Luis Suarez nibbles away at Liverpool's patience

Photograph from Wikipedia Commons

George Best, Eric Cantona, Paul Gascoigne, Rudi Voller. There have been plenty of wonderful players to have graced the game whose misdemeanours will live as long in the memory as their talent.

From glorious free-kicks and delicate chips to soaring saliva and plastic breasts, football has never been predictable.

And now there is someone else sinking their teeth into the sport's controversial side. For the last three years there has been no keeping Uruguayan enigma Luis Suarez out of the lime-light. 

Why Sunderland's gamble could pay off

Photograph from Wikipedia Commons

The circus that is the Premier League continues to take twists and turns as more and more managers take part in the merry-go-round that is the industry.

The latest jester to join in the royal mess is Italian nut-job Paolo Di Canio. After initially refusing to reveal his political views he has now said that he is not a fascist. Former member of the Labour Party David Miliband left the Sunderland FC board after expressing his disagreement with the decision to appoint the man who once did a Nazi salute while playing for Lazio. 

Premier League season reaching the business end

Photograph from Flickr

As the calendar flicks over towards March, everyone involved in football starts to get that tingling feeling as the Premier League season starts to unfold. As managers start to feel the pressure, every game starts to take on greater significance.

Over the last twenty years the Premier League has seen many thrilling finishes, from West Brom's great escape when the last day saw four teams fight it out for one survival spot, to last year's stunning title victory for Manchester City over city rivals United on goal difference.

Ferguson v Mourinho: A Rivalry Renewed

Nine years ago Sir Alex and the 'Special One' met for the first time in a last sixteen clash in a spanking new Estádio do Dragão with the home side Porto coming out on top 2-1 thanks to two goals from the South African Benni McCarthy. 1-0 Mourinho. 

The victory was complete in the second leg as a second half equaliser and a dubious offside decision saw the Portistas win the tie 3-2 and spark memorable celebrations from their motivational coach. 

The next season saw Mourinho join the Abramovich revolution at Chelsea and he swept to successive titles, enjoying three wins, including a magnificent 3-1 victory at Old Trafford to set a Premier League record of 95 points in 2005. 

In the 2005/06 season Ferguson did notch up his first win over Mourinho, but still finished second best in the title race and had to wait until 2009 for his second triumph. That was the last time the two managers met as the Red devils won 2-0 over Inter Milan in the San Siro to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.  

Mourinho	Draw	Ferguson
6	5	2

Tonight they meet again in a clash of two of the three most valuable clubs in the world, not only in football, but in sport as a whole. 

Mourinho's Real Madrid got the better of the much-heralded Barcelona to win the La Liga title last campaign, but now sit 16 points off top and behind city rivals Atletico in third and in poor form.

Ferguson's United have dominated the Premier League this season and now sit 12 points clear of rivals Manchester City and on course to match their historic treble of 1998/99. The front two of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are likely to be Real's biggest threat, especially with the home side's centre back Pepe just returning from injury and full-back Marcelo dropped for being overweight. 

Mourinho will place his trust in former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, a man who swapped Manchester for Madrid in an £80 million move four years ago. Even Sir Alex himself has admitted that he did not expect him to score the amount of goals that he has in Spain and that he is now reaching his peak. 

There have been problems aplenty at the Bernabeu this season, with Mourinho slated for dropping legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas and rumours of unrest in the boardroom surrounding the club. It seems likely that the great Portuguese will be on his way out sometime soon, probably at the end of the season and he has stated that he wants to return to England. 

But before these two great men can continue their rivalry on a more permanent basis, this pallet-wetting tie will decide which of these two huge clubs are still in with a chance of regaining the European title. 

Real hold the record of being champions of Europe nine times, while United have won just three. Ferguson himself has won two of those, but accepts that for a club of their size, they should have won more. At least the English team have been in the final three times in the last five years, the Galacticos haven't been there since 2002. 

The last time these two sides met was in an epic 2003 encounter when the defending champions saw off United 6-5 on aggregate, despite a 4-3 defeat in the second leg when future Galactico David Beckham scored twice off the bench. 

If tonight's match, and indeed the tie, even comes close to matching that night a decade ago then we will be in for a treat as two huge clubs and great managers go head to head. 

First leg prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Manchester United

Contact us at: asportinginsight@hotmail.co.uk or on Twitter: @jedgore 

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QPR 1-2 West Brom

Albion dug deep to make it a couple of victories in a row at lowly Queens Park Rangers, who slipped back to the base of the table in the process.

Controversy surrounded Albion's ultimate winner, with Rob Green claiming Marc-Antoine Fortune had backed into him as he reached for the ball. Djibril Cisse had pulled one back after Chris Brunt opened the scoring in the first half.

Green continued in goal for Rangers, after Julio Cesar was not deemed fit enough to return. A well publicised disagreement between Harry Redknapp and Jose Bosingwa during the week prompted the manager to fill the right back role with youngster Fabio da Silva.

Youssouf Mulumbu came straight back in after his suspension in the place of Graham Dorrans, while Marc-Antoine Fortune replaced Peter Odemwingie on the wing, both players dropping to the bench. Romelu Lukaku started ahead of Shane Long once again.

Stephane M'Bia went close with a long rage shot early on, but Albion started the match the brighter, Mulumbu seeing a lot of the ball in the middle. Boxing day sales in the area and lengthy traffic forced officials to delay the kick off by 15 minutes.

The much talked about Adel Taarabt, who had found out before the game he wouldn't be representing Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations, tested Foster from distance and the goalkeeper did well to get down and concede the corner.

The Baggies weren't able to create too much in the way of a chance, but they looked tidy as the Hoops' defence held firm. Mulumbu did well to lay the ball off to Zoltan Gera, who rushed his shot and fired his first time effort well wide.

Up the other end, Shaun Wright-Phillips caused havoc down the left, sneaking past Billy Jones and crossing for Jamie Mackie, who should maybe have done better with his header.

