'BORING' CHELSEA CHAMPIONS.

'BORING' 'BORING' CROWNED CHAMPIONS WITH THREE GAMES TO GO.

Congratulations to Chelsea football club on their title win with three games to spare. No doubt they fully deserve it given their performances especially in the first half of the season, they were consistent as their title rivals were nothing close to consistent.

Jose Mourinho always delivers, hate him or love him, he is a master in winning titles. He's done it with every team his managed, Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and now again at Chelsea. Let's applaud the special one please.......or should we not?

This Chelsea team has depth and a variety of options in every position, something that the likes of Arsenal, City and in particular Liverpool and United lack. As an Arsenal supporter, the disgust running down my throat in admitting we lack depth is pinching, come on someone put me out of this misery.

The Blues have been top of the table for 250 so days. Yes 250! So what were their rivals actually playing for this season? Mourinho's men have absolutely blown their rivals away, Arsenal and United had an inconsistent first half of the season, City began to stutter late on and for Liverpool, well, I don't get why they are even considered title challengers with the mediocre squad they have.

Now let me go into the exciting part of this article, 'boring' 'boring' were the chants doing rounds at the Emirates when Chelsea visited not too long ago. And I couldn't agree more. Chelsea are a boring side to watch, and with all the quality they possess in their line up, the likes of Hazard, Oscar, Willian and especially Fabregas who applied his trade in two teams, Arsenal and Barcelona that have mastered tiki-taka football with perfection, we all expect a bit of entertaining football from the Blues surely.

Don't get me wrong, defending is part of the game as well, and with a shaky back line, the risk of conceding goals is very high. But for Mourinho's men, the talent that oozes in the squad can be spotted from miles away. The players are more than capable of defending with the ball at their feet rather than surrendering possession and parking the bus for 90 minutes. What I mean is this, the best form of defense is attack. Just like Barcelona do it, keep the ball, play beautiful football and as long as the opposition don't get hold of the ball, there's no danger of conceding.

So Jose, why not try keeping the ball and having a go at your opponent instead of torturing as football lovers with your usual 9-1 formation. Let me not blame Mourinho for Chelsea's boring brand of football because I can't recall a time Chelsea ever did entertain. Anyway, yapping about 'boring' 'boring' Chelsea won't alter that they are already champions. So maybe Wenger, Pellegrini and Louis Van Gaal should take notes, boring football wins you titles in England.

For one, Arsene Wenger won't change his brand of football, never ever and I'm glad about that. Pellegrini and Van Gaal as well don't look to be going down Mourinho's route. City, Arsenal and United all do play better football than Chelsea, but then where did they lose it.

The blue have of Manchester have given us something to familiar to work with, it's craved out on a rock right in front of us. City are horrendous away from the Etihad, their away form really let them down bad. To add to that, the squad is aging, Yaya Toure is far from the Yaya of last season, Aguero should try stay fit a whole season and Silva needs more Silvas around him, apart from Nasri in the midfield and to some extent Milner, the rest aren't good enough. Their holding midfielders Fernando and Fernandinho are nowhere near the class of Matic or even Coquelin funny enough. The defense needs some tweaking, a Hummels beside Kompany would sort their problems.

Arsenal, Arsenal my beloved Arsenal. If they would have started the season they way they are finishing it, Chelsea would have to wait longer before they are crowned champions. The Gunners story is all too familiar, throw them at the Britannia stadium, Stamford bridge and it's almost a guarantee Wenger's men won't take a point leave alone three. Kick and shove and they find it difficult to cope. They need a bit of aggression and steel to go with their beautiful football.

For United, the red half of Manchester, they'd been riding their lack for a long long time, and probably are lucky to be where they are. lack doesn't last for long and of late United have been found wanting, three defeats in a row says it all, they are definitely out of the race for second spot and are now trying to crawl their way to the finish line. Crystal Palace in the weekend, United fans may be facing another defeat. United to me are kind of like Liverpool, too many mediocre players, and their star players aren't performing at all. RVP, Falcao and Di Maria all seem lost.

Once again congratulations to the boring team for winning the title, and I hope all Chelsea fans watched the game between Barca and Bayern last night, yes, that's how football should be played, both teams positive and not relying on defending. I just have to mention this, Messi's second goal was a gem, take a bow for the Argentine man.

