Premier League Picks Of The Week 38

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 38

The 38th and final week of the Premier League action saw:

283 shots - most by Chelsea = 28
37 goals - most by Tottenham = 7
222 fouls - most by Man United = 16
30 bookings - most by Everton & Leicester & Stoke = 4 each
1 red card - Koscielny for Arsenal
1 penalty - 1 scored (Lukaku for Everton)

What a game! The top and drops of the Premier League were already confirmed over the last couple of weeks, so, the only thing left to play for was the Champions League qualification. Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal were in the mix, the London side needing a win and one of the other sides to slip up to be able to clinch a top four spot. It was not to be. Quite the opposite. Despite beating Everton 3-1 at the Emirates, Laurent Koscielny's reckless challenge saw him sent off and suspended, plus injury to defender Gabriel Paulista didn't make the Gunners' chances any better for the FA Cup final either... Merde!

What a team! Chelsea won and celebrated in style, but Tottenham stunned everyone just that bit more thrashing Hull City 1-7! 13 goals in the last two games, 15 in the last three! How did they not win anything this season?! Best goals total scored and conceded, best points total in years, they have missed out big time! Will they be able to top that next season??? In absolute contrast to that, total flops were Everton and Watford, why bother turning up if you don't really play?! Both sides were felled easily and taken apart by Arsenal and Manchester City respectively. Refund the fans!!!

What a man! Departing Chelsea skipper John Terry may have been the most celebrated player of the day (and absolutely lambasted for the substitution antiques on BBC TV and radio coverage), but Spurs striker Harry Kane is definitely the best of the season, three goals against Hull City and seven in the last two outings taking his season total to 29 in just 30 games, including four hat-tricks! The Golden Boot well deserved! The Golden Glove has gone to the champions' keeper Thibaut Courtois with 16 clean sheets.

What a goal! Georginio Wijnaldum's opener for Liverpool relieved everyone at Anfield just before the break after the Reds had made it look oh so difficult against relegated Middlesbrough. Philippe Coutinho added a sweet free kick and Adam Lallana sealed the deal with a pass into goal after a fine team break away, buildup and effort. Aaron Ramsey's high curling beauty into the top corner to make it 3-1 to Arsenal was worth nothing in the end. The question now is, will there be any changes at the realm of the London side???

What the hell?! José Mourinho once again took all the attention - this time by saying nothing, in a non-existent post-match press conference at Old Trafford after his side's 2-0 win against Palace! What a farce! Even Arséne Wenger was up to chat (ish) after his worst season at Arsenal! Isn't it part of their job description?! I mean, how much money the media pump into the game and then to get that kind of response, just avoiding them and blanking them out, that's just blatant ignorance and arrogance?!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Arsenal 2:1 Everton - 3:1
Burnley 1:1 West Ham - 1:2
Chelsea 6:1 Sunderland - 5:1
Hull City 1:4 Tottenham - 1:7
Leicester 2:0 Bournemouth - 1:1
Liverpool 2:1 Middlesbrough - 3:0
Man United 1:0 Crystal Palace - 2:0
Southampton 1:1 Stoke City - 0:1
Swansea 1:0 West Brom - 2:1
Watford 1:2 Man City - 0:5

Games In Hand Played Before The Weekend:
Chelsea 1:1 Watford - 4:3
Arsenal 4:1 Sunderland - 2:0
Man City 3:0 West Brom - 3:1
Southampton 1:2 Man United - 0:0
Leicester 1:1 Tottenham - 1:6

20 goals in only 5 games! Wow! 168 shots, 36 of which fell to the Gunners alone, most in a Premier League game since 2003! Double wow! 99 fouls, 22 bookings (6 to Watford alone, triple wow!), Sebastian Prödl sent off for Watford and 1 penalty saved by United's Sergio Romero denying Saint Manolo Gabbiadini. And someone said the Premier League was boring?!

Click here to read my previous Premier League Picks Of The Week.

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC match reports, Radio Five Live coverage and MOTD.

The Reds fall against the Blues at Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 0:2 Chelsea

Liverpool blew the Premier League title race wide open again, after frustratingly falling to their first defeat of the calendar year, 0-2 against Chelsea at Anfield.

