Barclays Premier League: Matchday (16th/17th March 2013) Coverage, Review, Analysis and more!

In the final matchday before a two week International break, Manchester United went in even more comfortable than they could imagine, 15 points clear at the top. Meanwhile there was some enthralling relegation battles, and the despair of many managers.


Saturday's Action
Everton 2 - 0 Manchester City
Everton got a huge victory over Manchester City at Goodison Park, in a game which put any faint hopes of a Manchester City title race contender-ship in further jeopardy. It was also the day that David Moyes celebrated his 11th year in charge of the club. Everton could have taken the lead in the first 20 minutes of the game, but the hosts had Kevin Mirallas' goal disallowed. Footage later seemed to appear that Kolarov's heel was in fact playing Mirallas onside.
It could have been 3 - 0 for Everton, but Mirallas' goal was disallowed. It appeared that Kolarov played him onside. twitter.com/iNisarKhan/sta…

— Nisar Khan (@iNisarKhan) March 16, 2013

But it was to have no significant outcome on the match, as temporary captain Leon Osman fired home the first goal in the 32nd minute to put his team in the lead with an excellent shot from 30 yards. It could have easily been a turning point in the game when Steven Pienaar was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Javi Garcia, but it was not the case, and any hopes of even a draw were eradicated in the 90th minute, when Jelavic broke-away and finessed it to finish off a great afternoon for The Toffees. It was a great response by Everton to their humiliating defeat to Wigan last weekend in the FA Cup, whilst Mancini and the Manchester City fans saw more title hopes fade away. Manchester City just did not take the opportunities today, they have a lot of work to do as the season culminates. The task is evidently getting harder.


Southampton 3 - 1 Liverpool
Southampton recorded their second win under manager Mauricio Pochettino, with an important win for their relegation battle. The Saints had an excellent first half performance, and shocked Liverpool with a 6th minute goal by Morgan Schneiderlin. Southampton continued to play very well, and Ricky Lambert's deflected free kick put Southampton two goals up in the first half. However, the visitors were to strike on the brink of half time, with a goal from Coutinho. The absence of Carragher and Reina had a significant effect on Liverpool's defense, as a lack-luster Martin Skrtel performance allowed Southampton to score. A goal from Rodriguez on the 80th minute was to secure three points for The Saints, whilst Liverpool's hopes of a 'perfect finish' in the top 4 were squandered.

Manchester United 1 - 0 Reading
A 21st minute Wayne Rooney goal was to tell the tale in Manchester United's victory over Reading which saw The Red Devils go fifteen points clear at the top of the table. A managerless Reading side - who fired Brian McDermott earlier in the week - did not however make it easy for United. Reading had a strong penalty appeal, and almost equalised with Hal Robson-Kanu. It was promising for Reading, while they lie in the relegation zone and look to hire McDermott's successor during the International break.

5- Reading have lost each of their last five Premier League matches; the current longest such run in the division. Trouble.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 16, 2013

Aston Villa 3 - 2 QPR
A thrilling match won by an 81st minute goal by Benteke put Aston Villa further away from the drop zone. However, Villa came from behind for the second week running to take the victory. Aston Villa have the momentum on their side, after defeating Reading last week. Things are promising for Villa, meanwhile, QPR have their work cut out, as they lie at the very bottom of the table.

Swansea 0 - 2 Arsenal
The Gunners worked hard to secure three points over Swansea. A valiant battle from both sides, but was decided by Monreal and Gervinho's second half goals. Arsene Wenger described it as a 'must win' which saw Fabianski make his first Premier League start in two years. A well-contested game that gives Arsenal more valuable points.

Stoke 0 - 0 West Bromwich Albion
The only scoreless game of Saturday's Premier League action. Stoke's Kenwyne Jones almost scored a late winner, but it was just a point-a-piece as the match drew to a close. The general consensus would be that both teams see this as a satisfactory result.



Sunday's Action
Sunderland 1 - 1 Norwich City
Norwich City were first to strike on the 26th minute with a header by Wesley Hoolahan, but The Canaries were to go a man down when goalkeeper Mark Bunn was shown a red card. Sunderland were able to take advantage of a 10-man team when Gardner scored a penalty around 5 minutes before the half time break. There was no goals scored in the second half, despite many chances. It all finished even, 1 - 1. Norwich City deserved the point, a great effort considering they had 10 men for 2/3 of the game.

Tottenham Hotspurs 0 - 1 Fulham
Fulham gained their first victory at White Hart Lane since August 2003 courtesy of a goal by Dimitar Berbatov, and fantastic save by Mark Schwarzer in the latter part of the match. Dimitar Berbatov was to further deminish any hopes of a top-four finish for Tottenham, with a goal of a cross from Riether. Tottenham's chances did come however, with an early Bale header cleared off the line, and when Bale made a remarkable run up the right wing, he crossed it into Defoe and his shot was saved by Schwarzer. A very significant part in the match, Fulham can be thankful for Schwarzer's excellent save, which gives them three points, and damages Tottenham's hopes, as they are in somewhat of a slump recently.

3 - Dimitar Berbatov has scored in three successive Premier League games for Fulham, something he never managed for Spurs. Haunted.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 17, 2013

Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham
Chelsea gained three more points to rival Tottenham in the table, with their 2 - 0 victory over West Ham. Chelsea played very well to deny West Ham's attack whilst also creating many chances. The first goal came from Frank Lampard. Lampard struck it home in the 19th minute from a great ball off Hazard. Eden Hazard then made another impact by scoring 5 minutes into the second half, and he had an outstanding performance. Carroll did well to get some chances for West Ham, but none of the magnitude needed to take on Chelsea. Really well played by Chelsea.