So Mourinho, change your ways and lose the 'boring' tag.

EPL Week 35: SUNDAY PREVIEW.

THE BLUES CAN BE CROWNED CHAMPIONS TODAY AND CITY VISIT WHITE HART LANE.

CHELSEA VS CRYSTAL PALACE

 Chelsea have been head and shoulders over their opponents in the pursuit for the title this season and they could have it wrapped up with three games left.

The Blues enter this  weekend's match 13 points clear and requiring three points to seal a first title in five years.

A triumph would take them to 83 points, which is only three points less than they amassed when they last made title progress in the 2009/10 season.

Chelsea's 3-1 triumph over Leicester City on Wednesday through second-half goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires was their 14th game without defeat in the Premier League.

Palace will get to be simply the third team this season to beat Chelsea if fruitful, after only Newcastle and Tottenham, however make a beeline for Stamford Bridge on the back of two straight thrashings. Alan Pardew has won four of his last six Premier League coordinates as a resistance mentor against Chelsea.

Diego Costa will miss the match and may not be included again this season if the Blues win the Premier League title on Sunday.

Loic Remy has returned from a calf injury, while Thibaut Courtois could return in after a minor hip issue.

TOTTENHAM VS MANCHESTER CITY

 Manchester City will look to boost their hopes of completing second in the Premier League when they go to Tottenham.

City's title guard could be over before they commence at White Hart Lane if Chelsea beat Crystal Palace earlier on Sunday however Manuel Pellegrini demands that they are centered around completing the battle on a positive note.

Their away shape will need to change if the Chilean is to get his wish, given that City have lost their last four matches away from the Etihad, a run that has permitted Arsenal and Manchester United to close in on them.

Arsenal are just behind City on goal difference and have played a game less, while United could have jumped their cross town rivals with triumph over West Brom on Saturday, putting further accentuation on beating Tottenham.

The last three games between the two sides has seen a lot of goals, with no less than five in every encounter, City winning each of the three and scoring 15..

Mauricio Pochettino will be concerned by Tottenham's poor record against Pellegrini's side, given their pursuit for an European place against Southampton and Liverpool.

Pochettino affirmed that Danny Rose has come back from a hamstring and could be involved but Ben Davies (shoulder) and Kyle Walker (foot) are both out.

City will be without powerful midfielder Yaya Toure after he was precluded with a hamstring issue, joining captain Vincent Kompany (thigh) and forward Stevan Jovetic on the sidelines.

 

EPL Week 35: SATURDAY PREVIEW.

THE BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL HEATS UP, SHERWOOD TACKLES MARTINEZ AND UNITED WELCOME ALBION.

With just four games left, the battle to stay up in the Premier League has just intensified. Leicester city take on a Newcastle side on the slide towards the wrong end of the table looking to pick up their fourth victory in five games. QPR have to navigate their way through a tough opposition in the form of Liverpool at anfield while Sunderland, Burnley and West Brom all face tough tests in their bids for survival.

ASTON VILLA VS EVERTON

Aston Villa proceed with their fight for Premier League survival when they play host to Everton one of the in-form sides in the division on Saturday.

The FA Cup finalists are two points above the relegation zone with four games of the season remaining, the first of which is the visit of an Everton side that is unbeaten in six outings.

Tim Sherwood was appreciating a somewhat decent April until this week. The previous Tottenham Hotspur manager had made a delightful and triumphant come back to White Hart Lane and drove Villa into the FA Cup final with triumph over Liverpool at Wembley.

On the other hand, results have not striven for the Villans throughout the most recent couple of days. Either side of them being beaten late by Manchester City, they saw Leicester make up ground on them and Hull City hop above them in the table.

A weekend ago's persuading 3-0 triumph over Manchester United was most likely the highlight of what has generally been a baffling season for the Toffees.

They were in control through and through against Louis van Gaal's men as James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas goals saw the Merseysiders record their greatest win over their North-West opponents in 23 years.

The three points took Roberto Martinez's men into the top half of the table for the first time this season and extended their unbeaten streak to six matches. They have likewise kept three clean sheets in succession at Goodison Park.

