The Passions of the Prem, week 7

Fans' Prem Match Reports

	Christian Benitez flew home to be with his father who had been hurt in a car crash and thus became the only Blues player who did anything decent all week

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ARSENAL 6 Blackburn 2
We were magnificent this weekend. Absolutely remarkable. We now have 36 goals in all competitions this year, our leading scorer is our centre half, we have found a proper goalkeeper as if from nowhere, and there is a chance that things with this girl I am seeing might be going somewhere. Oh, and it was my Birthday this weekend as well. All in all, I am a happy bunny and am so frustrated by there being another bloody international break you wouldn't believe it!
We actually went behind after a floated free kick went into that dangerous area between goalkeeper and defence, and Steven N'Zonzi rose highest to lick a header over Vito Mannone. However, Blackburn's delight and joy was short lived when my new hero, Tommy V burst through the Blackburn midfield, let two players bounce off him and then unleashed an absolute rip snorter into the back of the net. Get in! 
Owing to having drunk my own body weight in Jaeger, Tequila and Tuborg on the Saturday night as I celebrated entering my 29th year on this mortal coil, I actually missed Blackburn's next goal as I was in the loos leaking fluids from every orifice imaginable. But having since seen the TV replays, it appears that David Dunn deflected a shot in off William Gallas and we were then 1-2 down. I managed to return to my seat just in time to RvP11 lash home past the stranded Robinson after being put through by the superlative Cesc Fabregas, and shortly before half time, Andrey Arshavin scored a virtually identical goal to give the Red Machine the lead for the first time in the game.  First half - MENTAL.
The second half was then a sheer masterclass in fluid, flowing attacking football, and Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie were all remarkable as we scored three more goals without response. Cesc's floated finish over Robinson was cheeky, and then two goals of the highest order sent that walrus-faced Allardyce back up the M6 with an even bigger feown across those chops of his (if, inded that is even possible). The fifth goal was a wonderful team effort as Arshavin cut through the Rovers defence with ease before laying off to Cesc Fabregas who opened his body to release Theo Walcott who finished wiath maturity and aplomb a la Carlos Alberto in the 1970 World Cup Final. The sixth goal was a thunderbolt from Nicklas Bendtner who is becoming better each and every week, and all in all I couldn't have asked for more from my birthday weekend.
Oh, and Thierry Henry turned up to watch the game. Well, he says he was there to watch the game, but part of me thinks he knew it was my birthday. Maybe.
Star man: Cesc Fabregas is back on form and hot to trot. After a flawless display against Olympiacos in the week, he followed it up with a puppet-master-like show this weekend. He was the fulcrum on which every move was built, had 4 assists, and scored one himself. Man of the match by a country mile.
Worst performer: Arsene, if you are reading this [We believe he is a fan, David, yes - Ed], I am going to single out Abou Diaby every single week until he starts performing. The guy is clown shoes.  Utter, utter clown shoes.  He brings nothing to the side and even managed to look bad in a 6-2 victory. Gael Clichy needs a tap on the shoulder and reminding that we have Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore in the squad as well.
Best moment: Thierry Henry is the greatest footballer anyone of my geenration will ever see, and having back at Ashburton Grove, waving to the fans (before and during the game) made me happier than you can imagine.  The guy is Arsenal.
Tactics: I can't pick fault with us going forward at all as we completely overawed a decent Blackburn side.  However, the sheer lack of form shown by both full backs is worrying and they keep getting caught out of position.  Seeing as neither of them can cross a road, let alone a football, do we really need them bombing forward towards the touchline just for them to spoon the ball out of play continuously?.
Chant of the game: 'Sit down you walrus!' I hate Allardyce with a passion.
Oppo fans: To echo my comments from a few weeks ago re: Wigan fans, Blackburn brought a total of 14 fans with them who made no noise whatsoever at any point. If that is all you take away with you, then you don't deserve to have a Premier League football team there. Although maybe we should consider whether away tickets are too expensive, what with rail tickets bordering on extortionate and our nation being in the midst of recession.
David Oudôt, http://www.onlinegooner.com & http://taxloser.blogspot.com
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Burnley 2 BIRMINGHAM 1
Poor, very poor. Burnley have a good home record, but this time they didn't have to try.
The first half was notable only for Lee Bowyer's unbelievable miss from in front of the goal. You'd need a degree in physics to even start to work out how it is possible to put the ball out for a throw-in from the position he was.  
That might have changed the game but since the Birmingham side didn't even turn up for the second half it probably wouldn't have done.
Joe Hart should have done better for the first goal but you know that you are poor when a great lump like Andre Bikey runs through the middle of your defence to score. Most of the players seemed disinterested. The manager blames tiredness (Again!). Maybe he should have bought some younger players...
Another day to forget for the men in royal blue. It's going to be a long season. At least Wolves lost as well...
Star man - Christian Benitez. He didn't play as he flew home to be with his father who had been hurt in a car crash and thus became the only Blues player who did anything decent all week.
Worst performer - Joe Hart made a hash of the first goal so narrowly beats a lot of contenders for this title.
Best moment- Larsson's free kick was very good but most fans had given up by then.
Tactics - The tactics at first were fine. Flood the midfield to frustrate Burnley's attacking play then push on later.  Unfortunately we forgot the push on bit.
Referee - Can't blame him.
Opposition fans - Enjoying themselves, and so they should.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.com
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Arsenal 6 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
Walloped again at the Emirates!
It didn’t look good when both Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen pulled out through injury and in came Martin Olsen and Keith Andrews. But Rovers still had the cheek to take the lead twice!!
This really rubbed Arsenal up the wrong way and Fabregas was just in a class of his own. He made four of the goals and scored one himself. Pure genius.
Six goals and they still looked like they could’ve upped another gear or two.
However, with a bit more luck and maybe a couple of decisions going our way (are you listening M. Walton!), who knows what could have happened – or am I just clutching at straws??
Roll on the 18th and the Dingles at home.
Star man: Paul Robinson – without him it would have been a cricket score.
Worst performer: Keith Andrews – gave the ball away too often. I’m sure he would love to go back to MK Dons. Paul Ince – take him pleeeeeaaase!

