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/

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).

Who Will Be Facing The Drop? (Premier League 2012/2013)

For many supporters across the country the football season is not about who will win the major trophies, but whether or not their club can hold onto their place in the promised land of the Premier League. It is always hard to pick who will stay up and who will go down.

The New-Comers

The newly promoted sides always have their survival hopes immediately put under scrutiny. Last season was the first season that all three promoted sides have stayed up and this term Southampton, West Ham United and Reading will all feel as though they have the squads to survive. The chances of them all staying up are slim, but not ridiculous. 

Southampton:

Last season the Saints held top spot in the Championship for long periods but ended up finishing second to Reading. Manager Nigel Adkins earned plenty of positive reviews for the way he handled the side on their first season back in the second-tier of English football. They have all the assets to do well in the Premier League and have made some shrewd signings. The defence is solid and will be hard to break down, especially at St Mary's and experienced Premier League players Kelvin Davis (goalkeeper) and Danny Butterfield will have important jobs to do. New signing, 21-year-old Nathaniel Clyne, will be hoping to bring his excellent Championship form to the top level and should impress. 

The midfield is better than many would expect and the addition of Uruguay winger Gaston Ramirez will be a huge boost for the club after they beat Tottenham and Liverpool to his signature. Richard Chaplow and Adam Lallana will be crucial for Adkins' side if they are to stay in the top-flight. Lallana has scored 44 goals in the last three seasons from midfield while Chaplow is always a reassuring influence on the side. Up front they shouldn't have too many problems getting the goals needed to stay in the league and Rickie Lambert could put his mark on the Premiership much like Grant Holt and Danny Graham did last season. 88 goals in the last three years says it all about the prolific 30-year-old who finally has a deserved chance to play alongside the big boys of English football. 

Prediction: 12th

West Ham United: 

The Hammers went up last season through the play-offs after an up and down campaign saw them finish the regular league season in third place. The expectation around Upton Park will be that they will stay up and they should meet that ambition relatively comfortably. There are plenty of goals in the squad in the form of strikers Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te, Nicky Maynard and effervescent midfielder Kevin Nolan. Jussi Jasskelainen is a good goalkeeper but there will be worries that the defence is still not up to Premiership quality, especially after leaking goals last year, and in the top-flight the year before. The likes of James Tomkins and Winston Reid will really have to step up if Allardyce's team are to keep a decent number of clean sheets. 

The squad is not particularly strong but they do have good home support and a decent enough strike-force. The East London club should stay up but there could be some nervy moments around Upton Park during the season. It will be interesting to see how youngsters Jack Collison and Sam Baldock fare after impressive campaigns last time out.

Prediction: 15th

Reading:

The Championship winners will be confident of staying up after last year's excellent efforts. Brian McDermott's team surprised many last season but could struggle this time around. If anything it will be a lack of goals that sends them down and despite the pace and trickery of Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe, they do not possess a proven out and out goalscorer. Jason Roberts will have a big job to do but he has never been more than a useful Premiership substitute and the Berkshire club will have to do better than expected if they are to survive. 

Pavel Pogrebnyak impressed on a short loan spell at Fulham last year but may find it hard to repeat that form at a smaller club. The Madjeski Stadium will be a hard place to go for any team and Reading will have to pick up the majority of their points there. Getting wins away from home is crucial though and the Royals will find that aspect of Premier League life very tough.

Prediction: 20th

Last Year's Survivors

Last season saw many teams flirt with the danger zone before pulling clear. Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa found themselves in a relegation battle for long periods of the season before getting themselves out of trouble. 

Aston Villa:

Under much-maligned boss Alex McLeish Aston Villa found life very difficult and almost found themselves relegated from the Premier League for the first time since its inception in 1992. Since then McLeish has been sacked and they have brought in former Norwich manager Paul Lambert. Lambert received rave reviews last campaign for the way his Nowrich side played as they stayed up comfortably in their first season back with the elite. Villa have a stronger squad on paper and it will be intriguing to see what the Scot can do with them.