Everton's Bryan Oviedo has been precluded for the season in the wake of sustaining a metatarsal injury in training. Darron Gibson, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar are likewise sidelined, yet Martinez would have been unrealistic to roll out any changes.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Alan Hutton might likewise be in contention relying upon the aftereffects of their late fitness tests. On the other hand, defenders Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark are both missing and subsequently Jores Okore will proceed alongside Ron Vlaar.

LIVERPOOL VS QPR

 Chris Ramsey says that QPR must gain from Hull City's exploits this week in front of their trek to Liverpool on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 1-0 at the KC Stadium on Tuesday to empty their Champions League desires and Ramsey trusts that his side can support their survival trusts with a comparable presentation.

QPR have just endured one thrashing in their last four Premier League matches, gathering five points from a potential 12, moving them within four points of security in the drop zone.

A trip to Liverpool is the first of two dubious assignments out and about for Ramsey's side – they go to Manchester City the weekend after – before they confront kindred strugglers Newcastle and Leicester City.

Some of Ramsey's conviction will originate from QPR's courageous endeavors against Liverpool prior in the season when, notwithstanding losing 3-2, they verged on grabbing a draw. Four goals in the end minutes at Loftus Road saw the Reds discard a point as Steven Caulker's own goal gave the Reds a dramatic win. Much has changed from that point forward, however, with QPR issuing themselves a shot of survival and Liverpool falling endlessly in the race for a top four spot.

Rout at Hull was the third in five excursions for Rodgers' men, deserting them seven points from fourth place Manchester United. With Tottenham and Southampton still solidly in the race for an Europa League place, Liverpool can't stand to drop any more points.

With Daniel Sturridge effectively discounted and Mario Balotelli an uncertainty in the wake of managing a sliced foot against Hull, there was some uplifting news for Rodgers on Thursday, however, as Lucas Leiva and Alberto Moreno came back to first team training.

Rio Ferdinand is back in contention for QPR after a spate of injuries in the most recent month however the defender will have fitness checks before the excursion north. Striker Bobby Zamora is to be available regardless of nursing a hip problem, while Leroy Fer is fit in the wake of recuperating from a knee injury.

SUNDERLAND VS SOUTHAMPTON

Ronald Koeman does not anticipate that Sunderland's players will be as liberal on Saturday as they were in October, when Southampton cavorted to a 8-0 win in the Premier League.

Own goals from Santiago Vergini, Liam Bridcutt and Patrick van Aanholt topped a hopeless day at St Mary's Stadium for Sunderland under previous manager Gus Poyet, with Will Buckley and Vito Mannone likewise at flaw.

That denoted the least point of a baffling battle for third bottom Sunderland that has them dug in the relegation zone as Southampton get ready to make the trip for the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Dick Advocaat succeeded Poyet in March however has won quite recently once – against Newcastle – in the four matches that he has supervised.

Southampton, who are seventh, are as yet pushing for an European place, regardless of a drop in form lately, and Koeman realizes that his group will need to buckle down at Sunderland instead of depend on defensive mix-ups.

With Sunderland set to face Arsenal and Chelsea away amid the last week of the season, Advocaat's side needn't bother with helping to remember the significance of the forthcoming games against Southampton, Everton and kindred strugglers Leicester City.

Southampton have been hit by the news that midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin will probably miss whatever is left of the season with a knee ligament damage, while Dusan Tadic (groin) is additionally sidelined.

Advocaat has no new injuries regardless of John O'Shea enduring facial injuries in the 1-1 draw at Stoke City last time out, so the hosts are liable to be without Steven Fletcher, Ricky Alvarez, Wes Brown and Emanuele Giaccherini.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS WEST BROM

Manchester United welcome West Brom on Saturday looking to dodge a third straight Premier League loss however may be without captain Wayne Rooney.

Disappointing losses to Chelsea and Everton have hampered United's endeavors to guarantee automatic progression for the Champions League, with Rooney picking up a knee injury in the game against his previous club.

United managed majority of possesion at both Stamford Bridge and Goodison however were hit clinically on the counter at both venues.

With Tony Pulis' men likewise liable to sit deep in their offer to claim points, United face an examination of their attacking ability and the absence of their top scorer would represent a blow.

Radamel Falcao would likely be the man tasked with supplanting Rooney, as Robin van Persie and Adnan Januzaj are still trying to work their way back to full fitness.