Jose Mourinho's men took advantage of two errors at the end of each half, giveaways which saw them leave Merseyside with two goals and three points.

Despite missing keeper Petr Cech and defender John Terry due to injury and midfielder Ramires banned, the Blues kept a strong back line, slowing Brendan Rodgers' men down, keeping them frustrated by holding them back, no matter how much possession or pressure the Reds held against their visitors.

So, when non-other than veteran skipper Steven Gerrard slipped and gave away the ball to Demba Ba, the striker made no mistake and beat Red keeper Simon Mignolet one-on-one, cool as you want, seconds before the break, it was just what Mourinho ordered, taking the lead against the run of play.

The hosts kept pressing after the break, Joe Allen seeing his smacker of a shot saved by stand-in keeper Mark Schwarzer just before the hour-mark.

But no matter how much and how hard the Reds pushed, the London side kept solid.

In one of the few blue attacks, Andre Schurrle was denied by a nice Mignolet stop.

LFC huffed and puffed, but never crossed the line, metaphorically and literally speaking.

With seconds to go, Chelsea took advantage of another giveaway, this time by Daniel Sturridge, non-other than former Red Fernando Torres and Willian breaking forward, the latter slotting in the prior's return-ball comfortably from close range, to double the score and hammer the nail into the Ref coffin.

The Reds, without suspended Jordan Henderson and ineligible Victor Moses, despite dominating in all areas and stat tables, fell to their first league defeat of the calendar year, and the first since the Blues beat them at Stamford Bridge after Christmas.

Chelsea meanwhile, completed the double over Liverpool, ending their 11-game winning streak, and closing the gap to the top of the table to two points, with two games to go.

Both sides will hope City will slip up, too... The race is heating up hotter than hot...

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea Goals: 1.: 47:32min Demba Ba (19), 2.: 93:00 Willian (22).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan (9 Aspas 81'), 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 2 Johnson; 24 Allen, 8 Gerrard, 21 Lucas (15 Sturridge 58'); 10 Coutinho, 7 Suarez, 31 Sterling. 4-3-3

Subs not used: 1 Jones, 4 Toure, 5 Agger, 6 Luis Alberto.

Chelsea Team: 23 Schwarzer; 3 Cole (booked 93'), 33 Kalas, 2 Ivanovic, 28 Azpilicueta; 21 Matic, 12 Mikel; 14 Schurrle (23 Cahill 77'), 8 Lampard (booked 42'), 15 Salah (booked 21') (22 Willian 60'); 19 Ba (9 Torres 84') (booked 93'). 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: 16 van Ginkel, 27 Ake, 40 Hilario, 47 Baker.

1st & 2nd half Match Stats: Liverpool-Chelsea

Attempts: 8-6 & 18-5

On target: 0-2 & 8-2

Offsides: 1-0 & 0-0

Corners: 6-3 & 8-0

Free kicks: 4-6 & 3-3

Possession: 69%-31% & 73%-27%

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Chelsea

(Attack)

Attempts: 26-11

On target: 8-4
Blocked: 7-4

From outside the box: 21-6

From inside the box: 5-5

Shot accuracy: 42.1%-57.1%

(General Play)

Possession: 73%-27%
Duals won: 47.9%-52.1%

Aerials won: 37.8%-62.2%

Interceptions: 5-14

Offsides: 1-0

Corners: 14-3

(Distribution)

Total passes: 624-226

Long passes: 9.6%-20.8%

Passing accuracy: 85.9%-67.7%

Pass.Acc.Opp.Half: 76.8%-62.3%

Total Crosses: 39-6

Successful: 17.9%-16.7%

(Defence & Discipline)

Tackles: 23-19

Won: 69.6%-68.4%

Clearances: 22-54

Fowls conceded: 9-7

Yellow cards: 0-4

Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Martin Atinkson

Attendance: 44,726

Man of the match: Demba Ba

Week 7: Premier League Tops & Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

OMG!

