League One: Sheffield United 2-1 Notts County

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingsaddler):

With the new season officially underway, Harry Maguire's 66th minute header secured a 2-1 victory for Sheffield United against 10 man Notts County.

After 13 minutes of play Gary Liddle's reckless high boot came down hard on the ribcage of Kevin McDonald, warranting the centre half an early shower. Despite the protests there was little substance in arguing Liddle's case.

United who were already enjoying a large percentage of possession had just seconds earlier survived a scare when Danny Haynes headed towards goal from a corner only to be denied by keeper George Long.

Sheffield United continued to apply pressure as Febian Brandy and Jamie Murphy looked lively on both wings. Finally the breakthrough came when Darryl Westlake's low ball was slotted into the bottom corner by the on-rushing McDonald.

The lead was almost snatched away before the break when a County free kick was headed wide by Joss Labadie.

In the second half, United had several chances to wrap up the game, but failed to convert their chances. Chris Porter was the guiltiest of all when he leaned back to fire over from 7 yards out after a fantastic run from Brandy.

Then on 59 minutes they were made to pay when substitute Enoch Showunmi shrugged off the attentions of Maguire before firing into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area.

With the crowd in shock, United set about restoring their lead. The chance came about when a free kick was given just outside the corner of the area, when there seemed nothing to award a free kick for. Even so Notts County could not be excused for the poor defending from the resulting set piece. Maguire was left unattended at the back post to nod over the keeper and into the back of the net.

County gave it their all but despite some late pressure, they couldn't find a chance to find an unlikely leveller. Sheffield on the other end had several more chances to seal the deal but failed to do so.

Both teams will have plenty to be pleased about. 3 points to start the campaign for United while Notts County showed plenty of energy and commitment to remain competitive for so long with a man light.

Football League Predictions/betting tips: 2nd-4th August

By Peter Wells (twitter- boxingbrains_):
 

 

Finally! Football is back! On Friday 2nd August the first game of the English football league will begin. Every team has made changes and the adjustments will take some time for fans to fathom. But there is no doubt that this weekend the roads will be filled once again with football fans full of optimism about their teams coming season.

 

Today is the first of my predictions for this season (Obviously!) and don't forget to get yourself involved by commenting at the bottom of the page, or tweeting me your thoughts to my twitter account: @boxingbrains_.

 

So here are my predictions (betting odds courtesy of William Hill):

 

League Two:

 

 

Bury vs Chesterfield- 1-2 (17/2)
 

Cheltenham vs Burton- 1-0 (13/2)
 

Newport vs Accrington- 2-0 (9/1)
 

York vs Northampton- 1-3 (25/1)
 

Exeter vs Bristol Rovers- 2-0 (11/1)
 

Wycombe vs Morecombe- 3-2 (33/1)
 

Torquay vs Wimbledon- 3-0 (20/1)
 

Southend vs Plymouth- 1-1 (6/1)
 

Scunthorpe vs Mansfield- 2-1 (8/1)
 

Rochdale vs Hartlepool- 1-2 (10/1)
 

Portsmouth vs Oxford- 2-2 (16/1)
 

Fleetwood vs Dag & Red- 4-0 (28/1)
 

 

League One:

 

 

Sheff Utd vs Notts County- 2-0 (8/1)
 

Bristol City vs Bradford- 0-0 (9/1)
 

Carlisle vs Leyton Orient- 1-2 (9/1)
 

Walsall vs Tranmere- 2-0 (9/1)
 

Stevenage vs Oldham- 1-0 (13/2)
 

Shrewsbury vs MK Dons- 0-2 (11/1)
 

Preston vs Wolves- 1-3 (22/1)
 

Crawley vs Coventry- 2-0 (10/1)
 

Port Vale vs Brentford- 2-3 (28/1)
 

Peterborough vs Swindon- 1-1 (13/2)
 

Gillingham vs Colchester- 3-1 (16/1)
 

Crewe vs Rotherham- 2-1 (17/2)
 

 

Championship:

 

 

Burnley vs Bolton- 2-2 (14/1)
 

Reading vs Ipswich- 3-0 (14/1)
 

QPR vs Sheff Wed- 4-1 (33/1)
 

Nott'm Forest vs Huddersfield- 2-0 (7/1)
 

Millwall vs Yeovil- 1-1 (6/1)
 

Middlesbrough vs Leicester- 1-2 (17/2)
 

Leeds vs Brighton- 2-1 (17/2)
 

Doncaster vs Blackpool- 1-2 (10/1)
 

Bournemouth vs Charlton- 1-0 (13/2)
 

Birmingham vs Watford- 0-2 (12/1)
 

Barnsley vs Wigan- 0-3 (22/1)
 

Derby vs Blackburn- 0-1 (17/2)

 

Sunday Premier League Review: Remy wonder strike not enough for R's; Spurs, Everton go toe-to-toe; Cisse sends fans and Pardew into pandemonium

By Peter Wells:

There's just something about football on Sunday's. I can't quite figure out what it is, but somehow Sunday football always feels that extra bit special. In all fairness when there are five games spanned out over four and a half hours none stop, its hard not to feel the full array of emotions for a sport that can bring out every single one of those emotions in a person in just 90 minutes.

For those QPR fans, they were put through every emotion ever created during their heart breaking 1-1 draw with Wigan. It was a breath taking 6 pointer, which had all the ingredients of a fairy tale ending for QPR's season. That was until a last gasp Shaun Maloney free-kick scuppered a sensational victory. Bobby Zamora was sent off after just over 20 minutes and now QPR's chances of survival look as ridiculous as Zamora's challenge.

A decent start from QPR saw Remy strike the post with Joel beaten, before Zamora saw red in more ways than one, when from a Wigan throw-in he attempted to intercept the ball which was at head height, and inevitably caught Jordi Gomez on the side of the head. Zamora was sent to the dressing room while Gomez was left with a bad head and constant booing from the home fans.