Albion made their early dominance count by taking the lead in the 29th minute. Fortune cut inside from the right and laid the ball off to Chris Brunt. The captain unleashed a fierce, low drive from 25 yards beyond Green, his first of the season.

QPR replied immediately with another M'Bia strike, which Foster dealt with again. Mackie then robbed Popov on the far side, but McAuley's header behind spared the Macedonian's blushes. Popov had been claiming a foul and had to be substituted for Liam Ridgewell.

Taarabt whistled a free kick just wide of the post with Foster rooted, while Clint Hill headed a corner just wide after Mackie's persistence had earned the set piece initially.

Albion ended the half slightly more on top, as Morrison (with help from Lukaku) shrugged off a number of challenges but his shot just beat Green's post.

H-T: 0-1  

Whatever Redknapp had said at half time had taken effect, as pressure ensued on the visitors' box, Taarabt's free kick headed wide of goal by the dangerous M'Bia.

This pressure faded, and Albion took advantage, but questions will be asked about the legality of the goal. Continuous pressure involving Mulumbu and Jones resulted in a corner, and Brunt's kick was headed towards goal by Olsson. Green then proceeded to carry the ball into the net under pressure from Fortune. Comparisons were immediately made between this incident and that involving Victor Anichebe and Jussi Jaaskelainen when Everton met West Ham on Saturday, which resulted in a free kick to the goalkeeper.

This dented the Hoops' rhythm, and Albion threatened to score further goals. Fantastic football was played in the middle between midfielders Mulumbu and Morrison before Green thwarted Lukaku. Morrison's cross across the box a few seconds later was dangerous, but Lukaku couldn't reach it.

Green was on hand to prevent Belgian loanee Lukaku on the break following a splendid ball from Brunt, but Rangers were allowed back in on 68. A quick free kick allowed sub Samba Diakite to run at the defence, before the midfielder slipped the ball through to Cisse, who chipped over the onrushing Foster.

Rather than constant pressure from the hosts, the game opened up and the play was instantly more exciting. Green claimed the ball before the hard working Lukaku could get a shot in, while Fortune finished brilliantly only to see the offside flag go up.

The home side had a big shout against Liam Ridgewell for handball in the penalty area, which was waved away by Chris Foy, although on second glance there was substance to the appeal. 

Foster produced a wonder save to deny Hill's header late on, and Albion rode out the consummate pressure and series of corners to claim back to back victories.

Match ratings: QPR- Green 6, Fabio 6 (Hoilett 5), Hill 7, Ferdinand 6, Traore 6, Faurlin 6 (Diakite 5), M'Bia 6, Wright-Phillips 6, Mackie 6, Taarabt 7, Cisse 6

WBA- Foster 7, Jones 7, McAuley 7, Olsson 7, Popov 5 (Ridgewell 5), Mulumbu 7, Morrison (Tamas 85) 8, Brunt 6, Gera 6, Fortune 7, Lukaku 6 (Long 5)

Sunderland 2-4 West Brom

Fans from the Black Country must be wondering when they’re going to wake up.

Albion moved up to third (and nosebleed territory) with their fourth consecutive victory after the enthralling encounter at the Stadium of Light in the lunchtime kick off, although their third, and ultimately the deciding, goal came from a controversial decision by Mike Dean to award a penalty.

Martin O’Neill chose an unchanged side after the Black Cats recorded their first away victory at Fulham last week, Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole shaking off knocks picked up in the Craven Cottage clash. Craig Gardner returned to the match-day squad.

Steve Clarke opted for regular Gareth McAuley over stand in Gabriel Tamas after the defender returned from a hamstring injury. Captain Chris Brunt started in place of injured Youssouf Mulumbu and Boaz Myhill continued in goal for the recovering Ben Foster.

It was a slow start to the game. One could sense that both teams were getting to grips with each other, Adam Johnson of Sunderland and Peter Odemwingie of West Brom tested their opposing keepers from distance without causing problems.

The 16th minute offered the first real chance on goal- although Claudio Yacob probably didn’t know too much about it. A corner came in which Jonas Olsson couldn’t connect with, and it fell to the Argentine who headed over from a matter of yards.

The first real move of quality came from the hosts. Danny Rose played Johnson in, the winger then flicked the ball onto Stephane Sessegnon, who chipped the ball over McAuley and fired in a shot that Myhill turned round the post.

On 20 Shane Long went down under a challenge from John O’Shea who had already been booked and referee Dean took his yellow card out again- but Long was penalised for simulation. O’Shea had initially made for the exit believing it was he who was about to earn his marching orders, and the replay showed that there was contact.

In the same way Myhill had an individual duel with Daniel Sturridge of Chelsea last week, the Welshman seemed to be stopping Sessegnon at all costs, this time pushing away a header from the Mackems’ midfielder as a result of a corner.

The Baggies took the lead on the half hour mark as a result of some sloppy play from the hosts. Johnson’s touch was too heavy and he saw the ball taken away from him by Odemwingie. The Nigerian went on to play Zoltan Gera in and the Hungarian hit a rasping left footed strike from 25 yards beyond the stretching Mignolet.

This served as a wake up call for the Black Cats, immediate pressure on the visitors’ area ensued and resulted in O’Shea curling an effort just wide of the far corner. Lee Cattermole was soon to be replace by Craig Gardner, the captain seemingly aggravating the injury sustained a fortnight ago.

 A wonderful individual effort was the home side’s final chance before half time. Sessegnon kept the ball in wide on the left before cutting inside and evading numerous challenges. The Benin international then unleashed a shot which deflected off a defender and Myhill collected.

A moment of madness followed on the stroke of half time. An inaccurate chip over the top from Brunt should have been routinely collected by Mignolet, but the Belgian spilt the ball to the probing Long who doubled his side’s lead.

