Video: Premier League Highlights - Gameweek 17
It was yet another eventful week in the Barclays Premier League which saw the big guns secure victories. Here is a round up of the top games played on Saturday and Sunday.
Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City
Luis Suarez was yet again the star of the show as he scored two and set up one for Raheem Sterling. Liverpool came flying out of the blocks, and went into the break three goals to the good. However, the second half performance was not up to scratch, which saw Cardiff pull one back, and had a few good chances to eat into the deficit. Liverpool held on, for what was a comfortable victory in the end. The Reds move to the top of the table, while Cardiff are in 15th, only four points off the drop zone.
Both teams came into the game high on confidence with midweek Capital One Cup victories. However, Manchester United were the superior side on the day, as they sailed to victory. Danny Welbeck continued his good form in the league, scoring the opener after a brilliant set-up play. Youngster, Adnan Januzaj started his third game in a row, and justified his selection scoring his first goal at Old Trafford, with a cool finish in the penalty box. Talisman Wayne Rooney pulled the strings for the Red Devils in midfield, and set up the last goal for Ashley Young, who ended a year long drought in the Premier League. This eases the pressure on David Moyes, as they close the gap on their rivals. Manchester United lie in 8th place, while West Ham are just one point off the relegation zone, in 17th.
The scoreline flatters Manchester City, as they did it the hard way away from home yet again. The visitors scored two early goals against the run of play in the first half. However, Rene Mulesteen’s Fulham showed steel and determination, and scored an early goal in the second half, after which a Vincent Kompany’s howler made it 2-2. It was a see-saw game, which eventually tilted towards the Manchester side, as substitutes Jesus Navas and James Milner scored the third and fourth goal to secure a hard fought win. Manchester City move up 2nd in the league, while Fulham lie in the red zone, in 19th place.
Southampton started the game on the back of a wretched run which saw them pick up just one point off their previous 4 games. Interim manager Tim Sherwood managed his first ever game for Tottenham Hotspur, and fielded a drastically changed and attacking looking side. Emmanuel Adebayor, Eric Lamela, Cristian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado all started in a 4-4-2 formation. The Saints took the lead with a brilliant finish by Adam Lallana from the edge of the box. However, Spurs equalized within no time, after a pin point cross by Roberto Soldado was banged home by Emmanuel Adebayor. The visitors took the lead with a fortunate own goal, but Ricky Lambert finished off a beautiful pass to keep the game in the balance. The Togo striker got his second, as he curled in the winner. Tottenham Hotspur lie in 7th, while Southampton drop to 9th in the table.
Roberto Martinez’s side were not at their fluent best, however, they were still able to grind out a victory. Both teams played out a drab first half which saw neither team create chances. The story in the second half was different, as Seamus Coleman’s wonder strike from 35 yards gave Everton the lead. Swansea equalised within 4 minutes through an own goal by Brian Oviedo. Ross Barkley ran the show in midfield, and was the stand out player on the field. He had the last say, as he scored a sumptuous free kick in the 84th minute to give the away side all 3 points. Everton’s dream run continues as they move up to 4th in the League, while Swansea lie in 11th.