Gareth Barry gave Manchester City fans an early Christmas gift at the
Etihad Stadium today to keep, scoring an injury time match-winner in the 93rd
minute to give the hosts a 1-0 victory over Brian McDermott's Reading. The
visitors were terribly unlucky not to earn even a single point on Saturday—having
pushed Roberto Mancini's billionaire squad to the limit. The result allows City
not to lose any more ground in the title race.
Over on Tyneside, Shola Ameobi was the hero for Geordie nation through a
stunning 81st minute solo effort against QPR. The victory lifted the spirits of
everyone associated with Newcastle following a run of poor form—winners of one
match in their last eight.
The Canaries saw their 10 match unbeaten run end at the Hawthorns, as
Romelu Lukaku scored eight minutes from normal time to break the deadlock.
Robert Snodgrass gave Norwich City an early lead from a sublime free kick,
before Zoltan Gera equalised before the break. The home victory ceased a
four-match winless run for West Brom.
Martin O'Neill was all smiles at St. Mary's, watching Steven Fletcher be
the hero once again for the Black Cats and score the game’s only goal in a
morale boosting victory over Southampton. O'Neil can breathe easy and enjoy his
Christmas dinner after earning all three points, as Sunderland came into the
contest with a slight one-point lead over their hosts, but now sit four points
clear of the relegation zone.
Upton Park was up in arms over referee Anthony Taylor's decision to send
off Carlton Cole for a challenge on Leighton Baines, it proved to be a pivotal
moment in the match. Cole had given the Hammers a first-half lead, but, Victor
Anichebe equalised three minutes before West Ham's goal scorer was sent off.
Six minutes later, Steven Pienear netted the winner in the 73rd minute to hand
the Toffee's a 2-1 victory and into a four-way tie on points for third spot.
The referee tried to make amends by sending off Darron Gibson for a similar
challenge late on, but by then the game was over.
The physicality of Stoke City was too much for Tottenham, with Andre
Villas-Boas' side wasting a chance to move into sole possession of third spot
by playing out a goalless draw at White Hart Lane. Even Gareth Bale's return to
the squad wasn't enough to earn Spurs the victory—having been out a few weeks
with a hamstring injury. Tony Pulis' defensive tactics kept the hosts at bay,
frustrating both Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe for 90 minutes. The hard
earned point extended the Potters unbeaten run to eight matches.
The late fixture on Saturday came from Anfield, which saw Liverpool
crush Fulham 4-0 and surprisingly only one came off the boot of Luis Suarez— in
stoppage time. Stewart Downing finally scored his first league goal for the
club off a thunderous left-footed strike—it was arguably his best match in red,
hustling on both ends of the field and deserving of man of the match honours.
Martin Skrtel gave Liverpool an early lead, before Steven Gerrard scored in his
second successive match through a brilliant set-up by Downing. Brendan Rodgers
men produced their best performance of the season on home ground, suffocating
the Cottagers from the first minute with exquisite distribution and pace.
In the weekend's early match, Arsenal were able to secure a 1-0 away
victory over Wigan through a spot kick effort by Mikel Arteta that left
Latics manager Roberto Martinez fuming—Jean Beausejour was deemed to have
tripped up Theo Walcott on the hour mark that lead to eventual winner. The
Gunners moved into third place on goal difference, and secured their first
three-match winning streak in the league since last March. The feel good
feelings have returned to North London for the time being.
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