H-T: 0-2

Martin O’Neill was forced into a change at the break as John O’Shea required a replacement. James McClean was introduced, showing the attacking intent from the Wearsiders.

The home side started with more urgency as expected. Gardner’s run was impressive, but his cross was poor and Myhill dealt with it easily. Up the other end, Albion showed they were capable of adding to their lead when Morrison played Long through, but the onrushing Mignolet prevented a third. It was shaping up to be an entertaining 45 minutes.

The end-to-end style of play continued further into the half. Adam Johnson’s dipping shot from distance caught Myhill out and the keeper resorted to parrying the ball away with his upper arms. Meanwhile, Billy Jones went on a mazy run into the Sunderland box before being thwarted by an excellent tackle from Danny Rose.

Fletcher headed over from a Larsson corner and Morrison and Odemwingie both had chances to take long range shots on the counter for the Baggies, but challenges were put in to stop them. The home side were enjoying plenty of possession, as many teams do against Albion, but the defence were soaking up the pressure and releasing their pacey forwards on the break. Brunt had a cross shot that evaded the stretching Long and Odemwingie tried to tee up Morrison within a couple of minutes, but to no avail.

Odemwingie very nearly scored a belter from almost 30 yards, cutting in from the right once again and fizzing a left footed strike just beyond the far post. Steve Clarke immediately introduced duo Lukaku and Fortune in place of the hard-working Long and Odemwingie, hoping fresh legs would carry his side over the line. O’Neill gambled and threw on Louis Saha for Jack Colback.

There was a slightly fortuitous lifeline for the Mackems on 73. Craig Gardner’s long range free kick ricocheted off Marc-Antoine Fortune in the wall and the deflection carried the ball over the diving Myhill. A roar greeted the goal and hope was rekindled for the hosts.

Straight away Sessegnon had a shot pushed away by the in-form Myhill. But Albion were to regain their 2 goal lead on 80 minutes, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Liam Ridgewell was supposedly brought down in the area by Johnson, but replays showed that the left back went down without being touched. Nevertheless, substitute Lukaku dispatched the penalty with aplomb, the loanee notching his fourth of the season.

Sunderland wouldn’t lie down and with three minutes to go Myhill parried a header from a corner straight to Sessegnon who blasted his second of the season into the roof of the net from a couple of yards.

As the four minutes of stoppage time were signalled, the hosts threw everything at their visitors and were ultimately caught out in the final minute when Fortune finished coolly to round off a fantastic breakaway involving Lukaku and the outstanding Yacob.

A truly entertaining match with an outcome that means the Wearsiders remain 15th while the Baggies move up one to third.

F-T: 2-4

Match ratings: SUN- Mignolet 5, Bardsley 6, O’Shea 5 (McClean 6), Cuellar 6, Rose 6, Larsson 7, Cattermole 5 (Gardner 6) Colback 5 (Saha 5), Sessegnon 7, Johnson 5, Fletcher 5

WBA- Myhill 6, Jones 6, McAuley 7, Olsson 7, Ridgewell 6, Yacob 8, Morrison 7 (Tamas 5), Brunt 6, Odemwingie 7 (Fortune 6), Gera 7, Long 7 (Lukaku 6)

Why Chelsea should not have sacked Di Matteo

The sacking of Roberto Di Matteo was one of the most shocking football dismissals of recent memory. A Chelsea legend, twice FA Cup winner as a player, won the club's first Champions League trophy against all the odds, just months after being appointed manager. 

To the amazement of many his reign has been terminated just six months after he was given the prestigious job on a permanent basis. Many Chelsea fans will be dismayed by the lack of faith shown in him by owner Roman Abramovich and the club's board, although this is nothing new to them as he was their eighth boss since the Russian billionaire took over in 2003. 

What is most surprising is that Abramovich has always fired previous managers on the basis that they did not do well enough in the Champions League, although Di Matteo delivered the trophy at the first time of asking. He also managed this impressive feat with a squad out of form and struggling in the Premier League, as well as facing a 3-1 deficit in the last 16 of Europe's elite competition against Napoli. 

Not only did they win the second leg against Napoli 4-1 after extra-time to go through, but he did oversee an up-turn in their league form and took them to Wembley, and ultimately, FA Cup victory.

It is the Champions League final in Munich that he will be most remembered for as the Blues overcame the home side on penalties thanks to a late Didier Drogba header and a Petr Cech penalty save in extra-time. 

Their road to Munich was not a cruise by any stretch of the imagination; beating Benfica before memorably seeing off Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. 

Despite finishing sixth in the league last season, their league form did marginally improve as they had suffered a horrific start under former boss Andre Villas-Boas. 

Chelsea managers under Roman Abramovich

Year	Manager	Matches	Winning %
2000-2004	Claudio Ranieri	199	53.76
2004-2007	Jose Mourinho	131	70.81
2007-2008	Avram Grant	54	66.67
2008-2009	Luiz Felipe Scolari	36	55.56
2009	Guus Hiddink	21	71.43
2009-2011	Carlo Ancelotti	109	61.47
2011-2012	Andre Villas-Boas	40	47.50
2012	Roberto Di Matteo	42	57.14

While the table above shows that the Italian only had a better record than three of his predecessors, he took over in totally different circumstances than any of the others. Chelsea were at their lowest point since Abramovich pumped his money into the club when Di Matteo took over, and from that he produced their all-time high.

Abramovich should not take all the blame for these sackings. After all, without his money the West Londoners would still be delighted with a top five finish each season instead of sacking managers for not cruising to league titles.

The Chelsea board have a big impact on the decisions that the Russian owner makes and without their advice, he would probably not have got through so many managers in the last eight years. There are so many supporters at the club that are crying out for the stability that has brought success to the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and more recently, Manchester City. 

