Premier League Review: Van Gaal – Mourinho Clash Ends Square as City Drop Points

A summary of the weekai??i??s action, as Chelsea and Manchester United locked horns in the midst of a Man City defeat.

Manchester City Hammered

West-Ham United find themselves in 4^th place in the Premier League after one of the most exciting games of their season. It was all about Song at London as the Cameroonian tried to show what he had learnt at Camp Nou and previously at the Emirates. Breaking up play and doubling as a playmaker, Alex Song ensured the Cityai??i??s attacking threats were made redundant on a number of occasions. Morgan Amalfitano and Enner Valencia were instrumental in West Hamai??i??s attack. The duo were responsible for the home teams 21^st min lead as Valencia made a slick pass for Amalfitano to poke it into the back of the net. The duo continued to be a threat for rest of the game until they were substituted.

However Diafro Shako scored the winner making it his 6^th in 7 games. The Senegalese however suffered a shoulder injury and was substituted in the dying minutes of the game. David Silva was by far cityai??i??s best player. His free kick that narrowly missed could have been devastating for their rivals. Although on the back foot, David Silva saw to it that even though they couldnai??i??t salvage a point, they would score a consolation goal with a stunning left foot Curler. However, No amount of effort got city out of their misery as they suffered only their second defeat in the league and go 6 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

The Relegation Battle

Burnley are the only team yet to register a win in the Premier League this season. At four points, the team suffered a 1-3 defeat at home to Everton FC. With last nights victory against Aston Villa, QPR have lept to 19^th leaving Burnley to sink to the bottom. Sunderland on the other hand are on 8 points after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at home. Yet recovering from their 8-0 mauling against Southampton, Sunderland have no threat from the bottom two as yet.

A tale of two halves

Tottenham vs Newcastle was a fixture of surprises. It seemed as though the two teams had one half each to play their best and the result would be decided with whoever did better. Tottenham played very fluid attractive football in the first half. Crisp passes and precise through balls saw the likes of Lamela, Eriksen and Chadli cruise past the Clueless Newcastle Defence and take the lead at the 18^th minute. Fans who watched the first half would have sworn the lacklustre performance by Newcastle coupled with the pressing game that Spurs were playing would only end in a big margin defeat for the Toons.

However, Pardewai??i??s supposed sorcery in the half time break and the introduction of Sammy Ameobi saw New Castle take the lead within 6 second of the second half. With this new found fervour, New Castle seemed to out manoeuvre the Tottenham defense every time they went forward and threatened to score on a number of occasions. Ai??Although Tottenham put up a fight, the Ameobi factor coupled with the hard work of Ayoze Perez saw the magpies take the lead at the 68^th minute and eventually secure all three points. With that victory Newcastle sit at 4th while Tottenham fall to eleventh in the Premier League table.

Van- Gaal vs Mourinho

A Clash of two titans surely had all their fans standing on their toes. With notable absences suffered by both teams in the form of Rooney, Falcao and Valencia for United and Diego Costa, Ramirez and Remy for Chelsea. The 90 minutes gave us a game that was every inch exciting from whistle to whistle. With as many as 10 yellow cards handed out in the game, this action packed thriller wasnai??i??t done till the last minute. A 53^rd Minute header by Didier Drogba saw the Londoners take the lead and eventually trying to settle with the one goal. However, Van-Persie brought the red devils level seconds before the end.

Poor refereeing is an argument the Chelsea fans are throwing and that is reflected by the two incidents involving Ivanovic. One, the penalty appeal which would have been given on another day would have had a huge impact on the game had Chelsea scored. Two, the second yellow given to Ivanovic was argued to be a very soft challenge that didnai??i??t deserve a card. Also ten yellow cards is a testament to the lack of control the referee commanded over the game. However as the two clubs walk away with one point each, the Red Devils will be happier as this could only mean they are getting better.

Injury Update

Samir Nasri is set to return for the next fixture for Manchester City as he recovers from a groin injury. While Ramirez and Costa may be ready by next weekend for Chelsea. Sakho who is out for Liverpool will most likely be fit only after their next fixture, whilst Valencia and Evans are doubtful for their clash against city rivals Manchester City. Theo Walcott on the other hand is set to make his return next week after having been involved with the club reserves this week.

Summary of Results

The week to come will be an exciting one as the two teams from Manchester are set to face each other. League leaders Chelsea will face their weakest London rivals QPR, as Liverpool travel to Newcastle. The Premier League is yet an open contest with the mid table teams as close to relegation as they are to the Leaders. With a few Chelsea only a four points adrift 2^nd place Southampton. It is too early to predict how the table might look at the end of the season.

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