Best moment: The final whistle

Tactics: 4-5-1. Then 4-4-2 after we went 4-2 down. But against Arsenal you need to play 10 – 6 – 1 Is that legal?
Chant of the game: “You fat bastard!” Arsenal fans after Dunny scored our second. C’mon guys – he’s lost loads of weight!

Oppo fans: A bit quiet for fifty odd thousand of them in the first half. Livened up in the second half though.

Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk
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BOLTON WANDERERS 2 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Going into the game, most Bolton fans feared the worst against a very much in-form Tottenham side.
With some tough looking fixtures looming, we needed to get something from this game and the home supporters went home very happy and impressed with what they had seen. Something which is very rare at the Reebok these days.
We went in front early on through Ricardo Gardner, though the goal could have been prevented had Spurs 'keeper Carlo Cudicini not fumbled Lee Chung-Yong's volley straight into his path.
There was some controversy over Spurs equaliser, with Wilson Palacios appearing to handle the ball in the build up to the goal. This was not spotted by the referee and it was Palacios who found Peter Crouch to head into Niko Kranjcar's path for the goal. A fine strike though.
After the break, the move of the game resulted in Bolton going in front again. Gardner chested Sam Ricketts' crossfield ball into Cohen, who played a great one-two with Lee before crossing for Kevin Davies to head home.
Jussi Jaaskelainen had little to do, but almost handed Spurs another equaliser when he spilled Jermain Defoe's shot, only to make amends by deflecting Crouch's rebound onto the bar. Just two minutes later, they were level, Ricketts being outjumped by Vedran Corluka (of all people) and the rest was history.
Before the game, most home fans would have settled for a point, but after the performance they put in and after leading twice, they could have been forgiven for going home slightly disappointed.
Star man: Tamir Cohen - he never gave up. Cohen chased every ball and came close to adding to his 3 goals already this season on numerous occasions. For a player who was being written off 6 months ago, he's starting to prove everybody wrong.
Worst performer: Matt Taylor - Never really got into the game did Taylor. He's known for his set-pieces and work rate, and is somewhat of a "highlights" player. He'll have better days than this and it's nothing to worry about because you know exactly what you are going to get with him.
Best moment: Bolton's 2nd goal. For a side that is heavily labelled with the long ball tag, Davies' goal is one any team would have been proud of. The passing and movement involving Gardner, Lee and Cohen was superb, with the latter's cross leaving Davies with the simple task of heading the ball home.
Tactics: Although the fans would like to see a 4-4-2 formation, we stuck with the 4-5-1 we're known for, but with Gardner and Lee providing pace and skill in midfield and Cohen making the runs behind the defence, it made for a highly entertaining game. Hopefully we will see more of the same throughout the coming games.
Chant of the game: "Shall we sing a song for you?!" - from the Spurs fans at half-time, responding to a singer from the X-Factor who gave everybody an unwanted headache with his version of "Sex On Fire".
Oppo fans: A mixed bag really. Travelled in numbers, as have everybody else so far this season, but went quiet early on due to our goal. Livened up as the game went on, but we'll have better visitors as the season progresses.
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk
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BURNLEY 2 Birmingham 1
And so it continues, we win at home and we lose away. Eight games played in the Premier League and all have been home wins with all but two of the goals scored by home teams.
This was probably the most important coming against a team that can be expected to be in the same group as us, beating Birmingham would count for more than the wins against Manchester United, Everton and Sunderland.
It took us over 50 minutes to get in front but once we’d scored there was only ever going to be one result from this game. We were the better side in the first half and just about outplayed Birmingham in the second.
Star man: Last week I struggled to find a star man, the problem this week is choosing one. There were some outstanding displays particularly from Stephen Jordan, Steven Caldwell and Wade Elliott but top billing has to go to Tyrone Mears who turned in another excellent performance.