Having said that, all football fans are fickle and athe majority of Chelsea supporters would welcome Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho with open arms. However the job, at least on a short-term basis, looks destined to go to Rafael Bentitez, a man who did anything but endear himself to Chelsea supporters during his time at Liverpool.

His record has been good at every club he has managed, although he has been out of a job for over two years now and replacing Di Matteo with Benitez is not a very forward-thinking decision. It is anything but promoting stability, especially considering the age of the two men (Di Matteo 42, Benitez 52).

While Guardiola did excellently at Barcelona, he has never been at a club like Chelsea before and the players may not take to his style of play. Mourinho would clearly be a great fit but that is more Chelsea fans dreaming than an actual possibility, for now at least. 

Roman Abramovich will be sitting in his pent-house suite right now feeling good about himself and expecting an immediate climb to the summit of the Premier League, but he might find that not forthcoming. 

Chelsea have looked good this season and could still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. They have a massive game on Sunday at home to Manchester City and they would have had a much better chance of inflicting the champions' first defeat of the campaign if they had not made such drastic changes.

West Brom 2-1 Chelsea

Steve Clarke must be thinking that this managerial lark is quite straightforward.

His side recorded their third straight victory at the expense of European champions Chelsea, producing a dogged yet calm-on-the-ball performance. Shane Long opened the scoring for the Baggies in the tenth minute before Eden Hazard headed home before the break. Peter Odemwingie restored the home side's lead early on in the second period, which ultimately turned out to be the winner.

Gareth McAuley, Ben Foster and Romelu Lukaku all missed out for the hosts, the former pair suffering from hamstring and groin injuries respectively, while loanee Lukaku was ineligible against his parent club. 

Roberto Di Matteo named a surprising XI upon his return to the Hawthorns. Juan Mata, Oscar and Ramires all dropped to the bench, the Italian clearly having one eye on the Champions League clash with Juventus in midweek. John Terry and Frank Lampard missed out with injury, while Ashley Cole made the bench. 

The opening period was scrappy; the visitors, as expected, dominant and clever in possession. Initially Albion were happy to soak up the pressure and launch counter attacks when possible. 

Albion had a scare early on when Ryan Bertrand's shot beat Boaz Myhill, but Liam Ridgewell was on hand to scoop the ball off the line. Despite the run of play, Albion took the lead in the tenth minute. Zoltan Gera received a throw deep in opposing territory. The Hungarian then laid the ball into James Morrison and he in turn lifted the ball to the back post where Shane Long stooped to head beyond Petr Cech. The Irishman celebrated by making an emotional tribute following the recent death of his grandmother. 

Initially, the order of play commenced, the London side forcing the issue. John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses saw speculative efforts from distance fly wide. The Baggies very much held their own most of the half, occasionally threatening to double their advantage. On the half hour mark, Sturridge's snapshot was held by the increasingly impressive Myhill, while up the other end Long had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Oliver, the striker clearly enraged by the official's decision.

Long came closest to scoring without doing so on 35. He turned Gary Cahill on the edge of the area, leaving the defender on the floor, before Long curled a grounded effort just round Cech's far post. But Chelsea's build up play paid off four minutes later.

Cesar Azpilicueta was picked out on the right hand side of the area, the right back then cut inside and crossed to the back post where the ball was met by the head of Eden Hazard, the Belgian claiming the goal despite a deflection off Billy Jones.

Sturridge shot a stinging effort immediately from the restart, which just flew wide of the post.

H-T: 1-1

To their credit, the hosts came out for the second period with an intent to regain the lead. Many would have expected the side from the capital to seize the initiative and go on to win comfortably. But the third- and decisive- goal came on the counter once again. Jonas Olsson, who was outstanding all afternoon, released midfield engine Morrison. The Scot passed to Long out wide, and the cross which followed to the near post was headed past Cech by the fantastic Peter Odemwingie- the Nigerian's third goal in three games, and fourth of the season. 

Pressure followed. And it was relentless. Di Matteo resorted to throw on midfield wizards Mata and Oscar, replacing Oriel Romeu and the largely anonymous Fernando Torres. Boaz Myhill was on hand to thwart Daniel Sturridge for the umpteenth time with a strong hand after the England striker was played over the top by the exquisite Mata. Clarke decided to freshen his own team up soon after, introducing Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans for James Morrison and Zoltan Gera. 

The football match entered the final throes in excellent fashion. Myhill excellently prevented Sturridge yet again, before Albion broke and Dorrans' take from a Long cross was just too heavy.

Shane Long received a standing ovation for his efforts as Markus Rosenberg replaced him. Di Matteo then proceeded to haul Mikel off for the energetic Ramires. The home side could have ended any hopes of a Chelsea result when Dorrans' improvised ball to Brunt was slightly too long, Mulumbu shooting wide soon after. 

Mata continued to cause problems, but couldn't perform any miracles against the opposition in front of him, all players behind the ball defending to the hilt, Rosenberg the only outlet. There were certainly some heart-in-mouth moments that the home fans had to endure in the dying moments, Hazard's deflected effort held by Myhill and Sturridge dragged a golden opportunity wide of the far post. Cech was seen at the back post for the final corner, but not even the Czech goalkeeper could save his side. 

The Baggies continued their startling beginning to the season, and moved into fourth, one point behind today's opposition. 

Match ratings: WBA- Myhill 8, Jones 7, Tamas 7, Olsson 8, Ridgewell 7, Yacob 7, Mulumbu 8, Morrison 7 (Dorrans 6), Gera 7 (Brunt 6), Odemwingie 8, Long 8 (Rosenberg 5)

CHE- Cech 6, Azpilicueta 7, Cahill 5, Luiz 6, Bertrand 6, Mikel 6 (Ramires 5), Romeu 6 (Oscar 6), Hazard 7, Moses 7, Sturridge 5, Torres 5 (Mata 6)

Liverpool fight back against Chelsea to secure 1-1 draw

Chelsea and Liverpool fought out a competitive 1-1 at Stamford Bridge after Luis Suarez netted his 11th of the season to equalise John Terry's opener. 

