signing of the season and Wayne Rooney was beginning to look like his old self by the season’s end, after an indifferent beginning, which nearly led to his departure.  Marked improvements are needed, but no-one wins the title by accident and at the end of day, Manchester United looked head and shoulders above everyone else this season.

HIGHS: Comeback victories from seemingly definite losing positions against Blackpool in January and West Ham in April.

LOWS: Wayne Rooney's transfer saga, dodgy away form and having to cope with the retirements of Scholes and Van der Sar.

Chelsea                                                                                                                                                                                                              

CARLO Ancelotti lost his job after a trophy less season at Stamford Bridge.  How have things changed after the Double Winning season last time around.  Unfortunately, Chelsea have an ageing squad, which needs significant rebuilding if they want to stay in the position of Manchester United’s closest pursuers.  They were frighteningly good early in the season, but the loss of Frank Lampard to injury hit them hard, and it turned into a very bleak winter, which saw them tumble from dominant pacesetters to distant challengers.  A mighty run-in gave them an unlikely sniff, but a shambolic first half display in the title decider at Old Trafford summed up their season and had Ancelotti heading for his P45.  Didier Drogba didn’t look himself this season, Florent Malouda seems to have lost a yard of his pace and the signing of Fernando Torres in January for 50million will go down as the most expensive flop in transfer history so far.  One goal only for ‘El Nino;’ Liverpool will feel like they’d won the lottery.  Lampard was a thorn when he returned from injury, and Branislav Ivanovic had a very consistent campaign too.  Despite a bumbling game at Old Trafford, David Luiz did look fairly solid and is a good acquisition.  However, the new boss (probably Guus Hiddink) has a lot of work to do in West London and a clearout is necessary, without a doubt.

HIGHS: Beating Manchester United 2-1 in March and deadly early season form with 6-0 onslaughts of Wigan and West Brom.

LOWS: Being beaten twice by Liverpool, failing to turn up in the first half at Old Trafford and the signing of Fernando Torres.

Manchester City                                                                                                                                                                                         

AN FA Cup final victory and guaranteed Champions League football meant it was an excellent season and one to remember for Manchester City.  They are only going to get stronger, so the rest of the opposition better beware.  Highlights this season in results include home victories over Chelsea and Liverpool and impressive demolitions of Aston Villa and West Brom.  The scoring form and consistency of Yaya Toure also has to go down as a major positive.  However, Carlos Tevez seems really unsettled at Eastlands and if he departs, it will be a body blow for City.  Roberto Mancini made some tactical errors this season, notably leaving David Silva and Nigel de Jong out, then crumbling 3-0 at Anfield in April, and he must also have some nightmares about Everton.  He has come up against David Moyes four times, and lost on every single occasion.  Ultimately, the 2-1 loss before Christmas at home was probably the night the fans realised it wasn’t going to be a championship winning season.  Some signings haven’t gelled either.  James Milner has struggled to live up to his price tag, whilst Mario Balotelli has a major attitude problem which needs urgent attention in the summer.  However, it was a campaign of positives more than negatives and I’d expect a major assault at the Premiership title from Mancini’s men next season.

HIGHS: Champions League football guaranteed, Yaya Toure's unlikely scoring form and Emmanuel Adebayor's departure.

LOWS: Carlos Tevez unsettled, negative tactics against the top teams and Roberto Mancini's inability to beat Everton!

