Yesterday's EPL Result:

Unfortunately the LIVE Commentary broke down yesterday... so here's analysis and the result itself:

Yesterday's EPL Result:



Liverpool vs Newcastle United:

This match was played at Anfield where 6th placed Liverpool hosted 7th placed Newcastle.

The main story was that striker Andy Carroll started against his former club Newcastle.

Defender Daniel Agger broke the deadlock for Newcastle in the 25th minute- from an own goal.

Forward Craig Bellamy equalised for The Reds 5 minutes later ( in the 30th minute).

Bellamy scored again in the 67th minute to make it 2-1.

Captain Steven Gerrard came of the bench in the 73rd minute, and 5 minutes later, he scored after a good pass by Jordan Henderson placed past keeper Tim Krul at the far post to provide 3 points for The Reds!

Captain Steven Gerrard celebrating his winner for Liverpool to make it 3-1 against Newcastle.

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 3 Newcastle United 1

Liverpool move up to 5th place (leapfrogging rivals Arsenal) and Newcastle stay in 7th place.

Blog Update:

You can view my EPL Blog on the Football Blog Directory aswell as this one at:

http://www.footballblogdirectory.co.uk/

I post on the FBD at least once a week.... talking about different EPL issues or results and transfer news.

See you later.

Today EPL Results and News:

Today's EPL Results:


Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers:

This match was played at The Emirates Stadium as 5th placed Arsenal hosted 12th placed Aston Villa. 

The Gunners started off the better side, with forward Gervinho breaking past the defence before putting the hosts 1-0 ahead in the 8th minute. Striker Stephen Fletcher equalised for Wolves in the 39th minute and despite midfielder Nemad Milijas getting sent off for Wolves in the 75th minute, they hung on to take a point. The match was heated with 5 yellow cards between the two teams.

Arsenal forward Gervinho celebrating his opener in the 9th minute.

FULL-TIME: Arsenal 1 Wolves 1

Arsenal failed to captalize on Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Fulham yesterday and move into 4th place. They stay in 5th place with Liverpool and Newcastle both hot on their heels for a European place next season. Wolves on the other hand have goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to thank for keeping Wolves in the match and salvaging a point for Mick McCarthy's men.Swansea City vs QPR:


This match came from The Liberty Stadium as 15th placed Swansea faced relegation rivals (and 17th placed) QPR. 

FACT: If either team won, they would move up at least 3 places in the EPL table.

Striker Danny Graham opened the scoring for the home side in the 14th minute to put Swansea ahead. QPR striker Jamie Mackie equalised for Rangers just before the hour mark (58 minutes).
There were 4 yellow cards in this match (1 for Swansea and 3 for QPR).

QPR striker Jamie Mackie scoring the equaliser for his team against Swansea.

Swansea move into 14th place with 19 points and QPR move up to 16th place with 17 points.

FULL-TIME: Swansea 1 QPR 1

Swansea will feel disappointed that they did not finish the job against QPR, especially an early goal and that they were at home. QPR will feel happy that they got back into the match with an equaliser but will be thinking about taking all 3 points instead of 1 point (which would have put them in mid table).

Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City:
This match was played at White Hart Lane as 3rd placed in-form Spurs hosted 11th placed Norwich City.

Midfielder Gareth Bale broke the deadlock for Spurs in the 55th minute after Emmanuel Adebayor's pass was buried underneath goalkeeper John Ruddy by the Welshman.
He scored again in the 67th minute after a good solo effort to ensure all three points for Tottenham. There were 2 yellow cards in the match (1 each).

Bale breaking past Norwich's defence to score his second goal of the night for Tottenham.

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 2 Norwich 0

Spurs took their chances well where Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool failed to against a slightly weak opposition.
Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale proved again why he is worth £45million and why Barcelona are scouting him after a 2 goal brace.
Luka Modric and Scott Parker showed once again why they are the hub of Spurs' midfield and the whole team.
If they continue this consistent run of form, (and I do not want to say it as they are my rivals) but they could qualify for the Champions League next season.

EPL News and Transfer Rumours:



Bayer Leverkusen are desperate to take Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov back to Germany and are in talks with him.
Feasible deal..... United are not playing him very often... and he is still scoring goals (that hat-trick against Wigan brings back memories of last season).

Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has told manager Andre Villas Boas that if he does not play enough matches, he will leave The Blues.

Sporting Lisbon want to sign Manchester City defender Stefan Savic. 
He wants first-team action, which he is only getting in the Carling Cup....Mancini paid £10.6million for him THIS YEAR..... Waste of money for a 20 year old (young and good) defender.....


Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed the club will not attempt to sign a striker in January.
Why? If in-form Demba Ba gets injured, they are in serious trouble because most of the goals are coming from him... They need a second striker to back up Ba....


Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes The Gunners need to start showing a more "ruthless" streak.
If they want to finish in a good position this season... Yes, they do...


Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been suspended for one match and fined £20,000 for a gesture at Fulham fans.
From 8 matches to 9.... It gets worse for Suarez....


Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has warned any interested clubs that mifielder Gareth Bale is NOT for sale.
He (Redknapp) is interested in Blackburn defender Christopher Samba.




Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote insists that he is happy at Tyneside.
That's what Arteta said before leaving Everton....


Manchester City have revealed being interested in Lille winger Eden Hazard. They are reportedly lining up a £25million bid for him.


