The most anticipated fixture of the recent Premier League match-day was the Manchester Derby which had the potential of thrusting Manchester United beyond Manchester City’s immediate reach and effectively ending the title aspirations of the reigning Premier League Champions. The match-day also packed some crucial matches for teams struggling to maintain their Premier League status.
Man Utd 4 - 2 Man City
The six goal thriller started with Manchester City on top as their domination of game resulted in a simple goal for star striker Sergio Aguero. The visitors could not maintain the status quo after that and paid the price as Young’s alertness was rewarded with the equalizer and rejuvenated Fellaini scored a header which should have been saved by Hart to put United 2-1 up at half time. City had no answer to United’s compact formation and high pressing tactics and they allowed two goals within a space of seven minutes which effectively ended their title push. Rooney played a splendid reverse pass to Mata who took his time before expertly placing the ball between Hart’s legs. Young’s free-kick was met with a powerful header by unmarked Smalling who made it 4-1 to United. Experienced midfielder and the engine behind United’s recent run retired due to injury as Van Gaal had used all the available substitutions and City quickly cashed-in the advantage as Aguero scored his second goal of the game which proved to be a mere consolation at the end.
Tottenham 0 - 1 Aston Villa
It was the first time Sherwood was making return to his old club after being appointed Aston Villa manager. Sherwood knew everything about this Spurs team and it showed as Villa made it increasingly difficult for their opponents to stamp their authority on the game. In form Tottenham striker Harry Kane could not find his usual lethal form along with other stars and Benteke scored the only goal of the game with a header ten minutes before half time. Agbonlahor and Delph had chances to wrap up the game but both failed to score. Villa saw out last few minutes of the game with ten men and held-on for a famous victory over Tottenham.
Sunderland 1 - 4 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace continued their great run under Alan Pardew as they brushed aside a desolate Sunderland side at Stadium of Light. Dick Advocaat’s Sunderland have now conceded four goals twice in their last three home games. A few minutes after the break Yanick Bolasie’s deflected cross was headed home by Murray who has now scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances. This was followed by eleven minute hat-trick from Yanick Bolasie who is known more for his trickery and crosses than goals. Wickham scored one late in the game but then there was no time left for Sunderland to stage a fight-back. The loss will put pressure on Sunderland as they are now just three points above the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Man City
City had one game in hand when we did our last Premier League round-up which they had to play against a resurgent Crystal Palace side. City had not won at Palace in their last four visits and was caught out in the opening minute but Zaha blasted over when he was through on goal. City responded well as they maintained lion’s share of possession but could not break down a resilient and well-drilled Crystal Palace defence. The home side was playing on counter-attack and took the lead in thirty fourth minute when Hart saved Dann’s shot but Murray reacted first to score his fifth goal in five matches. Puncheon scored a stunning free-kick three minutes after the break to put Palace 2-0 up. Toure struck an impressive goal with twelve minutes remaining but Crystal Palace held out and City lost the opportunity to occupy third place and get above Manchester United before the derby while Crystal Palace climbed to eleventh place on the table.
Others
Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick against QPR to salvage a draw, he scored his third goal after Charlie Austin had scored and Villa went 3-2 down in 78th minute. Swansea and Everton had a 1-1 draw after goal from Lennon was crossed out by penalty from Shelvey. Italian striker Pelle ended his goal drought and Ward-Prowse scored a penalty as Southampton beat Hull 2-0.
Vardy scored a late winner to beat West Brom 3-2 away at the Hawthorns. Cresswell gave West Ham advantage over Stoke which was cancelled out by Arnautovic after a brilliant flick by Stephen Ireland to end the game as a draw. Burnley’s Shackell gave the ball away at half-way line and was punished as Ramsey put Arsenal ahead and his twelfth minute strike was enough to earn all three points for the Gunners. Arsenal now occupy second spot on the table and are one point ahead of third placed Manchester United.
Chelsea did well to grind out a win against QPR at Loftus road thanks to Cesc Fabregas who steered the ball home in 88th minute. Chelsea are now in pole position as Manchester City’s title challenge has faded away and they hold a seven point lead over second placed Arsenal with one game in hand. Newcastle’s poor run continued as Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield courtesy Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen. The Reds are now four points adrift top four but Newcastle will have to improve their form soon if they don’t want to get involved in the relegation battle.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
MON - 13 APR 2015
Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle
SUN 12 - APR 2015
QPR 0 - 1 Chelsea
Man Utd 4 - 2 Man City
SAT - 11 APR 2015
Swansea 1 - 1 Everton
Southampton 2 - 0 Hull
Sunderland 1 - 4 Crystal Palace
Tottenham 0 - 1 Aston Villa
West Brom 2 - 3 Leicester
West Ham 1 - 1 Stoke
Burnley 0 - 1 Arsenal
TUE - 7 APR 2015
Aston Villa 3 - 3 QPR
MON - 6 APR 2015
Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Man City