After consecutive thrashings by strugglers QPR and Leicester City, West Brom have taken four points off Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

Saturday's guests to Old Trafford have effectively bettered their 36-point pull from last season and guaranteed their Premier League status for next term on account of a turnaround in fortunes under Pulis.

OTHER FIXTURES;

Leicester City vs Newcastle United

Swansea vs Stoke

West Ham vs Burnley

WHERE WOULD THEY BE IF IT WEREN'T FOR INJURIES?

THESE PLAYERS HAVE BEEN PLAGUED BY INJURIES BUT HOW FAR WOULD THEY BE NOW?

Injuries are part of the game and can't be avoided, long term injuries and short term injuries. I'd like to think that everyone's body reacts differently to an injury and some take a longer time recovering than others. 

In the world of football we've seen a number of players retire due to injuries they just can't overcome, Owen Hargreaves for example. The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United star quit the game at the age of 31 back in 2012. He only managed 27 league appearances in four seasons at United, a period in which Hargreaves was riddled with tendonitis and knee injuries.

It's a shame to see great players having to retire due to niggling injuries they can't shake off no matter how hard they train or work on it. So I've put up a list of players that I feel would be exceptional players today if it weren't for injury problems.

• Marco Reus

Reus has it all, pace, technique, dribbling skills, set-piece specialist and the ability to strike the ball from distance. To add to that he is versatile, operating out on the flanks, behind the striker or even as a lone striker and in all positions he is effective.

He missed the World Cup in Brazil and what a pity it was as I was looking forward to seeing my favorite player in the world mix it up with the very best. Only 25 years of age, he definitely has another World Cup or two under his belt, and the chance to claim his spot amongst the world's finest.

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Marco Reus would be a world beater by now. Yes, in some way he is but I'm talking about being compared with the worlds best Ronaldo and Messi, that's how good I think the German really is. 

A fit Reus would fall into my top 5 players today. I see him joining a bigger club in the near future, maybe Real Madrid if all the rumors of Bale leaving are to be believed, then he'll fit into the position seamlessly, or Wenger could sign him as a replacement for Walcott which will be a massive upgrade.

• Robin Van Persie

Robin Van Persie, this guy needs no introduction really, if you're a lover of the English Premier League you definitely know what RVP is all about. He's deadly left foot stands out from the rest and his awareness and attacking positioning is up their with the very best.

RVP has only managed to put in two good seasons, his final season at Arsenal and he's first at United, other than that the he's been plagued with injuries every other season, which is a shame for such a talent.

Unlike Reus, he was available for Oranje at the World Cup and did impress, helping them to a third place finish. At 31 years he doesn't have a whole lot left to play, and he will definitely be cursing and wondering why he had so many injury problems at a young age.

Injuries aside, I believe Van Persie is a deadly finisher just like Messi and Zlatan and no question one of the world's top 10 strikers when fit. Unfortunately for RVP, time is not his friend and I don't see him joining another big club, a return to Feyenoord is looming for the flying Dutchman.

• Alex Pato

Once tagged as the 'new Ronaldo', Alex Pato has found the going tough at a very young age. He has the talent to be a world class player but recurring injury problems has set him back a mile from where he began. He has the pace or rather use too, trickery and finishing ability to be a feared striker. So why did AC Milan and Brazil give up on him so quickly?

His recurring muscle injuries eventually contributed to his departure from the Milanese giants to Corinthians. He now plays for Sao Paulo in Brazil. Only 25 years, Pato has time on his side to make things right given he can shake off his injury problems.

He is still young and can return to Europe one day, the Premier League in my opinion. He is becoming a disappointment but hopefully he can put his problems behind him and rise to stardom once again. A side like Southampton could do with his services or even Spurs or Everton to provide competiton for Kane and Lukaku.

• Thomas Vermaelen 

Thomas Vermaelen stormed into the Arsenal side after being signed from Ajax and my word wasn't he exceptional in his first season. His aggression and 'tough boy' persona looked every bit what Wenger and Arsenal needed in their backline not to mention the screamers he scored against Blackburn in his first season. 

Things went from perfect to absolutely terrible for the Belgium in his second season. Injury after injury and the signing of Per Mertesacker didn't make it easier for him. Koscielny had upstaged him as Arsenal's first choice center back and was forming a formidable partnership with Per.

If he wasn't warming the bench then he was injured, Arsenal decided to offload him to Barcelona where his injury problems look to have followed him from the Emirates treatment table to the Camp Nou. 