Worst Performer: There quite simply wasn’t one, not one player didn’t give us a good performance.
Best Moment: Andre Bikey’s backward somersault, something I could only ever dream of doing. Not as though I ever did dream of doing it. There’s no need to mess with the badge though Andre, we know who you play for.
Tactics: Spot on this week for Owen Coyle against his old mate Alex McLeish. We changed the midfield, got some strength and pace in there and they had no answer to us.
Chant of the Game: It’s predictable and boring but it really was appropriate when the Burnley fans sung: “Is that all you take away?”
Oppo fans: I’d like to comment on the Birmingham fans but in truth there’s little to say given that they just about didn’t bother to turn up. I thought it was only Mrs Peschisolido who was leaving with the takeover but it seems all the fans have joined her.
Tony Scholes, www.claretsmad.co.uk
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CHELSEA 2-0 Liverpool
It appears as if rumours of our demise were greatly exaggerated then... After a dismal defeat at Wigan and a tight triumph in Cyprus on Wednesday, Stamford Bridge was the home of the really good resurgence as we edged past Liverpool 2-0.
Prior to meetings between these two sides, it’s not the usual pre-match worries (Will we lose? Will we get injuries? Surely Salomon Kalou won’t get another start?) which occupy the mind. It’s one major concern instead: How boring is this going to be? With there being what seems to be about 460 Chelsea-Liverpool matches in the last five years or so, familiarity has led to more than a few (about 452 I reckon) stifled, turgid affairs. Today wasn’t a classic, although it did have its moments, or more specifically, it’s defining moment. Nicolas Anelka’s goal was superbly taken and in a match of few clear chances, it usually takes something special to break the deadlock.
Liverpool were particularly wasteful with their shots, epitomised by Yossi Benayoun’s 93rd minute 5-yard scuffer, which went wide of the far post when most of his team-mates were already sprinting back to the centre-circle to restart play.
Malouda’s late effort was the cherry on top of the football pie, and sent us safely back to the top of the Premier League. So were the journalists mistaken concerning out supposed ‘blip’ then? Surely not.
Star man: You can’t spell ‘Hilario’ without the word ‘Hero’. (Well, ok, ‘Hiro’, but it sounds similar.) Drafted in as a replacement for the suspended Petr Cech, the headgear-less Portuguese stopper was steady when called upon, and made a snap save from an Albert Riera free-kick in the first-half. Good stuff.

