JOE ALLEN: LIVERPOOL'S NEW XABI ALONSO?

When Brendan Rodgers dished out £15 million for the signature of JOESPH MICHAEL ALLEN, many wondered is he worth it?Ever since Xabi Alonso left the reds for real, liverpool have tried to replace him with someone equally able and have failed on every occasion.The first one was ALBERTO AQUILANI, £ 20 million of the £30 million received from alonso's transfer was spent on the italian.He never really settled in england, and his first season was plagued by injuries and the following seasons he went out on a series of loans to various italian clubs.LUCAS LEIVA was given the chance to play regularly, and he grabbed this opportunity with both hands, putting up stellar performances week in week out, and looked to be the answer to liverpool's cdm problems, but an injury early last season hampered all of those plans and it was back to square one.The next one was JORDAN HENDERSON, another £20 million spent, but the england international looked the shadow of the player he was at sunderland and never really established himself.JONJO SHELVEY was one player who looked to have the potential which could be harnessed to make him a world class player, but again he was sent out on a number of loan spells and never really got the opportunity to grow at anfield.So, it comes down to liverpools latest acquistion, which brings me back to my earlier question,is allen worth it? The answer is he certainly is.

Allen a product of the swansea youth academy,he made his debut at the tender age of 16! Later on though he did find first team opportunities hard to come by and went out on a loan spell to wrexham, but when regular midfielder Ferrie Bodde had been ruled out of the season due to an injury, allen was recalled and finally got his chance! he came on as a substitute with his side trailing 2-0 and only 25 minutes remaining.They ended up drawing the game 2-2 and allen went on to win the man of the match award and this was just the beginning.He was one of swansea's best players of 2010/11 season, which saw them earn promotion to the top flight.In the 2011/12 season, allen showed everyone just why he is regarded to be one of the best talents to come out of wales, putting in stand out performances everytime he went out on the pitch.His passing ability, awareness and ball control were just immaculate and saw him being compared to XAVI.Another thing to be noted is his defensive ability and the dirty work that he is ever so ready to do.He ended up being the highest passing midfielder in the premier league last season and swansea's player of the season.

So when Rodgers made the switch to anfield, many expected him to take his main man with him, and he did! he has been rodgers best signing so far, and liverpools best player this season.If this is how allen is going to continue playing,and grow as he has been the past few years, then liverpool can put away their cdm problems away, because in allen they have someone who can glue the team together and has the awarness to always make the right pass. He might not be as good as xabi right now, but he is still young and with a player of steven gerrard's quality around, i am sure he can reach those heights!

WHY THE SAINTS CAN AVOID THE DROP

With the start of the new premier league season, the three newly promoted teams are the favorites among the bookmakers to make the drop back into the championship.
Southampton go into the international break without a point from their first 3 outings back in the top flight!Their fans and some pundits did expect them to get something out of their game against wigan, but they weren't given a hairs chance of troubling last seasons champions and runners up.

Despite the fact that they are rock bottom right now, they have shown that they have the players with the skill, guile and heart to suggest that they might still be around for the 2013/14 season.Manager NIGEL ADKINS has instilled a hardworking and yet attractive footballing philosophy into his squad, and this has definitely translated into their performances, under ADKINS the saints have a 1.97 points per game average,which isn't too bad at all.And they have shown that they are not afraid of facing the big teams and can trouble them, and results against the top teams is what will ensure survival in the end.

In ADAM LALLANA, they have a young, dynamic leader who fought through hear problems to get to where he is now and this is the fighting spirit that epitomise's through his team.Rickie Lambert's finishing is what propelled southampton into the top flight and he has showed that he can continue his excellent form at the very big stage as well.The club record signing of Uruguyan GASTON RAMIREZ, who was a target for many of the top clubs,gives a signal of the clubs intent, that they are here to STAY!The exciting winger will definitely add another dimension to their game and could be the x-factor that they need.
The only area of concern is their defense, who seem to put up a good performance upto the 75th minute, but end up losing their concentration and thus costing them the match in the end, a few tweaks in the centre back positions could be the solution to their defensive problems.
So all hope isn't lost yet, they maybe lying at the bottom now, but don't be surprised if they end up avoiding the drop come may!

My articles on Sportskeeda Read more: http://www.sportskeeda.com/author/fringefan/#ixzz25QgbcflN

14/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If u can't get along with Dravid, u're struggling in life "-Brett Lee

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

RCB'S SELF DESTRUCTION: WHOSE FAULT IS IT REALLY?

So Chennai's last gasp victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore seems to have sparked off a huge debate, why was Virat Kohli given the responsibility to bowl the penultimate over? People have gone to the extent of saying that is  the end of his bowling career and many other things..
Firstly, conceding 28 runs in an over doesn't mean u aren't fit enough to bowl, just take the example of Stuart Broad, he was the unfortunate bowler who fell prey to Yuvraj's six sixes.And him being a full time bowler, I am sure it would have hurt him more, but he didnt let it affect him and he's been Englands main seamer since!

Secondly,its not Virat Kohli's fault that he was given the responsibility to bowl the 19th over and he ended up getting thrashed around the park.Every batsmen has his day and today it was Albie Morkel's and t20 is a batsmen friendly sport, when full time bowlers themselves are getting heat for 15-20 runs in the final few overs, it shouldn't be a surprise when a part-timer conceded above 20 runs.

Thirdly, was it Kohli's fault? should he have bowled better? the answer to that is no, its not his fault! It is the captains and the coaching staff's fault.Why was Raju Bhatkal in the squad? when u pick a player, it is because u think he can influence the game, because he can make a difference to the team.Why do u pick a player,when u think of him as a liability? The coaching staff need to go back to the drawing board and come up with more effective strategies and ensure that this does not repeat.

Sadly it was Kohli's bad day and he fell victim to bad man management and tactics, i know he will get over it and it would be good if all of us also did!

12/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The Rock is going to lay the smack down all over your candy ass!"- DWAYNE "THE ROCK" JOHNSON

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Cristiano Ronaldo being unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernebau

11/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.”- KOBE BRYANT


YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

10/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I'm not angry. As an athlete ... you should be open to criticism, and you're allowed to be criticized, because not everybody has the same opinion, not everybody likes the same players. The rankings are quite volatile: Today you're 'great,' tomorrow you're 'not,' but then you're 'great' again. It makes for great stories. Now, I always look at the long term and by doing that, obviously, I can stay calm through the storm."- ROGER FEDERER

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

DWIGHT "SUPERMAN" HOWARD!!

 

09/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"My kids are not known, and I think that is very important. So far they have lived a normal life, and will continue to do so. I feel they should have the possibility to live a free life without the burden of fame I have created"- MICHAEL SCHUMACHER

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Arsenal fans doing the Poznan!

 

IPL:CRICKETAINMENT OR PLAIN SIMPLE BORING?

So the 5th edition of the IPL is underway, and of what we've seen so far, it seems to be lacking that excitement and intensity that the first 2-3 editions had.TRP ratings have taken a tumble, with broadcasters in certain countries refusing to telecast it.Moviemakers who were scared to release their films during the ipl, seem to be happy now to do so.So, what has changed?

1.To begin with, the man who started it off, Lalit Modi isn't part of the administrative setup anymore,people may say he isn't that important and so it shouldn't matter!but the truth is that it does,and all the controversy surrounding his departure hasnt helped the cause of the IPL.
2.The IPL comes along once in a year, but during those 2 months there seems to be an overdose of it, with television channels even telecasting after parties and news channels going into ipl updates overdrive!
3.There seems to be a lot of player swapping going on, if you're not closely following your team, u might even not be aware that there are some faces missing from your team, and new ones have been taken in.For ex: how many of you knew that Ross Taylor had been sold by Rajasthan to Delhi for 1.2MN! I'm sure most people weren't even aware that a transfer system existed!
4.Most matches seem to be one-sided, draining the crowd and the viewers of the drama and excitement that comes with closely contested games! Just take the case of the matches we have seen so far this season, all of the matches so far have been one sided!
5.Most of the top players are unavailable as they are reporting for national duty, an ipl window is a necessity!
6.Certain teams seem to get preferential treatment.The Chairman of BCCI owns the Chennai team! now how can that be allowed? how is it fair? Mumbai with their money power seem to be snatching players away from other teams, doesn't a salary cap apply to them? if it is within the laws, why isnt it being made public? There are many such questions that are still unanswered.
The BCCI seems to be making a lot of money despite of all this, and i'm sure they are not going the change anything drastically, so it is safe to say that at this rate the ipl is going to fade away!

08/04/2012

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost" -Martina Navratilova

 YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Marco Van Basten celebrates after scoring one of the best goals off all time against Russia in the final of EURO 1988

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When I go to the press conference before the game, in my mind the game has already started."- JOSE MOURINHO

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE DAY

 

                                         

 

                         Rahul Dravid Speech -- Sir Donald Bradman Oration 2011

 

 

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Tiger Woods winning his first Augusta Masters title back in 1997!

Hey guys, I'm back! Its been a while since i posted anything, been busy with college off late.But now i have the time, and so there is going to be a posting spree starting from today.In the break i thought of some new ideas to enhance the blog, ill be introducing a few new sections to the blog- Quote of the day, Youtube video of the day and Picture of the day.These will be updated everyday!
As most of u must be aware, ipl 5 is going on, so i'll be posting weekly reviews on them too. No more football match reviews from my side, only my opinions.
So i hope that my new approach interests u, and do leave ur comments on my posts!
cheers!

Match report: Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United

The roads were cleared off the snow and ice and the green light was given just hours before kickoff for the match to take place, and what a match it was! A modern premier league classic quoted the commentator at the end of the game.

Chelsea handed out a debut to Gary Cahill with John Terry still out due to injury, Jose Bosingwa filled in at left back for the suspended Ashley Cole and Michael Essien was given a start.
United made 6 changes from the side that beat Stoke 2-0, which saw Rooney and Young back in the starting eleven.

The game went off to a slow start, but it was United who dominated in the early stages.They seemed to be on the ascendancy, but to everyone's surprise it was Chelsea who took the lead after clever work from Daniel Sturridge on the right saw his cross deflected in off Johnny Evans.

United came out charging onto the field before the second half, but were dealt a severe blow as Juan Mata volleyed Fernando Toress's pinpoint cross into the roof of the net, just 26 seconds into the 2nd half. And 3 minutes later, David Luiz's header was deflected in off Rio Ferdinand, 3-0! and it looked like the blues were gonna take away all 3 points!

Fergie made some clever substitutions, bringing on Hernandez and Scholes and it payed off almost immediately, Patrice Evra seemed to have put his leg in for a challenge inside the box and Sturridge having made the contact, a penalty was awarded. Rooney converted it expertly, 3-1!

United had plenty of time left and within a few minutes, referee Howard Webb with another shocker of a decision, awarded a penalty to United.( it looked as though Welbeck ran into Ivanovic's leg on purpose). Once again Rooney slotted it past Petr Cech to make it 3-2! game on!

Chelsea might have felt a bit agrieved about conceding the 2 penalties, but the third goal from United just summed up why David Luiz is not fit to be a defender! As Ryan Giggs crossed, he let Hernandez drift away, and stared at him as he headed the ball into the net! Seriously AVB, why are you still playing him?
In the late stages, David De Gea produced 3 excellent saves to keep out Chelsea and United a valuable point.

Key points-
1. Never count out Manchester United
2. Wayne Rooney's form is quintessential to United's success
3. AVB has to be more positive being 3-0 up.
4. David Luiz cannot defend.
5. Juan Mata is the key-man if Chelsea want to secure a champions league place.
6. Fergie is a tactical genius!

TENNIS: PREVIEW- AUSTRALIAN OPEN( Men's draw)

Its January and it means its time for the first grandslam of the year, all the tennis giants will descend to Melbourne Park to battle it out for the Australian Open.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic will start off as the favorite to defend his crown. Djokovic had an unforgettable 2011 winning 3 grandslams and becoming world no.1 in the process, although he faded out towards the end of the year which was mostly due to injuries and fatigue he has got himself a good rest in the off period and will look to show everyone that 2011 was no fluke.

Rafael Nadal had a somewhat quiet year, winning only one grandslam( French open), but he finished the year on a high, winning the Davis Cup with Spain. Despite this, Nadal looked out of sorts in 2011 and was marred by injuries, he'll look to begin the year on a high and a win will be essential if he is to safeguard his no.2 ranking as he is taking a one month break at the end of the open.

Roger Federer won no grandslams last year, but ended the year with a record 6th ATP world tour finals title and showed everyone he still hasn't lost his touch. He was the only player to have beaten Djokovic in a grandslam last year, he has a win loss record of 59-8 at Melbourne Park and will look to continue this to claim his 5th title here.

Andy Murray has been in the shadows of the big 3, and has failed to show that he is champion material. 2012 will be an important year for him to establish his credentials as a serious grandslam contender, with many other players lurking on the fringes to break into the top 4.

Among'st the chasing pack, Jo Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer are the ones who can seriously challenge for the title too.

Milos Raonic is another player to look out for, the Canadian has risen from 153 to 25 in the ATP rankings and will look to show the big boys that he is one to reckon with.Kei Nishikori and Alexandr Dolgapolv will be other players to look out for.

The Open begins on the 16th of january!

MANCHESTER CITY 2-3 MANCHESTER UNITED

The red devils went through to the 4th round with a hard fought victory against 10 men City.

City started off the game with the majority off the possession, but then Wayne Rooney broke away and played the ball to the right to Antonio Valencia, who put in an inch perfect cross which was headed in brilliantly by Rooney, United up one nil.

Then came the moment of controversy, Rooney again broke away and played the ball towards Nani, City captain put in a two footed challenge and clearly won the ball without catching the player at all, but referee Chris Foy deemed it to be dangerous and intentional and showed a straight red to Kompany.

City readjusted with Micah Richards going to center back and James Milner moving to right back.United were getting a lot of joy on both the wings, Nani dragged Milner to the center and played the ball to Evra on the left, his cross was half cleared by City and off the clearance Danny Welbeck volleyed into the right corner. United 2-0 up and looking hungry for more.

Then in the 39th minute, Welbeck was brought down by Kolarov in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Rooney's penalty was saved by City's keeper but he headed the ball in on the rebound. 3-0 and it looked like United were going to take revenge for their 6-1 defeat.

Roberto Mancini made two changes at half time, taking off David Silva and Adam Johnson and bringing on Stefan Savic and Pablo Zabaleta, looked like Mancini was looking for damage limitation.

City were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, and the ball was curled in brilliantly by Kolarov and it was 3-1. game on? United controlled the possession, and in the 59th minute Paul Scholes made his comeback, coming on for Nani.

Scholes then gifted the ball to Milner, he crossed the ball to Aguero whose first time shot was fumbled by Lindergaard and Aguero pounced on it to make it 3-2.

And that was all City would get, they did come close to equalising but Kolarov's stoppage time free kick was parried away by Lindergaard and Smalling cleared it,3-2 the final score, United avoiding a third consecutive defeat to knock the cup holders out of this year's fa cup!

MAN OF THE MATCH: WAYNE ROONEY

EPL: ROUNDUP OF WEDNESDAY'S ACTION

NEWCASTLE UNITED 3-0 MANCHESTER UNITED


The champions slumped to a second consecutive defeat which saw them stay on second, 3 points behind the leaders City.


Newcastle started the match on top, but it was United who first came closest to scoring, DIMITAR BERBATOV'S deflected header hitting the post. Then DEMBA BA made a run into the box and he was clearly tripped by RIO FERDINAND, but no penalty was awarded.
This seemed to have inspired BA, and he opened the scoring finishing brilliantly to put them in the lead.

United looked to get back in the second half but then DEMBA BA once again ran at United's defence and he was fouled resulting in a free kick. YOHAN CABAYE smashed the ball in to the top corner to send the crowd into a frenzy.

United for their part tried their best, a WAYNE ROONEY shot was cleared off the line by DANNY SIMPSON and this was the closest they came to scoring a goal. In the final stages a mix-up between PHIL JONES and the keeper led to an own goal from the defender, and it summed up United's performance. The win sees Newcastle move to 33 points, just 4 behind 4th placed Chelsea

MAN OF THE MATCH: DEMBA BA


EVERTON 1-2 BOLTON WANDERERS


The win took Bolton off the bottom and into 18th place. LANDON DONOVAN and GARY CAHILL both started the game.


The first half was dismal, with neither side able to create anything and the horrendous weather in Merseyside wasn't helping.

The second half started off more positively and TIM HOWARD of all people opened the scoring, his clearance took an awkward bounce and the wind seemed to have given the ball extra flight leaving the Bolton keeper stranded, this was HOWARD'S second premier league goal.


The lead did not last for long though, some good work from CHRIS EAGLES on the right wing was rounded off by an impressive left foot finish from DAVID NGOG.

GARY CAHILL then struck a low shot into the bottom corner to send Bolton into the lead. Everton did come close to equalising late in stoppage time, but LEIGHTON BAINES free kick came off the cross bar.


MAN OF THE MATCH: GARY CAHILL


LEAGUE STANDINGS

EPL: ROUNDUP OF TUESDAY'S ACTION

MANCHESTER CITY 3-0 LIVERPOOL


The leaders got back to winning ways to open up a 3 point lead at the top with their 15th consecutive home win.
Liverpool started the game positively, and in the initial stages STUART DOWNING was put through by JORDAN HENDERSON but the winger failed to score as his shot was blocked off by JOE HART. City then went into the lead after SERGIO AGUERO'S snap shot from outside the box crept under PEPE REINA'S body( a costly mistake from the keeper indeed!).

Inspite of going down one nil it was liverpool who dominated possession and were looking likely to get the equaliser, but then some poor marking and another mistake from REINA meant they were 2-0 down, YAYA TOURE scoring from a corner.

The second half was again all Liverpool possession, but the reds failed to create any clear cut chances and when GARETH BARRY received his marching orders for a second yellow, it looked like the reds could get back into the game, but then YAYA TOURE made a swashbuckling run into the box and was brought down by MARTIN SKRTEL resulting in a penalty.JAMES MILNER expertly put the ball in the back of the net and sealed the win for City.


MAN OF THE MATCH: YAYA TOURE


TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION


Spurs laboured to a win at White Hart Lane, which saw them move within 3 points of second placed Manchester United.

The first half was dismal with either side failing to create anything, the second half was better though and JERMAINE DEFOE got the decisive goal, his tenth of the season.
Albion did try to mount a comeback, but they just couldn't find a way past BRAD FRIEDEL. And in the end Spurs held on to a secure a vital victory.


MAN OF THE MATCH: JERMAINE DEFOE


WIGAN 1-4 SUNDERLAND


Sunderland's incredible revival under MARTION O' NEIL continued as they thumped Wigan to move to 10th place.


Wigan went close to opening the scoring, first DAVID JONES shot came off the upright and immediately off the rebound BEN WATSON'S shot came off the right side upright.

Then late in the second half CRAIG GARDNER blasted the ball from 25 yards(freekick) and it appeared to be missing the target, but then it moved back in sharply and was into the net, a quite stunning freekick i must say!

Wigan came out in the second half with some purpose, but then they gifted the ball to DAVID VAUGHAN who crossed brilliantly to JAMES MCLEAN, his initial header was saved by AL-HABSI but the youngster headed the ball in on the rebound.


Wigan were given some hope of getting back into the game after HUGO RODALLEGA'S deflected shot crept in to make it 2-1. As Wigan pressed for the equaliser, they were found wanting on the counter attack, NICKLAS BENDTNER'S cross was tapped in by SESSEGNON and Sunderland seemed to have sealed off a win. DAVID VAUGHAN then struck an unstoppable shot to make it 4-1 and add gloss to a fine win.


MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMES MCLEAN

EPL: ROUNDUP OF MONDAY'S ACTION

WOLVES 1-2 CHELSEA


The Londoners were in desperate need of 3 points to keep their top 4 aspirations alive and in the end they did enough to see off Wolves.

LAMP'S TO THE RESCUE!

RAMIRES opened the scoring for the blues early into the second half, but after that Chelsea failed to get the 2nd and Wolves pegged them back through a brilliant finish from STEPHEN WARD. As the minutes passed by it looked like it would be yet another 1-1 draw for Chelsea, but in the last minute of regulation time TORRES put ASHLEY COLE through and he put in an inch perfect cross into the box which was tapped in by FRANK LAMPARD.


In the end, all though Wolves had a pretty decent game themselves, they didnt create enough opportunities and Chelsea just deserved the win. They however will have to sort out their defensive issues if they are to assure themselves a top 4 finish come the end of the season.

TORRES PUT IN A GOOD SHIFT!

MAN OF THE MATCH: RAMIRES


ASTON VILLA 0 -2 SWANSEA


The swans earned their first away win of the season after they saw off a Villa side who put in a performance that was nowhere close to the one they had put up against Chelsea.

NATHAN DYER scored the first goal in the 4th minute after he capitalised on STEPHEN WARNOCK'S casual back pass. WAYNE ROUTLEDGE then made it two finishing handsomly into the bottom right corner( his 1st premier league goal). VIlla did try to get back in the game but Swansea were just too good for them.


MAN OF THE MATCH: NATHAN DYER


BLACKBURN 1-2 STOKE CITY


Blackburn were on a high after they beat the champions in their own backyard, but once again they failed to continue their good work as they succumbed to defeat at home.

Stoke played really well and were deserved victors courtesy of a brace from PETER CROUCH who tormented the Blackburn defense.
DAVID GOODWILLE did pull one back for BLACKBURN but they couldnt get the equaliser in the end.


MAN OF THE MATCH: PETER CROUCH


QUEENS PARK RANGERS 1-2 NORWICH CITY


QPR captain JOEY BARTON went from hero to zero in a matter of minutes as Rangers miserable home form continued.

BARTON CANT SEEM TO KEEP HIMSELF OFF CONTROVERSY!

BARTON opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a smashing shot, but later he had an off the ball altercation with Norwich's BRADLEY JOHNSON which earned him a straight card. Norwich took advatage of being a man up, and leveled matters through ANTHONY PILKINGTON'S neat finish into the bottom corner.They finally got the winner in the closing stages, STEVE MORISON the scorer,

MAN OF THE MATCH:  ANTHONY PILKINGTON


FULHAM 2-1 ARSENAL


The cottagers struck late to snatch all 3 points from Wengers men.


LAURENT KOSCIELNY put the gunners on top in the 21st minute as he headed in AARON RAMSEY'S cross. But after going in the lead Arsenal failed to get the killer second goal and were wasteful in the final third.

THE 90TH RED CARD UNDER WENGER!

Fulham slowly started getting into the game and in the second half they created many chances, and then JOHAN DJOUROU received his marching orders for a second yellow card. Fulham took advantage of it and leveled matters through a STEVE SIDWELL header and in injury time BOBBY ZAMORA volleyed into the bottom corner to give them the win.

SIDWELL WAS EXCELLENT IN MIDFILED!

MAN OF THE MATCH: STEVE SIDWELL

EPL: WEEKEND REVIEW

This was the weekend of upsets as only 2 teams in the top 5 secured victories with 3 of them succumbing to defeats.

Liverpool eased past Newcastle United 3-1 on friday night.

Newcastle took the lead through a DANIEL AGGER own goal but CRAIG BELLAMY equalised for Liverpool almost immediately with a low driven shot into the bottom corner.

The second half saw the introduction of STEVEN GERRARD, and all of a sudden Liverpool were dominating and creating many chances.CRAIG BELLAMY'S free kick put them in the lead, MARTIN SKRTEL put in a brilliant goal line clearance to deny DEMBA BA and when STEVEN GERRARD slotted the ball past TIM KRUL there was no doubt of the result.

MAN OF THE MATCH : STEVEN GERRARD


The odds in England favouring a Blackburn win at Old Trafford were 33/1 but it didn't stop them as they pulled off a dramatic 3-2 win over the champions.

DIMITAR BERBATOV brought down CHRISTOPHER SAMBA in the box to gift Blackburn a penalty and AIYEGBENI YAKUBU coolly slotted the ball in to the net to give them the lead.

United had a majority of the posession but they struggled to create many clear cut chances. The second half started with United dominance again but then some shoddy defending from MICAHEL CARRICK and PHIL JONES saw YAKUBU through, and he finished brilliantly to give the visitors a 2 goal lead.
United however responded brilliantly, and they leveled the match 2-2 with a brace from BERBATOV. There was late drama as GRANT HANLEY capitalised on DAVID DE GEA'S mistake to net the winner for Rovers.

MEN OF THE MATCH: AIYEGBENI YAKUBU AND CHRISTOPHER SAMBA


Aston Villa thumped Chelsea 3-1 to move into the top half of the table.

The blues went ahead through a DIDIER DROGBA penalty( his 150th goal for the club), but once again their defending lacked any conviction and were pegged back minutes later through a STEPHEN IRELAND goal.
The second half was all about Chelsea trying to get the winner, FERNANDO TORRES came close, but his effort came off the bar.
There was late drama as some poor marking saw STYLIAN PETROV through and he finished brilliantly to give Villa the lead. FRANK LAMPARD then gifted the ball to IRELAND who was one on one with the keeper and he unselfishly passed the ball to DARREN BENT who passed the ball through the keeper to seal the victory for Villa.

MAN OF THE MATCH: STEPHEN IRELAND


Spurs failed to capitalise on Chelsea's and United's slipups as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Swansea.

They took the lead through a deflected shot from RAFAEL VAN DER VAART late in the first half, the second half was all Swansea as they looked to get an equaliser and they were finally rewarded as SCOTT SINCLAIR tapped in to earn the Swans a deserved point.

MEN OF THE MATCH: JOE ALLEN AND YOUNUS KABOUL


Manchester City had the chance to go 3 points clear on top, but they blew that oppurtunity as they failed to score for a second consecutive game to succumb to a 1-0 victory at the hands of Sunderland.

Since the arrival of MARTIN O' NEIL the black cats have looked a different side altogether, and they put up a sterling performance to beat the leaders.

City rested DAVID SILVA and KUN AGUERO and it showed in their performance as they lacked any flare and even though SILVA tried his best after coming on in the second half, city couldnt manage a goal and in the dying minutes DONG -WON JI struck the ball past JOE HART to send the Sunderland fans into a frenzy.

MAN OF THE MATCH: LEE CATTERMOLE


HERE ARE ALL THE RESULTS

LEAGUE TABLE