Bolton have begun talks with Chelsea about the possible sale of defender Gary Cahill.
He would get good first-team action, get into the England squad more often and could develop at the peak of his career.



Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reiterated his desire to return to England "in a couple of years".
That would shake things up a bit in the top 6 of the EPL.



And lastly:


Former Arsenal captain and Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has not ruled out a return to Arsenal later in his career, but said the London club are the only team he would want to leave Barcelona for.

Fabregas: Not ruling out a move back to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old midfielder returned to his childhood club in the summer after eight years at Arsenal.
Fabregas said he would be happy to retire as a Barcelona player, but if he were to leave again, he would want it to be for an Arsenal return.
 
After the 1-1 draw with Wolves, Arsenal are looking ahead to the rest of the season and hoping that in-form striker and captain Robin Van Persie does not get injured. 
He did not score against Wolves, and whenever he does not score, Arsenal do not seem to win which is worrying for a hopeful top 4 finishing club.




Thank you for reading this EPL Blog. If you like it, follow me for the LATEST blog updates when I post.
I hope you had a Very Merry Christmas and had fun. 
See you later.

Boxing Day EPL Special:

There have been 6 EPL matches in the EPL so far today:



Chelsea vs Fulham: 


The early kick-off on Boxing Day was interesting as West London rivals Chelsea went head-to-head with Fulham.
FACT: The last two matches between these two teams ended in 0-0 draws.

Chelsea forward Juan Mata opened the scoring in the 47th minute to make it 1-0 to the home side. In-form midfielder Clint Dempsey equalised for Fulham in the 56th minute to make it 1-1. 

Clint Dempsey equalising for Fulham in the 56th minute against Chelsea.

FACT: Clint Dempsey has now scored 9 goals this season.

The Blues failed to move up into 3rd place with 34 points to their name. Fulham will be satisfied with a well-earned point and stay in 13th place with 19 points.


FULL-TIME: Chelsea 1 Fulham 1
Bolton Wanderers vs Newcastle United:


This match was played at The Reebok Stadium as 19th placed Bolton hosted 7th placed Newcastle. 
FACT: Bolton have only lost 1 out of 7 previous matches against Newcastle.
Midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa finally broke the deadlock for the away side in the 69th minute. In-form striker Demba Ba made it 2-0 two minutes later to ensure the three points for
Newcastle.
Newcastle stay 7th place with 30 points and Bolton stay 19th place with only 12 points from 18 matches.

FULL-TIME: Bolton 0 Newcastle 2

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers: 

This match was played at Anfield as 6th placed Liverpool faced bottom club and out of form Blackburn.
Blackburn scored the opener away from home in the 45th minute after Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam conceded an own goal.

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez heading to draw level against Blackburn.

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez headered in an equaliser in the 53rd minute to make it 1-1.

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1 Blackburn 1
 Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic:


This match came from Old Trafford as 2nd placed United could go top of the EPL table if they won today and City's result went their way.
FACT: United have scored 23 goals in their previous 6 matches against Wigan.

In the 8th minute, J-Sung Park opened the scoring for United. In the 40th minute, defender Conor Sammon was given a straight sending-off after hitting United midfielder Carrick across the face. In the 41st minute (a minute later), Dimitar Berbatov scored his 2nd goal in 2 matches for United to make it 2-0. Striker Berbatov scored again in the 58th minute to put United 3-0 ahead. Luis Antonio Valencia made it 4 for United in the 75th minute. Berbatov took and scored a penalty in the 78th minute to give Wigan a thrashing.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov scoring against Wigan to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.

FULL-TIME: Manchester United 5 Wigan Athletic 0

United move within a point of EPL leader Manchester City who are only 1st in the table because of goal difference.
FACT: United have scored 16 goals in their last four EPL matches, have won 8 matches out of 9 since losing 6-1 to rivals City and have only conceded 1 goal in 810 minutes.
United's current position: 2nd
Wigan's current position: 19th

Sunderland vs Everton:

This match came from the Stadium of Light as 14th placed Sunderland face 10th placed Everton.
Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback scored in the 26th minute to put new manager Martin O'Neil's side ahead. Everton full-back Leighton Baines equalised for The Toffees in the 51st minute from a penalty.

Full-back Leighton Baines slotting home for Everton to equalise in the 51st minute against Sunderland.

 Sunderland's current position: 14th
Everton's current position: 10th

FULL-TIME: Sunderland 1 Everton 1West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City:


This match came from The Hawthorns as 9th placed West Brom tried to beat current EPL leaders City.
FACT: Manchester City have only lost 1 match this season, scoring 53 goals from 17 matches. 
This match had no goals, apart from Mario Balotelli's offside effort in the first-half.
West Brom's defence was solid as they kept a clean sheet and City have (for the 1st time) failed to score in a match this EPL season.

FULL-TIME: West Brom 0 Manchester City 0
City will feel disappointed as they drop points at an essential part of the season to determine where the EPL trophy is going and United continue to pile on the pressure. West Brom will feel happy that they drew with current leaders City. They will feel relieved also as they are now in 9th place with 22 points.

Evening Kick-off:

Stoke 0 Aston Villa 0 FT
Both teams share the spoils at The Brittannia Stadium as it was a goalless draw.
Stoke stay 8th with 25 points and Aston Villa stay in 12th place with 20 points.