Arsenal                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

WELL, it’s the same old story for Arsenal; quality football, the best in the league by a country mile, but no silverware to show for their efforts.  It is now six long years since Gunners fans saw a trophy head back to North London and time is starting to run out for Arsene Wenger.  He has given the young guns enough time, and it is now time to bring in some experienced heads.  Robin Van Persie had an incredible run of goalscoring form in the second half of the season, which might mean now an ultimate replacement for Thierry Henry has finally been found.  Marouane Chamakh had to make do with a place on the bench and must improve next season if he is to fulfil his tag of goal-getter, which he was in France.  The exciting emergence of Jack Wiltshire leaves hope and encouragement for the future, whilst Samir Nasri finally showed his full potential.  However, Arsenal still have big weaknesses.  The signings of Laurent Koscieny and Sebastian Squillaci were disastrous and the goalkeeping area is still a problem.  Manuel Almunia is hopeless; Lukasz Fabianski is far too injury-prone and Szcenzy needs more time to develop before being thrown into the limelight.  Arsenal also has a tendency to throw away advantages.  Silly home losses against Newcastle and West Brom, combined with a 2-0 home lead chucked away in the North London derby and the 4-goal lead squandered at St. James Park in February still show up something that has plagued the Gunners for a while now.  Wenger must deliver a trophy under new ownership next season, or face the consequences of the unthinkable, the sack!

HIGHS: More quality football, the goalscoring form of Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshire's emergence.

LOWS: Failing to win a trophy, AGAIN!

Tottenham Hotspur                                                                                                                                                                                          

TOTTENHAM had a season full of highs, but ultimately, 5^th place will be seen as a disappointment to their fans.  However, this does highlight the sensational progress they have made under Harry Redknapp.  They had a fantastic run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but it will only be UEFA Europa League football next campaign.  The Premiership highlight of the season was undoubtedly coming from 2-0 down to beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates in November.  They looked dead and buried at half-time, but came back with one of the greatest Premiership comebacks of all time.  There was an impressive double over Liverpool too for the first time in Premiership history.  However, their form at the end of the season nearly cost them another European adventure.  Dropped points at Wigan and home draws with West Brom and Sunderland ultimately cost them a shot at the top four.  Redknapp has already strengthened for next season, with the capture of dependable Brad Friedel on a free transfer from Aston Villa.  Does this mean the end for the bumbling Hereulho Gomes?  Once again, Gomes produced some stunning performances, together with shots that a three-year old could save in his back garden!  If Gomes was seriously error-prone, Gareth Bale was sensational and deserved to win PFA Player of the Year.  If the Welshman can continue his development next season, we could be looking at Wales’s next biggest talent – now Ryan Giggs has shown his true colours! 

HIGHS: A fantastic Champions League adventure, beating Arsenal at the Emirates and Gareth Bale's sensational form.

LOWS: Hereulho Gomes and failing to reach the top four, due to a lacklustre finish to the campaign.

Liverpool                                                                                                                                                                                                           

AS SOON as the Liverpool fans found out Kenny Dalglish had been turned down for the Liverpool job last summer, Roy Hodgson was a dead man walking.  His transfer business last summer was terrible and ultimately, poor results cost him his job in January.  There is no doubting Hodgson is a quality manager; he was just the wrong man at the wrong time for Liverpool.  There were very painful home defeats in the league to Wolves and Blackpool and pitiful away displays at Manchester City, Stoke and Blackburn.  In fact, Liverpool looked to be in a relegation battle at the turn of the year, so sixth place is some achievement at the end of a tricky campaign.  Kenny Dalglish eventually returned to manage his beloved club, and he guided Liverpool to stunning victories away at Chelsea and at home to both Manchester United and Manchester City.  Dalglish also sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea and not even El Nino’s departure could dampen the spirits.  Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll came in and both look world class already.  If Carroll can stay injury-free, it could be a very fruitful partnership.  Liverpool’s academy looks like blossoming too, with Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jack Robinson all showing signs of a promising future.  Dirk Kuyt had his best season yet and Raul Meireles looks like somewhere near his 2010 World Cup pedigree, which makes up for the dire signings of Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky.  Ultimately, Liverpool missed out on European football and won’t be playing in a continental competition for the first time since 1999.  However, it might be a plus for Dalglish, as he aims to build a new dynasty of young and emerging talent.  A dark campaign in general for Liverpool, which ended with lots of light at the end of the tunnel.

HIGHS: The return of King Kenny, stunning victories over Chelsea and Manchester United and the signing of Luis Suarez.

LOWS: Roy Hodgson's reign in charge at Anfield and being beaten at homes by Blackpool and Wolves.