And once again Luis Suarez added to his Oscar nominations for the best drama queen! The Uruguayan striker stole the show once again with his antiques at Anfield. The 25-year old appeared to be stamped on by Stoke defender Robert Huth earlier on in the goalless game, the German lucky to stay on the pitch, before Suarez himself committed an embarrassing dive in the box, which he also escaped from uncautioned. Tony Pulis may slam Suarez for his drama performance and Rodgers may bemoan the missed chances and the officials' prejudice against his renowned forward, but both manager cannot deny the facts and problems they have to work on and improve on: Stoke's discipline and Liverpool's goal conversion rate (+ Suarez' balance), they are both as bad as each other! 

WOW!

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney are hitting it off together for Manchester United. The two strikers may not have been on the scoreboard this week, but their hard work is paying off for their side. Both were providers for the first and second goal by Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra respectively. Tom Cleverley's dipping shot made it 3-0 from outside the box on the left bending across and past Steve Harper. It was United's first win at St James' Park since 2009 and a perfect comeback from their home defeat against Tottenham last week. That is something what Sir Alex Ferguson likes to see, I am sure. 

TOP!

Manchester City shut up their doubters this week with a clean sheet and convincing win against Sunderland. Smashing free kicks from Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner and a sweet Sergio Aguero goal ended Sunderland's unbeaten run in the league and gave Roberto Mancini the satisfaction of being proven right. The Italian manager was over-confident before the game and the three points won will justify this for him. Before this outing, City had conceded 16 goals in all competitions. But with Micah Richards having made a perfect return from injury after being out since April 2011 and added to the back line, the difference showed for City and will surely make it more difficult for Mancini to change - if he would ever consider to that is. So far so much better.

FLOP!

Norwich were thrashed the second time in a row. Last week they conceded five goals against Liverpool, this week they let through four against Chelsea. Manager Chris Hughton has only been in the job for a couple of months, but after seven games, no wins and 17 goals conceded, the worry is obvious, in the back line. Ok, The Canaries have only scored five too, which means they have conceded the most and scored the least in the whole Premier League. So, where shall they start you ask? Front? Middle? Back? The first ten minutes showed they can scare the opposition and score. Striker Grant Holt drilled one past Petr Cech and could not have made a better start for the visitors at Stamford Bridge. But the surprise did not last long. Hughton's men crumbled to bits. They may make good starts, but they have to learn to pull themselves together and hold onto what they have.

HERO!

Arsenal look back on track thanks to a star performance by new boy Santi Cazorla. The midfielder pulled all strings for The Gunners against The Hammers and crowned his performance with a breathtaking strike from 25-yards out to make it 1-3 with seven minutes remaining. Arsene Wenger said Cazorla's slick footwork reminds him of Glenn Hoddle and Theo Walcott, who was also on the score sheet, described him as their "conductor". The Spaniard certainly dictated the game for Arsenal, gliding through the competition, creating and providing for his team mates. I am certainly looking forward to seeing more from him. And so too from Olivier Giroud, who scored a fine first Premier League goal and set up Walcott for his. Promising signs and moves from Arsenal, that is for sure.

ZERO!

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is unpopular enough as it is. After his pathetic attempt to rebrand his club's ground as the Sports Direct Arena, the English billionaire is now reported to be negotiating a sponsorship deal with payday loans company Wonga. This did not go down well with the fans, which is an understatement. And after their side's defence was flawed once again by set pieces and thrashed 0-3 by United, I'm sure the fans won't be off Ashley's case or warm up to him any time soon.

Ashley Cole the twit and John Terry will have time over the international break to think over and take responsibility for their idiotic actions. The club have launched disciplinary proceedings against the prior whilst the latter will be consulting his legal advisers to decide whether to appeal against his four-match ban and £220,000 fine. I say to both, be a man, stand up and take responsibility for your actions! Yes, you were stupid, snot your normal self, so, yes, take the punishment and move on! Sometimes it is the best and only way to learn, the hard way! And the more and better you no next time, not to be such an idiot again! FULL STOP!