Wigan then controlled the ball, but lacked the urgency needed from a team still deep in a relegation battle. Then in the 2nd half QPR took over, they showed greater urgency and much greater quality, but as the minutes ticked by the less likely a winner looked. But then with 5 minutes to go, on the counter attack, Remy needed just one touch with the inside of his foot to launch the ball into the top corner of the net. From the edge of the area the technique was simply amazing, and what a winner it could have been.

But that wasn't it, because when Mbia - who had an amazing game - committed a foul just outside the area, Wigan were handed a final chance to steal 2 points away from QPR. Maloney stepped up and curled over the wall and past Cesar. Had Adel Taarabt stood tall the free-kick would have likely been deflected over but the star player ducked out the way of the ball. To put it simply, if you don't want to take a hit to the face, DONT stand in the wall.

When discussing emotion, none gets greater than the emotion showed by fans, players and manager alike when Papiss Cisse scored a 93rd minute winner for Newcastle to send them 5 points clear of the drop zone. Newcastle's ace had been trying all game to find the goal, but things just didn't seem to be going his way. That was until he took the ball wonderfully, spun around and poked the ball beyond Schwarzer. Cisse sprinted and dived into the crowd, and then the camera's all turned to Alan Pardew who himself sprinted over to the fans by the dug out and bear hugged the first person in the crowd he could see. It was a wonderful sight, the sight of pure joy, a sight we see so often in football, but seeing a manager celebrating in the crowd is something of an anomaly. Sadly the ridiculous rules meant that Papiss Cisse received a yellow card for his celebrations. Football is full of emotions yet when a player shares the joy with his loyal fans he gets cautioned. As a fan what the FA call over-celebrating is exactly what every football fan loves to see. Cisse may have received a booking but he will also receive a lot of respect for showing how much the fans mean to him.

Paulo Di Canio's first game in charge at Sunderland couldn't have gone much better in the first half. Azpilicueta deflected the ball into his own net and the Black Cats were well worth their lead. But Rafa's men came out flying to start the 2nd and a Kilgallon own goal, and a brilliant piece of improvisation from Ivanovic turned the game around. Sunderland showed little in the 2nd half but can take enough from the 1st 45 minutes to believe they can stay up. A win against Newcastle next week will certainly give them a much needed confidence boost.

Tottenham and Everton served up a cracker in a 2-2 draw, which saw Adabayor score within 30 seconds. Everton levelled through Jagielka, before Miralles' mazy run and quality finish gave them the lead. But with a few minutes to go Sigurdson tapped home a rebound and saved Spurs while also denting Everton's Champions League hopes in an action packed game.

Finally Liverpool and West Ham were involved in an entertaining 0-0 draw, which left both sets of supporters unsatisfied. Liverpool dominated and had the bulk of the chances, but West Ham could have stolen all 3 points when Lucas cleared Collison's header off the line.

Fulham 3 QPR 2: First half calamity leaves Rangers in desperate trouble

By Peter Wells:

If seasons could be defined by one match, then last nights 3-2 defeat for Queens Park Rangers would be the perfect definition of their second spell in the Premier League. Defensively appalling, midfield lacking creation, and the strikers seeing too little of the ball. That was the first half, yet the second defined their season even better as a whole. They showed that sometimes they can play, and that the midfield does not lack the creation required of a team paying such high wages. Yet that's it, isn't it. QPR fans have been teased all season with the teams potential, yet the players do not produce the goods on a regular enough basis. Now Rangers sit dauntingly 7 points below the red line, but unlike Reading are not yet being written off. Its not only that QPR have the favourable fixture list, but also because of those rare occasions when they show the footballing world what they are capable of. When they do this they are hard to write off, but no one can deny the task set for Harry Redknapp is looking bleaker and bleaker.

The game could not have started any worse for Redknapp's side when Christopher Samba tripped Dejagah in the area, conceding a 7th minute penalty. Berbatov was the man to step up and take, and with the confidence only Berbatov possesses, he tucked it into the back of the net, giving Rangers an unwanted mountain to climb.

That mountain was getting steeper as the half went on, Fulham were in control and QPR looked lost at sea. Ruiz headed a corner just wide of the far post before a Fulham free kick almost found its way into the QPR goal. Then on 22 minutes, another Samba mistake allowed Berbatov to score his and Fulham's second of the game. Samba was caught stalling with the ball at his feet in his own penalty area and when he lost the ball Berbatov was there to place the ball past Cesar.

QPR then managed to find a way back into the game. Down the right they looked dangerous all night, yet lacked the final ball, Bosingwa was the guilty party on more than a few occasions. Remy and Townsend were looking most likely to find the net for QPR but neither did.

Instead it was QPR defender Clint Hill who found the net next, but it was the wrong net as far as Rangers were concerned.

QPR looked dead and buried, that was until a slip in the Fulham defence released Taarabt who fired home from the edge of the area, a minute before the break. Suddenly the game was back on, despite Fulham's utter dominance.

Remy ran straight at the Fulham defence to start the second half, and fired a shot which was deflected wide with just 10 seconds gone. Then after sustained QPR pressure, Taarabt was clumsily brought down in the penalty area, for the second penalty of the game. Remy stepped up, and Schwarzer saved, before Duff cleared - it has to be said Duff got their first because he started running before the penalty was taken, as did everyone else. It was a crucial opportunity missed for Rangers and one they are now ruing.

Just a few minutes later Remy made up for his missed penalty, with a sumptuous first touch to take it into the area before blasting it over Schwarzer and into the roof of the net. Townsend and Zamora had shots well saved by Schwarzer as Fulham looked ragged while QPR were purring.

More chances came QPR's way before Sidwell was showed a straight red for a lunging tackle on Traore. It looked a harsh decision at first but on second look, Sidwell caught the QPR left back on the ankle and it was a very rash tackle.

Rangers pressed but failed to find the one good opening they were craving, and were rewarded with nothing but "good efforts" for their spirited fightback.

Fulham can now put any lingering relegation worries to bed with that win, and after their first half performance, most people would agree the result was justified.