Everton                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

SEVENTH place was an improvement on last season for Everton, but they will feel it was a season of missed opportunities.  Like Liverpool, the Toffees were embroiled in the relegation scrap for the majority of the season, with the nadir being a 2-0 loss at Bolton on February 13.  That left David Moyes side only two points above the danger zone.  After that, Manchester United and West Brom were the only clubs to beat Everton, with a run of form that would have seen the Blue half of Merseyside challenge for a top four position.  Yet again, there was an impressive double over Manchester City, with their 2-1 win before Christmas at Eastlands one of the performances of the whole season.  Goodison Park was as tough as ever, with Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all being beaten.  In fact, four points off Liverpool means local pride belongs to Everton this season.  However, Moyes will know that the lack of goals is hurting his side.  Once Tim Cahill disappeared to the Asian Cup in January, there was no regular source for goals.  Jermaine Beckford scored ten in his debut season in the top flight, which was a solid tally, but there needs to be more back-up.  Louis Saha misfired all campaign, and Yakubu became so bad, he was loaned out to Leicester City for the second half of the season.  With no major finance to strengthen the squad again, it could be the same story next season and Moyes will do well to hold onto the likes of Jack Rodwell, Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta.  However, Maroualine Fellani’s loss of confidence and form will be a worry.  The Belgian has immense talent, but seems stagnated at Goodison Park and maybe a move would be best for both parties.  If Everton make a better start next term, I’d expect them to be right in the European shake-up at the end of the campaign.

HIGHS: Another league double over Manchester City and impressive wins at home to Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea.

LOWS: The lack of goals, no finances to strengthen and Maroualine Fellani's loss of confidence.

Fulham                                                                                                                                                                                                               

THE sudden departure of Mark Hughes after just one season at Craven Cottage spoilt Fulham’s end of season form, which bought their second ever highest league finish, and qualification for the UEFA Europa League via the Fair Play route.  Hughes insists he wants a bigger challenge, but he was developing something good in West London, so his resignation was a real surprise.  However, Mohammed Al-Fayed has moved quickly and by appointing ex-Tottenham and Ajax boss Martin Jol, he has definitely found a very shrewd replacement.  Fulham’s season looked to be in dire straits once Bobby Zamora broke his ankle in their 2-1 win over Wolves in September.  Goals and confidence became a real problems, and after a shock 3-1 loss at home to West Ham on Boxing Day, the Cottagers were in the bottom three.  Zamora’s return to fitness, combined with the consistency of Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey allowed for a very strong second half of the season.  It was also nice to see Andy Johnson return to fitness and find the net again occasionally, even though Moussa Dembele was a real disappointment.  Jol will have finances to spend and as long as they can hold onto their key players, Fulham certainly have the capability to break into the top seven on a regular basis. 

HIGHS: A strong second half of the season and Brede Hangeland's consistency.

LOWS: Mark Hughes's sudden departure and Bobby Zamora's broken ankle, which ruined the Cottagers season.

Aston Villa                                                                                                                                                                                                         

THERE can be no doubt that this was a messy season for Aston Villa and the summer doesn’t seem to have improved things.  Once Martin O’Neill walked out on Randy Lerner days before the start of the season, Villa were destined for a scrappy campaign and that’s what happened.  In fact, they flirted with relegation more often than not, and only a strong end to the season under Gary McAllister got them into the top half.  Kevin McDonald stepped into the breach after O’Neill left, but a 6-0 slaughtering at Newcastle finished his hopes of getting the job on a permanent basis.  To the fans surprise and dismay, Gerard Houillier returned to Premiership management and despite an opening win under the new regime at Wolves in September, things never improved afterwards.  Gabby Agbonlahor scored one goal all season, Emile Heskey looked as worse as ever and John Carew couldn’t hit a barndoor if his life depended on it, so he was farmed out to Stoke on loan.  The only plus of Houiller’s appointment was the signing of Darren Bent from Sunderland in January.  Yet again, Bent found the net on his debut in the win over Manchester City at Villa Park and couldn’t stop scoring in a Villa jersey.  Eventually, a heart scare forced Houillier out of the role and ultimately, out of the job.  Lerner’s pursuit of a new boss has been poor too.  Rafa Benitez was refused money, Roberto Martinez opted to stay at Wigan and now, a messy situation with Alex McLeish and Birmingham City faces up with the possibility of an autumn court case with the lawyers.  With Ashley Young and Stewart Downing destined to leave, plus a lack of team harmony around the dressing room, a bleak future looks like being the way throughout the Midlands.  This was a totally wasted and shambolic campaign for Aston Villa. 