The back post header from a Jamie Carragher flick-on made Suarez just the fifth Reds player to score in four consecutive Premier League away games and the first since Steven Gerrard in 2009.

He was largely kept at bay in a quiet first half performance but burst into life after the break and showed why  his manager Brendan Rodgers has likened him to Lionel Messi recently. His link-up play and the threat that he posed were Chelsea's main problems as they failed to hold onto a lead for the second successive week.

Rodgers introduced Suso in the 60th minute, replacing Nuri Sahin, as the away team switched from a 5-3-2 formation to a 5-1-3-1 set-up. Joe Allen sat deep with Raheem Sterling, Gerrard and Suso supporting star-man Suarez.

For much of the campaign Liverpool have enjoyed plenty of possession but offered little threat apart from through Suarez. It was much of the same in the first half as Rodgers' men kept the ball for long periods but never looked like creating anything of note.

On the other hand Chelsea created a number of chances and it was returning skipper John Terry who escaped the attentions of Daniel Agger to power in a header. It was his 50th goal for the London club, 29 of which have in the Premier League, 20 of which have been headers. The former England captain had to be substituted just 16 minutes later after an accidental collision with Suarez. 

Oscar missed a glorious opportunity to give Chelsea the lead early on and Juan Mata fired over on the stroke of half-time with just goalkeeper Brad Jones to beat. Early in the second half Jones was called into action as he reacted well to stop a Fernando Torres header. 

Suso's introduction sparked Liverpool into life and after the equaliser had they the better chances to win the game. Jose Enrique, who had an excellent game at left wing-back, put Suarez through on goal only for Petr Cech to deny the striker. 

It was the Spanish defender who had the last chance in the final minute of injury-time, but his low shot was turned away by Cech. 

Rodgers credited the way his team came back in the second half: "I thought in the first half we were too tentative. Second half our attitude in the game was much better and we are better when we play fast football.

"Coming here is a very difficult place. I thought it was a great point for us. You have to give credit to the players, they were fantastic.

"Whatever system you have, it doesn't matter, it is about the application and the quality of the players."

Chelsea will be disappointed that they didn't see the game out and now sit three points behind league leaders Manchester United, while Liverpool will be delighted with a draw that extends their unbeaten league run to six matches.

Statistics from Infostrada Sports: http://infostradalive.com/

Arteta miss costs Arsenal while Everton hold on to fourth

An missed penalty in the fifth minute of injury-time by Mikel Arteta cost Arsenal all three points at the Emirates in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Fulham. 

Veteran Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved low to his left to deny Arteta to extend the Cottagers' unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches.

The miss continued Arsenal's poor form from the spot as this was their 5th miss from their last 10 penalties, the joint-highest in the Premier League.

The Gunners remain one place above Fulham on goal difference in seventh, although Martin Jol's men will be much happier with their league standing than the side from North London. 

Olivier Giroud answered his critics when he headed in the opening goal, and when Lukas Podolski stabbed the home team two in front, it looked like there would be no way back for Fulham. 

However former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov ignited his side into action with a header of his own to bring the scoreline back to 2-1 with just 29 minutes gone. The Bulgarian then set up Alex Kacaniklic to equalise five minutes before half-time. 

Berbatov then converted a penalty to grab his fifth goal in just seven Premier League games this season, before Giroud responded with his second, a header from a Theo Walcott cross. 

There was more drama to come, when in the 94th minute Sascher Riether conceded what looked to be a harsh penalty for hand-ball. The spot-kick came to nothing though as Schwarzer saved and referee Phil Dowd immediately brought an end to proceedings. 

At Goodison Park Everton came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 thanks to goals from Maroune Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic, their sixth and fifth league goals of the season respectively. 

Toffees boss David Moyes (after what was his 400th match in charge) admitted: "I thought it was going to be one of those days. It didn't look as if it was coming, I thought it looked like a 1-0 to Sunderland - but that was not for us not trying to keep knocking at the door.

"I thought we kept going and the players showed great character to come from a goal behind."

Steve Clarke's West Brom got their first league win of the season away from home as they beat Wigan 2-1 at the DW Stadium: http://asportinginsight.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/wigan-1-2-west-brom.html

James Morrison gave the Baggies the lead before Gary Caldwell found his own net. Despite an Arouna Kone goal the away team were well worth the three points that kept them level on points with fourth-placed Everton. 

Manchester United increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points after coming from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Villa Park.

Javier Hernandez scored two and made another as United completed their eighth winning come-back of the season: http://asportinginsight.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/uniteds-spirit-shows-no-signs-of.html

The young Mexican has now scored every 51 minutes he has played in the Premier League this season.

Struggling Southampton could not keep a first clean-sheet of the season as Nathan Dyer scored a 73rd minute equaliser to give Swansea a 1-1 draw after Schneiderlin had given the Saints the lead.

The young Saints team played well despite averaging only 23 years and 326 days old and under-fire manager Nigel Adkins said: "We're together as one. Everyone is having a right go, the performance was good. Listen, take the positives. We got a point. We wanted the three and a clean sheet but let's take the positives."

Premier League bottom club Queens Park Rangers remain without a win after losing 1-0 at Stoke courtesy of a Charlie Adam goal, his first Premier League striker in thirteen months. The Hoops missed several second half chances and have now trailed for more minutes than any other team (463) this season.

It also looks ominous for Hughes's men as they have extended their run without a win to 11 matches.

In the day's other top-flight match Reading also failed to chalk up their first victory as they played out a 0-0 stale-mate with Norwich.

Statistics courtesy of Infostrada Sports: http://infostradalive.com/

Wigan 1-2 West Brom

West Brom recorded their second successive Premier League victory at the DW stadium and continued their excellent start to the season, an efficient performance coupled with a slice of good fortune enough to see off fellow high flyers Wigan.

