Phil Brown give his players an all too public dressing down
So what did we learn from the annual Boxing Day festivities in the various English football leagues? Arsenal yet again showed their propensity to give away a late goal, this time to Zatyiah Knight of all people. The game itself though was of great importance, as we again bared witness to one of those “can [insert team name] break into the top four?” On yesterday’s reckoning, probably not. Villa played well but without a reliable strike partner for Gabby Agbonlahor it will be very difficult.
As for the other title contenders routine victories for both Chelsea and Liverpool, but not United who laboured in beating the mighty Stoke one nil.
GAME OF THE DAY
Villa 2-2 Arsenal – Villa dominated the first period then went behind as a result of Reo-Coker’s abject defending. Diaby then scored a second for Arsenal before Barry scored from the spot, followed by that injury time winner.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
Hull manager Phil Brown giving his players a Sunday league style dressing down in front of their fans after going four goals down by half-time at Man City, before kick-off in the relegation places.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
Robbie Keane (Liverpool) – Well on his way to vindicating himself at Anfield with this performance. Ended up with a brace, the third finishing off a great move started by Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. If they’re going for the title they’re going to need more than Keane though, if Torres continues to get injured regularly.
MUPPET OF THE DAY
Carl Dickinson (Stoke City) – Yes he succeeded in shackling Ronaldo for large parts of the game but already on a yellow card you can’t keep diving in and what else did he expect apart from a second yellow!?!?
TEAM OF THE DAY
Man City – Would have been Stoke had they held on at the Britannia for a point, City did score five though. It seems if they’re at home, and the pairing of Stephen Ireland and Robinho are playing, they could beat anyone outside the top four.
DECISION OF THE DAY
Sunderland’s decision to appoint Ricky Sbragia as permanent boss after his initial honeymoon period has seen The Black Cats go unbeaten under his stewardship. Niall Quinn’s decision to make Sbragia’s reign permanent could be a masterstroke as he learnt his trade under Sir Alex at Old Trafford in years gone by.
PREDICTIONS
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Arsenal v Portsmouth – Pompey seem to be faltering under Adams of late and Tony’s homecoming is unlikely to go well with the return of Adebayor for the home side. SCORE – 3-0
Blackburn v Man City – Mark Hughes will find it hard against a side who are still unbeaten under new boss Sam Allardyce, you feel though that if Robinho and Ireland combine City may find it easy here. SCORE 1-1
Bolton v Wigan – Unlikely to be many goals here as both sides are likely to put on a defensive front with points at a premium. SCORE 1-1
Everton v Sunderland – Likely to be an exciting game with plenty of free-flowing attacking football. Expect goals. SCORE 2-3
Fulham v Chelsea – With Fulham unbeaten in eight Chelsea may encounter some difficulties here. Drogba’s looks to be hitting form though which should see them through. SCORE 0-2
Newcastle v Liverpool – A game which promises something every season may well be the same this year, if it’s their day Newcastle may just sneak it. SCORE 2-1
West Brom v Tottenham – With Albion still looking to play easy on the eye football every week Spurs could beat the basement side with relative ease, the hosts will look to built on their home victory last time at the Hawthorns. SCORE 1-3
West Ham v Stoke – Before West Ham’s boxing day victory this would have been a six pointer the gloss has been taken off it somewhat though. SCORE 2-1
Monday, 29 December 2008
Man Utd v Middlesbrough – United could walk all over a side who look in freefall. SCORE 4-1
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Hull v Aston Villa – Hull could run Villa close here, however, with the extra break the away side may just sneak it at the off form Humbersiders. SCORE 1-3