HIGHS: Darren Bent's signing.

LOWS: The appointment of Gerard Houillier and basically no goals upfront from their strikers (excluding Bent)

Sunderland                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A TOP half finish for Sunderland was a solid result, but it could have been so much better.  For two-thirds of the campaign, Steve Bruce and his players looked capable for a shot at European qualification via the league.  However, a run of one point in 11 games almost cost them their Premier League status and it must have been a relief to Bruce to see the Black Cats recover and win three of their last four games that kept them comfortably afloat.  Beating Newcastle in the league will also satisfy the fans.  They won’t want to be reminded of a terrible day on Tyneside in October, when bitter rivals Newcastle dismantled them 5-1, which was the only black spot on a brilliant first half of the season.  That included a 3-0 demolition of champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in November, which for me, is the performance and shock result of the entire campaign.  Asamoah Gyan came in on deadline day in the summer, and bought his World Cup flair to Wearside, whilst the loan signings of Danny Wellbeck and Nedum Onuoha were shrewd pieces of businesses.  Unfortunately, the club were afflicted with players ending up more likely to be on the treatment table, rather than the training ground.  Darren Bent’s departure to Aston Villa in January seriously hurt them, as did Lee Cattermole’s lack of discipline and the unsettled goalkeeping position, with both Craig Gordon and Simon Mignolet lacking a consistent run of games.  Jordan Henderson may have departed for Liverpool, but now Sunderland have money to spend on improving the squad and they could be a dark horse to watch next season.  The potential is there for the Black Cats to deliver something special, so there can be no excuses from Bruce and the board next campaign. 

HIGHS: A 3-0 demolition of champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in November.

LOWS: Horrific form from February/April which nearly cost them Premier League status and a 5-1 spanking at Newcastle.

FA Barclays Premiership Report (23rd - 25th April)

EASTER weekend in the Barclays Premiership saw the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s title hopes, a goal drought end for Fernando Torres and an unlikely hat-trick hero at Anfield.  However, it was Manchester United’s weekend – as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took a giant step towards a record 19^th league championship.

     United edged ever closer to title 19 as they bravely ended Everton’s unbeaten run of seven matches at Old Trafford.  Javier Hernandez headed the vital winner in the 1-0 success, his 19^th goal of an incredible debut season.  The winner came with seven minutes to go; the Mexican powering home from close range after Antonio Valencia crossed in from Sylvain Distin’s error in failing to clear when he had the chance to do so.  Once again, the ability to grind out a result has seen Manchester United through, but the same can’t be said for Arsenal.

TRIBUTE: Tamir Cohen was full of emotion, after his late winner

      The silverware drought at the Emirates will stretch to six years after Arsenal lost 2-1 at Bolton on Sunday afternoon, to slip nine points behind with only four games to play.  Bolton had a deserved HT lead, as Daniel Sturridge was quickest to react to Samir Nasri clearing Gary Cahill’s header off the Gunners goal line.  Within moments of the restart, awful defending by Johan Djourou gave Bolton a penalty, but Szcenzy’s legs kept out Kevin Davies woeful kick.  90 seconds later, and Robin Van Persie equalised.  However, the sting in the tail came with two minutes remaining.  Tamir Cohen headed home unmarked in an emotional moment for the Israeli.  He ripped his shirt off to reveal a picture of his late father Avi on his t-shirt (Avi was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident just after Christmas.)  It is these moments when football is more than just a game.