The Latics were looking for a third consecutive win, Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo a threat in attack, while wing backs Emmerson Boyce and Jean Beausejour possessing the ability to provide for their strikers. Ben Foster failed to shrug off his groin injury, so Boaz Myhill made his first Premier League start of the season. James Morrison, Romelu Lukaku and Chris Brunt all came into the starting line up, Zoltan Gera, Graham Dorrans and previous match winner Peter Odemwingie all dropping to the bench.

The home side started the brighter and were allowed to enjoy plenty of possession, Ben Watson tested Myhill with a stinging shot from range which the keeper held. Albion first threatened after a quarter of an hour with two corners, the latter leading to a kerfuffle between Albion defender Olsson and Ali Al-Habsi, after the Swede jumped into the goalkeeper when challenging for an aerial ball.

The Baggies continued to assert their authority when on the counter, wary that Wigan could be caught out this way with their 3-4-3 set-up. A defensive error by Figueroa nearly allowed Albion in on the 20th minute, a square ball across goal was intercepted by Morrison, but Al Habsi rushed out to make amends for his side, and the ball was cleared before Lukaku could cause any damage.

The visitors did go ahead in the 31st minute, Lukaku's initial cross evaded everyone, but Brunt collected the loose ball and curled in a perfect ball for Morrison, unmarked, to head home from a matter of yards.

Billy Jones nearly opened his account for the Throstles shortly after, the right back bringing the ball forward and cutting inside, before unleashing a left footed shot which clipped the outside of Al Habsi's left hand post.

Unfortunately the second goal, which came on 43, could not be awarded to Jones, but the former Preston captain can take a large amount of credit for his efforts in the build up. A throw in near the corner flag was received by Lukaku, Jones then played a one-two with Morrison and sent a low shot at goal which deflected wickedly over Gary Caldwell and over the helpless Al Habsi.

Albion's two goal advantage may have been earned, but they switched off defensively a moment later to allow their hosts to reduce the arrears just before half-time. Maloney's ball out wide found Beausejour, the Chilean delivering a ball across goal that Kone tapped in.

H-T: 1-2

The Latics came out rejuvenated in the second half and went about searching for an equaliser. Caldwell headed narrowly wide a Ben Watson corner kick, after Claudio Yacob had received a yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration after a decision went against his side.

Shane Long, starting alongside Lukaku for the first time, went on a surging run, beating a number of blue shirts in the process, but his efforts ultimately went unrewarded. Long was also involved in Albion's best chance of the second period, back heeling a ball on the edge of the box which evaded the original target Morrison but fell for Lukaku. The Belgian struck it first time, but Al Habsi produced a wonder save to tip the goal bound effort over the bar.

Long tested the Oman international himself, striking a low shot which Al Habsi was forced to beat away after good work from the ever-impressive Yacob and Morrison.

Ronnie Stam replaced Caldwell in Wigan's back-line, while Steve Clarke introduced Zoltan Gera and Peter Odemwingie, who came on for Long and Morrison. Lukaku was booked for a similar crime to that of Yacob soon after, before he too departed, allowing Markus Rosenberg to enter the pitch.

Late on and Wigan were now, as expected, the team in the ascendancy. Di Santo, who was effective for the home side, took the ball to the byline before pulling it back for Shaun Maloney, the Scot having more time than he believed and hurriedly curled the ball over the bar. 

James McCarthy was booked as well soon after, referee Swarbrick judging the Ireland international to have gone to ground too easily under a Mulumbu challenge.

Di Santo turned from provider to chancer late on, Maloney delivering a sumptuous ball to the back post but the Argentine, who received a call up to the international squad recently, couldn't quite make contact. 

The positive Roberto Martinez gambled for the last five minutes hoping to be rewarded with a share of the spoils, introducing Jordi Gomez and Mauro Boselli, the attacking duo replacing Di Santo and Watson. 

The final throes saw a wonderful curling shot bend just round the post from Youssouf Mulumbu on the break, and although the visiting area was bombarded with hanging balls throughout the extortinate five minutes of stoppage time, the Baggies held on to earn their first away win of the season.

Match ratings: WIG- Al Habsi 7, Caldwell 6 (Stam 5), Ramis 6, Boyce 6, Figueroa 5, Beausejour 7, Watson 6 (Gomez 85), McCarthy 6, Maloney 6, Di Santo 7 (Boselli 85), Kone 7

WBA- Myhill 6, Jones 7, McAuley 8, Olsson 8, Ridgewell 6, Yacob 8, Mulumbu 7, Brunt 6, Morrison 7 (Gera 5), Long 7 (Odemwingie 5), Lukaku 6 (Rosenberg 86)

United's spirit shows no sign of wavering

Manchester United fought back from two goals down at Villa Park to stun Paul Lambert's men thanks to two goals from substitute Javier Hernandez. 

In the week that marks his 26th year in charge at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson made a typically spot-on decision when he sent on the young Mexican at half-time. Chicharito was heavily involved with all three goals; scoring the first, hitting a shot that was deflected in by Ron Vlaar for the equaliser, before heading in the winner three minutes from time.  

After being pipped by city rivals Manchester City to the title on goal difference last season Ferguson would have made it clear that nothing but a league triumph will do this time round. He sent out a massive signal of intent when he signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal for £24 million in the summer and the Dutchman has rewarded him with 11 goals so far this year, as well as assisting the winner at Villa Park. 

Today was the eighth time that the Red Devils have come from behind to win this season and they started sluggishly today. Despite having plenty of possession they failed to create anything of note in the first half and Villa caught them out on the stroke of half-time with a beautifully worked opening goal. Andreas Weimann weighted his path down the line to perfection to Christian Benteke who cut the ball back for his strike-partner to fire high past David de Gea. 

