Monday, December 26 Boxing Day

The Blues were the hosts in another London Derby and needed to produce a convincing performance. AVB saw it differently; he needed nothing but a victory or he may be on his way to an early vacation. After the loss at White Hart Lane that decision may have already been made and he knows it. For Roberto Mancini and his troops at City who have watched their five point lead shrivel this round will be, far more substantive; they either hold on to the top spot, or see it slip away to their neighbors across town.

 

Chelsea 1-1 Fulham

Clint Dempsey leveled (56) in this Boxing Day Derby as the Blues drop more points to the leaders and they do it at the Bridge. Juan Mata's opener (47) seemed to rally the frustrated Blues but Dempesy's leveler brought them back to earth but the truth is standin keeper David Stockdale was the real hero on the day (11 saves). Seems a theme that would be a big part of other Boxing Day games began right here at Stamford Bridge no less. In their title winning seasons they were nearly perfect at home in both. No longer the case. AVB proclaims the title is now out of reach and he is correct! The Blues deficit is now 11. But credit this stunning result from Fulham to their keeper, Stockdale who made 11 saves on the day. The Blues lifted their game producing 25 shots and getting nearly half of them on his goal. In the end however this one will be remembered because Torres, a starter for the first time in two months couldn't deliver the goods.

 

As if AVB needed any more bad news Florent Malouda has made it known beyond any doubt he's had enough of being disregarded by the new boss. Frankly, the fact Mata's arrival has seen Malouda's playing time diminished to nearly nothing is a reflection on the poor decisions of the young boss; Maloud's right, he has been set aside by AVB for the most part. AVB clearly favors the Spaniard's Torres and Mata. Will Malouda be moving soon, like next week? Could be. Chelsea is clearly in decline and can't seem to get a grip and it should be obvious to anyone paying attention that AVB isn't the answer, as if any manager would be. The way Roman has shuffled managers thru the door is just evidence that doing so if frequently misguided. Remember the parade of manager's at Newcastle before they were finally relegated?

 

West Brom 0-0 Man City

A lackluster effort from the leaders as they wasted their near total dominance of the ball (73% possession). A case of a lost edge in front of goal for City and the Baggies strong effort for the home fans defending their turf in good style. The five point lead is gone and all that separates the two Manchester clubs is goal difference.

 

Man United 5-0 Wigan

Little used Dimitar Berbatov led the way with a hat-trick as United cruised to lift themselves into a tie on points with their crosstown neighbors. Park Ji-Sung got the opener and match winner early (8) and Antonio Valencia chipped in another (75) as the Red Devils celebrated their rise with this strong performance over the recently improved Latics.

 

Bolton 0-2 Newcastle

Goals from Ben Arfa (69) and another from the high flying Demba Ba two minutes later left the hosts' in trouble in the relegation zone. Is Coyle one of those on the chopping block? Remember it was not very long ago that he spurned other offers to take the job at the Reebok.

 

Liverpool 1-1 Blackburn

Rovers second choice keeper was brilliant as he beat off efforts from nearly everyone of the Reds and that actually included Steven Gerrard making his return to action here. Rovers took the lead in first half stoppage time when Charlie Adams attempt to block a corner directed it past Reina. A brilliant cross/pass from Skrtel found Maxi at the far post and he nodded it in to get the Reds level (53) but this one would end in deep frustration as Mark Bunn in goal for Rovers was the Man of the Match. If you've ever heard the phrase “too many draws” from a manager the sentiment is an adept commentary on this season for Liverpool and we're still not halfway. That frustration is driving Dalglish to some off hand remarks that are sure to get him sanctioned by the FA before this is over. Here's where that comes from; the Reds produced 27 shots, putting only 7 of them on frame. The narrow misses and the brilliant work in goal by the opposing keeper add up to only that single goal from Maxi.

 

Sunderland 1-1 Everton

A 'spirit of the season' penalty award for a trip on Osman lifted Everton as Baines hit the back of the net with the conversion (51). There was no penalty; it was a dive from Osman. Sunderland's opener came off a fine piece of play leading to a Colback shot that took a deflection off Jagielka to find its way past Howard (26).

 

Stoke 0-0 Aston Villa

A poor effort by both sides here and the scoreless match is a fitting end to it. Surprising for the home standing Potters but there you have it.

 

Tuesday

Arsenal's match was pushed back 24 hours so it was played on Tuesday instead of actually being played on Boxing Day.

 

Arsenal 1-1 Wolves

Wayne Hennessey had what may have been the best match of his career (10 saves) despite Gervinho making him look rather ordinary in the early going. Gervinho's 8^th minute goal was just reward for a strong opening start but Wolves battled back to frustrate the Gunners on their home turf. A 75^th minute dismissal of Milijas for a bad challenge on Arteta made the final minutes a stern test but Wolves held the line to earn the deserved point.

 

Swansea 1-1 QPR

QPR's Jamie Mackie leveled the match (58) as the Rangers put a stop to their run of 3 consecutive defeats to peg back the Swans. Danny Graham had put them in front (14) in the early going and looked headed for another win at Liberty Stadium before Rangers got a handle on things.

 

Norwich 0-2 Tottenham

Gareth Bale's brace topped the match that ended the round pulling Spurs closer to the top two. In what will be remembered as one of the best games of his young career Bale proved to be the difference. The Canaries were unable to put an end to his attacks that put them in danger time and time again. Spurs still hold a game in hand from the postponed opening round match of their season (Everton at White Hart Lane). Playing as they are right now winning the full points in that one (Jan. 11) will really rally the supporters into believing this really could be Spurs season to make a realistic challenge at a title.

 

It was just a few weeks back in the Round 15 article I said this: “United's success over the years has been driven by their rise at just the time others were fading. It is easy to lose the significance of the December crush of games and that Boxing Day usually represents the midpoint of the EPL season. This year it is matchday 18, so one short of halfway. By the time the crunch is over United have often risen while others have fallen to the wayside.” We are seeing that very thing again right now.

 

United's crosstown bitter rivals City have now lost their 5 point lead and are deadlocked on 45 with United after the games on Boxing Day. Seems as if it is indeed happening again this year. United thrives during this period of most campaigns and here we are witnessing it again.

 

Oh, did you notice that half of the games of this round ended in 1-1 draws? What does that mean? I don't know, but thought it was an interesting paradox to ponder.

 

Red or blue, the neighborhood and pubs of Manchester must be delirious and that is before the coming New Year's celebration. The pub owners in Manchester must really be celebrating.

 

Speaking of which...Happy New Year!