Wigan 2 - 1 Newcastle

Wigan grabbed an important late winner at the DW Stadium to defeat Newcastle. Beausajour's 19 minute goal gave the hosts an edge, and we were scoreless until the 72nd minute. McManaman did not receive punishment for what looked like a horrendous challenge which sent Haidara off on a stretcher. The chances  continued to come, but it was Santos' goal that made it even. It looked almost certain that it would be a draw, until Kone's lethal strike in the 90th minute put Wigan three points safe of the drop zone.


More pulsating action this weekend in the Barclays Premier League. Manchester United have pretty much secured the title, as any faint hopes for Man City were further damaged. Meanwhile, the relegation battle is beginning to take shape, and Wigan's win was one of great importance in their battle for safety. Now for the International break, which is a shame considering how intense things were getting into the league. It seems like the shape of the league is improving in certainty, but of course, anything can happen...

UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid vs. Manchester United (1st Leg) - Post Coverage, Match Reports and more!

 The wait was over. Real Madrid and Manchester United collided at the Bernabeu in what was an entertaining game, setting up for a spectacular second leg...

 It was a very lively start to the match, with Madrid having a few significant chances in the first 10 minutes of the game, with some flurries of potential attack by Manchester United. Robin Van Persie received a booking in the 5th minute, and Real Madrid came close to scoring with Coentrao moments after but was denied by a stunning save by De Gea on to the post.

Madrid had a series of attacking plays in the 12th minute, with great work by Ronaldo to try and get a look-in at goal, a brilliant one-two play almost had it scored for Madrid, but to no avail, and United got back into possession and dictated to a slower pace. It continued to go back and forth, Madrid were denied by some good defense. After more attack from Madrid, they got the first corner of the game, but the kick was not met by any player and went out for a throw-in. Madrid's attacking continued, and Manchester United were on the back foot and looking for an opening. Kagawa was however making a bit of noise, with some chances at goal, but could not get through.

GOAL: Welbeck (Header - 20')
Manchester United's first corner was a valuable one, with Rooney taking the corner on to the head of Danny Welbeck, scoring on the 20th minute, a goal that went against the tide, many thought, but Madrid had conceded to a set piece. It was Manchester United's 7th headed goal this season in all competitions. It is an away goal that could come back to haunt Madrid.

The match continued to go back and forth, with United playing with momentum. Real Madrid got a corner kick from a long range shot from Di Maria, but was cleared away. The corners kept on coming for Madrid. Then a free kick, taken by Ronaldo, which was driven at the wall, and Ronaldo's rebounding shot just went wide.

GOAL: Ronaldo (Header - 30')
A wonderful header by Cristiano Ronaldo made it all even at the Bernabeu, with a perfect cross and a great header where Ronaldo leaped unebeliavably high in the air to take it in, great hangtime. A special goal which Evra had no chance to defend. 

As we approached the half-hour mark in the match, we were even and things continued to go back and forth. It could have easily been 2 - 1 to United with Welbeck's touch at goal from a cross that was saveed by De Gea inches wide of the goal. The corner attempt came out to a courageous block by Alonso, followed by a shot wide by Rooney.

De Gea had to make good save by Ozil at an acute angle at goal, and Madrid continued to increase the attack with close chances. Rafael was booked in the 40th minute, after having a hard time and struggling to cope with the attack. There were penalty shouts in the 41st minute when Di Maria went down, and as the vital end to the first half ensued, Madrid continued to attack and Manchester United's defenders and De Gea were kept busy. Ronaldo almost scored another header on the brink of half time.

HALF TIME: Real Madrid 1 - 1 Manchester United
Welbeck 20', Ronaldo 30'.
A very entertaining game of football in the first half, Real Madrid with more chances and a better hold on the game, but Manchester United restricted them to only the one goal. All was to play for in the second half...

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2013

Second Half
The second half began with attacking flurries by Manchester United, a good start to the half by them. Things were beginning to open up in the second half. De Gea had to pull of more great saves, and as  we continued past the hour mark, we were still even. Manchester United came unbelievably close with two big opportunities in the 72nd minute, with Welbeck close, and Van Persie's shot being cleared off the line by Xabi Alonso. We were then back at the other half of the pitch with a Madrid free-kick which fell to Khedira but went over the bar.

De Gea was unstoppable throughout the second half, putting on an excellent performance with many vital great saves.

Unbelievable save by De Gea. I know I'm right when I say he is top class. You wait to see how good he is in 5 years.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) February 13, 2013

Inside the last 10 minutes, it was tense, and Manchester United looked like they were heading for a big result, a draw away at Madrid, and an away goal to take with it. As each team traded in attacks, things got nail-biting. 

The pace increased further in stoppage time, with Real Madrid offense, and Ronaldo came close to a shot at goal via a Modric cross, but Phil Jones did a great job to restrict Ronaldo, Jones did well throughout the game to stop Ronaldo, fine job.

Van Persie got a shot at goal following the rebound of his free kick, but a good save by Diego Lopez put it out for a corner, but there was no time to take it, and the final whistle blew.

FT: Real Madrid 1 - 1 Manchester United

An entertaining well-contested game. Good performance by De Gea and Phil Jones for restricting Madrid, while Ronaldo did well too, but not enough to secure the game. This leaves the expectation of even more to come in three weeks, when the final leg takes place at Old Trafford, with Manchester United with an away goal advantage too, things are going to be intense there. Real Madrid had many chances at goal, but could not capitalize, could this cost them in the second leg? Find out in three weeks, it is going to be BIGGER! The wait WAS over, now we wait again, three weeks, and these teams collide yet again at Old Trafford, all to play for...

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