Worst performer: We used to have this really free-scoring midfielder named Frank Lampard, but it seems as if he has been replaced this season with a deep-lying, worryingly anonymous Frank Lampard. He could be a victim of Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics, or it could be a lull in what has been an impeccable few seasons for Lampard, but today was another example of a distinctly average performance.
Best moment: Joe Cole leaping from the bench to celebrate Nicolas Anelka’s goal. Injury? What injury? It’s funny how fans and players alike suffer temporary memory loss after a goal.
Tactics: Quite a tight game in the end, and the respective sides’ tactics almost  cancelled each other out. No complaints in the end though, we took our chances, simple as.
Chant of the game: Fernando Torres got his usual song, hope it doesn’t affect his trade…
Opposition fans: They are Liverpool fans. Enough said.
Rowan Farnham-Long, www.cfcnet.co.uk
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EVERTON 1 Stoke 1
After a brief flirtation with a Saturday fixture, Everton reverted back to the 3pm Sunday kick off time...which is becoming as much of a fixture as being shown last on Match of the Day. But this game took me on a detour away from my usual pre-match routine as I decided to take my four-year-old son...
So it was out with the Carling and in with the Chicken Nuggets as I prepared to watch an Everton game, for the first time in I've no idea how long, without a drop of alcohol passing my lips.
And it had to be against bloody Stoke didn't it?! A team of 6 foot stiflers that could suck the life out of any game!
Everton's cause wasn't helped by the fact that Steven Pienaar is still missing as, despite controlling large parts of the game, that cutting edge that the South African supplies was still missing.
That said, the Blues did create a number of decent chances, most of which fell to Tim Cahill who was having a rare off day in front of goal.
His first chance came when Diniyar Bilyaledtinov curled a cross over the Stoke defence but Cahill could only direct his close range header right at Thomas Sorensen. But, with most of the play taking place outside the Stoke penalty area - they really are a dog of a side to get past - Everton were restricted to long range efforts.
The unflappable Jack Rodwell ran the heart of the midfield and saw a few efforts go wide and stand-in captain, Leon Osman, forced a good save from Thomas Sorensen.
But it was all square going into half time and Everton didn't look like they'd have too much to worry about in the second half.
At this point half time pints were replaced with bottles of coke, fruit pastels and an arse kicking for Bowser in Super Mario Brothers on the Nintendo DS - oh, I'd meticulously planned for this one!
Having negated Rory Delap's long throw's for the first half, Everton couldn't do the same from a routine corner kick and Stoke found themselves one up just after the break.
Delap delivered the ball in with his foot rather than his hands and Robert Huth outjumped Cahill to put the visitors into a not-really-deserved lead!
And, having not really shown any real inspiration in the first half, the feeling was that Stoke might be able to stifle the game sufficiently to take all three points.
Thankfully, the excellent Johnn Heitinga and Leon Osman put paid to those thoughts just four minutes later.
Osman had just hit an effort miles wide when he played a neat one-two with Heitinga and found himself in a similar shooting position. Undeterred by his previous effort he clipped a delightful curling effort in off the underside of the Stoke crossbar.
Everton then went for the win, bringing Jo and Yakubu on for Bilyaledtinov and Osman but, without any really creative outlets the Blues lost their shape and never really looked like threatening.
And, as the game wore on there was always the feeling that Stoke could sneak it but, thankfully, that scenario never materialised and it was Everton that could've taken the points at the death.
Yakubu was released in the Stoke area after a flick on from Jo but the Nigerian was under pressure from a Stoke defender and ended up hitting a weak shot straight at Sorensen.
After a good run of a results, a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke seemed like something of a comedown. But the whole game was livened up for me by my lad's shouting of 'Everton' and renditions of Z-cars at any given moment and the duller parts of the game were spent playing Super Mario Brothers.
The real disappointment of the day was not being able to get to the pub to laugh at Liverpool!
Best performer: John Heitinga - solid in defence, drove Everton forward in
attack and can hit a great, pinpoint long ball.
Worst performer: No one really stank the gaff out.
Tactics: It seemed a good idea from Moyes going a bit more gung-ho in the
second half by having three strikers on the pitch but it meant Everton
lost any shape and couldn't impose any of their play on the game.
Away fans: Brought loads down, made loads of noise but doing that
'ooooooh' thing to the opposition when they're taking a throw in? Come on!
Chant of the game: Stoke sang this weird song to the tune of 'Kumbaya' - I
know it was a Sunday but save that one for the pulpit!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk
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FULHAM 2 West Ham 2
When East meets West, when two cultures collide there’s always going to be contentious issues and so it proved.
Fulham - after being dealt a knockout blow when a goal behind, lost Premier League first time starter Dikgacoi to a harsh red card, brandished by Phil Dowd, after the South African tangled with Scott Parker - climbed off the canvas to take a deserved lead early in the second half.