     The same can be said at Villa Park at the moment, as Gerard Houillier remains comfortable in hospital after being admitted last week, complaining of chest pains.  Gary McAllister took charge of Aston Villa’s insignificant 1-1 draw with Stoke City.  The points shared, thanks to two fantastic headers by Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent.  Both these sides are as good as safe now.

OVER: The drought has concluded; Torres finally scores for Chelsea

     However, West Ham United doesn’t have such luxuries and Avram Grant’s team dropped back into 20^th place, following a 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.  A downpour hit the Bridge and the game was lucky to go ahead, especially with the puddles all over the pitch.  The result did flatter the home team, but they are now Manchester United’s only championship challengers.  Frank Lampard buried Chelsea ahead before half-time, but Robbie Keane missed two golden chances for the Hammers.  Five minutes from time, Fernando Torres finally broke his duck for Chelsea, at the 14^th attempt of asking.  The drought, which lasted 732 minutes, was a sigh of relief and the reaction the Chelsea players showed towards Torres showed that they are with him all the way.  Florent Malouda made it three, ironically from a Torres assist in the dying moments.

     At the Stadium of Light, it felt more like an episode of Casualty rather than a football match.  Sunderland lost Phil Bardsley to concussion, Danny Wellbeck due to a knee problem and a torn hamstring for Asamoah Gyan in their match against Wigan Athletic.  Remarkably, Sunderland overcame these cruel injuries and a wonderful opener from Wigan’s Mohammed Diame to win 4-2 and virtually guarantee Premiership football again next season.  The much criticised Jordan Henderson scored twice and Stephane Sessegnon added another from the penalty spot in 11 crazy second half minutes.

     Wigan dropped back into the relegation zone, as Blackpool climbed back out of the bottom three.  Ian Holloway’s side had lots of chances and also had three penalty appeals turned down, but could only draw 1-1 at home to Newcastle United.  Peter Lovenkrands had Newcastle infront against the run of play, before DJ Campbell levelled for the Tangerines.  Blackpool edged closer to Blackburn Rovers, who are now worryingly only a point above the line of trouble.  Blackburn lost 1-0 at home to Manchester City last night; City’s first away win in the Premiership since Boxing Day.  Edin Dzeko scored the only goal, his first in the league since his major move from VFL Wolfsburg in the January transfer window.

     City now have complete control of the final Champions League qualification spot, opening up a four point advantage over Tottenham.  Harry Redknapp’s 550^th Premiership match in charge started badly against West Brom, as Peter Odemwingie scored in the first ten minutes.  Nine minutes from time, a stunning curling effort from Simon Cox earnt the Baggies a deserved 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane, leaving Spurs cursing another two points dropped.  In the North London drama, Jermain Defoe scored his 100^th goal in the Premiership and also, Spurs 1,000^th in Premier League football.

     In the other two matches, Andy Johnson came off the bench and within 20seconds of his appearance, scored to peg back Wolves at Molineux.  Steven Fletcher had put Wolves infront with their first attack of the game, but the 1-1 draw doesn’t do Mick McCarthy’s team many favours.  At Anfield, Maxi Rodriguez hit an unlikely treble as Liverpool’s faint Europa League qualification dreams were kept alive.  Birmingham City got battered 5-0 at Anfield – their first league defeat against Liverpool since May 2004.  Dirk Kuyt continued his hot scoring streak and there was also a rare goal for substitute Joe Cole.

     So, there were two in the title race and now, its three from five in the relegation scrap as the 2010/11 Premiership season enters its final month this coming weekend.

FA Barclays Premiership Report (5th - 6th February)

THIS weekend’s Premiership action was quite possibly the best in its 19-year era.  A staggering 43 goals hit the back of the net, with some all-time classic matches amongst them.  Records were smashed, unbeaten runs ended and cracking comebacks all over the place, this was the perfect weekend.  With Match of the Day pulling in 5million viewers on Saturday night, you can see the appeal it would have had, even to the casual football acquaintance.