Yesterday's EPL Result, EPL News and Transfer Rumours:

Yesterday's EPL Result:

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Chelsea 1
This match was played at White Hart Lane between 3rd placed Chelsea and 4th placed North London Rivals Tottenham. The main story was that Chelsea defender John Terry started in this match despite all the controversy surrounding him and QPR defender Anton Ferdinand with racial allegations.

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor opened the scoring for the home side in the 8th minuite to put pressure on Chelsea from the get-go. Striker Daniel Sturridge scored his 2nd goal in 2 matches in the 23rd minute to level for Chelsea. This is how it finished in the end despite both teams having lots of chances (36 shots between them).

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates scoring against Chelsea in the 8th minute.

EPL News and Transfer Rumours:



Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says Liverpool fans don't know "the truth about why I signed for Chelsea".

He claims that Liverpool lied to him about his future at the club and the fans hate him, which he does not understand why.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has hailed 2011 as one of the best years in Stoke's entire history.

If not the best year in their history..... FA Cup finalists, Europa League competition (for the first time), World class players (developing), Top 7 finish and much more!

Stoke are very lucky to have someone like Mr. Pulis as their manager.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is injured and will miss the Boxing Day match against Wigan due to a foot injury.

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent claims that he is happy at Villa and wants to stay there.

Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend has signed a new contract with Spurs until 2016.

Young, new talent.... Spurs need players like him in their ranks....

Arsenal have re-scheduled their match against Wolves to the 27th of December (was originally Boxing Day) because of Tube strikes.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes that a Top 4 finish this season is more realistic than a title challenge.

I think so to.... I was saying this from the start and Arsenal are too far behind to catch up with City and United now.... They could get Champions League but Europa League may not be a bad thing (apart from the matchday fixtures piling up).

Manchester City officials have met up with AC Milan over the transfer of forward Carlos Tevez.

About 80% of the deal is done.... a good deal for Milan.... Tevez obviously does not want to play in England any longer.....

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of teenage prospect (a midfielder) Jordan Ibe from Wycombe.

FACT: He became the youngest ever scorer in Wycombe's history.

Chelsea are launching a bid to sign Juventus winger Milos Krasic.

Wigan are hoping to take striker Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United.

And the last story:

Stoke are ready to offer £8million for Blackburn's Junior Hoilett.
A very good deal if it goes through.... young prospect with a lot of pace who has shined through at Blackburn so far....

 Interested in this new talent: Stoke

Thank you for reading my EPL blog. It inspires me to write more and better content.
If you like what you see here.... then follow me so you can see the LATEST updates and blogs as soon as I post them.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and I will see you on the 26th and 27th of December for some tasty EPL fixtures including Chelsea vs Fulham, Stoke vs Aston Villa and Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers.

LIVE Coverage of EPL Midweek Matches:

LIVE EPL Matches:

We have seven very interesting and exciting matches for you today.... crunch time in mid December for the EPL:

Aston Villa vs Arsenal: LIVE
Teams:
Manchester City vs Stoke City: LIVE
Teams:
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion: LIVE
Teams:
Everton vs Swansea City: LIVE
Teams:
Fulham vs Manchester United: LIVE
Teams:
Fulham: Stockdale, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Ruiz, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Johnson. Subs: Etheridge, Kelly, Gecov, Duff, Hughes, Frei, Zamora.
FACT: Striker Wayne Rooney will make his 300th EPL appearance tonight. The youngest player to reach this milestone in the EPL.

QPR vs Sunderland: LIVE
Teams:Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool: LIVE
Teams:
Wigan: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Stam, Jones, Diame, McCarthy, Moses, Gomez, Sammon. Subs: Pollitt, Crusat, Watson, Di Santo, McArthur, Rodallega, Lopez.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Maxi, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Carroll, Coates, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly, Bellamy.

So Suarez starts despite having recieved an eight match ban..... This could be his last match for up to two months.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal:

16: PENALTY AWARDED. Villa defender Ciaran Clark pulls back Arsenal forward Theo Walcott inside the box and the referee gives a penalty to The Gunners.

17: Striker Robin Van Persie steps up to take the penalty..... He shoots..... GOAL!!!! Arsenal are infront!

FACT: Van Persie has now equalled a club record for 34 EPL goals in a calendar year- joining Thierry Henry.

Fulham vs Manchester United:
5: Nani runs half the pitch unopposed before setting up striker Danny Welbeck..... he shoots from four yards out.... GOAL!!!! United open the scoring!!! Very easy for the visitors.

Newcastle United vs West Brom:
20: Midfielder Chris Brunt splits the Newcastle defence with a through ball to Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie who shoots from 12 yards out..... it goes past Krul.... GOAL!!! The Baggies have opened the scoring here!!!

Manchester City vs Stoke:
29: Midfielder Yaya Toure with a cross.... goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen spills the ball.... Sergio Aguero tucks the ball away into the goal!!! 1-0 to City! Unlucky by Sorensen who tried to keep it but City's attackers put him under pressure.

Newcastle United vs West Brom:
34: Newcastle free-kick taken by striker Demba Ba..... It's curling..... GOAL!!! Newcastle are back in the game! Ba's free-kick was sweet into the top corner!
QPR vs Sunderland:
19: Cross by Sunderland midfielder Keiran Richardson.... header at the near post by striker Nicklas Bendtner.... GOAL!!! Sunderland score!