But, in an area implicated in one of the country’s leading soap operas you just knew there’d be a late twist and so it was proven when Stanislas knocked in an injury time goal to send the East Enders delirious with delight.
Gutted! Demoralised!
Well not really, after the capitulations we’d witnessed against Chelsea, Villa and Wolves this was heady stuff. For the third game on the trot Fulham showed heart, resilience and the will to get their season back on track, all credit to he gallant thirteen (if we include the substitutes used)!
Star man: Danny Murphy is getting back to the form he showed last season, not even the disruption of losing his midfield partner could faze him and when Upson clumsily upended Kamara in the box there was never any doubt that ice-cool Danny would score.
Tactics: Went for a ball of chalk with the sending off in the first half but Roy remained calm (as always) took stock of the situation, switched a few things around and you’d have though tit was West Ham that had ten men, we were that much better than them.
Oppo fans: West Ham were as partisan as ever and the ground remains an intimidating place to go. Not for those of a nervous disposition and don’t you just love that ‘Bubbles’ song?
Andrew Joyce, www.vitalfulham.co.uk
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HULL 2 Wigan 1
(Awaiting report)
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Chelsea 2 LIVERPOOL 0
A little worrying that we're now six points adrift of the league leaders, our opponents today, and three defeats already this season - one more than the whole of last season. But not much to complain about. Chelsea
tactically did us, stopping the threats of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and the rest of the team struggled to make an impact. Didier Drogba is a diving scumbag, but we knew that before this game kicked-off.
Star man: Lucas - a sound game from our midfielder who's come under a lot of pressure and criticism this season. Still, Alberto Aquilani's debut couldn't come sooner.
Worst performer: Drogba's theatrics - he's a disgrace on the pitch, but I guess it gets them the three points doesn't it.
Tactics: Was a little confused by Rafa's decision not to play Benayoun from the start today. Whether he was expecting to use Yossi as an impact player, or starting Riera instead was more defensively minded, I'm not
sure.
Chant of the game: "Chelsea Rent Boys" - Abramovich's bitches continue with no shame.
Oppo fans: As shit as ever, plastic fans in a plastic stadium, no noise until they took the lead. Shameful.
Max Munton, www.thisisanfield.com
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MAN CITY Aston Villa
(Monday night)
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MAN UTD 2 - 2 Sunderland
Sir Alex Ferguson's side escaped with a draw at Old Trafford after another late, late goal but as good as United has been in recent weeks, the team were below-par on Saturday tea-time. In the end Fergie's men, indebted to a massive slice of luck for salvaging something from an unmittigatingly poor performance, were grateful to take a point. In fact, so off-key was United's passing that a Ferguson team can rarely have given away the ball so often. Sunderland meanwhile, fresh from a 5-2 drubbing of Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, were on course for an unlikely victory until Anton Ferdinand's injury-time own goal.
The match started poorly for the Champions - looking for an eighth victory in a row - with Darren Bent swivelling on the edge of United's area and rifling in a low shot that beat Foster to his right. Much like his new team, Bent has been resurgent under former United stalwart Steve Bruce's stewardship. Perhaps sensing United was there for the taking, Ferguson having made seven changes from the team that beat Wolfsburg in midweek, Bruce's team was bright and full value for its early goal. The strike should have galvanised the home side into waking from its slumber, instead Bruce's team continued to force the issue.
Indeed, Sunderland was dominant with United failing to register an effort on target until the second period. With Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher restored to the side following their demotion in midweek, United may have expected to monopolise possession as is the way at Old Trafford. Not so. In Andy Reid Sunderland held the dominating force in the middle of the park, with able deputies in Lee Cattermole and Steed Malbranque.
But six minutes into the second period, with Scholes sacrificed for the Brazilian youngster Anderson, United gained a lifeline with Dimitar Berbatov spectacularly garnering the home side's equaliser. The Bulgarian, outstanding in midweek, fashioned a picture-perfect overhead to the bring Ferguson's team level.
Yet the goal only served to underline Sunderland's superior play, with United failing to push on for the expected victory. Bruce's character and determination, rubbing off on his new charges, meant that a meek surrender was never on the cards. The North East's only Premier League side led just seven minutes later, with Foster's half-hearted attempt to challenge Kenwyne Jones for a high ball so spectacularly inept that all debate about the Englishman's claims on Edwin van der Sar's shirt must now be extinguished.
But while Ferguson is in charge at Old Trafford, United will continue to gamble even in the face of overwhelming odds. Old Trafford alumni Kieran Richardson, having underlined the immaturity that led to his departure, saw red for a second bookable offence with five minutes remaining. It was the only stimuli United needed and, throwing men forward with abandon, the home side got the equaliser its play barely deserved - Evra's shot cannoning in off the younger Ferdinand's shins and into the net.
Star man: Berbatov has been excellent this season and he stood head and shoulders above his team-mates on Saturday. The Bulgarian deserves more recognition from a media pool that refuses to understand him.

