Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
The action kicked off with Manchester United travelling to Anfield as Liverpool sought to be the first team in Premier League history to beat the Red Devils in four consecutive games away from Old Trafford. This looked likely from the first 45 minutes of the match as, struggling with lone striker Danny Welbeck, United failed to notch up even one attempt on target.
Why Ferguson decided to leave Rooney and Hernandez (or Chicharito, if you prefer) on the bench has puzzled fans and pundits alike. The two have linked up well and been key figures for United this term so to start Welbeck alone – though he did play very well – is just baffling.
Liverpool took the lead in the second half after pressing United’s defence but Ferguson’s side had only themselves to blame for slipping behind. Rio Ferdinand’s rash tackle on Charlie Adam saw a free kick awarded to Liverpool and captain Steven Gerrard found the back of the net with his trademark curling kick. However, it was a goal that could, and should, have been avoided, as Ryan Giggs moved from his position at the end of the wall to allow Gerrard’s shot to fly between him and Welbeck – a rookie error from a United legend.
Changes for United saw Rooney and Hernandez come on and the whole tempo of the game changed; United pressed and soon were back on level terms as Hernandez headed home after sneaking in between the sleepy Liverpool defence.
Liverpool’s Henderson had the chance to become an Anfield hero just a few minutes from time but could only direct his free header over the crossbar. The game finished 1-1 and Liverpool will have to take their chances better if they want to keep pressing for a top four finish this term. Their play and movement looked better than it has recently, particularly compared to their shocking appearance against Spurs, and Dalglish should be pleased with his side’s performance.
So, two goals from sloppy defending but some good play from both sides made it a classic and entertaining north-west derby. Questions have been asked about Ferguson’s team selection and if, as he approaches 70, he is still the man for the job; Manchester United sit second in the table, only two points behind City, so I don’t think the chief will be worrying just yet.
In other games, Arsenal looked to be on for a huge win as they took the lead against Sunderland after only 27 seconds. Despite having the majority of possession though, they didn’t manage to increase their lead and Sunderland equalised against the run of play in front of a stunned Emirates crowd. Robin Van Persie popped up to rescue the Gunners’ blushes however, scoring a winner less than ten minutes from time, but with talk of their top scorer leaving, Arsenal fans will be worried about what might happen once the Dutchman has left if they don’t manage finish off their games more convincingly.
Elsewhere, Manchester City moved to the top of the league as the won 4-1 against Aston Villa. The City outfit looked quick and fast and this win sees them leap two points clear of United. The goal difference too could also prove important as United have already lead the league this season using this rule so, although it’s too early really to tell if it will count, it’s always good to have every advantage you can.
Chelsea closed the gap on Manchester United to only one point as they claimed a 3-1 win over Everton. They sit in third place and their good recent form will be a relief to fans troubled by the ticket complaints and stadium movement rumours surrounding the club.
Newcastle continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham and West Brom impressed in their 2-0 win over Wolves. There were also wins for Norwich, who beat Swansea 3-1, and Stoke, who completed a 2-0 victory over Fulham.
At the bottom of the league, Blackburn scraped a point against QPR but stay at the foot of the table with only five points from eight games. A battle between the two teams above them, Wigan and Bolton, saw Bolton claim three points for their 3-1 win and double their points tally to six. Wigan have five, sitting above Blackburn on goal difference. It’s too early to call relegation contenders yet but from their dismal performances so far, this three all look likely to be scraping for survival come the end of the season.
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