The home side were at it again early in the second half when Stephen Ireland did well to find winger Gabriel Agbonlahor whose low cross was tapped in by Weimann.

Ferguson will be worried by the manner in which his defence was cut open for both goals as the speed of Villa's front three proved too much for Ferdinand and Smalling at the back. De Gea did not have much to do over the 90 minutes, but should have done better with Weimann's opening goal. 

It was old-timer Paul Scholes, recalled to the starting line-up after a five-game absence, who provided the spark that got United back into the match. His excellent long pass over the top to Hernandez was a reminder of the quality that he has always possessed, while the striker's finish showed that he has a great future.

After that the equaliser was coming and it came from a deep cross by Antonio Valencia that found Hernandez, whose volley was deflected into his own net by Vlaar. 

After Weimann had almost completed a hat-trick with a header, it was Chicharito who had the last laugh when he headed past Brad Guzan from Van Persie's free-kick to give United the points. 

Despite a great win, the red half of Manchester will not be overly pleased with the way their side played. The back line looked vulnerable through-out, while Wayne Rooney struggled to make an impact before being substituted. 

But there is a reason why United are one of the favourites to win the title this season, and they showed that today with a come-back from virtually nothing. It was the seventh time that they have come back from two or more goals to win since the inception of the Premier league in 1992/93, more than any other team.

However, United have always been able to get themselves out of trouble, and although they have weaknesses, their ability to shrug them off and still take the three points is what sets them apart. It will take a great team to beat them to the English games' top prize this campaign. 

West Brom 2-0 Southampton

West Brom got back to winning ways at the expense of lowly Southampton as Peter Odemwingie notched a double on Monday night.

Albion recorded their fifth home win of the season- and fourth clean sheet- as they swept aside the Saints, who were easy on the eye when in possession, but did not offer too much, surprisingly, in the way of an attacking threat.

Steve Clarke was able to recall on crucial duo Claudio Yacob and Shane Long for the encounter, both having impressed early on this season but having picked up injuries in recent weeks. Billy Jones also appeared at right back, while Gabriel Tamas dropped to the bench. James Morrison missed out with a slight niggle and the game came too soon for Jerome Thomas and Steven Reid.

Nigel Adkins reintroduced record signing Gaston Ramierez after the winger had spent a spell on the sidelines over the past few weeks, the former Bologna star replacing Jason Puncheon in the starting XI. Paulo Gazzaniga started ahead of Artur Boruc in goal, as the Saints' goalkeeping rotation continued. 

There was a high tempo to the game, no one team able to stamp their authority in the early stages of the match. Mark Halsey refereed the intriguing fixture in front of an expectant Hawthorns crowd, the visitors also bringing a respectable following from the south coast.

Ultimately the away side started the better, Rickie Lambert's snapshot from the right hand side of the area held by Foster. Up the other end, Peter Odemwingie delivered the hosts' first real chance, cutting inside from the right and shooting into a melee of players, Zoltan Gera turning the ball over the bar from close range.

As the first half wore on, the Baggies grew into the game, threatening the Saints' defensive anxiety further when Mulumbu attacked the defence and played in Long, who curled over wildly. The four forwards of Southampton, Lallana, Lambert and summer signings Rodriguez and Ramierez were yet to combine and work an opening.  

Albion were getting closer, firstly Yacob shooting harmlessly wide then Olsson headed down a Dorrans free kick, only for Long to be denied by a faint opposing touch. Ramirez crossed for the dangerous Lambert, but his header was straight at Foster. The goalkeeper was then able to set his side away, eventually Odemwingie shooting just wide of Gazzaniga's left hand post after no approach from a red shirt.

The home side finally broke the deadlock on 36, the outstanding Mulumbu having too much time on the ball, and he was able to lay the ball onto Odemwingie, the Nigerian's shot flying past Gazzaniga via a deflection off Yoshida. There was, however, more than a hint that the ball may have been handled by the Albion winger in the build up.

Despite there only being a matter of minutes left before the half time whistle, the Baggies looked to increase their lead immediately, Ridgewell finding Long in space. The Irishman wriggled away from a challenge and attempted to chip the ball over the onrushing Gazzaniga, but the ball fell to Odemwingie whose shot was blocked. Odemwingie had the final chance of the half, again coming in from the right wing, but his shot flew over the bar.

H-T: 1-0

The visitors could not take advantage of a slice of fortune early on in the second period, Gareth McAuley's clearance rebounded into the path of top scorer Lambert, his side footed effort curling onto the bar. 

The hosts had a chance soon after to double their lead, good interplay from Gera and Odemwingie resulted in Jones flashing a dangerous ball across goal which evaded Long. They did make it two on the hour mark, though, when Long raced away down the left, before delivering a delightful ball into the area which Odemwingie simply had to head past the helpless Gazzaniga, once again the Saints' defensive frailties being exposed. 

They did look to reduce the deficit immediately, good pressure around the area following set pieces going unrewarded as the Baggies' defence held firm. A member of that defence, McAuley, powerfully headed over a Gera corner at the other end as West Brom showed their intention to score further goals.

Substitutions began to take place, Dorrans making way for the return of captain Chris Brunt, while Shane Long received a standing ovation as he exited the field, Romelu Lukaku taking his place. Nigel Adkins made changes of his own in an attempt to rescue something, the largely ineffective Jay Rodriguez being replaced by Emmanuel Mayuka while Gaston Ramirez's return to action lasted 76 minutes before Guly do Prado came on for him. 

Albion's subs nearly combined for a third goal shortly after, Lukaku taking the ball away from the oncoming Gazzaniga, the Belgian proceeding to clip the ball to the back post for Brunt, but the winger's volley flew just wide of the far post. Luke Shaw replaced Danny Fox and scorer Odemwingie's departure saw Marc-Antoine Fortune come on. 