Worst performer: Scholes. Last week's man-of-the-match Scholes misplaced just four passes in more than 80. It's doubtful whether four reached their target against Sunderland and he was rightly hauled off at half-time.

Best moment: Berbatov's overhead kick was spectacular. Great stuff on an awful day for the home side.

Tactics: Deploying Danny Welbeck on the left-wing was odd and Ferguson nearly paid for resting some of the side's leading players.

Chant of the game: Singing? Doubtful. Morgues have had more atmosphere until the home side's late equaliser.

Oppo fans: Understandably loving their side's performance. For 90 minutes that is.

Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk
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Wolves 0 PORTSMOUTH 1
After the Everton game the week before this was going to be 'the week' that Pompey's season started – I went into it full of confidence...until the end of the week when we had all the rubbish about players not being paid and so on, so this saw my confidence waver, only slightly mind! On the day I was convinced that we would win, although at one point I was terrified I would miss the game as we had a few problems getting there – it would have been typical that the only league game we have won this season would be the only one I missed, well bar Birmingham, which I also had to miss – but thankfully I arrived just in time for the winning goal, so perfect timing!
We might not be the best side in the world but Wolves were poor, very poor and on that evidence they have one hope of staying up, no hope.
I would say that the luck we got was merited for our recent efforts, and we got some luck with a blatant penalty not being given – although at the time I was adamant to those around me that Marc Wilson had his arms behind his back, although clearly from replays it was a stonewall penalty! We, the players – and fans – put everything into it again and put our bodies on the line, which is exactly what I want from the players I pay a fortune to watch.
Star man: Well, on Vital Pompey people voted Kevin-Prince Boateng as the man of the match, although to be honest I found it hard – once again – to single out any player as it was a team effort. Although some were better than others and 'The Prince' did have a good game, again. Shows what Spurs know about a 'quality' player! There must have been something in it for 'Jamie's Dad'...
I would say that Tommy Smith ran his nuts off again though, some people knock him – although I would say usually most of these are the muppets that phone up The Quay, the local station (having been nowhere near the game) – but I think the guy is doing really well for us.
Worst performer: There honestly was not one, I am a positive person – most the time – by nature so prefer to think that way but will not do this for the sake of doing so, but like I say I really cannot fault anyone.
Best moment: Full time! For that whistle to go and the 3pts to be secured was fantastic – the reaction of the players and coaching staff was something else. You would think we had won the title. Anyone that has any doubt how much this team is united needs to watch the aftermath of this, and the reactions given by the players to each other and the players to the fans. I have longed for players that play with passion and pride, for the club and fans and we have this with each and everyone of them now. So what if they are of a 'lesser quality'.
Tactics: This is an area that Paul Hart has had a fair amount of stick for so far this season, although once again to be fair I think he had it just about right again – he called in Hassan Yebda in place of Aaron Mokoena and Steve Finnan for Anthony Vanden Borre and I think both were spot on, hell Yebda scored the winning goal. Had Mokoena been playing he would have most probably been around the halfway line!
If I was ultra critical I would say that perhaps Aruna Dindane needed to come off a little sooner than he did as he was knackered, but that is really fishing – more fishing would see me say that had Mokoena come on ahead of Danny Webber, as it looked like he would at one point, I think we would have caved in as that would have been an ultra defensive move that would have seen us drop deeper and deeper, but credit to Hart he was bold.
Chant of the game: I have to admit that been up and down on Paul Hart, but he has really grown on me and so to hear pretty much everyone united in singing 'Paul Hart's blue and white army' was good, although the 'we are staying up' and 'were gonna win the league' at full time were also good.
Oppo fans: I am always disappointed when a home crowd are as quiet, or seemingly as quiet as some are – that said they usually do seem quiet as an away fan for me! To be fair sometimes the Wolves guys in the blocks to our left and right had their moment but all in all I thought they were pretty poor I must admit, and when they had a go we seemed to soon shoot them down!
PLAY UP POMPEY!
Rug, www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk

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Bolton 2 SPURS 2
A lot of Spurs fans were thinking that this would be the first time that their side would win at the Reebok, but instead leave with a point courtesy of two goals from Croatia. Trying to take positives from the game at least we showed character to come from behind - twice!
Star man: Carlo Cudicini
Worst performer: Robbie Keane - still thinking of his four goals
Best moment: The relief of Vedran Corluka's header finding the back of the net
Oppo fans: As always at the Reebok, quiet and boring
Neil Vaughan, www.spurs-web.com
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Everton 1 STOKE 1
Fantastic point gained but could have been three. The ref was abysmal, a real Homer Simpson, and we only had to touch an Everton player and he'd be there, shoving his whistle in his mouth so fast he nearly choked, a fact underlined by Fuller and Diao getting booked for clean tackles. We were crammed in that away end and although it was bad, the team made it worth it. Pace and power got us on top and only when we sat deep did Everton get a chance to take control. We looked dangerous from set pieces and Huth steered one great Etherington delivery into
the net before Osman scored an absolute beauty to level things up
Star man: Matthew Etherington. Ran himself into the ground, back to his old self and scared defence all day long. Took Hibbert on for fun and the full back looked a bit dizzy towards the end from all the turning one way then the other. Great set piece delivery and set up Huth for the goal. Got his mojo back
Worst performer: Rory Delap. Nobody had a real bad game but Rory twice failed to put Riccy Fuller through after the Jamaican had got himself into space, pointing where he wanted it only for the passes to go either nowhere near him or massively overhit. Kept coming inside aswell, which not what you want when hes playing out wide
Best moment: Huth's goal. Great corner, great header, superb mental then the realisation that it was a long time until the final whistle
Tactics: Not bad. Set out defensively to contain the Everton midfield and we did. Pace helped us break and that threat saw the hosts drop deeper and deeper and we controlled the game for a good spell. Let them back into it second half as we sat a tad too deep and this let them get some rhythm
Chant of the game: Tim-my Howards got tourettes, got tourettes, got tourettes, Tim-my Howards got tourettes! Fuck! Shit! Bastard!
Oppo fans: Were there any there? As quiet as a mouse. Only heard them for about thirty seconds after they scored and they had no Vicky Pollard this season!
Dan Buxton, www.stokecity-mad.co.uk