Next Sunday's game at home to Wigan, has just become QPR's make or break game. A win and there is still hope, while a defeat and there is no question that they are heading for the drop. So more crucial matches for QPR, but if they are to go down, then its calamitous defending like at Craven Cottage that has been the thorn in their side.

Crystal Palace 0-4 Birmingham: Will the real Birmingham City please stand up

By Peter Wells:

Joy one week, despair the next week, that's what life has been like for all Birmingham City fans this season. Consistency is the one thing that Lee Clark's men have lacked all year. Three wins in a row is the longest run of conistent results this season, two wins, two draws or two defeats in a row is about as good as it gets in terms of consistency, but now the Blues seem to be showing their true colours.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace will be looking to re-group after a dismall display infront of another big home crowd, who's expectations have risen with the clubs stature. No Zaha and Palace struggled to find anything creative. Bolasie seemed the only Palace player who showed any flare, and a one man army wasn't enough. Saying they were abysmal may be slightly too harsh, but I'm sure that is no where near as harsh as Ian Hollaway's team talk after the game.

For the opening 20 minutes, Palace has the lion's share of possession, but all the ball hogging meant very little on 23 minutes when a mazy run by Nathan Redmond ended in a low left footed drive into the bottom corner. The goal boosted the Blues confidence and Ravel Morrison and Nathan Redmond led the team, running towards the Palace defence at pace, at every opportunity. Then Birmingham's pressure finally paid off. Firstly Morrison was denied magnificently by Speroni at point blank range, but from the resulting corner, slack marking was punished as Zigic found enough space to plant his header into the back of the net, albeit coming off Delaney's head last.

Palace tried to get a foot hold in the game before the half time whistle, but failed to create any meanigful opportunities, despite plenty of possession in Birmingham territory.

Then early in the second half came a quick but brief Palace onslaught. Firstly Dobbie's shot from just outside the area was tipped wide by Jack Butland before Kevin Phillips was found right at the far post where he tipped the ball across goal but the ball rolled agonizingly wide. Despite the continued control of possession for Palace it was Birmingham that found the crucial third goal of the game. It came when Ferguson did brilliantly to cross the ball back to the edge of the area where Morrison came sprinting in to slide the ball under Speroni, for a well deserved goal.

Then on 68 minutes came the goal of the night, as Shane Ferguson curled home a freekick from the edge of the area into the top left hand corner. It was a quite magnificent goal, and one that will have Newscastle licking their lips when he returns to the North East side.

Several chances then went begging for Palace, Moritz the culprit more than once, as the game fizzled out.

As magnificent as this was for Birmingham, they have to now use this momentum to strive towards a top half finish. With the quality of their side they ARE capable of contend for promotion. So the question remains, who are the real Birmingham City?

Man of the Match: Nathan Redmond wins this in most people's books but I'm going with a man that contributed just as much on the offensive end, Ravel Morrison. Ravel drove at the Palace defence and got the goal his team performance deserved. A big mention should also go to Paul Robinson who would no doubt have won man of the match had their not been such a great offensive showing by Birmingham.

Good Friday Football Preview: League One

By Peter Wells (twitter address - @boxingpeter):

While many eyes have been firmly set on the top flight this season, it has been the leagues below that have seen promotion, play-off and relegation battles that will go down to the wire. In League One there are 11 points separating top of the league Doncaster and 9th place Leyton Orient, while the gap between 2nd and 7th is just 3 points. It has been a truly thrilling season, one that has sucked teams into the promotion hunt weekly. It has also been an unforgiving season, where a couple bad results can send a team from top of the league to outside the top six. Tranmere and Bournemouth have both suffered this fate, although both now lie back in the play-off places.

The bottom of the league has not lived up to the exceptionally exciting standard set by the top half as Hartlepool and Bury lie 6 points behind an Oldham side that has three and two games in hand respectively. Portsmouth are 5 points adrift but have also played three more fixtures than Oldham. Scunthorpe though lie just a point off safety and Colchester and Shrewsbury will know better than to think they are guaranteed safety just yet as they sit 5 and 6 points clear of the drop zone respectively.

The crucial games tomorrow see 7th placed Yeovil face a Walsall side that has lost just once in 2013. Walsall are in 8th place and a win behind fellow play-off chasers Yeovil. A Yeovil win means they will move back into the top six as 5th placed Tranmere host 6th placed Sheffield Utd. Walsall on the other hand can close the gap to the play-offs to just a point if Tranmere are victorious as well as the Saddlers. 3rd place Bournemouth will fancy themselves against Colchester, although the home side know a victory would be a massive boost to securing themselves a place in League One next season. Brentford who are on the same points as Bournemouth and Swindon will be hoping to end any small hopes of play-offs for Notts County.

At the other end of the table Scunthorpe will be hoping to enhance their chances of survival at the same time as seriously deterring Leyton Orients play-off hopes. Scunthorpe will also be hopeful that 2nd place Swindon don't slip up at home to Oldham who could find themselves in the bottom four come 4:45.

All in all the League One picture could be looking very different by Friday night. We may have more of an idea of who's going where, or we could be left even more confused as to how the table will look come 27th April. And you know what? I'm going with the latter. So leaving you with that thought, I'll let you enjoy another crazy afternoon in League One.

Friday 29th April:
Brentford v Notts County; Bury v Crewe; Carlisle v Shrewsbury; Colchester v Bournemouth; Coventry v Doncaster; Crawley v Stevenage; Hartlepool v MK Dons; Scunthorpe v Leyton Orient; Swindon v Oldham; Tranmere v Sheff Utd; Yeovil v Walsall; Preston v Portsmouth (5:00pm)
**Kick off 3:00pm unless stated**

***

 

Finally don't forget to submit your answer into the poll at the top of the page. 