I was a big fan of Vermaelen when he joined Arsenal and maybe I still am, I'll have to figure that out though. He is fast approaching 30 and being at Barcelona isn't doing him any favors at all. He'll most probably be shipped out to a lesser club in the summer, a more mid-table side or even Europa side.

• Arjen Robben

Another Dutchman on the list who has had an injury plagued career, but kudos to Robben when he plays he rarely fails to put on a show for Bayern, be it scoring, dancing his way past defenders or even diving, he always manages to be the center of attention.

He is probably the one person on the list excluding Marco Reus who looks to have made it with all his injury problems. He is part of a Bayern side that have won it all really, and at the age of 31 he probably has one more season left in Bayern before he departs.

He can't go higher than that Robben, he has done it all. He'll most probably be returning to the Netherlands to finish off what has been a successful career.

• Jack Wilshere

England's Iniesta, Jack Wilshere is a lad with loads of talent but he is too injury prone for my liking. His close control and ability to navigate his way in tight areas is a plus, and when on form he can be fun to watch. 

Not too long ago he made Xavi and Iniesta look like fools at the Emirates, beating them in their own game, and that's the Wilshere Arsenal fans love to watch and have been hoping to get him back to his very best. After his injury, things went a bit downhill for him, but the ship hasn't sunk yet for the Englishman. He does put in good performances from time to time but he's too inconsistent.

At only 23 years, I don't see Wenger giving up on him and personally I wouldn't want to see him leave the Emirates. The fact that Arsenal have a plethora of creative midfielders competing for limited spots, should do Wilshere good as maybe a bit of competition from the likes of Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Chamberlain and Rosicky will get him performing at his best.

Wilshere seems like an Arsenal main stay, I don't see him leaving and with Rosicky, Cazorla and Arteta already at the 30 years mark, he has a future here and I believe Wenger sees that as well.

• Abou Diaby

Abou Diaby has had the worst injury record of any player I have seen in my time, at times you even forget he exists. The 'new Vieira' he was suppose to be, and I'm sure he would have if it hadn't been for such a horrid injury record. He is back fit for now, but let's wait and see how long he'll stay fit.

He is one of my favorites, he has the ability to control proceedings in the middle of the park just ask Liverpool fans. He's greatest game ever came against Liverpool a couple of seasons ago in a 2-0 victory. Diaby was a beast in that match, dictating the flow of the game from the get go.

For Diaby we can only hope he stays fit because he is a class act. It's a shame he has spent more time in the treatment table than on the field. He is probably the spine Arsenal have always needed but due to so many injuries Wenger hasn't been able to deploy him as he would have liked.

If Diaby wasn't so injury prone and at the peak of his game, I don't think he would have been in Arsenal now. I'm sure a club like PSG would have already snapped him up for about 30Mil pounds. Wenger seems to have so much faith in him, so I see him staying put for another couple of seasons before he departs.

PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR, EDEN HAZARD.

MEET EDEN HAZARD, PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

The little Belgium beat off competition from Harry Kane, David De Gea, Alexis Sanchez, Philipe Coutinho and Chelsea teammate Diego Costa to join a list of top class players such as Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo to have won the award.

Hazard has lifted Chelsea on his own especially in the second half of the season in which the likes of Fabregas seems to have lost a bit of steam and Diego Costa spending more time in the treatment room than on the field.

His 13 goals and 8 assists have edged the Blues ever closer to the Premier League title. He leads the league in chances created, dribbles attempted, dribbles completed, duels won and fouls won. Very impressive indeed, but did he really deserve it?

David De Gea has been impressive to say the least, bailing United in numerous occasions with some fine keeping. Remember games against Everton and Liverpool at Old Trafford? Arsenal at the Emirates and Southampton at Saint Mary's? Yes, De Gea basically won those games for United with absolutely stunning performances between the sticks.

Harry Kane has bust onto the scene in lightning pace, even getting a call up to the national side and scoring after only being on for 79 seconds was it? 30 games, 20 goals and 4 assists for the 21 year old who put Hazard's Chelsea to the sword at White Hart Lane. He deservedly won the young player of the year award and maybe in a year or two may be a serious contender for Player of the year, but for now, not yet.