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SUNDERLAND 2 Manchester United 2
Well, I had written off this match the day that the fixtures lists are published, but instead I am going to have a bit rant that we didn’t beat Man U!
First half and we couldn’t have started any better, we where the better team and its showed as Darren Bent who is quickly earning himself legendary status amongst Sunderland supporters, put the ball past Ben Foster in the 7th minute. We carried on dominating the first half and honestly we should have been 2-0 up, it took nearly half an hour for Man U to actually come close to an attempt on goal. Rooney with the shot, which was deflected by Andy Reid, appeals for a hand ball went unanswered by the ref, which watching back on the replay he got it spot on.
Second half and the opening few minutes where the same as the first Sunderland out playing “The Champions”.  But our lead was not to last very long when Berbatov equalised for Man U.  Sunderland fans think here we go, this is where we drop our heads!  But no a few minutes and Sunderland took the lead again with Big Jones out powering keeper Ben Foster to head the ball into the back of the net.  Sunderland kept the lead and where strong until Richardson was sent off, for a VERY VERY harsh second yellow card, kicking the ball away as the ref blow for a free kick. Yet the ref had Wayne Rooney to kick Andy Reid on an off the ball incident in the first half, which he did see but decide a ticking off was enough!  Yes typical Manchester United tactics the referee double standards, having the 12th man in black.
4 minutes of added injury time, Sunderland down to 10 men, Man United started to batter the Sunderland goal, you could sense the Man United goal coming. It came from a unlucky own goal, Anton Ferdinand trying his best to block a shot but instead sent the ball into his own net, it was a shame as he had a cracking game.
We were fully expectant for the ref to allow injury team to pass the 4 minute mark as Man U normally get to play on until they score a winner. But the ref did blow the whistle, and Sunderland came away from Old Trafford very hard done by.
Star man: Difficult call as the whole team out classed Man U in their own backyard.  It was also good to see Bent playing so well and scoring in front of Capello, England calling??
Worst performer: The Ref having a Man United shirt on under his black jersey.
Best moment: Going in the lead twice against the Champions.
Tactics: Bruce got it spot on, people expected us to put out a defensive line up, but instead Bruce turned out an attacking team and Man U couldn’t handle it.
Chant of the game: The O’lay shouts as Sunderland ran the champions ragged with strings of great passes.
Oppo fans: Ignorant, expect Sunderland to be an easy game.
Daryl Baker, www.Sunderland-Mad.co.uk
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Fulham 2 WEST HAM 2
(Awaiting report)
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Hull2 WIGAN 1
Hull City earned their second league win of the season with a hard-fought
2-1 victory against Wigan Athletic at the KC Stadium. Match report from
the afternoon away defeat versus Hull City.
Second-half goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Geovanni sealed the
win for the home side, with substitute Scott Sinclair claiming a late
consolation for the Latics.
Hull came close early on, as a looping shot from Stephen Hunt forced
keeper Chris Kirkland into a smart save, but only into the path of Nick
Barmby, whose close-range shot seemingly hit the arm of defender Maynor
Figueroa.
However, referee Mark Clattenburg was quick to waive away the appeals.
The home side had another chance on ten minutes, as Hunt found Barmby in
the box with a pin-point crossfield ball, but the Hull skipper could only
send the ball wide with a lunging first-time strike.
Geovanni then tried his luck for the Tigers, as his thunderous
right-footed shot from 30 yards saw the ball fly just over the crossbar.
The visitors nearly broke the deadlock moments later, as Jason Scotland
skipped passed the Hull defence to unleash low right-footed shot which
flashed inches wide of Boaz Myhill's right-hand post.
Hesselink was next to come close for Hull, as Geovanni whipped in a cross
onto the head of the Dutch frontman, but his glancing effort from eight
yards whistled past the post.
Hull opened the scoring on the hour mark, as a Dean Marney corner was met
by the head of Hesselink at the front post, who neatly nodded the ball
beyond Kirkland and into the back of the net to register his first goal
for Phil Brown's men.
Scotland had a chance for Wigan moments later, but the ex-Swansea man
dragged his right-footed shot wide from 20 yards.
The Tigers were then 2-0 up on 68 minutes, as Kamil Zayatte found space
down the right to play in a cross towards an unmarked Geovanni, who made
no mistake from eight yards with a first-time right-footed effort,
registering his third league goal of the campaign.
Wigan pulled one back on 87 minutes as substitute Jordi Gomez saw his shot
saved, but only into the path of fellow sub Sinclair, who was able to head
the ball past a scrambling Myhill and into the back of the net from close
range.

Paul, wiganer.net
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WOLVES 0 Portsmouth 1
Wolves moved to within one place of the relgation places with a poor home performance against the worst Pompey team I've seen for a long time. But with 13 players they had to win, didn't they? They had their usual 11 plus ref Howard Webb and his assistant. Wolves have two stonewall penalties denied (again) with one of them being a save by a pompey defenders. Why are these idiots paid to do this job when they haven't got a friggin clue? On the Wolves side, yet again overated deender Michael Mancienne was at fault for the Pompey goal, but if we can't score against a crap team like Portsmouth we'll be going down with them
Worst performer: Yet again Michael Mancienne, has to be dropped now. His performances of late have been sub standard and he was out of position yet again for the Pompey goal. His distribution is poor and he is clearly not a centre half. Maybe it is time as members of the Wolves mad messageboard mentioned to play him at left back. His also needs to show the fans he give a damn about our beloved club. Out of all the players he is the one who appeared to be along for the ride
Star man: Keven Doyle had a good game with little success. Went on a couple of good runs and linked up well with SEB and Kightly when he cam
Oppo fans: Not as boisterous as they have been on previuous trips to Molineux, maybe it was because they have no money, maybe it's because they have sold all their players or maybe it's because they are crap. Made some noise near the end when it was obvious we were as bad as them
wolf306, www.wolves-mad.co.uk
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