BLOCKED: Jamie Carragher frustrated Torres all day on his debut

The big build-up was for the match at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea locked horns with Liverpool, only days after Fernando Torres had completed a £50million move from Anfield to West London.  For Torres, the day was a dud, as was the match in truth, failing to live up to its great billing.  El Nino looked out of sorts all afternoon and was replaced by Salomon Kalou on 66 minutes.  Three minutes later, Chelsea’s title dreams were smashed into pieces by Raul Meireles.  Frank Lampard failed to close down Steven Gerrard and once the Englishman crossed and Dirk Kuyt caused more miscommunication between Petr Cech and Branislav Ivanovic (they clashed heads in the first half), Meireles arrived at the back post and smashed the ball into the corner of the net.  It was the Portuguese’s midfielder’s fourth goal in five matches and earnt a deserved 1-0 victory for the visitors.  Kenny Dalglish has now steered Liverpool into the top six, after their fourth win in a row.  For Chelsea, this was a massive opportunity spurned and Torres was probably wondering; why did I move?

The game of the weekend, decade and possibly of all time came at St. James Park.  Arsenal threw away a 4-0 lead at half-time, to end up drawing 4-4 with Newcastle United.  Still reeling from Andy Carroll’s defection to Liverpool, Newcastle looked like a team of hedgehogs in the first half, conceding four goals in the first 23 minutes.  Theo Walcott ghosted past Fabricio Coloccini to have Arsenal infront after 40 seconds.  Less than three minutes later, Johan Djourou headed in from a free-kick for his first ever Gunners goal.  Robin Van Persie completed Newcastle’s catastrophic first half, with two goals which were so easy, Bart Simpson could have scored them.  The game changed when Abou Diaby lost the plot completely four minutes into the second half.  The Frenchman was incensed by a fair challenge from Joey Barton and went onto push both Kevin Nolan and Barton.  He was rightfully dismissed and with it, Arsenal’s composure went.  Barton began the fightback on 68 minutes, with a penalty and Leon Best pulled the scoreline back to 4-2, after he had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside.  With seven minutes to go, Newcastle got a second penalty, which looked very harsh as Mike Williamson went down softly under pressure from Tomas Rosicky.  Barton converted his second penalty, then Chiok Tiote produced a stunning volley with two minutes to play to make it 4-4.  It was the greatest comeback in Premiership history in a quite extraordinary match.

HEADER: George Elokobi powered Wolves on their way to a famous win

The drama continued on Saturday evening, as Manchester United’s unbeaten run, lasting 30 games and stretching back to April last year, was ended at Molineux by Wolves.  The league’s bottom side won 2-1 to add United to a list of scalps that includes Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea already this season.  Nani had the leaders infront on three minutes, finding the tightest of gaps at Wayne Hennessey’s near post but it was a frustrating night for Man United, struggling badly with set-pieces and missing Rio Ferdinand, due to a late injury in the warm-up.  George Elokobi, found wanting by Nani for the goal, produced a lovely header on ten minutes, when Nemanja Vidic failed to pick him up from a corner.  Five minutes before half-time, Kevin Doyle flicked in Jamie O’Hara’s free-kick to win it for the sensational Wolves.  Doyle was magnificent and with this, Arsenal 2003/04 unbeaten season remains intact as the only one in Premiership history.

While Wolves were claiming another big boy, Black Country rivals West Brom hit the panic button.  13 defeats in 18 games have cost Roberto di Matteo his job.  Despite the poor run of form, it is another example of chairman simply taking desperate measures at a time of crisis.  Di Matteo’s final game in charge came at Manchester City, as West Brom folded to a 3-0 loss on Saturday.  Birthday boy Carlos Tevez scored a first half hat-trick, including two penalties, as the Albion defence was left exposed by Tevez’s creative movements.  The Argentine has now scored 49 goals in 71 games for Manchester City.  It was an emotional day at Eastlands, as the club paid tribute to Neil Young.  Young scored the winner for the club in the 1969 FA Cup final.  He passed away last Thursday, following a long battle with cancer.

