What a weekend it has been in the Premier League! And by Premier League, I mean the English Premier League, not the Indian Premier League, although the cricketing bonanza has had it's fair share of headline-grabbing thrills as well for the last couple of weeks...
Chelsea took to the field on Sunday, knowing that one of their closest rival (Arsenal) was out of the race after their draw at home to Manchester City, and Manchester United was two points ahead after their win against the Spurs. (see here)
Chelsea knew that anything apart form three points would hand the initiative back to United, and that they had to fire, at home against the Potters. And boy, did they! A stunning game followed as the Blues were in rampant form, netting seven past the helpless Stoke. An efficient display of ruthless quality, Chelsea showed every bit the title contenders they looked to be, as they scored seven in a game for the third time this season. The win was Chelsea's best ever since the result against Portsmouth in May 1963, and Stoke, who had been unbeaten in their six previous away games, lost by their biggest margin since the 0-7 loss to Birmingham twelve years ago.
Let's take a short look at the other results before eyeing the mouth-watering prospects coming up next weekend.
Liverpool thrashed Burnley 4-0 at the Turf Moor, which not too long ago, had been considered a fortress by the Clarets supporters. Gerrard was in sublime touch once again as he scored a brace, as 'Pool pushed Burnley out of the Premier League.
In the 100th derby meeting between Aston Villa and Birmingham, the Villans brushed through 1-0 courtesy of a penalty in the 83rd minute. James Milner the scorer, Aston Villa are now on par with Tottenham at 64 points, though both the Spurs and ManCity have a game more in hand.
Everton hosted Fulham at Goodison Park. Everton dominated the first half hour, but were witness to a howler from their left-back Baintes, gifting Fulham a shock lead in the 35th minute. For a spell after that, it seemed Fulham were lifted, but Everton equlalised five minutes after the restart through Anichebe/Smalling (both seemed to have gotten their heads to it). But it wasn't until a late late penalty that Everton were to get get their three points over the under-strength Fulham (under-strength because of the nine changes made to the squad considering the return leg against Hamburg this week).
Now a look at the jucier fixtures next weekend.
Of course, the biggest game is the Reds hosting the Blues, which many are dubbing to be the title decider. Liverpool are riding high on confidence after their 4-0 dismantling of Burnley, this without Torres. Chelsea look solid after their rampant 7-0 win over Stoke.
Manchester United travel to the Stadium of Light to face a good Sunderland unit, but this game will kick off after Chelsea's, so the players will know what position they are in before the start. Of course, they will be counting on a Chelsea slipup.
The battle for fourth place also heats up, with ManCity facing Aston Villa. ManCity also have a game against Tottenham on May 5th.
Arsenal face Blackburn, and will want to bounce back after being held by ManCity.
The fixtures are as follows:
Saturday 1st May 2010 Birmingham City v Burnley 12:45 St. Andrews Ground Manchester City v Aston Villa 15:00 City of Mcr. Stadium Portsmouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers 15:00 Fratton Park Stoke City v Everton 15:00 Britannia Stadium Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers 15:00 White Hart Lane
Sunday 2nd May 2010 Liverpool v Chelsea 13:30 Anfield Fulham v West Ham United 15:00 Craven Cottage Sunderland v Manchester United 16:00 Stadium of Light
Monday 3rd May 2010 Wigan Athletic v Hull City 13:30 DW Stadium Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal 17:00 Ewood Park
The points table:
Chelsea 36 80 Man Utd 36 79 Arsenal 36 72 Tottenham 35 64 Aston Villa 36 64 Man City 35 63 Liverpool 36 62 Everton 36 57 Birmingham 36 47 Sunderland 36 44 Blackburn 36 44 Fulham 35 43 Stoke City 35 43 Bolton 36 36 Wolves 36 35 Wigan Athletic 36 35 West Ham Utd 36 34 Hull City 36 28 Burnley 36 27 Portsmouth 36 16
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