Premier League Review 1/1/11

Today was another great day in the English Premier League. Lots of games and lots of goals were scored on the first day of the New Year. There were some games today that could have a big impact on the final standings come May. Here is a look at the action from today.

Liverpool 2 Bolton 1

Liverpool waited until the 93^rd minute before they decided to score the winning goal against Bolton, ensuring that Hodgson keep his job for at least another game. Bolton took the lead in the 43^rd minute when Davies powered home a header from close range. Just after the break, Torres scored a great goal on the volley after Gerrard chipped the ball into the area. Then in the 93^rd minutes, Joe Cole scored from 6" as the ball fell to his feet after a keeping error.

Manchester City 1 Blackpool 0

Man City made hard work of beating a Blackpool team they should have dominated. Tevez would have had trouble hitting a barn door; he has hit a poor vein of form, when his team needs him the most. The only goal of the game came in the 34^th minute when Adam Johnson scored. The game was poor, but City will be pleased with the win, as it keeps the pressure on rival Man Utd.

Stoke 2 Everton 0

Stole secured a comfortable win against a poor Everton team. David Moyes must be wondering what he has to do to turn things around for the toffees. Kenwyne jones put Stoke in front in the 23^rd minute, then poor Phil Jagielka scored an own goal in the 69^th minute.

Sunderland 3 Blackburn 0

Steve Bruce has assembled a very impressive team for Sunderland and today they completely dominated a poor Blackburn team. It looks unlikely that Steve Kean will be offered the Blackburn job on a full time basis as results have been poor for him. The first blow came when on loan striker Danny Welbeck scored in the 11^th minute, then just 8 minutes later England Striker Darren Bent scored again. The third goal came in the second half when new boy Asamoah Gyan scored in the 89^th minute, to complete a miserable day for Blackburn.

Tottenham 1 Fulham 0

London derbies are almost always fun, but not this one. The game was dominated by the midfield and there were very few chances for either team. Tottenham were somewhat lucky with the goal that they did get, as Gareth Bales shot was deflected into the net, passed a stranded Mark Schwarzer. Tottenham's season is looking very good indeed, while relegation is looking Fulham and their fans squarely in the face.

WBA 1 Manchester United 2

This season, Manchester United has had a knack of playing poorly, yet still leaving the game with all 3 points. This is exactly what happened again today. Amazingly it was Wayne Rooney who opened the scoring as he got his first goal in open play since March with a header that crept in at the far post in the 3^rd minute, WBA's goal though was an absolute peach as Morrison picked up the ball about 18 yards to goal, he curled the ball passed Van Der Sar into the top corner. Ferguson pulled a master stoke again though, by bringing on little Chicharito, who scored with a delicate header in the 75^th.

West Ham 2 Wolves 0

West Ham's hot streak continued as they won again today. Grants men looked very comfortable on the ball, as they created many chances in the first half, however it took an own goal from Zubar in the 51^st minute for the Hammers to take the lead. Young Freddie Sears made it 2-0 in the 79^th minute. This could quite easily be billed as a 6 pointer as both teams are going to be fighting for their premiership survival come may.

Birmingham 0 Arsenal 3

After a wonder result against Man Utd in midweek, Birmingham fell back down to earth with a hard thump. Arsenal played some wonderful football and completely outclassed Birmingham in every department. The first goal came in the 13^th courtesy of Robin Van Persie. In the second half Samir Nasri, continued on with his impressive season by adding a second in the 58^th minute. The scoring was completed when Johnson scored an own goal in the 66^th minute.

There are two more fixtures that will be played in the Premier League this weekend. They take place tomorrow Sunday 2^nd. Chelsea play Aston Villa, in what will be a crunch game for Gerard Houllier, and Newcastle take on Wigan Athletic.