Manchester City vs Stoke:
36: Shot by Manchester City midifelder Adam Johnson outside the 16 yard box.... GOAL!!! City are 2-0 ahead!!! Surely Stoke cannot get back into the match now against a solid City defence???

Fulham vs Manchester United:
25: Injury concerns for United here.... Defender/Midfielder Phil Jones is injured here...
United SUB:
Ashley Young ON
Phil Jones OFF

28: Midfielder Ryan Giggs with a cross from a short United corner..... into the box for Nani who attacks the ball with his head..... GOAL!!!! United are leading by 2-0 here!!

Newcastle vs West Brom:
43: West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt's free-kick is headed back by Paul Scharner.....  Gareth McAuley heads the ball from 6 yards out.... GOAL!!!! 2-1 to the away side!!!

20:34: Half-time in the 7:45pm kick-offs:

Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 1
Manchester City 2 Stoke City 0
Newcastle United 1 West Bromwich Albion 2

Fulham vs Manchester United:
43: Nani with a ball to midfielder Ryan Giggs.... he takes a shot.... GOAL!!! United are cruising now! Even though the ball deflected off Fulham defender Phillipe Senderos before going in the net, Giggs will still claim the goal....
FACT: Ryan Giggs has now scored his first EPL goal this season and it is the 19,999th EPL goal in history.

20:46: Half-time in the 8pm kick-offs:
Fulham 0 Manchester United 3
FACT: United are 3-0 up for the 3rd time this season, more than any other team in the EPL.
Everton 0 Swansea City 0
Goalless at Goodison Park.
QPR 0 Sunderland 1
New manager Martin O'Neil is leading against West London club QPR by 1-0.
Wigan 0 Liverpool 0
Goaless at the DW as Liverpool face an under-performing Wigan side.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal:
54: Marc Albrighton captalizes on a mix-up in Arsenal's defence to slot past Arsenal keeper Szczesny to level for Villa. 1-1.

FACT: Albrighton scores the 20,000th EPL goal in history and has £20,000 to donate to charity.

Manchester City vs Stoke City:
54: Midfielder Samir Nasri with the ball at his feet for City..... he crosses the ball to striker Sergio Aguero who taps the ball into the net... GOAL!! City are dominating here!

21:06: The 8pm kick-off's have all restarted here.

QPR vs Sunderland:
53: Sunderland midifelder Stephane Sessegnon's pace is too much for QPR as he runs from the halfway line before firing past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny from close range to give Sunderland a 2 goal cushion..... I doubt QPR will not respond back though as they have been playing well before this goal.
Wigan vs Liverpool:
51:  Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with an overhead kick.... blocked by Wigan defender Gary Caldwell.... the ball looked to hit his hand... PENALTY GIVEN!!! Liverpool have a golden chance to break the deadlock here...
Charlie Adam to take the penalty.... he steps up... Hits with a powerful strike..... SAVED!!! by Ali Al Habsi to deny Liverpool the lead here!!!

FACT: Al Habsi has now saved the most penalties this season with 3 (out of 4).

QPR vs Sunderland:
63: QPR midfielder Alejandro Faurlin takes a shot across goal..... it is partially saved by goalkeeper Kieran Westwood but striker Heidar Helguson beats Sunderland defender Wes Brown to the rebound to tap the ball into the net! GOAL!! He halves the deficit for QPR! They have a chance now!
Everton vs Swansea:
60: Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe with a corner.... he takes it, it dips into the box and midfielder Leon Osman heads the ball inside the box.... GOAL!! Osman makes it 1-0 to The Toffees!!

QPR vs Sunderland:
67: QPR full-back Armand Traore's cross is headed back across goal by striker Heidar Helguson where Jamie Mackie nods the ball..... GOAL!!! QPR have equalised here!!!

Newcastle vs West Brom:
81: Striker Demba Ba equalises for Newcastle to make it 2-2 with just under 10 minutes to go in this match!!!!
FACT: Ba has now scored 13 goals this EPL season.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal:
87: Arsenal corner: Taken, into the box..... Midfielder Yossi Benayoun with the header...... GOAL!!!! With 3 minutes to go, Arsenal are in the lead here at Villa Park!!!!

Newcastle vs West Brom:

85: Defender Paul Scharner makes it 3-2 to West Brom!!! What a match! What late drama!!

21:39: Full-times in 7:45pm kick-offs:

Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2

Yossi Benayoun gave Arsenal all 3 points, 3 minutes from full-time with a header from a corner to boost Arsenal's Champions League hopes (for next season)

Manchester City 3 Stoke City 0

City dominated and beat fellow European representatives Stoke by 3 goals to nil. Sergio Aguero scored twice and Adam Johnson also scored as City stay 1st in the EPL.

Striker Sergio Aguero breaking the deadlock for City against Stoke in the 29th minute.

Newcastle United 2 West Brom 3

Striker Demba Ba scored twice but it was not enough for Newcastle as they lost 3-2 to West Brom at home with two defenders (Scharner and Mcauley) and Peter Odemwingie all on the scoresheet for The Baggies.

QPR vs Sunderland:

89: Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson with a cross inside the 6 yard box for defender Wes Brown who heads the ball past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.... GOAL!!! Sunderland are back infront with a minute to go!!!

