Steve Kean’s job at Blackburn was on the line as his team traveled to the most daunting place in the league, Old Trafford. The man returned home with his managerial position intact along with three points and a devastated United faithful on theAi??occasionAi??of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 70th Birthday. Meanwhile, Chelsea were stunned by Aston Villa at The Bridge via late goals as the Blues moved out of the Top Four, now level on points with Liverpool. The Merseyside team welcomed back their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, who scored in a win at Anfield over Newcastle United.
Robin van Persie came very close to Alan Shearer’s record but failed to topple it, as he scored to end the year for Arsenal on a high note; three points putting them back in to the Top Four just below their North London rivals. Spurs, who have played one game less than Arsenal, traveled away from home to Swansea and managed to bring home just a point. The rest of the teams shared the spoils as Manchester City cannot wait to take a three-point lead on the top of the table as they play later tonight.
The Yak’s Double Shines Over Dimitar’s BraceAi??
On the monumental occasion of Sir Alex’s 70th birthday, the stage seemed set for a marauding over relegation fodder Blackburn Rovers, which could also have meant the last day in the office for Steve Kean. Ninety minutes later, some astute defending from Samba and co. saw Blackburn shock the Trafford faithful to earn a win for their manager. A brace each from in-form strikers Yakubu and Dimitar Berbatov meant the match was heading for a 2-2 draw or a late United flurry. But,Ai??Grant HanleyAi??exposed David De Gea’s weakness from crosses and headed home Blackurn’s winner. With four points from Anfield and Old Trafford, Rovers end a dismal year on an unlikely high!
Horror Passes Gift Three Points To Arsenal And Aston Villa
First, it was Shaun Wright-Phillips, who passed the ball, quite shockingly, to Andrei Arshavin and the Russian cooly slid it to Robin van Persie, who finished homeAi??for his 35th goal of the season (in 36 matches) – highest by an Arsenal player in a calendar year, but just short of Alan Shearer’s record of 36 (in 42 matches).
Next, it was Frank Lampard to carelessly flick a ball, gobbled up by Ireland, and finished by Darren Bent. Aston Villa scored two in the last seven minutes to beat a Chelsea side, who are on their worst run in 7 years. Earlier, Didier Drogba had scored his 150th goal for the club, a personal milestone not enough to hand his team a victory.
Spurs Drop Points, Yet Stay Third
Bellamy Double, Steven Gerrard Is BACK!
Shocking Moment Of The Weekend – TV5 Gets Booked For Ghost Tackle
Almost immediately justifying why ‘refereeing’ was considered as Numero Uno of the ‘Worst Five Duds of The Year’, Martin Atkinson ‘yellow-carded’ Thomas Vermaelen when he was ‘not even in the picture’ of the tackle. The Belgian held his hand in disbelief as the TV Commentators narrated the incident in complete shock and hoped that the decision will be changed after consultation with the other officials. Lo and Behold, even after half-time, the decision remained the same, Koscielny’s card was carried by Vermaelen all game, till he limped off the field to save theAi??embarrassmentAi??for the referee who had a horrendous outing at The Emirates.
Results Of The Weekend
Liverpool 3 – 1 Newcastle
Manchester United 2 – 3 Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea 1 – 3 Aston Villa
Arsenal 1 – 0 QPR
Swansea 1 – 1 SpursAi??
Norwich 1 – 1 Fulham
Bolton 1 – 1 Wolves
Stoke 2 – 2 Wigan
Team Of The Weekend
TheHardTackle wishes its readers a very Happy New Year 2012
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