My Predictions => Actual Results
Man City 3-2 Sunderland => 3-0
Chelsea 3-0 Norwich => 4-1
Swansea 2-1 Reading => 2-2
West Brom 2-0 QPR => 3-2
Wigan 0-1 Everton => 2-2
West Ham 0-2 Arsenal => 1-3
Southampton 1-2 Fulham => 2-2
Liverpool 2-0 Stoke => 0-0
Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa => 2-0
Newcastle 2-2 Man United => 0-3

Week 4: Premier League Tops & Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

OMG!



Finally, over two decades late, the liars have come out and the Hillsborough victims have been recognised! Football and fans held together, it was great to see every team's thoughts and condolences - forget about a couple of chanting idiots! Football together forever! YNWA! Please show Rio and Anton Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole what it's all about and maybe they'll wake up, appreciate life and the game, forget their little stupid issues and handbags, grow up and shake hands!!! See what Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra will do next weekend! Please walk on with your head held high and don't slip over old stones that should have been thrown away and resolved ages ago!

WOW!

Arsenal crises? Where? They absolutely swept away newly promoted Southampton who had impressed with their display against United the previous week! The Gunners' buildup impressed, the goals were from formal to gobsmacking and there could have been more! After beating Liverpool at Anfield and this comfortable home win, Arsenal will feel more than confident heading to the champions' City ground next week.

TOP!

Tottenham, United and Arsenal all impressed with their performances. Whilst Spurs climbed up into the top half of the table thanks to a comfortable win at Reading, easing pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas, the latter two jumped up into the top three with two thrashes against Wigan and Soutampton respectively and ten goals between the two, heating up the title race by closing the gap to league leaders Chelsea who only drew at QPR.

FLOP!

Southampton and Liverpool are till waiting for their first win. Brendan Rodgers' men were condemned to their worst league start in over a centurs after having to settle for just a point at the Stadium of Light which takes their total to two points out of four games so far. It was a much better display for the Reds than against the Gunners last week, but once again, they will rue the missed chances and with United next on the list, they will have to learn to convert, FAST!

HERO!

Suarez saved a point for Liverpool after gleefully smashing in Titus Bramble's deflection off Raheem Sterling's cross from the right. Dimitar Berbatov impressed for Fulham. The Bulgarian striker worked hard for his new team and proved his quality with a couple of goals for the Cottagers, the opener being a curling beauty into the top corner.

ZERO!

Red cards, bookings, penalties underlined inconsistencies by the officials once again this week, Suarez' yellow and Danny Welbeck's penalty being just one example! Both players have and are adding to their reputation of drama queens, but referees should be professional enough to take on and decide about every situation individually by what happens right in front of them rather then going by their thoughts and prejudices!

My Predictions => Actual Results:
Norwich 0-0 West Ham => 0-0
Arsenal 6-1 Southampton => 6-1
Aston Villa 2-0 Swansea => 2-0
Fulham 3-0 West Brom => 3-0
Man United 4-0 Wigan => 4-0
QPR 0-0 Chelsea => 0-0
Stoke 1-1 Man City => 1-1
Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool => 1-1
Reading 1-3 Tottenham => 1-3
Everton 2-2 Newcastle => 2-2

No, I'm not that good in predictions! Just forgot to put in my scores this week! Ups, typical! ;-P

Week 37: Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend
Top game: The early kick-off on Saturday was a juicy delight! The six-goal thriller at the Emirates opened up the race for the guaranteed Champions League spot in third place for Tottenham and Newcastle who were both playing on Sunday. Norwich were top-quality and fought hard and could have had a dozen of goals. Great entertainment, great watch.
Liverpool's thrashing of Chelsea gained the Reds a hint of revenge for their FA Cup final defeat against the Blues. The first half was cracking, action-packed end-to-end stuff that had everything in it! Goals, penalty, misses, shouts, bouts, slips, tricks, kicks...

Top team: City continued their unbeaten run against Newcastle who have now failed to gain a single point against the Premier League leaders in their last eleven meetings. The Sky Blues will remember St James' Park (now called Sports Direct Arena) fondly, not just for this crucial win, but this is the same ground they were crowned champions in the last time round - 44 years ago! We will see next weekend whether their long wait for another title will have finally come to an end or they will be kept waiting, longing, wishing, dreaming...