Real Madrid 1-1 Man Utd: Advantage United as Real fail to find winner

By Peter Wells: It was crucial to leave the Bernabeu with a goal, and Manchester United succeeded there thanks to Danny Welbeck. But to leave the Bernabeu having held Real Madrid to only one goal could well be the deciding factor in this enthralling tie.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his side understand that home advantage in the second leg, may mean very little in terms of which team will be on top. Knowing they need a goal, Real will be the aggressors from the off, much like they were last night in Madrid.

The confidence that United will take into Old Trafford is second to none. They now know they can withstand heavy pressure from world class players like Ronaldo, Di Maria, Ozil, etc. They also know they have the artillery up front to score goals of there own.

After going in at half time level at 1-1, either side could have won it in the second half, Man Utd coming closest when Xabi Alonso denied Van Persie on the line.

Early in the the first half, Ronaldo was the key man for Real, picking up the ball on the left, the right, and in central areas. United weren't playing conservatively, which usually left Ronaldo one-one-one with Rafael. It was a no contest and Man Utd gifted Real the ball every time they had it. In the opening 10 minutes, Khedira, Di Maria, Contrao, Ramos and Ronaldo all had efforts, with Contrao going closest when his curling effort was tipped onto the post by David De Gea.

United's dreadful start went unpunished, something Jose Mourinho will be looking at after the game as a missed opportunity. Then came Man Utd's moment as Rooney whipped in a perfect corner, which was directed into the bottom corner by Danny Welbeck. The Bernabeu was stunned as United took an unlikely lead on 20 minutes.

Real Madrid were momentarily stunned themselves, as they looked bemused as to how they were the team behind at that point. The faze didn't last long and soon enough United were back under pressure. This time they had plenty behind the ball, but that mattered very little, when Ronaldo rose highest to head home Di Maria's perfect cross. No one in the area could contest as Ronaldo floated in the air, waiting for the ball to come off his head.

United's lead had lasted just 10 minutes, although they nearly regained it when Welbeck got the tiniest of touches on a cross only for Lopez to tip it away for a corner.

Just before the half time whistle Ronaldo almost replicated his first goal, when Contrao's cross from the left was headed over by the famous number 7.

United came charging out the gates to start the second half, but there spell of pressure was very brief. Real Madrid continued to shoot from outside the area, which was all credit to United who denied them the chance to enter the penalty area with the ball.

After having much of there success in the first half down the left, Madrid then explored how they could expose United down the right. The tactic nearly paid off as Khedira delivered a magnificent ball to the back post to Contrao who came sliding in only to see De Gea deny him with his foot. Higuain was the next to deliver from the right, this time to the near post where Evans just got there before Ronaldo.

Down the other end Van Persie saw his first meaningful effort tipped onto the post by Lopez before he was gifted an even better chance when beating the offside trap. Man Utd's hit man flicked the ball past Lopez but Xabi Alonso came to Real's rescue when he ran back to clear off the line. It was a golden opportunity for a player that usually scores for fun.

Khedira then forced De Gea into another good save, before Van Persie was left with the final chance of the game, when he tried to curl past Lopez on 93 minutes, but the Real Madrid keeper was equal to the shot, pushing it wide.

In all fairness, despite Madrid leading on pretty much all the stats a draw seemed the right result. Apart from a shaky opening 10 minutes, United looked comfortable, and mostly restricted Real Madrid to shots from outside the area.

Still the question remains, can Manchester United do that all over again?

Man of the Match: Sami Khedira - The Real Madrid playmaker had a solid game all round, he created plenty of chances, sending the ball on numerous occasions to Ronaldo or Di Maria. Mesut Ozil also had an excellent game, playing much the same role as Khedira, while Ronaldo, Di Maria, Welbeck and De Gea all had quality performances.

REAL MADRID 1
RONALDO 30

MAN UTD 1
WELBECK 20

Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle: Bale show at White Hart Lane

By Peter Wells: Before Newcastle United's French invasion, a tie for the Toon army at White Hart Lane, would have been an almost sure defeat, but since the arrival of Sissoko, Gouffran and Debuchy, who have made instant impacts, they were suddenly being considered as in with a shout. Yet despite Bale stealing the headlines in Tottenhams's 2-1 victory, Newcastle showed plenty of potential, and were no doubt in with a chance of taking all 3 points before the 78th minute.

Yoan Gouffran was stretchered off after lengthy treatment after he was caught on the shin by Kyle Walker. The goalscorer was in some pain, and has received an x-ray. Thankfully Gouffran has not suffered a broken leg as first feared, although Newcastle are yet to inform fans of the extent of his injury.

Gouffran was the star of the first half, having caused Spurs all kinds of trouble down the left wing. The injury he suffered on 56 minutes no doubt hindered Newcastle's attacking threat. Had he not suffered his injury maybe it would have been the Frenchman and not Gareth Bale who'd have taken all the plaudits. But as it is, Bale's double, which could easily have been triple, was the difference between the two sides. Bale was magical on and off the ball, and came into his own in the final 20 minutes, where he had several chances to add to his tally.

Tottenham started fast and were ahead after 5 minutes when Bale curled the ball over the Newcastle wall and into the bottom corner, just bouncing out of  Krul's reach. New signing Holtby, had more than one chance to double Tottenham's advantage but squandered both efforts from decent positions.

Tottenham were almost punished on 19 minutes, when Coloccini floated a ball to the back post for Cisse to attack, but the Senegalese front man couldn't direct his header on target. Holtby again was the culprit of wasting a chance when firing over Lennon's pull back. This time Newcastle didn't let the German off the hook. A brilliant flowing move started by Gutierrez down the right who found Sissoko, who in turn fed the ball to Gouffran in acres of space just inside the penalty area, he then hammered the ball into the top corner to level things up.

The rest of the half went by without incident, as Tottenham were happy to have the bulk of possession, while Newcastle tried to cause trouble off quick counters. Both sides though were dealing with the others tactics, resulting in a stale mate for the rest of the half.

The 2nd started the same, before Gouffran was sadly stretchered off the field, to applause from both sets of supporters.