Fulham vs Manchester United:
88: United striker Wayne Rooney with the ball at his feet.... he takes a shot from 30 yards out.... GOAL!!! United 4-0 now!!! What a rocket shot!!!

FACT: Rooney has now scored 116 goals in his Manchester United career.

90: Dimitar Berbatov makes it 5-0 to United with a backheel..... Fulham have been killed here.... at HOME!!!

21:57: EPL Full-times:

Fulham 0 Manchester United 5

Absolute and total domination from start to finish for the defending EPL champions.

FACT: United have won 2 West London Derbies in 4 days. 

Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2

Everton 1 Swansea City 0

Leon Osman's header was the only goal of the match at Goodison Park as Everton claim a well needed 3 points.

Manchester City 3 Stoke City 0

Newcastle United 2 West Bromwich Albion 3

Wigan 0 Liverpool 0

A goalless draw at The DW Stadium where Wigan held Liverpool and took an important point.

QPR 2 Sunderland 3

Sunderland defender Wes Brown scored a late winner in the 89th minute to ensure all 3 points for Martin O'Neil's men.

Sunderland celebrate a last gasp win against QPR.

Yesterday:

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Norwich City 2

Blackburn Rovers 1 Bolton Wanderers 2

Tomorrow:

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea: LIVE at 20:00pm from White Hart Lane. 

QPR: Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Connolly, Traore, Barton, Faurlin, Derry, Wright Phillips, Mackie, Helguson. Subs: Cerny, Hill, Hall, Taarabt, Campbell, Bothroyd, Smith.
Sunderland: Westwood, O'Shea, Bramble, Brown, Bardsley, Larsson, Cattermole, Vaughan, Richardson, Sessegnon, Bendtner. Subs: Carson, Gardner, Kilgallon, Colback, Ji, McClean, Elmohamady.

Man Utd: Lindegaard, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck. Subs: De Gea, Berbatov, Park, Hernandez, Young, Rafael, Fryers.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Neville, Drenthe, Osman, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Distin, Cahill, Gueye, Barkley.
Swansea: Vorm, Richards, Williams, Caulker, Taylor, Routledge, Gower, Britton, Allen, Sinclair, Graham. Subs: Tremmel, Dobbie, Monk, Lita, Moore, Rangel, Agustien.

FACT: Swansea have failed to beat Everton in the previous 13 meetings.
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan, Vuckic, Tiote, Gutierrez, Best, Ba. Subs: Elliot, Williamson, Ben Arfa, Abeid, Ryan Taylor, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi.
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Shorey, Thomas, Mulumbu, Scharner, Brunt, Odemwingie, Long. Subs: Fulop, Morrison, Dawson, Jones, Thorne, Cox, Fortune.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, Toure Yaya, Johnson, Silva, Nasri, Aguero. Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Milner, Savic, Toure Kolo, De Jong, Balotelli.
Stoke: Sorensen, Huth, Woodgate, Upson, Wilson, Walters, Palacios, Whitehead, Shotton, Jones, Jerome. Subs: Begovic, Fuller, Diao, Pennant, Delap, Etherington, Arismendi.
FACT: If City win tonight, then they will stay top of the EPL at Christmas.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock, Albrighton, Ireland, Clark, Petrov, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor. Subs: Marshall, Collins, Delfouneso, Delph, Bannan, Weimann, Williams.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Coquelin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Walcott, Ramsey, Frimpong, Arteta, Gervinho, Van Persie. Subs: Almunia, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Squillaci, Arshavin, Chamakh, Benayoun.

LIVE Coverage of Today's EPL Matches:

Today's EPL Matches:

QPR 0 Manchester United 2 FT
This match came from Loftus Road as QPR hosted Manchester United in an early kick-off.
Striker Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for the away side in the 1st minute from a header to make it 1-0 to United. Midfielder Michael Carrick doubled United's lead in the 59th minute from an amazing solo effort from the centre cirlce before hitting the ball low out of keeper Paddy Kenny's reach. QPR could not come back into the match and United took an essential three points to put pressure on rivals City.

Wayne Rooney opening the scoring with a header against QPR in the 1st minute.

FACT: Manchester United go top of the EPL Table for the first time in two months (even if it may be for a couple of hours!)

Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0 FT
This match came from Anfield as 8th place Liverpool faced 11th placed Aston Villa.
Craig Bellamy scored for The Reds in the 11th minute to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Craig Bellamy's corner which was whipped into the box was attacked by defender Martin Skrtel who scored to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.

Craig Bellamy celebrating scoring the opener for Liverpool against Aston Villa in the 11th minute.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland: LIVE
61: GOAL!!! Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko finally broke the deadlock for Spurs after a good passing spell by Modric and Van Der Vaart was slotted past Westwood into the net.
90+5: The referee blows the whistle here at White Hart Lane. Tottenham won with a slender 1-0 lead and move into 3rd place with 34 points in the EPL table. Sunderland are stuck in 16th place in a relegation fight on their hands.

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko scoring the only goal of the match against Sunderland in the 61st minute.

Manchester City vs Arsenal: LIVE at 16:10

Teams:
Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, K Toure, Zabaleta, Barry, Y Toure, Silva, Aguero, Nasri, Balotelli. Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Milner, Dzeko, Johnson, Savic, De Jong.
FACT: Former Arsenal players Nasri and Kolo Toure play against their old club today.