Liverpool's Philipe Coutinho is a mesmerizing player to watch, his close control and ability to hit a screamer is up there with the best but the one department he miserably fails is his goal scoring and assist. In 30 games his recorded 4 goals and 4 assists, very disappointing for a player of his quality. But then again, we shouldn't just look at goals and assists to judge a player right?

The one contestant I don't think should have been on the list is Diego Costa. Too many injury problems dating way back to his Atletico Madrid days. Yes, he is a beast in the box, Yes, he does score a lot of goals and no one would question his tag as a world class striker, but his injury record is taking a toll on him and I'd rather have included Charlie Austin or even maybe Olivier Giroud on the list. Why Austin? He does so much for a team with very little in terms of quality and are struggling at the wrong end of the table. Imagine Charlie Austin in a bigger team with better players around him, he would be up their with the best.

Finally, Alexis Sanchez was my pick to win or at least come a close second to Eden Hazard. In 30 games he has found the net 14 times, and recorded 8 assists, add to that 22 goals in all. Mind you, it's his first season in the Premier League. Sanchez has been Arsenal's go to guy especially in the first half of the season, his performances in the new year have slowed down a bit but what this guy offers in the field no one can match, okay maybe only Luis Suarez. He does have a better supporting cast in the likes of Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey around him as compared to Hazard who only has Fabregas, but still Sanchez will give you a lot more than Hazard does. Disagree with me but it's the plain truth.

It was disappointing to hear Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry voted for Hazard, which to me is a disgrace. Gary Neville went for his Manchester United man De Gea, so why didn't Henry vote for Sanchez? I can go on and on but the result won't change, Hazard is the PFA player of the year so all I and everyone else who was backing Sanchez can do is to wait till next season and hope the Chilean keeps on with his top performances.

EPL Week 34: THE WEEKEND THAT WAS.

CITY SURVIVE VILLA SCARE, EVERTON ROLL OVER THE RED DEVILS AND CHELSEA EDGE CLOSER TO TITLE.

The Premier League title race is all rapped up but the battle for second, third and fourth spot is as tight as ever. Arsenal, City and United have all surrendered the title to a Chelsea side that has been impressive this season, now which of the three will finish second. City don't look like the City of old and were given a scare by an in form Villa side. United looked out of sorts against Everton's pace on the counter attack and have now lost two on the bounce. And for Arsenal, they just couldn't break down a solid Chelsea back line.

SOUTHAMPTON 2 - 2 TOTTENHAM

 This was an interesting and enlivening match that, in truth, highlighted the reasons why Southampton and Tottenham will fall distressingly yet deservingly shy of a top four spot.

Both sides were fixed by poor defending and reckless finishing at various points of a game that ebbed and streamed at St Mary's Stadium, however Ronald Koeman can take extraordinary heart from the evident rejuvenation of Graziano Pelle and Morgan Schneiderlin was by and by the exceptional player on the pitch.

Southampton twice led the pack through Graziano Pelle yet were twice pegged back as they drew 2-2 with Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

As Mauricio Pochettino came back to the stadium that he cleared out the previous summer to join Spurs, the hosts led the pack when the Italian striker profited a defensive error from the north Londoners, with both Ryan Mason and Ben Davies at deficiency.

Erik Lamela, nonetheless, recovered one back before the break when his slight touch fell off goalkeeper Kelvin Davis on its way through.

A strong Pelle header restored the Saints' lead in the second half but, after five minutes, Nacer Chadli outmuscled Maya Yoshida to discharge a low shot past Davis, leaving neither side with what might have been a valuable point in the race for the Europa League.

MANCHESTER CITY 3 - 2 ASTON VILLA

Fernandinho resisted a valiant Aston Villa comeback as Manchester City edged to a 3-2 Premier League triumph on Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini's forthcoming ousted champions had all the earmarks of being cruising to consecutive wins surprisingly since February after Sergio Aguero and Aleksandar Kolarov put them 2-0 up.

Tom Cleverley's first Villa goal diminished the arrears in the 68th minute and Carlos Sanchez coolly volleyed home from a corner with five minutes remaining.

Be that as it may, Tim Sherwood's side, who progressed to the FA Cup final in correspondingly stirring manner by beating Liverpool a weekend ago, showed set-piece frailties of their own in the 89th moment as Fernandinho grabbed the winner.