Late on, Foster dived to the feet of Lallana to secure a clean sheet. The army of Saints' fans were nevertheless fantastic all night, and showed their support to their leader Adkins. The former Scunthorpe boss has been questioned in the national media this week, but the following support sang his name, which was clearly appreciated. 

F-T: 2-0

Match ratings: WBA- Foster 6, Jones 7, McAuley 7, Olsson 8, Ridgewell 6, Yacob 7, Mulumbu 9, Odemwingie 8 (Fortune 5), Dorrans 6 (Brunt 5), Gera 7, Long 8 (Lukaku 6)

SOU- Gazzaniga 6, Clyne 6, Yoshida 6, Fonte 6, Fox 6 (Shaw 5), Schneiderlin 6, Davis 6, Ramierez 5 (Guly 5), Lambert 7, Lallana 7, Rodriguez 5 (Mayuka 5).

Newcastle 2-1 West Brom

West Brom experienced heartbreak late for the second game on the trot as Papiss Cisse returned to the score-sheet in the most fortunate of circumstances.

Cisse's Senegalese counterpart Demba Ba had given the host's the lead on 35, only for Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku to equalise for the Baggies. But Cisse came off the bench and was seemingly in the right place at the right time as Sammy Ameobi's shot cannoned off his back, sending Ben Foster the wrong way. 

Alan Pardew selected James Perch to replace the suspended Cheick Tiote, while Shola Ameobi retained his place leading the line alongside the prolific Ba. Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Fabricio Coloccini all returned, as expected, to the side after being rested for the European tie against Club Brugge midweek.

Steve Clarke preferred Romelu Lukaku to the in-form Shane Long as the visitor's attacking threat, while Peter Odemwingie and Zoltan Gera returned to the team at the expense of Marc-Antoine Fortune and the injured Claudio Yacob.

The first real chance to separate the two sides came twelve minutes in, as Shola Ameobi found himself some room and curled in a cross for striking partner Ba, but the top scorer headed wide of Foster's goal when he would have been expected to do better.

The hosts, as expected, applied all the pressure in the early stages, the pragmatic duo of McAuley and Olsson holding firm, but Ben Arfa was ever a danger, constantly exploiting the identified weakness of right back in Albion's defence. 

Davide Santon, Ben Arfa's sidekick down the left hand side, thundered a shot from 30 yards on 20, when a Newcastle corner was cleared. The Frenchman made clean contact, and Foster did well to turn the ball away. Ameobi's header was also held by the goalkeeper from the resulting corner.

The away side's first attack came on the break from a Magpie corner, Dorrans bringing the ball over the halfway line before playing the ball behind the defence for Lukaku to run on to, but the Belgian was denied by Tim Krul- Odemwingie was seemingly an option had Lukaku chose to square the ball.

Gera fired over from a free kick, when Perch brought down Dorrans on the edge of the area, when more could have been made of the position of the ball.

Both sides looked dangerous, Albion more threatening on the counter, the general traffic of play being dictated by the hosts. Ben Arfa was becoming more impressive with his surging runs and ability to take on players at a time. 

The first goal came on 35 when a goal kick from Krul found Ameobi, the big Geordie flicking it on for Ba, the forward notching his seventh of the season after beating McAuley to the ball and firing the ball under Foster.

Shortly after Lukaku had another chance to influence the score in the visitor's favour, an excellent Mulumbu ball through beat the defence which the big man raced onto, only to be thwarted once again by the immeasurable Krul.

Odemwingie hit a speculative effort from distance which found the side-netting, bringing the curtain down on a high tempo half.

H-T: 1-0

Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Mulumbu had found the back of the net- unfortunately from a Baggie point of view, the shot deflected off Lukaku who was standing in an offside position.

The latter DID give Albion a way back into the match on 56, when he knocked down the ball for Zoltan Gera, the Hungarian brought the ball forward unchallenged before crossing the ball in for Lukaku, who finally beat Krul with a header.

The second half began quietly, not a lot of goalmouth action as such, but both sides were capable of scoring again and showed this coming forward. 

Pardew introduced Obertan and Cisse, while scorer Lukaku made way for Shane Long for the midlands side. Yellow cards were being issued with more regularity now, Cabaye, Mulumbu and Gutierrez all receiving cautions from Chris Foy in a short space of time.

Ameobi junior replaced Ba, and Rosenberg came on for Dorrans, both players leaving the pitch with slight knocks. Long's hold up play earned himself a corner, but Gareth McAuley's header was just wide.

The Baggies' best chance- or chances- of winning the game came on 78. Odemwingie was played in by the largely anonymous James Morrison (sitting deeper than normal in Yacob's place) and the Nigerian crossed low for Long, who was harried by Williamson. Upon bringing the ball away to safety, Coloccini was tackled by Odemwingie and the winger attempted again to tee up Long, this time Krul intervening. 

Pressure then came from the hosts, Obertan's cross not quite reaching Cisse, and Gera stopping Ben Arfa from supplying another cross. 

There was still time for Odemwingie to put another ball across the face of the Toon goal, a cross that Swede Rosenberg couldn't quite reach. 

The game was seemingly over when Olsson put a free kick behind for a Newcastle goal kick, but in the third minute of stoppage time Ameobi's shot took a wicked deflection off Cisse to take Albion's largely deserved point away.

Newcastle climb up to 10th with the win, while Albion drop to 8th and remain on 14 points.

Match ratings: NEW- Krul 8, Simpson 6 (Cisse 5), Coloccini 6, Williamson 7, Santon 7, Ben Arfa 7, Gutierrez 6, Cabaye 6, Perch 6, Sh. Ameobi 6 (Obertan 6), Ba 7 (Sa. Ameobi 6)

WBA- Foster 6, Tamas 6, McAuley 6, Olsson 7, Ridgewell 6, Mulumbu 7, Morrison 6, Odemwingie 7, Gera 6 (Popov 5), Dorrans 7 (Rosenberg 6), Lukaku 6 (Long 6).