Manchester City will look to move back into 1st place in the EPL table tonight and they can do this with a win.
A strong City squad with Aguero, Silva and Balotelli their main attackers and Richards and Kompany the rocks at the back.  Great... :(


Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Walcott, van Persie, Gervinho. Subs: Almunia, Rosicky, Arshavin, Frimpong, Chamakh, Benayoun, Miquel.

FACT: Arsenal have won 7 out of their last 8 matches.

Mertesacker and Vermaelen the defensive side... Arteta, Walcott and RVP the creative side... Come on Arsenal!!!!

0: The referee blows the whistle to start the match at The Etihad Stadium.

7: Manchester City Free-kick from 30 yards taken by Samir Nasri...... comfortable save by Szczesny!

9: Shot by Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero from 12 yards out... MISS!!!

11: Shot by Manchester City forward David Silva.... CAUGHT BY SZCZESNY!!!!

City trying to press here for an early goal....

17: Handball by Manchester City's Sergio Aguero. Arsenal free-kick taken by Szczesny out of the danger area.

17: Gervinho with the ball at his feet for Arsenal.... he takes a shot from 12 yards out..... TIPPED ROUND THE POST!! by Joe Hart.

18: Arsenal corner, taken by Robin Van Persie into the box.... it finds defender Thomas Vermaelen who heads the ball.... SAVE!! by Joe Hart.

21: Foul by Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey on Manchester City's Yaya Toure. Free-kick taken quickly by Vincent Kompany.

24: Shot by Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.... PARRIED!! by Wojciech Szczesny...

26: Foul by Samir Nasri on Arsenal's Gervinho. Free-kick taken by Robin Van Persie.... cleared away from the 16 yard box by Vincent Kompany.

33: Arsenal Cross by Aaron Ramsey into the box for Robin Van Persie who heads the ball from 12 yards out.... MISS!!!

38: Foul by Manchester City midifelder Gareth Barry on Arsenal's Mikel Arteta. Yellow card given to Barry for a mis-timed tackle. Free-kick taken by Robin Van Persie..... clearance away from danger by Kolo Toure.

41: Shot by Sergio Aguero from 12 yards out.... SAVE!!! by Wojciech Szczesny... City are looking dangerous here...

44: Foul by Laurent Koscielny on City's Sergio Aguero. Yellow card given to the Arsenal defender.

45+2: The referee blows the whistle here for half-time at the Etihad Stadium. 

City are pressing to break through Arsenal's defence.

FACT: This is the 5th time this season that Manchester City have been drawing 0-0 at half-time. The other four times, they have won. What does this tell you....

45: The referee blows the whistle to start the seocnd half here.

47: Foul by Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta on Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

Arsenal SUB:

Ignasi Miguel ON

Johan Djourou OFF (injury)

49: Cross by Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero..... clearance by Ignasi Miguel! Youngster is getting stuck in straight away... That is what everyone likes to see...

53: Shot by Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli from 18 yards out... PARRIED OUT!!! by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal). Header by striker Sergio Aguero from 6 yards out which bobbles on the floor, resulting in open play. David Silva pounces on the ball from 6 yards out and shoots... GOAL!!! City are infront!!!! 1-0!

54: Shot from 25 yards out by Arsenal forward Theo Walcott..... TIPPED OVER!!! by Joe Hart. Arsenal corner, taken by Robin Van Persie.... into the box.... cleared away by Vincent Kompany.

58: Foul by Laurent Koscielny on Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.... He has already got a yellow card.... The referee gives him a talking to.... Arsenal are lucky there..... They could be down to 10 men....

62: Shot by City's Sergio Aguero from 18 yards out.... MISS!!!
64: Shot by Arsenal's Van Persie..... SAVE!!! by Joe Hart!

65: Foul by Arsenal midfielder Alex Song on David Silva. Free-kick from 25 yards out.... taken by David Silva, curled... SAVE!!! by Szczesny.

66: Shot by City defender Pablo Zableta..... HITS THE POST!!!!

69: Foul by City's Gareth Barry on Arsenal midifelder Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal SUB: 

Andrey Arshavin ON

Theo Walcott OFF

Arsenal free-kick taken by Robin van Persie... passed to defender Thomas Vermaelen who takes a shot from 25 yards out.... BLOCKED by Pablo Zabaleta. Corner taken by Robin Van Persie... PUNCHED OUT!! by Joe Hart.

71: Cross by Andrey Arshavin... CAUGHT! by Joe Hart.... Arsenal are pressing for the equaliser here...

72: Foul by Sergio Aguero on Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen.. Yellow card given to the Argentinan.

Manchester City SUB:

James Milner ON

Mario Balotelli OFF

City are trying to maintain their slender lead here...

73: Foul by Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta on City's Yaya Toure. Yellow card given to the Spainard.

The tackles are flying in here....

80: Shot by City's Sergio Aguero from 12 yards out.... PARRIED by Wojciech Szczesny!!!  

82: Arsenal SUB:

Marouane Chamakh ON

Per Mertesacker OFF

Arsene Wenger is really pressing for an equaliser here and uses his last substution... taking of a defender for a forward... He has nothing to lose here.....

85: Cross by Manchester City forward David Silva..... header from 12 yards out by defender Micah Richards..... MISS!!! 

Arsenal goal-kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny.

85: Manchester City SUB:

Nigel De Jong ON

Edin Dzeko ON

Yaya Toure OFF (injury)

Samir Nasri OFF

Roberto Mancini making two subs here.... Wants the three points...