Top player: Yaya Toure's double won it for City after being pushed forward by Roberto Mancini after bringing Nigel de Yong on. It turned out to be a super-sub for the league leaders, which gave the Ivory Coast midfielder the freedom he needed to score two sublime and crucial goals.
Cisse has fallen heals-over-head into his fifth goal in seven games for QPR. If Rangers stay up, they have him to thank and hope his heals will stay put.

Top goal: With 19 minutes to go in one of the most crucial games in the title race, Toure was the one to thank and celebrate for a sweet goal to give City the lead against Newcastle. It was one of those unstoppable curls. After a nice one-two, exchanging passes with Sergio Aguero, Yaya produced a precise bend which led the ball right into the corner beyond Tim Krul, impossible for the keeper to reach and stop.
Sunderland's equaliser against Fulham was a smacker by Phillip Bardsley from outside the box past Mark Schwarzer. But only 15 seconds later, straight from kick-off, Mousa Dembele was able to run free and create a fine shot but this time with a wicked deflection off Michael Turner to turn it past Simon Mignolet. Gob-smacking couple of minutes at Craven Cottage which ended up rewarding Fulham with the three points and leave the visitors empty handed.

Top news: This is the first time I remember the title race going to the last weekend - the goals being the only gap between the two Manchester sides. It is going to be an unforgettable crunch-and-a-half next weekend, that's for sure! Can't wait! Oh, and one more relegation place and the last automatic Champions League qualification spot are all still to be decided too, so it's crunch-crunch-crunch-crunch time!

Flop game: Everton's goalless draw at the Molineux stadium was a scrappy draw with relegation-bound Wolves avoiding equalling a Premier League record of 10 straight home defeats. It was their first home point since 4th December and they earned it the hard way, holding through and keeping out a stubborn Everton side who controlled most of the match but ended up the more frustrated going home with two points dropped rather than a point gained, with their Merseyside neighbours creeping up on them in eighth place, only one point between the two going into the final weekend of the season.

Flop team: Bolton dropped points again against West Brom after giving away a precious two-goal lead. James Morrison came off the bench to score a last-minute equaliser, earning his side a point and putting a severe dent in Bolton's chances of surviving the relegation battle. The Wanderers now need to win their last match of the season away to Stoke and rely on Manchester City not to slip up against QPR, who are two points ahead of Owen Coyle's side in 17th and nine goals better off in goal difference.

Flop player: John Terry had a night to forget at Anfield. Suspended for the Champions League final, the skipper did not give Roberto Di Matteo much reason to miss him giving away three goals, one nuts through the legs, one slip and one set-piece giveaway. The defender can call himself luck if he will find his name on the England Euro 2012 team sheet!
It is a rare occurence to find Robin van Persie under this category, but the way the Dutch striker went down in the box instead of converting the chance there and then, fool him! No penalty for his antiques and two points dropped for Arsenal in the race for thirs and automatic Champions League qualification!

Flop goal: Bolton's second goal had a stroke of luck in it, the ball smashing from one defender to another, ending up in the back of the net as an own goal thanks to Billy Jones' deflection. Coyle will be wondering where the luck went to for the rest of the game and whether it will finally be on their side when it comes to the relegation crunch at the final weekend of the season or they are destined for the drop and going to join Blackburn and Wolves in the Championship next season.

Flop news: I cannot believe I have to work next weekend, i.e. I am going to miss the whole epic episode with all the crunches, deciders and drama! Argh! Thank god for Sky+! I will be ignoring any social media and news input or output on my way home, to make sure I can catch the highlights and still be part of all the blood, sweat and tears!

My predictions - Actual results

Arsenal 1:2 Norwich City - 3:3
Newcastle 1:1 Man City - 0:2
Aston Villa 1:3 Tottenham - 1:1
Bolton 3:2 West Brom - 2:2
Fulham 0:0 Sunderland - 2:1
QPR  2:0 Stoke City - 1:0
Wolves  0:3 Everton - 0:0
Man United 3:0 Swansea City - 2:0
Blackburn 1:2 Wigan - 0:1
Blackburn are relegated
Liverpool 0:2 Chelsea - 4:1

Week 10: Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Week

Top game: With 38 goals in total, all 10 games had their spoils of action and entertainment, but my vote goes to the big London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal. Stamford Bridge saw eight goals, five bookings, a lucky goalkeeper in Wojciech Szczesny and loads of missed chances including some good saves at both ends. It could have been 10 goals each!