It took till the final 15 minutes for the game to finally find some life, and how it found some life! At one end Taylor put his body on the line to block a red hot Gareth Bale's effort from 8 yards out, before Cabaye sent his outside the box effort over the bar.

Then some poor Newcastle defending allowed Bale through one-on-one with Krul, and the Welshman made no mistake, slotting past the goalkeeper. Coloccini was shrugged away by Bale too easily and it could have been worse on 81 minutes, when Krul miss judged the flight of a Tottenham corner, but Caulker headed wide, clearly loosing sight of the ball when Krul went up for it.

Still Tottenham pressed, when some more trickery from Bale saw him through on goal, but this time Krul got the better of the Welsh wizard.

Into the 4th minute of injury time, Shola Ameobi failed to control the ball, allowing Lloris to block the ball out for a corner, denying Newcastle a dramatic leveller.

Then in the dying minutes, Bale took over similarly to the way Kevin Durant takes over the game for OKC in the 4th quarter. Bale should have scored his 3rd goal when his initial shot was blocked by Krul before he fired over in front of an empty net. To Bale's defence he was slightly off balance, but he should have scored. Bale came close again in the 8th minute of stoppage time, but was this time denied by Krul who stretched to tip the ball wide.

So that was it, and after the game failed to ignite, it exploded in the final quarter of the game. It finished 2-1 although it could easily have been 3 or 4 for Tottenham. In fairness though, 2-1 was the right result and Newcastle deserve credit for such a solid display.

The Magpies will feel assured that they needn't worry too much about relegation, while Tottenham will be concentrating fully on 3rd place, in what is to be a tight race, between themselves, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.

Man of the Match: Gareth Bale - Tottenham's winger is on a fine run of form and it's hard to see Tottenham losing when Bale plays like this.

TOTTENHAM 2
BALE 5' 19'

NEWCASTLE 1
GOUFFRAN 24'

Man City 2-2 Liverpool: Spectacular goals were the theme at the Etihad

By Peter Wells: Steven Gerrard doesn't score that often, but when he does his goals are pretty special. Three players that do score often are, Dzeko, Aguero and Sturridge, and yesterday they all added their names to the score sheet in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Coming into the game, City were 10 points behind league leaders Man Utd and were requiring a win, in a crucial home game. Liverpool on the other hand were still stinging after throwing away a 2-0 lead at the Emirates, last Wednesday.

In the first half, Liverpool were the team on top, keeping the ball well, although City pressured them enough, to deny them getting any quick breaks. Sturridge, who picked up where he left off against Arsenal, was picked out over the top of the Liverpool defence. The England striker, took the ball around Hart with an excellent piece of control, but the ball didn't come down kindly for him as he just about got an effort off which was blocked out for a corner by Zabaleta.

The pace of the game hadn't quite got up to full speed in the opening 20 minutes, but Sturridge was heavily involved again in a Liverpool chance, when he sprinted down the left before dragging the ball back to Luis Suarez, who kicked the air rather than the ball.

Lescott then nervously gave the ball away to Suarez on the edge of the box. This time he managed to connect with the ball but couldn't quite find the bottom corner. After so much possession and all the good chances, Liverpool found themselves behind when a swift counter by City was tapped in by Edin Dzeko.

Liverpool were unlucky to be behind, but they didn't feel sorry for themselves. Instead they once again seized control of the game, and were rewarded on 29 minutes. After it looked as though Dzeko was fouled, nothing was called. Liverpool carried on and Sturridge picked the ball up just outside the area, and then thundered past a sea of City players, beyond Joe Hart and into the back of the net.

Liverpool weren't settled their in the first half, and carried on seeing most of the ball. Zabaleta and Hart nearly gifted Liverpool a goal before the break, when Zabaleta didn't realise Hart was coming for the ball and knocked it past his own keeper only to gratefully see it got the wrong side of the post.

City needed a lift at the break, a draw wouldn't be enough, but Liverpool were again on the front foot as the 2nd half began. Liverpool had plenty of half chances, but Hart was untested in the 2nd half. Sturridge was then harshly judged to have dived in the box, and although it was rather theatrical there was contact, and he was going at some speed.

After 15 minutes of the 2nd half, City started to awaken. Dzeko should have done better than miss the ball entirely when Aguero played it in for him, before a Liverpool break ended in Suarez curling with the outside of his boot, wide.

Then on 73 minutes, Liverpool had their revenge. Just as City were looking on top, up popped Steven Gerrard to send the Liverpool faithful into pandemonium, which an outrageous 30 yard strike that had Hart beaten the moment it left his boot.

Like Liverpool, City didn't feel sorry for themselves and 5 minutes later they were level. Liverpool had failed to hang onto a lead again. Reina was to blame for coming out of his area, only for Aguero to beat him to the ball. But to be fair to Reina, no one could envision what was to come next. As from the tightest of angles, and while falling off balance, Aguero managed to curl the ball into the back of the net.

It was the sucker punch of all sucker punches for Brendan Rodgers team, who now we're braced for a final 10 minute onslaught. Yet Liverpool held firm and City's best chance came from a set piece when Maicon headed over, when he should have done better.

The best chance to win the game well to Liverpool, when Joe Hart made a brilliant save, low to his right from Sturridge's curling effort. It came as Sturridge's last act and ultimately the last chance of the game.

Man City now trail their rivals by 9 points, and although you can never rule City out, it's looking like an extremely tough task. Man City have lost 4 points on United in their last two games and will need to get back to winning ways, very soon.

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge - Sturridge put in an inspired effort all game, and certainly drove his side to a valuable point against the champions. His goal was excellent and his work rate was even better.

MAN CITY 2
DZEKO 23
AGUERO 78

LIVERPOOL 2
STURRIDGE 29
GERRARD 73

West Brom 0-1 Tottenham: Bale storms past 10 man WBA

By Peter Wells: In the wake of Peter Odemwingie's desperate attempts to leave the Hawthorns, manager Steve Clarke was given another headache, when Goran Popov spat at Kyle Walker, and was rightly given his marching orders. Popov's moment of stupidity ended the contest as a spectacle and also severely knocked any chance of a West Brom winner. Gareth Bale's wonderful strike on 67 minutes all put cemented WBA's fate. After that it turned to a routine Tottenham victory, which could have had more gloss on it had the players wanted.