89: Shot by Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin from 18 yards out.... MISS!!! Goal-kick taken long by Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

90: Foul by City defender Micah Richards on Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh. Free-kick taken by Arsenal midifelder  Mikel Arteta from left wing, passed. Shot by Thomas Vermaelen from 25 yards out... FANTASTIC SAVE!!! by Joe Hart to deny Arsenal a late equaliser!!!! 

90+1: Gervinho with a cross into the box... cleared away by Pablo Zabaleta. 

90+2: Shot by City striker Edin Dzeko from 12 yards out....  MISS!!! Goal-kick taken long by Szczesny.

90+3: Shot by Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen from 25 yards out... MISS!!! That could have been the last chance for Arsenal in the match....

90+4: The referee blows the whistle for full-time here at The Ethiad Stadium.

Manchester City prevail with a slender 1-0 lead over Arsenal and go back to 1st in the EPL, 2 points ahead of 2nd placed Manchester United. Arsenal attacked well and fought hard until the end. City have Joe Hart to thank with some amazing saves to deny Arsenal from scoring and keeping a clean sheet. Even though City only scored once, they took 15 shots and probably should have scored more. Arsenal took 12 shots, and probably also scored have at least scored.

Fouls were flying in with 22 fouls in total and 5 yellow cards.

David Silva and Sergio Aguero celebrating putting Manchester City ahead in the 53rd minute against Arsenal.

Full Recap:

QPR 0 Manchester United 2

Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Sunderland 0

Manchester City 1 Arsenal 0

Thank you for reading this EPL blog. See you on Wednesday for some midweek EPL action.

EPL LIVE Commentary of Today's Matches:

3:00pm kick-off's:

Blackburn Rovers vs West Bromwich Albion: LIVE
This match is currently being played at Ewood Park as 19th placed Blackburn host 15th placed West Brom.

Teams:

Blackburn: Robinson, Samba, Pedersen, Dann, Lowe, Dunn, Formica, Nzonzi, Vukcevic, Rochina, Yakubu. Subs: Bunn, Hanley, Henley, Petrovic, Blackman, Goodwillie, Roberts.

West Brom: Foster, Olsson, Reid, Shorey, McAuley, Morrison, Brunt, Mulumbu, Scharner, Long, Odemwingie. Subs: Fulop, Dawson, Jones, Tamas, Thomas, Dorrans, Cox.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Stoke City: LIVE
This match is being played at Molinueux as 17th placed Wolves face a tough Stoke side in 8th place.

Teams: 

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Jarvis, Milijas, Henry, Hunt, Fletcher, Doyle. Subs: De Vries, Elokobi, Stearman, Ebanks-Blake, Hammill, Guedioura, Forde.

Stoke: Sorensen, Woodgate, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Shotton, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Crouch, Walters. Subs: Begovic, Jones, Fuller, Pennant, Upson, Jerome, Palacios.

A strong Stoke squad....




Everton vs Norwich City: LIVE
This match is being played at Goodison Park as Everton host an inform Norwich side.

Teams:

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines; Gueye, Neville, Fellaini, Osman; Cahill; Saha. Subs: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Drenthe, Stracqualursi, Distin, Rodwell, McAleny.

Norwich: Ruddy; Naughton, Martin, Whitbread, Tierney; Crofts, Fox, Hoolahan, Surman; Morison, Holt. Subs: Rudd, Johnson, Jackson, Pilkington, Bennett, Barnett, Wilbraham.

Fulham vs Bolton Wanderers: LIVE
This match is being played at Craven Cottage as European drop-outs Fulham face an out of form Bolton side in 20th place.

Teams:

Fulham: Stockdale, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Ruiz, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele. Subs: Etheridge, Kelly, Orlando Sa, Gecov, Duff, Hughes, Frei.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Alonso, Mark Davies, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Pratley, Kevin Davies, Klasnic. Subs: Bogdan, Steinsson, Robinson, Eagles, Sanli, Petrov, Ngog.

A routine Fulham win on the cards???


Newcastle United vs Swansea City: LIVE
This match is played at St James Park (Sports Direct Arena) as 7th place Newcastle face 11th place Swansea.
FACT: Newcastle have lost their last three matches out of four.

Teams:

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Best, Ba. Subs: Harper, Williamson, Ben Arfa, Abeid, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi, Vuckic.

Swansea: Vorm, Richards, Williams, Caulker, Taylor, Routledge, Gower, Britton, Sinclair, Allen, Graham. Subs: Tremmel, Dyer, Dobbie, Monk, Lita, Moore, Agustien.

17:30pm kick-off:

Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea: EVENING KICK-OFF


We are underway here....


Wolves vs Stoke City:
Wolves midfielder Matt Jarvis has been brought down by Stoke City defender Jonathan Woodgate inside the box... the referee blows the whistle to indicate a penatly for the home side!! Wolves defender Stephen Hunt to take it..... GOAL!!!! He scores the first EPL goal this weekend!
Woodgate has been substituted here after a nightmare start to the match.

Newcastle United vs Swansea City:

Striker Leon Best has hit the post here.... Newcastle are ontop here.

Everton vs Norwich City:

28: Captain Grant Holt with the ball.... he takes a strike..... GOAL!! The away side has broken the deadlock here at Goodison!