The Birmingham club found goals hard to come by last year and will need star striker Darren Bent to find the form that forced them to part with £18 million for his services 18 months ago. Lambert is rumoured to be interested in Tottenham's Jermain Defoe and that would be a major coup if he could pull it off. The wingers Charles N'Zogbia and Gabriel Agbonlahor have the tendency to blow hot and cold, but can both be destructive on their day. The back line is solid with veteran Richard Dunne the leader along with fellow Irishman, goalkeeper Shay Given. 

Villa should stay up with relative ease as on paper have a better squad than quite a few other sides. It will be interesting to see what the new boss can do with the current crop of players as they look to improve drastically on last season's finish of 16th.

Prediction: 13th

Queen's Park Rangers:

In May QPR narrowly avoided the drop as Bolton Wanderers failed to win at Stoke City. Joey Barton's red mist at Eastlands will never be forgotten however, but he appears to be on his way to Marseille. The Rs will be hoping to do a lot better this season under Mark Hughes who has already made some good signings after wealthy owner Tony Fernandes dipped into his pocket. 

The likes of Andy Johnson, Junior Hoilett and January newcomers Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse will provide the goals and Park Ji-Sung and Samba Diakite will be welcome additions to the midfield. Ryan Nelsen and Nedum Onuoha should sure up the back four while Rob Green is a great signing in goal. Last season's better performers Jamie Mackie and Shaun Derry will fight for first-team spots along with Adel Taarabt and Shaun Wright-Phillips who are two players with points to prove.

The Loftus Road faithful will be very optimistic about what the new campaign holds and they have every right to be. Despite finding last season difficult there should be a big improvement over the coming months with lots of new faces in the squad and a top class manager. 

Prediction: 10th

Wigan Athletic:

Last season Wigan were touted as definite fallers by many but exceeded expectations as they came back brilliantly towards the back end of the season beating Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. Roberto Martinez has done a magnificent job there and will be hopeful of keeping them up against the odds yet again. Last year's finish of 15th was the Latics' best since 2008/09 and they are bound to be in the bottom quarter of the table again. 

It is difficult to see where the goals are going to come from with a lot of responsibility being placed on the shoulders of Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney. The defence looks shaky at best with a severe lack of pace and if they are to survive they will need more heroics from inspirational goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. It is hard to see how Wigan will stay up but they have proved their critics wrong time and time again; what is sure is that they will be in the relegation mix.

Prediction: 18th

Last Year's Surprising Success Stories

Last season new boys Norwich City and Swansea City took the Premier League by storm under youthful managers Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers. Both have since lost their top men to bigger clubs and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the dreaded 'second season' syndrome. 

Norwich City:

Last year Norwich surprised many in their first season back in the Premiership since the 2004/05 campaign. They played exciting attacking football and scored plenty of goals with Grant Holt improving his 'cult hero' status. The goal-scoring mantle will be given to Holt and Steve Morison again this year by new manager Chris Hughton. The Canaries have not been overly busy in the transfer window but have signed Robert Snodgrass and Javier Garrido. 

The defence was unorganised at times last season and Hughton will find it a difficult job to get his players to keep clean-sheets. They will score goals but may leak too many at the other end. The second season may prove to be too much but they will be sure to put up a fight and will Carrow Road will not be an easy place to visit for anyone. 

Prediction: 19th

Swansea City: 

The Welsh side did wonderfully well last season in their first ever campaign in the Premier League as they impressed many with their possession play and 11th placed finish. However since May they have lost manager Brendan Rodgers and centre midfielder Joe Allen to Liverpool while winger Scott Sinclair also looks to be on his way out of the Liberty Stadium. New boss Michael Laudrup will keep the same passing philosophy within the team's play but the loss of Rodgers will be felt. On-loan midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson was also a key cog in the second half of last season and will be missed. 

The defence will remain capable of keeping clean sheets, especially at home and this should be just enough to keep them up. May not find goals as easy to come by and will take time to get used to the new manager's ideals and style of play.

Prediction: 17th