EPL Round 20 Review

by Paul O'Donnell

Theories abound as to where the day’s label comes from but one thing is certain; it usually produces some meaningful soccer games and this year’s rendition was no exception to that general rule. Keep in mind that when this crunch of games is over we will already be 3 games past half way as Boxing Day represents the first round of the second half of the season.
Theories abound as to where the day’s label comes from but one thing is certain; it usually produces some meaningful soccer games and this year’s rendition was no exception to that general rule. Keep in mind that when this crunch of games is over we will already be 3 games past half way as Boxing Day represents the first round of the second half of the season.

Blackburn 1:0 Liverpool

Rovers win handing the Reds a clean sheet stopping their run of 7 league matches without conceding a goal is surely among the biggest news of the round. This after Rovers conceded 6 only two days before to the Gunners. Benni McCarthy got the match winner and Brad Friedel was simply superb in goal along with some timely help from the keepers best friend, the woodwork.

Bolton 2:1 Newcastle

An Anelka match winner (56) halts the Magpies strong run for the moment after Dyer got them on top in the 7th minute. An OG resulting from sustained pressure by Wanderers leveled the match in the 31st.

Man United 3:1 Wigan

Another brace from Ronaldo and the first from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keep the Red Devils dominance alive that has seen them score at least 3 for what seems like forever.

Sheffield United 0:1 Man City

Warnock is seething after this one after their fine performance over the last six matches had them in the top half of the form table they drop the points at home to a team that has been vulnerable.

Everton 0:0 M’Boro

Two teams that needed to do better each get a point. This match produced a very good example for a proposed change in the rules where a scoreless draw rewards neither team (no points credited).

Chelsea 2:2 Reading

An error in judgment by Cashley Cole produced the key moment of Boxing Day and resulted in Chelsea losing another 2 points to leaders Man United. Cashley’s ill advised pass to Essien deflected off him and past the Blues keeper in the 84th minute for the 2-2 scoreline. If Chelsea falls short of catching Man United these two points lost will be long remembered by Blues fans.

Tottenham 2:1 Aston Villa

A brace from DeFoe settled the questions on the day as Spurs rebounded nicely at the Lane. Villa is now at rock bottom of the form table over the last six games wining only 2 of 18 points.

West Ham 1:2 Portsmouth

Pompey just keeps getting it done and this time a brace from Primus lifts them to the win on the road.

Watford 1:2 Arsenal

Gilberto Silva opened for the Gunners (18th) and Van Persie got the match winner in the 84th as Aidy Boothroyd watched his Hornets put up another good performance only to end the day with nothing to show for it.

Wednesday, Dec 27

Charlton 2:2 Fulham

Frank Queudrue scored the match leveler in stoppage time to snatch a point when it looked as if Charlton would notch a much needed victory at the Valley. McBride got Fulham on top in the 12th and goals from Ambrose (18) and Bent (44) put the Addicks nose in front before the break and the last minute heroics.

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