The win moves under-fire City manager Pellegrini and his side up to second in the table, albeit Arsenal have a game in hand.

Villa are two points above the relegation zone in 16th after wins for kindred strugglers Hull City and Leicester City prior on Saturday and they have played a game more than the three teams promptly underneath them.

WEST BROM 0 - 0 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool's considerations are currently concentrated absolutely on a top four finish after their heartbreak in the FA Cup semi-finals - yet, in a game with minimal quality, this was not the execution of a side whose season relies on Champions League qualification.

Steven Gerrard's 500th Premier League appearance was not one to recall as Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at West Brom that leaves their shots of securing a Champions League spot looking considerably more remote.

Gerrard was denied a farewell appearance in the FA Cup final when Aston Villa beat Brendan Rodgers' side 2-1 in the semi-final last time out and they additionally look prone to pass up a great opportunity for a top four spot in the long-serving captain's last season before moving to LA Galaxy.

Liverpool had the better of Saturday's exchanges at the Hawthorns yet were not able to react to their Wembley catastrophe with a triumph as the Baggies burrowed deep to draw a point nearer to safety.

Jordon Ibe struck the crossbar in the second half and Gerrard came close with a free kick before the break however it turned out to be a baffling evening for Rodgers' men.

EVERTON 3 - 0 MANCHESTER UNITED

This was by far my game of the week maybe only matched up to by Villas brave showing at the Etihad. Everton did to United what they enjoy inflicting on teams, sit back and counter with devastating effect. And my word didn't the toffees execute their counters with devastating effect.

Not even when David Moyes was overseeing both of these sides did Everton record a heavier win over Manchester United at Goodison Park - and the Toffees completely merited their best home win over the Red Devils subsequent to the 1984-85 season.

In spite of enjoying the most of the possession, Manchester United were given a stun 3-0 thrashing by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

A win would have moved the Red Devils, momentarily, into second place however the home side went in front at an opportune time when a sizzling counterattack was done off by James McCarthy.

John Stones took advantage of lackluster defending at a corner to head home his first goal for the Toffees presently before half-time, leaving United reeling, yet not in any case some attacking substitutions could turn things around for Louis van Gaal's men.

A questionable choice not to rule Romelu Lukaku as not meddling with play from an offside position saw things go from awful to more terrible for United as substitute Kevin Mirallas jumped for the third, the defence having neglected to play to the referee's whistle.

ARSENAL 0 - 0 CHELSEA

 Champions elect Chelsea and title rivals Arsenal played out a feisty goalless Premier League draw at the Emirates Stadium, with a great part of the talk centering on four penalty claims all turned down.

The most conspicuous included David Ospina's blunderous first-half impact with Oscar in an acutely challenged stalemate that saw Cesc Fabregas booed on his arrival to his previous club and Jose Mourinho keep up his unbeaten record against Arsene Wenger.

With Diego Costa and Loic Remy harmed, Oscar started as the nonentity of Chelsea's attack and was central to the talking point of the match as knocked a header past the onrushing David Ospina.

However, the Brazilian was poleaxed by the Arsenal goalkeeper and, after the chance was gathered up by Hector Bellerin, Chelsea's dissatisfactions were clear as referee Michael Oliver selected against honoring a spot kick and displaying a conceivable red card.

Mourinho was left unmistakably unmoved at the absence of a punishment or a card for the Colombian, despite the fact that Oscar was able to proceed after therapeutic aid.

Oliver was again at the focal point of things 23 minutes in, as was Fabregas, who was booked for simulation following a clash of knees with fellow spaniard Santi Cazorla in the box.

It was then Arsenal's swing to unsuccessfully call for a spot kick when Cahill handled after the half-hour mark, Ramires then forced Ospina into a shrewd save following a brisk break and sharp pass by Willian.

Both sides countered rapidly however attempted to locate the last pass - Per Mertesacker miscuing a shot wide before substitute Danny Welbeck neglected to sort his feet and style a chance after Nacho Monreal's pass.

At last, Wenger neglected to show signs of improvement of his inverse number at the 13th attempt, while Mourinho must hold up until next Sunday's visit of Crystal Palace for a chance to secure Chelsea's fourth Premier League crown giving they win at Leicester.