Spurs have now moved within a point of 3rd place Chelsea, while West Brom remain in 9th, and set to stay at least 9th for another two weeks.

The first chance of a dull opening fell to West Brom loanee striker, Lukaku who struck low at Lloris' near post, but the effort was easily kept out. Tottenham's best chance of the 1st half came just a minute later when Aaron Lennon displayed his speed down the right hand side, before chipping the ball to Dempsey at the back post, who got his angles all wrong, heading into the side netting.

Tottenham dominated possession in the 1st half, but the best chance well to West Brom's, Shane Long. Dorrans did well to find Long, with a through ball on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area, but the front man's tame effort was well blocked by Lloris.

Bad news then for Tottenham, as Jermain Defoe, limped off after badly twisting his ankle, and things could have gotten worse, had it not been for Dawson, who just did enough to put off Lukaku when he was through on goal.

Bale, who had been Tottenham's biggest threat down the middle, brought a fine stop from Foster, who tipped over the Welshman's effort.

The 2nd half started with drama straight away, when Popov and Walker exchanged words, before the West Brom man spat at the Tottenham right back. Popov saw a straight red, leaving West Brom, which a monstrous task ahead of them.

Tottenham seized control, but despite a few blocked efforts, didn't threaten to make the man advantage count. That was until on 67 minutes, Gareth Bale, cut in from the right hand side, before curling past Foster. It was always going to take an amazing individual effort the separate the two sides, and Gareth Bale was the man to deliver.

Tottenham were cruising now, and looked content, with a 1-0 win. Long threatened at the other end, but lacked the power to trouble Lloris.

It was a crucial 3 points for Tottenham, who just about took advantage of Popov's stupidity, and can now feel much more confident about a top 4 spot.

Man of the Match: Gareth Bale - Who else? Bale took up his role down the middle, and caused West Brom all kinds of problems, and his brilliant finish, was the cherry on top.

WEST BROM 0

TOTTENHAM 1
BALE 67

Fulham 0-1 Man Utd: Rooney steals the show in end-to-end game

Rooney curls home the winning goal

By Peter Wells (@boxingpeter): Another game, another average performance, and no surprise it was another 3 points for league leaders Man Utd, who now lead rival Man City by 10 points, ahead of City's Sunday fixture against Liverpool. Man Utd had a small case to say they were the better side over the 90 minutes but the fact was that they were not at their best. But hence the 'no surprise', United are geniuses at winning when they are far from their best.

In a game that saw crossbars and posts struck and floodlights go out, Wayne Rooney was the man to win the game for United with just over 10 minutes to go. RVP rarely threatened and Hernandez only had one chance on goal as Rooney sent out a message to show he was still United's main front man.

Fulham will rightly feel unlucky not to finish the night with at least a point. They had multiple chances and forced plenty of quality saves out of David De Gea.

The first opportunity of the game fell to Man Utd. The ball though didn't quite fall kindly for United as it was firstly cleared off the line before Evra struck the crossbar. The pinball continued in the penalty area, and when it was finally out of the area, Nani swivelled brilliantly only to see his tame effort saved low at his near post by Mark Schwarzer.

After some sustained United pressure Risse found space down the other end before sending a powerful drive towards De Gea who tipped the ball over the crossbar. Bryan Ruiz then forced a remarkable fingertip save from De Gea. Ruiz's low drive from just outside the 18 yard box was tipped onto the post, before being cleared by United's defence. Straight down the other end Hangeland took the ball away from Nani just in time to deny the winger. From the resulting corner, Hangeland headed onto his own crossbar and Valencia followed up slamming the ball into the side netting.

More end-to-end football ensued as Dejagah went close one end while Rooney did the same at the other. Rooney continued to be United's biggest threat as he struck the inside of the post after Cleverly laid the ball off beautifully.

United were now looking the better team but failed to create any meaningful chances before the floodlights went out 3 minutes before the break. Players were lead off the pitch as the stadium was lit up by the crowds mobile phones.

The 2nd half failed to start with the same pace of the first as both sides had adventurous strikes at goal. Still it was a flowing game, that never stayed in one team's half for a considerably long time. A nice flowing move by United was thwarted by Chris Baird who blocked Nani's effort after he'd had his own strike saved well by De Gea.

As we entered the final 20 minutes, Fulham were looking the more likely team to find a winner as Reither was denied by De Gea, before Ruiz saw his header nodded off the line by Rafael.

But, just as Fulham were looking on top, along came Wayne Rooney to shake things up. He latched on to a ball over the Fulham defence, and as Hughes backed off he curled the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Schwarzer with no chance.

After looking for a winner, Fulham were left with 10 minutes to salvage a point against a United side that had been resilient all night, in a game full of chances.

On 81 minutes Rodallega found himself free in the penalty area but couldn't keep his header down. Van Persie then came to United's rescue on the defensive end has he headed Senderos's goal bound header off the line, although the drama may not have ended their.

Fulham were presented with one last chance in the 94th minute - much to Alex Ferguson's displeasure. Rodallega stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the area, but it was straight into the United wall, before the referee called the curtains on a gripping game.

The Reds had done it again, and for the 2nd time this season Fulham were the victims of being beaten by a sub-par United. Just imagine what Man Utd would be like if they played at their best every week. Maybe they wouldn't be in the same glorious position they are in right now, and that is the beauty of it. That's the secret to United's success.

Man of the Match: Wayne Rooney- Rooney not only got the crucial goal of the match, but he was also United's stand out player. He was by far their biggest threat and he can be well and truly pleased with his nights work.