Top team: Newcastle continued their high ride with their win at Stoke, taking them up to third, just one point behind Manchester United! They are definitely in the top four race with more than a shout, joining an impressive Tottenham (with a game in hand!), adamant Arsenal and persistent Liverpool. Chelsea have to watch out!

Top player: Robin van Persie pinned down his mark on the game and team with his hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, if it needed any further consolidation. It just shows what he is for Arsenal, that he IS Arsenal, the question is whether he will stay put or go and condemn his team to doom. With his second hat-trick of the season, Demba Ba needs a shout out too again, riding high like his side, the sky is the limit.

Top goal: Juan Mata's equaliser to make it 3-3 was breathtaking. The 25-yard swerver looked to grab Chelsea a point with only 10 minutes left on the clock, but van Persie and Arsenal had another idea. Both sides' first goals at Carrow Road were stunners. Junior Hoilett put Rovers ahead with a sweet 20-yard finish before Steve Morison's smashing strike drew Norwich level. And that just got the game started!

Top news: Plenty of Champions League action this week, the week which marks Sir Alex Fergusons 25th anniversary at Old Trafford!


Flop game: Both Chelsea's and Arsenal's defence had a nightmare of a day, the prior letting in five, the latter "only" three. The back line rarely got it right, leaving too big gaps, giving away too easy chances, hence the scoreline. As mentioned above it could have been 10-10 the way the defenders were going!

Flop team: Chelsea have to be careful they do not slip and end up too far away of grabbing a top four spot after two consecutive defeats. It is not just the fact they have lost two games in a row that is all too worrying, but the way and it what fashion they lost them. The were taken to pieces by Arsenal this week and crumbled to bits against QPR last week with two players seeing red! They will not want to see a repeat of either!

Flop player: As mentioned above, Szczesny was a lucky man not to see red for his tackle on Ashley Cole outside the box (as he confessed himself on twitter), but John Terry added to his shame after the whole racism debacle when he slipped and missed Florent Malouda's pass for van Persie to slot in his second and Arsenal fourth, condemning the Blues to another defeat.

Flop goal: As mentioned above, Terry's slip up was a cringer but the last-minute handball penalty given against Steven N'Zonzi was just outright cruel! The Blackburn defender was squeezed between two Norwich players and put his hands up to appeal for a free kick. He did not see the ball and could not help it bounce of his arm, HARSH penalty and harsh result on a Blackburn side that finally made manager Steve Kean more proud and able to hold his head up high with an impressive performance. Just the wrong result.

Flop news: Whilst a police investigation has been launched against Terry in the racism row and the Tevez malarkey is bubbling on, Harry Redknapp has undergone heart surgery without making a drama of it! It puts things into perspective doesn't it? I hope it wakes up certain whiners and idiots to reality and what really counts.

My predictions - Actual results

Everton 1:1 Man Utd - 0:1

Chelsea 2:1 Arsenal - 3:5

Man City 4:0 Wolves - 3:1

Norwich 1:1 Blackburn - 3:3

Sunderland 1:1 Aston Villa - 2:2

Swansea 3:1 Bolton - 3:1

Wigan 0:0 Fulham - 0:2

West Brom 1:2 Liverpool - 0:2

Tottenham 5:1 QPR - 3:1

Stoke 2:0 Newcastle - 1:3

Top Blues lose - Pompey get consolation win

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Champs: Arsenal showed showed team strength and attitude, unity and stamina - so too did Manchester City and Portsmouth. All three of them were put into a situation where other teams would have given up and crumbled but they fought on and got what they deserved - victory.

Hero: Tottenham's goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made a couple of spectacular saves. Everton will feel unlucky having got nothing out of the match. Liverpool's win against Blackburn summarized their season and problem of how much they have to rely on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to hit the net and net the points for them.

You Beauty! Martin Paterson's equalizer for Burnley against Portsmouth was a sleek showpiece. It was one of those elegant, back-foot flicks, that you will find in any selection of best goals. Tottenham's second against Everton was a fine combination of their Croatian trio.

Has-Beens: Where were Chelsea? They seemed to have forgotten where they and their heads stood. Manchester City cut them open and they could not recover. From the non-existent handshake, some (Henrique) Hilario(s) bloopers, to some red cards and heads - just nothing went their way.

Zero: I think both Wayne Bridge and John Terry should get a grip! The prior's actions I found childish (the non-existent handshake mentioned above), the latter's battered dog-face and fragile display I saw as crude. Both should be more mature and professional and get on with it.

Ouch! I need not mention the most painful incident of the weekend. I just cannot believe it is strike three for Arsenal. After Vassiriki Abou Diaby and Eduardo, now it hit Aaron Ramsey. In all three incidences, you cannot say the fowls were committed with malice, but nonetheless, they are career-threatening tackles and thereby require hard penalties as a consequence.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Birmingham 2:1 Wigan - 1:0

Bolton 1:0 Wolves - 1:0

Burnley 2:0 Portsmouth - 1:2

Chelsea 3:2 Man City - 2:4

Stoke City 1:1 Arsenal - 1:3

Liverpool 2:0 Blackburn - 2:1

Sunderland 1:1 Fulham - 0:0

Tottenham 2:0 Evert0n - 2:1

Premier League Recap

Sports - Football - Premier League - Recap

Looking back at my pre-season blog, it makes a funny read. My predictions could not have been further off. Arsenal and Chelsea have been most impressive and whilst Manchester United and Liverpool especially have struggled to find consistency. A lot has happened since my last blog and I will dare not predict how it is all going to end this season. I am just going to recap on the last month-and-a-bit:

Champs: Arsenal certainly surprised me with their youngster's uprise over Christmas and into the new year. They reached top spot but that did not last all too long. The last match against Manchester United was definitely a wake-up-call back to reality and never to underestimate United. The ease with which United overcame Arsenal exposed the Gunners' weakness and lack of resilience and depth in the side.

Hero: Wayne Rooney has been riding the show for United and topped it all with his hat-trick against Wigan. At the other end of the table, Boaz Myhill starred for Hull City against Tottenham and has been the man of the team on more than just that occasion. We will see in a couple of months how crucial both players' performances and contributions will prove to be in the title and relegation battle.

You Beauty! Chelsea's thrashing of Wigan just showed their class just as United's cruise past Arsenal showed that there is a much bigger gap between the two teams as the table may show. The players, the team connection and performance, consistency and stamina showed extreme contrast.

Has-Beens: Portsmouth, West Ham, Manchester United and Liverpool have been in all the wrong headlines with their ownership fiasco and financial problems. I think it is sad when a team makes news with a crises which is out of the players hands, they cannot do anything about themselves, but it affects them on the pitch as much as off it.

Zero: John Terry has grabbed most of the headlines lately, also for all the wrong reasons. As a football star - or a professional/celebrity in general - he is a role model and cannot expect anything to stay unnoticed and undiscovered by the media and in general when he is followed and watched by (and paid) millions week in and week out.

Ouch! Rio Ferdinand's elbow-act against Hull City striker Craig Fagan was unprofessional, to say the least. He should have known better than to appeal and challenge the FA, which I found very childish when the cameras showed obvious and definite contact (Ferdinand may call it "frivolous" but it is still wrong). The FA was right to increase the ban, to stop players taking the mick and thinking they can get away with their stupid actions.