OTHER RESULTS

Burnley 0 - 1 Leicester City

Crystal Palace 0 - 2 Hull City

Newcastle 2 - 3 Swansea

QPR 0 - 0 West Ham

Stoke 1 - 1 Sunderland

EPL Week 34; SUNDAY PREVIEW

GOODISON WELCOMES THE RED DEVILS AND IT'S A WENGER/MOURINHO SHOWDOWN!

Manchester United will be going to the blue half of Mersyside hoping to inflict similar damage as they did to the red half of Liverpool. United have not picked up any points their in the last two visits and will be hoping for better this time. Elsewhere, the top two go head to head in the final game of the weekend as Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates. Two great games to look forward to today.

EVERTON VS MANCHESTER UNITED

United travel to a resurgent Everton side that have picked up ten points from their last four games while the visitors have nine from a possible twelve points. Louis Van Gaal’s side will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing defeat to rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge despite dominating a huge chunk of the game.

Everton season looks to have taken a turn for the better after a poor first half of the season, Martinez side look to have found the perfect formula at the right time. Playing in Europe next season is a far cry for Everton who have been regular contestants in the Europa League for the past decade. Safe from the jaws of relegation, the Toffees have nothing but pride to play for really.

Goodison Park is not an easy place to visit, and most United fans will be aware of that having lost their last two visits to the blue half of Mersyside. United’s cross town rivals Manchester City along with Liverpool and Arsenal have all failed to leave Goodison Park with all three points this season.

The previous meeting between the sides at Old Trafford ended in a 2-1 win for the home side who were a bit fortunate David De Gea was in outstanding form on the day to keep out Everton on a number of occasions.

Martinez is hoping to have James McCarthy and Leon Osman available but Steven Pienaar is likely to miss out due to muscle fatigue.

United will be without full back Rafael who has a broken rib. Joining him on the sidelines is Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Michael Carrick who is still absent due to a calf injury.

Predicted Line ups;

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku.

Manchester United (4-1-4-1)

De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw; Blind; Mata, Herrera, Fellaini, Young; Rooney.

Prediction;

Everton 2 – 2 Manchester United

Both teams are on fine form, and Everton just always seem to find that extra gear when the big boys come visiting. A draw looks a safe bet, both sides look strong but United’s backline still worries me especially at center back.

ARSENAL VS CHELSEA

Its Wenger vs Mourinho, first versus second, Alexis versus Hazard. This is the game all have been waiting for this whole week, the top two go head to head at the Emirates with Chelsea looking to inch their way closer to their first Premier League title since the return of the ‘special one’ while the Gunners will be looking to keep pace with the leaders.

Wenger doesn’t fair too good against Mourinho, in fact it is horrendous. In twelve attempts Wenger has no victory against Mou, with seven defeats including the 2-0 loss at the Bridge earlier this season and five draws.

With the likes of Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla, Wenger will probably be facing Mourinho with his probably his best team ever since Jose joined the Premier League. Some may argue that this is also Mourinho’s best eleven since the Robben days.

This game is even made sweeter due to the animosity between the two managers. They can both brush away any rivalry at press conferences but it’s plain to see that they really don’t like each other, the earlier meeting was evidence to that with Wenger’s famous push on the Portuguese.

Cesc Fabregas is set to make his return to the place he once called home and loved dearly since departing for Barcelona in the summer of 2011. The reception he’ll receive will no doubt be a hostile one.

Mourinho should have Drogba fit for this match, which will take a bit of pressure from him as the Ivorian had suffered a minor problem during the week to leave Mou with no strikers to take with him to the Emirates. Diego Costa is still out with a hamstring problem and Loic Remy has a calf injury.

Wenger will be glad to have a bunch of players to choose from, not so many times you hear that from the Arsenal camp. Apart from Mertesacker who is 50-50, everyone else is fit. The Ox and Arteta may just lack match fitness though.

Predicted Line ups;

 

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Ospina; Debuchy, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Sanchez, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Zouma, Matic; Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard; Drogba.

Prediction;

Arsenal 2 – 2 Chelsea

A very tough one to call, but I’ll go for the draw in this one. The one problem I see for Chelsea is if Hazard is shut out, where will the goals come from? Then again, if Arsenal fail to deal with the Belgium they may suffer.  I’m sure Mourinho will have both Zouma and Matic in front of the defense to deal with the Arsenal trio of stars just behind Giroud especially Alexis Sanchez.