FULHAM 0

MAN UTD 1
ROONEY 79

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Gunners fight back saves dreadful defence

Walcott celebrates Arsenal's equaliser

By Peter Wells (@boxingpeter): Last night's game was not for the fan of efficient defending as there was little of that on hand during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The away side sacrificed a 2-0 lead in the matter of minutes and were lucky not to throw it all away as Arsenal had numerous chances to win the game.

Neither set of fans were pleased with the result. Arsenal fans were rightly angry at the efforts shown by their defenders while Liverpool supporters were fuming that they let slip a 2 goal lead in such a crucial game.

Liverpool started the game in control, holding onto the ball well before they were gifted a goal by some of the worst defending I have ever seen. After a ball was played back to Sturridge inside the area, Szczesny made a good stop, but with numerous Arsenal players in the penalty area, they failed to clear as Ramsey could only nudge the ball in Luis Suarez's direction. Suarez shot took a deflection, finding its way into the Arsenal goal. Arsenal's defence looked stunned, maybe at their own appalling defending.

The dream start for Liverpool was nearly dashed straight away at the other end as Theo Walcott found himself one-on-one with Pepe Reina, only for the Spaniard to pull out a good save to deny the England striker. Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure, Podolski finding all kinds of room on the left, before Giroud struck inches wide.

Liverpool were still very dangerous, as Suarez demonstrated when he fed a wonderful ball to Daniel Sturridge, who dragged his shot agonizingly wide. It was a let off for Arsenal as they nearly gifted Liverpool another from a goal kick when the ball was passed back to Szczesny, who had Sturridge right on his tail.

Arsenal had more chances in the half, as on 18 minutes, Theo Walcott found himself in all kinds of space following a corner, but his curling effort from the edge of the box was well saved by Reina. Gerrard then came close to putting the ball past his own keeper as he blocked Podolski's cross out for a corner.

Arsenal remained in control, but lacked urgency, and quality, as Walcott failed to control a dinked ball over Liverpool's defence.

More sloppy defending gave Liverpool another opportunity, as Mertesacker gifted the ball to Suarez who won a corner. From the resulting corner, Agger had a header cleared off the line by Podolski. The sloppiness continued for Arsenal who constantly gave position back to Liverpool, who failed to punish the Gunners further.

Gibbs was replaced by Andre Santos on 36 minutes after a hamstring injury, before Liverpool were given one more chance by Arsenal before the break but Henderson's chip over Szczesny landed on the roof of the net.

Arsenal came out in the 2nd period still lacking in invention, and Liverpool who had 10 men behind the ball, were looking comfortable. Although Arsenal came close when an amazing Cazorla cross was headed inches over by Theo Walcott at the back post.

Arsenal were punished for that miss 5 minutes later when Jordan Henderson walked through a hapless Arsenal defence before tucking past Szczesny to make it 2-0. It was a brilliant solo effort, but you could easily say that Henderson could have circled the Arsenal back four for 10 minutes and he still wouldn't have been dispossessed.

Arsenal's offence then woke up while Liverpool's defence dropped off. A Wilshire free-kick was met by the head of Giroud, who powered Arsenal back into the game, just 5 minutes after it had looked all over.

2 minutes later and the Gunners were level as Walcott was through on goal and easily beat Reina from a tight angle. The goalkeeper didn't move and Liverpool had suddenly surrendered their commanding lead.

Walcott was then inches away from making it 3-2 with his effort from outside the area.

As we entered the final 10 minutes it was end to end football as Arsenal countered brilliantly only for no one to get on the end of Cazorla's ball across the six yard box. Liverpool were attacking but not creating any chances while Arsenal were quickly up the other end and Giroud saw his powerful strike tipped wide by Reina. Giroud got his head to the corner but failed to get over the ball, sending it high over the bar.

The chance of the game then came to Olivier Giroud, but the striker just couldn't get any contact on Podolski's ball into the six yard box. Suarez then had one final chance to win it, but Szczesny came to the rescue making a good save to deny the South American.

All in all it was nothing short of entertaining, and there's no doubt both teams gave everything to find a winner in the final minutes of the game. A draw though is a fair result but one neither side can see as a positive result.

Man of the Match: Theo Walcott - This has to go to a player in the offence and although Suarez had a very good game, Theo offered a threat all night long and as proven by his goal, and the chances he had, Liverpool couldn't handle him.

ARSENAL 2
GIROUD 65
WALCOTT 67

LIVERPOOL 2
SUAREZ 5
HENDERSON 60

Newcastle add to Villa misery; QPR hold Man City to goalless draw

By Peter Wells (@boxingpeter): While Newcastle United jumped 4 points clear of relegation, Aston Villa were staring at the horrifying task of turning their fortunes around before it is too late. A spirited second half performance was not enough to save Aston Villa from facing yet another defeat - they haven't won since they defeated Liverpool, mid December.

Newcastle outclassed Villa all over the pitch in the first 45 minutes, and were more than good value for their 2-0 half time lead at a disgusted Villa Park. On 19 minutes new signing Moussa Sissoko played a wonderful through ball to Papiss Cisse, who coolly slotted past the on rushing Brad Guzan. Charles N'Zogbia showed the home faithful there was indeed some life in the Villa team, when he struck the crossbar. But it was Newcastle who struck the back of the net next on 31 minutes through Yohan Cabaye who finished wonderfully giving Guzan no chance.

The half time whistle was met by a chorus of boos as Paul Lambert lead his team to the changing room. Whatever Lambert said at half time, it sure worked as Aston Villa came out looking like a totally different team. Weimann and Agbonlahor also helped rejuvenate the Villa side. Weimann forced Krul to save well before Gabby won Aston Villa a penalty on 49 minutes. Benteke stepped up and converted, giving Villa a chance of a 2nd half comeback.

But despite Newcastle offering next to nothing in the 2nd period, they were able to hold off Lambert's men. So it was another terrible night for all Aston Villa fans, but Lambert can take plenty of positives from the 2nd half display. Unfortunately only playing for one half of football is not enough to survive in the Premier League.

While Aston Villa are slipping down into the drop zone, QPR are starting to claw their way out. After a humiliating home defeat to League One, MK Dons, Harry Redknapp's men more than made up for it by holding the champions, Man City to a 0-0 draw.

City dominated but failed to find a way past the remarkable Julio Cesar, who on multiple occasions denied Roberto Mancini's side from taking the lead. Rangers had few chances on the break, but it was City who controlled the game but the goals they scored for fun last season, were just not there last night.

Swansea were also held to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland, in a game where Swansea dominated the first half but failed to take any of their chances. The 2nd half was closer but the best of the opportunities still fell to Swansea, but both teams will be satisfied with the point.

In the final Tuesday game, Wigan came from 2-0 down to earn a point at Stoke. On 23 minutes Ryan Shawcross converted from close range before Peter Crouch doubled Stoke's advantage on 48 minutes.

Within two minutes the Latics were back in the game when James McArthur side-footed home. Then on 61 minutes, Franco Di Santo stunned the home crowd when he tapped home from 6 yards out. The draw helped lift Wigan out of the drop zone although a shock win for Reading at home to Chelsea will drop them back in.

Tonight's key game, will be Arsenal taking on a Liverpool side coming off the back of an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to League One Oldham.

Tuesday 29th January: Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle; QPR 0-0 Man City; Stoke 2-2 Wigan; Sunderland 0-0 Swansea

Wednesday 30th January: Arsenal v Liverpool; Everton v West Brom; Norwich v Tottenham; Fulham v West Ham; Man Utd v Southampton; Reading v Chelsea

FA Cup 'Magic' returns with weekend of upsets

Luton Town celebrate after shocking Premiership Norwich City

By Peter Wells (@boxingpeter): 'Nothing is as good as in the old days'. This phrase is used for almost every sport known to man. Maybe no more so than football. Sometimes its the players, other times the rules, but each year we here "The FA Cup is nothing like the old days". Year after year the fans of the underdogs and neutrals sit and hope to witness the upsets that we here about so often "in the old days". Yet this weekend there was no mention of the "old days", as the magic of the FA Cup returned to the 21st century.

MK Dons, Luton, Leeds, Oldham all added themselves into the history books of FA Cup upsets. Brentford were so nearly added to that list, but will have to complete their mission at Stamford Bridge. And who, except Chelsea fans, won't be rooting for the League One side to cause maybe the upset of the round.

Blue Square Bet Premier side Luton Town are the new Cinderella story of the FA Cup after becoming the first ever non-league side to knock a top-flight team out of the FA Cup since Sutton Utd defeated Coventry City in 1989. The hero of the day was Scott Rendell, who came off the bench to poke home fellow substitute O'Donnell's delicious cross on the 80th minute. Norwich City didn't have enough time to find an equaliser and where the unfortunate victims of one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time.



MK Dons celebrate their 4th goal in a 4-2 victory against QPR

Norwich aren't Luton's only high flying victims this FA Cup though, as Wolverhampton Wanderers were also felled by one-goal-to-nil in the 3rd round. Next up is Championship side Millwall, and Luton have no desire to stop the upsetting just yet.

Luton were not the only team on Saturday upsetting Premier League sides on their own turf, as MK Dons demolished QPR in quite remarkable fashion. Traore flicked past his own keeper after just 4 minutes before Ryan Lowe, Ryan Harley and Darren Potter put the visiting League One side 4-0 up. Jay Bothroyd and Fabio's late consolation goals were not enough to spare QPR the embarrassment of the humiliating defeat.

Luton and MK Dons were then joined on Sunday by Leeds Utd and Oldham. Leeds, cheered on by a boisterous crowd took the lead at home to Tottenham Hotspur after 15 minutes when Luke Varney found the back of the net after some poor Spurs defending. AVB found his side 2-0 down when Ross McCormack scored a screamer on 50 minutes. Clint Dempsey soon halved the deficit on 58 minutes but the Leeds defence held strong to knock out the Champions League chasing team.

Oldham players and fans celebrate a quite incredible evening

To conclude the amazing weekend, League One strugglers Oldham Athletic gave their fans a memorable night in what has thus far been a pretty forgettable season. Liverpool's poor defence couldn't stop Matt Smith from powering home twice in the first half. Luis Suarez scored a magnificent individual goal in between Smith's heroics. Early in the 2nd half, loanee Reece Wabara powered a quite brilliant header past Brad Jones, who had a bad game to say the least. Oldham amazingly had chances to make it 4-1 as Coates and Skrtel struggled to cope with Oldham's offence. Joe Allen's deflected shot gave Liverpool hope, but only Steven Gerrard came close to saving Liverpool.

Brentford will have one more shot at adding their name to the list of underdog victors, when they travel to Stamford Bridge after coming so close to beating Chelsea after leading twice. Fernando Toress of all people got the decisive equaliser with 7 minutes to go.

In other results in this years FA Cup 4th round, Millwall caused a mild upset against struggling Aston Villa 2-1. Brighton were resilient in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, while League Two Aldershot were seconds away from earning a home replay against Middlesbrough, when the Championship side snatched a heartbreaking goal to win 2-1. Manchester City repeated their 2011 FA Cup final victory over Stoke, winning 1-0, while the red side of Manchester dominated Fulham 4-1. Reading proved too much for Sheffield United winning 4-0, and Blackburn were also too hot for Derby to handle, winning 3-0. Macclessfield succumbed to an early Wigan penalty 1-0, while Hull were shocked by struggling Barnsley at home 1-0. Everton were pushed hard by Bolton, but forced out a 2-1 victory and finally Leicester and Huddersfield will meet again after a 1-1 draw.

So, you could call it a good old fashioned FA Cup weekend. Or you could just face the fact that the FA Cup still has its magic, and fairy tales are still being written in the modern game.

FA Cup 5th round draw: Arsenal v Blackburn; Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan; Luton v Millwall; Man City v Leeds Utd; Man Utd v Reading; MK Dons v Barnsley; Middlesbrough v Chelsea/Brentford; Oldham v Everton