Fulham vs Bolton Wanderers:

Midfielder Clint Dempsey with a header from striker Bryan Ruiz's cross.... GOAL!! Fulham are ahead!!

 Kick-off by Bolton.... Ruiz steals the ball and runs through the defence...... he chips the ball towards goal... it looks good.... GOAL!!!! 2-0! Two goals in less than two minutes!

Bolton do not know what hit them....

The Fulham fans were still celebrating their first goal!!

HALF TIME:

Fulham 2 Bolton 0

Everton 0 Norwich City 1

Newcastle United 0 Swansea City 0

Wolves 1 Stoke City 0

Blackburn Rovers 0 West Bromwich Albion 0

The second half has started everywhere in the EPL. 4 goals from 5 matches so far.... lets hope that we get some more....

Blackburn Rovers vs West Brom:
52: West Brom corner taken by Chris Brunt.... cleared by the Blackburn defence..... the ball comes to James Morrison from 25 yards out... he shoots.... GOAL!!!!! West Brom have opened the scoring here at Ewood Park!! What a screamer.

FACT: James Morrison has scored the 19994th goal since the EPL started.

Wolves vs Stoke City:

58: Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan passes a free-kick to Robert Huth who hammers it towards goal...... deflection off striker Kevin Doyle... GOAL!!! The deflection helped the ball into the net. Stoke equalise.

70: Cross by Stoke City midfielder Matthew Etherington to striker Peter Crouch.. he heads the ball..... GOAL!!!! Stoké are infront for the first time in the match!! 2-1 to Stoke.

Blackburn Rovers vs West Brom:

72: Centre backs Samba and Dann combine to equalise for Blackburn to put them back into the match... an interesting 20 minutes left in store as both teams will want to steal three points late on.....

Everton vs Norwich City:

81: Everton forward Royston Drenthe sets up fellow midfielder Leon Osman who beats the defenders and shoots inside the box...... GOAL!! Everton equalise at Goodison Park! Can they push for a late winner???

87: Royston Drenthe with a long-range shot...... GOOD SAVE!! by John Ruddy... Everton are piling on the pressure....

Blackburn Rovers vs West Brom:

89: Peter Odemwingie with the ball at his feet for West Brom.... he cuts inside the box.... shoots with his left foot.... GOAL!!! West Brom are infront at Ewood Park. A huge blow to Blackburn at home.

FULL TIME:
Blackburn Rovers 1 West Brom 2
Everton 1 Norwich City 1
Newcastle United 0 Swansea City 0
Fulham 2 Everton 0

Striker Bryan Ruiz chipping the ball into the net to make it 2-0 to Fulham against Bolton.

Wolves 1 Stoke City 2

Stoke striker Peter Crouch celebrating his goal to make it 2-1 to Stoke against Wolves in the 70th minute.

Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea: LIVE

Wigan: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Stam, Jones, Diame, McCarthy, Moses, Gomez, Sammon. Subs: Pollitt, Gohouri, Crusat, Watson, Di Santo, McArthur, Rodallega.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Romeu, Lampard, Meireles, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata. Subs: Turnbull, Torres, Mikel, Malouda, Ferreira, McEachran, Kalou.

0: This match has kicked off at the DW Stadium.
If Chelsea win today, they will close the gap from 7 points to 4 points against 1st place Manchester City.

If Wigan win today, they will move out of the relegation zone.

10: Chelsea striker Daniel Sturidge with the ball.... gets into the box.... cleared away by Wigan defender Cary Caldwell.
14: Shot from Chelsea defender John Terry from 25 yards out.... MISS!!
18: Chelsea dominating possession here... passing well.
23: Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu with a drive from 30 yards out.... keeper Ali Habsi parries the ball to ensure that Chelsea are not infront here. 
33: Wigan corner.... cleared away by Chelsea's defence.. Petr Cech was a bit worried about that...
41: Wigan striker Victor Moses with a fierce shot inside the 16 yard box... the ball hits Ivanovic's arm.... The referee walks away from the situation. Wigan will feel frustrated as they did not get that but he tried to move out of the way...
45: Raul Miereles with the ball at his feet for Chelsea... he shoots... WIDE!!
45: One minute of stoppage time to be added on.


HALF-TIME:
Wigan Athletic 0 Chelsea 0


45: The referee blows the whistle to indicate the start of the second half here at the DW Stadium. 
Chelsea SUB:
Salomon Kalou ON
Oriol Romeu OFF


47: Ivanovic gives the ball away in a dangerous position... Gomez with a shot... HITS THE SIDE NETTING!!!
55: Salomon Kalou with the ball for Chelsea... he passes to Drogba... he shoots.... HITS THE SIDE NETTING!! Very close by the Ivorian... Chelsea fans thought that was in...
58: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is currently recieving treatment off the field for a cut mouth after being accidentally hit by Wigan midfielder Diame.
59: Cross by Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole who finds Daniel Sturridge who drilled the ball past Ali Habsi with a sweet, clean volley.... GOAL!! Chelsea are infront here!
62: Frank Lampard has recovered and has come back on now...
65: Run by Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa.... he takes a shot.... TIPPED ROUND THE POST!!! by Petr Cech.. Great save to deny an equaliser for Wigan....
66: Chelsea SUB:
John Obi Mikel ON
Juan Mata OFF
73: Wigan SUB: