Well, here's the week's update, coming at you a little late, and from the other side of the country. This week's action saw everything go back to the way it was before with the big guns. First up, let's look at Sunday's matches. It was a day to savor for soccer fans, that's for sure.
Liverpool-Manchester United: as usual the tension was a thick in the air at Anfield, but Manchester United were the team coming out looking for a relaxed stroll in the park. They seemed content to play a counter attacking style that looked to get them no where for much of the first half. They certainly were lucky to be even after some school boy style defending, and to the chagrin of the Scousers, were ahead on the stroke of half time (Liverpool with some absentminded defending of their own). In the second half, their lie back and counter attack plan worked well, with the scorching pace of United, sealing the win, and condemning Liverpool to back to back league defeats.
Arsenal-Chelsea: well, this one didn't quite live up to the billing. Chelsea's offense was conspicuously absent, and when they did show up, Almunia was on top of his game to deny the Blues. Gallas swooped in, again at the stroke of half time, as in the first match to secure the points-- albeit with a gift from some dreadful goaltending. The second half saw Arsenal squandering a few glorious chances, and Cech doing his best to redeem himself. But that can take nothing away from Almunia, who deserves man of the match honors in turning this game from what could have easily been a dull draw to an important victory for Arsenal.
On to the Saturday’s games, the most exciting of which, saw Wigan (yes, Wigan) defeat Blackburn 5-3. This was an incredible game, with Wigan coughing up a 3-0 lead to 10 man Rovers, before piling on two more goals in a game with very little to speak of in the way of defending. Everton and Man City remained hot in the league, and Spurs found a way to win against at Pompey--they are definitely on the way out of the basement.
A last note, Carling Cup midweek: Arsenal defeated Blackburn in extra time, City finally lose at home to a resurgent Tottenham side and Chelsea see off Liverpool at the bridge.
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