‘Ifreke talks Sports: United we fall and 5 other takeaways from last weekend’s EPL games

by ‘Ifreke Inyang [@Ifreke]

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1. Not a Super Sunday

As I tweeted yesterday, games between bitter rivals or big teams, can be such a bore, when one or both sides lack purpose or fight. On what what supposed to be a Super Sunday, the first game between Liverpool and Everton, which is usually a feisty derby, had just one major talking point – Sylvain Distin’s disallowed goal. Jon Champion, whose delicious commentary was wasted on the game, even remarked that the game would not make the first three chapters of a book written about the Merseyside derbies.

2. United we fall

If you thought the Manchester United vs Chelsea game would rescue anything, it further dampened the mood. Sir Alex Ferguson made a couple of changes, which reflected United’s lack of depth. Antonio Valencia was absolutely clueless on the right wing, painfully lacking invention and incisiveness. Tom Cleverly and Anderson, made no strong case to be labelled as deputies to the excellent Michael Carrick. All in all, there was no edge to the game and certainly, no sense of occasion.

3. Baled out, but it won’t be a Walc in the park

Chelsea have seized the initiative, as three London teams slug it out for two Champions League places. Tottenham Hotspurs looked uninspired in their match against Southampton and seemed to be heading for a draw, until Gareth Bale (who else?) turned up with a sizzling goal. Arsenal scored the fastest goal of this season, when Theo Walcott finished off Mikel Arteta’s cute pass, for the only goal of the match against Queens Park Rangers. Spurs game at Stamford Bridge, will go a long way to determine who makes it to Europe.

4. #PodolskiOut

This hashtag might have not trended, but no doubt it mirrors most Gooners’ opinion. Yes, they all clapped gleefully as Olivier Giroud was sent off against Fulham. But in the last two games the French striker has sat out, he has been sorely missed. Yes, he might miss tons of chances, but he never hides. Lukas Podolski, who replaced him through the middle, has been anonymous and abysmal. I’m not sure he has had a shot on goal in those matches, but thankfully Arsene Wenger has been rescued by Walcott’s 19th and 20th goals of a wonderful season.

5. A royal mess

You honestly thought Reading would go down without a fight for pride? Duh. Nigel Adkins team might have been relegated with three games to go, but they absolutely stuffed Fulham last weekend, to claim their first three points under their new manager. It would be tough for them to come back at the first time of asking, but they take a better chance than QPR at least.

6. Are the Alan bells ringing for Newcastle yet?

Wigan have begun what they know how to do best – stage incredible escapes from relegation. It seems Gabriel Agbolanhor’s brace might have secured Aston Villa’s safety, but for Newcastle, they have been dropping down the table, without a care in this world. One begins to wonder if Alan Pardew – who has an shock-inducing 8-year contract – can change it around in the last few games or they would lose their top flight status.

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