Last 6 games:

1) Manchester United - 5 wins, 1 draw, 0 lost - 16 of 18 points

2) Manchester City - 5 wins, 0 draws, 1 lost - 15 of 18 points

3) Chelsea - 4 wins, 2 draws, 0 lost - 14 of 18 points

4) Liverpool - 4 wins, 2 draws, 0 lost - 14 of 18 points

5) Everton - 4 wins, 2 draws, 0 lost - 14 of 18 points

6) Arsenal - 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 lost - 11 of 18 points

7) Tottenham - 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 lost - 9 of 18 points

8) Blackburn - 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 lost - 9 of 18 points

9) Aston Villa - 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 lost - 8 of 18 points

10) Birmingham - 1 win, 4 draws, 1 lost - 7 of 18 points

11) West Ham - 1 win, 4 draws, 1 lost - 7 of 18 points

12) Stoke - 1 win, 2 draws, 3 lost - 5 of 18 points

13) Bolton - 1 win, 2 draws, 3 lost - 5 of 18 points

14) Wolves - 1 win, 2 draws, 3 lost - 5 of 18 points

15) Wigan - 1 win, 1 draw, 4 lost - 4 of 18 points

16) Portsmouth - 1 win, 1 draw, 4 lost - 4 of 18 points

17) Hull - 0 wins, 4 draws, 2 lost - 4 of 18 points

18) Fulham - 1 win, 0 draws, 5 lost - 3 of 18 points

19) Sunderland - 0 wins, 3 draws, 3 lost - 3 of 18 points

20) Burnley - 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 lost - 1 of 18 points

Chelsea take advantage and top spot

Sports - Football - Premier League - Chelsea 2:0 Liverpool

Chelsea recorded their first home victory against one of the "Big Four" since 26 April 2008, when they beat Manchester United 2-1. Didier Drogba was scorer and provider to make it 2-0 and take Chelsea two points clear at the top of the table for the international break. Liverpool move down to sixth on their third defeat.

The first half started tight at both ends, neither team able to create enough pressure and a serious threat to Pepe Reina and Henrique Hilario, who was standing in for a suspended Petr Cech.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were kept anonymous and covered well by John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. The only save Hilario had to make came from an Albert Riera free-kick from 40 yards. The Portuguese saw it late but was alert enough to tip it around the post for a corner.

Drogba and Frank Lampard had a couple of efforts for Chelsea, but nothing close. Reina had an easy job to save Nicolas Anelka's header, the closest the Blues got in the first half.

The second half continued in the same unspectacular way, until Drogba broke the deadlock 30 minutes later. The Ivory Coast striker took the ball off Javier Mascherano, broke away on the right and put it past Reina with his right foot.

With three minutes injury time added on to Rafael Benitez's disgrace, Drogba got the better of Jamie Carragher, outrunning and turning away from the defender, his cross from the right side of the box finding Deco-replacement Florent Malouda, who bubbled it over the line and condemned Liverpool to their third defeat of the season.

Carragher enjoyed a solid display and no problems with Martin Skrtel at the back as they had shown in previous matches, up until then. Drogba made the difference, although he impressed as much as he infuriated the spectators, with his quality contributions and dramatic diving and whining antiques.

Yossi Benayoun missed a chance for Liverpool late on after coming on for Riera, but it was not to be, not even a consolation goal for the Reds.

It was not a classic encounter, less mouthwatering and breathtaking. Both sides were not at their best, but Chelsea were the side who were able to take advantage and record their 11th win under Carlo Ancelotti.

They take a two-point cushion, being able to enjoy the international break at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool on the other hand will have to answer a lot of questions, whether they are still in the title challenge with a shout and where and why it has all gone pear-shaped for them so early on in the season.

Chelsea Hilario; A Cole, Terry, Cavalho, Ivanovic; Lampard, Essien, Ballack; Anelka, Deco (Malouda 76), Drogba. Subs not used Turnbull, J Cole, Zhirkov, Kalou, Sturridge, Belletti. Bookings Essien 44.

Liverpool Reina; Insua (Aurelio 83), Skrtel, Carragher, Johnson; Riera (Benayoun 67), Mascherano, Gerrard, Lucas (Babel 76), Kuyt; Torres. Subs not used Cavalieri, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Ngog. Bookings Gerrard 77.

1st half stats

Chelsea-Liverpool

Attempts: 7-6

On target: 4-2

Offsides: 0-1

Corners: 3-5

Free kicks: 8-6

Possession: 50%-50%

2nd half stats

Chelsea-Liverpool

Attempts: 8-9

On target: 6-3

Offsides: 0-0

Corners: 1-2

Free kicks: 7-4

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Man of the match: John Terry