EPL REVIEW

                                         

The early kick off on Saturday saw champions Man City travel to St James’ Park to take on a Newcastle side in dire need of three points. Kun Aguero opened the scoring for the Citizens converting from a Nasri cut back on 10minutes. Javi Garcia scored his second goal in English football to put City two up on 39minutes. Demba Ba gave the Magpies a lifeline with a well taken headed goal but Yaya Toure’s smart finish from a Zabaleta pass sealed victory for City. It was a perfect response from Mancini’s men after the bitter disappointment of Derby day defeat. Mancini rang the changes to his side dropping Balotelli from the squad with Tevez pairing Aguero.

                                                                                        

It took Harry four games but he has finally got a victory out of his QPR side.  An Adel Taarabt double ended QPR’s record-breaking winless start to a Premier League season as they beat Fulham in a thrilling London Derby at Loftus Road. The playmaker opened the scoring in the 52^nd minute with a shot from 25yards that deflected of Hangeland.  His second was sensational as he casual curled the ball into the net following a mazy run from midfield. Petric pulled one back late on and ensured a nervy finish but QPR were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory. The result moves them off the bottom of the table for the first time since November 10^th.

                                         

Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish was dealt a huge blow by a Christian Benteke inspired Aston Villa. The home side went behind in the 29^th minute when Benteke arrowed a shot in off the post. Benteke’s exquisite backheel set up Weimann for Villa’s second on 40minutes. The Belgian got his brace from close range for a resurgent Villa side before Gerrad netted a consolation late. It ended 3-1 to Villa and capped up a memorable week for them as they reached the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup mid week.

                                             

An efficient attacking display from Man United against Sunderland ensured that that will top the table at Christmas. Two goals in four first half minutes from Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley gave United control of the game. Rooney struck his third goal in three games just before the hour mark to put the game beyond Sunderland but credit to Sunderland who kept fighting and pulled a goal back through former United striker Frazier Campbell. There was an appearance by Vidic who had been injured since September, his return is a boost and Sir Alex seeks to shore up his leaky defence. Sunderland remains close to the relegation zone and heaps more pressure on Manager Martin O’Neill.

                                                  

Tottenham secured a 1-0 win over Swansea in North London on Sunday. Jan Vertonghen broke the deadlock with a classy finish from a Kyle Walker free-kick. Spurs were without the injured Gareth Bale for the second game in a row and needed a win the lay claim to fourth spot. Swansea had few chances and remain 10^th despite a second successive defeat.

                                             

Kenwyne Jones scored his first goal in 28 league appearances as Stoke drew with Everton to maintain their unbeaten home record. Ryan Shawcross headed Pienaar’s cross into this own net to give Everton the lead. Everton could have been reduced to 10 men when Fellaini headbutted Shawcross but the incident was missed by the officials. The Belgian has been banned for 3 games.

                                              

Arsenal was in need of a victory after the disappointment of the League Cup against Bradford.  Monday night saw the gunners travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading. The Royals had dropped to bottom of the league following QP   2R’s win.  Arsenal was on the attack from the start and took the lead via a Podolski Strike. Two goals from Carzola ensured Arsenal went into the break with a three goal cushion. The Royals were disorganized and put up a woeful display in the first half.  The Spaniard completed his hatrick in the second half but the Royals began to put pressure on the Arsenal backline and pulled two goals back with Le Fondre and kebe. Theo Walcott playing in his much courted central striking position got the goal his performance deserved scoring a fifth for Arsenal putting the game beyond Reading.  The victory was a positive response for Arsenal following the loss to Bradford and lifts them to fifth on the table.

OTHER RESULTS

West Brom 0 West Ham 0, Norwich 2 Wigan 1.