MOBBED: Nikola Zigic is congratulated after his winner

After the fillip of a massive win in midweek at Bloomfield Road, West Ham returned to their traditional best.  Another flat performance infront of their home supporters saw the Hammers lose 1-0 at home to relegation rivals Birmingham City and leave them in their customary position of bottom in the table.  The much criticised Nikola Zigic headed the only goal of the game midway through the second half to lift Birmingham out of the bottom three, their first win at Upton Park since October 2002.  Having just been dumped out of the Carling Cup at the semi-final stage by Birmingham, Avram Grant must be sick of the sight of the Midlands team.

There was another classic encounter between two North-West sides desperate for points.  Everton and Blackpool went goals galore at Goodison Park, sharing eight goals in a 5-3 win for the home side.  Louis Saha scored four goals, his first came on 20 minutes, lashing home a cutback from Diniyar Bilyadetinov.  Alex-John Baptiste claimed the equaliser eight minutes before half-time, but the Toffees were back infront within 100 seconds of the restart.  Leighton Baines crossed and Saha finished from close range.  In this remarkable match, Blackpool recovered to hit the front.  Deadline day signing Jason Puncheon levelled, finishing off a wonderful pullback from fellow new signing James Beattie.  Just two minutes later, Ian Holloway’s men completed their fabulous response when DJ Campbell rattled the crossbar on the counter-attack, only for Charlie Adam to head the rebound in.  Saha got his hat-trick, heading in from close range as Blackpool failed to deal with a routine corner and Everton grabbed the lead back as Jermaine Beckford made a great run and converted Baines’s majestic ball over the top of Blackpool’s square defence.  As the Tangerines pushed forward for another equaliser, Saha settled the match on a great Toffees counter-attack, coaxing in his fourth of the afternoon.  This is Blackpool’s fifth successive Premiership defeat, and they are plummeting down the table as quick as a shattered fruit machine.

STAR: Ben Watson celebrates with James McCarthy after he scores his second

Wigan are still in the bottom three, but they recorded their first home win since mid-November in another entertaining game, beating Blackburn Rovers 4-3 at the DW Stadium.  Ex-Wigan striker Jason Roberts had the visitors infront, tucking in Brett Emerton’s ball, but James McCarthy equalised, reacting quickest to Paul Robinson’s spill from a Charles N’Zogbia drive.  Hugo Rodallega made it 2-1, getting in behind Christopher Samba and beat the stranded Robinson to guide the ball into the empty Blackburn net.  An outstanding individual goal from McCarthy increased Wigan’s lead, needing one touch to control and another to finish.  On a pitch more accustomed to the Six Nations, Blackburn responded well when the powerful Samba beat Ali Al-Habsi to a cross.  Ben Watson scored a penalty to restore Wigan’s two goal advantage, before David Dunn tumbled under Emerson Boyce’s challenge and converted his own spot kick.  Wigan’s first win in eight games was well deserved.

In the other matches, Stoke City beat Sunderland 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium.  In another frantic game, Kieran Richardson and Asamoah Gyan had Sunderland in the lead twice.  John Carew scored a scruffy goal and Robert Huth scored twice for the home side, his second in the third minute of injury time.  Craig Gordon made a meal of the match, as the Scot failed to deal with Stoke’s physical prowess.  Niko Kranjcar made a point to Harry Redknapp, as he hit a rasping left foot drive in stoppage time to see off Bolton Wanderers.  Tottenham won 2-1, to keep pace with the top four.  Aston Villa and Fulham drew 2-2 at Villa Park, with Clint Dempsey earning the away side a valuable point.  Kyle Walker scored the goal of the match, on the night he was called into the England squad for the first time by Fabio Capello.

It was an amazing weekend of gripping Premiership action; totally breathless and captivating.  After a pointless international set of friendlies in midweek, bring on next weekend!  We only have a Manchester derby to look forward to.