Ba humbug for Fergie

Thursday, 05/01/2012

by Ger McCarthy

The first week of the New Year has produced plenty of talking points and shock results at both ends of the Premier League table.

Manchester United suffered a second consecutive defeat following a resounding 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.

Demba Ba volleyed home a tremendous opener before Yohan Cabaye curled a marvellous free-kick into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out. An unfortunate own goal form Phil Jones completed a miserable night for Sir Alex Ferguson who next face title rivals Man City in the FA Cup.

Bolton's fifth win of the season arrived at a windswept Goodison Park to move Owen Coyle’s side off the foot of the table following a 2-1 win over Everton. The Toffees took the lead through a remarkable 102-yard wind-assisted clearance from keeper Tim Howard that bounced over Adam Bogdan at the opposite end of the pitch. Bolton redoubled their efforts and deservedly drew level when David Ngog fired home after 67 minutes. It was left to star defender Gary Cahill to win it for Bolton late on ahead of the defender’s likely transfer to Chelsea next week.

Manchester City remain three points ahead of the chasing pack following a clinical 3-0 defeat of Liverpool (minus Luis Suarez who began his eight match ban) at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. A Pepe Reina howler allowed Sergio Ageuro’s speculative into the net for an early 1-0 City lead before the excellent Yaya Toure doubled the hosts’ lead just past the half hour. Gareth Barry saw red before a converted James Milner penalty sealed the points for a delighted Roberto Mancini.

Also on Tuesday night Tottenham maintained their lofty position of third place thanks to a hard fought 1-0 victory over West Brom at White Hart Lane. Jermain Defoe’s solitary strike after 63 minutes earned Harry Redknapp’s side a seventh home win of the campaign but injuries to Scott Parker, William Gallas and Sandro may yet scupper the North London club’s hopes of a title push.

Martin O’Neill’s new revolution at Sunderland continued on the same evening with a 4-1 thumping of Wigan at the DW Stadium. Craig Gardner, James McClean, Stephane Sessegnon and David Vaughan all netted to send the Black Cats into the top half of the table while Hugo Rodallega scored a consolation effort for a Wigan side who stay deep in relegation trouble.

There were five Premier League fixtures completed on Monday with Fulham’s win over Arsenal at Craven Cottage the result which drew the most headlines. The Gunners appeared to be in complete control once Laurent Koscielny's fired the visitors ahead until a spirited Fulham comeback saw Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora net late on to secure a merited 2-1 victory for Martin Jol’s side.

Chelsea ended a dreadful run of results by recording a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Molineux over relegation threatened Wolves. Ramires broke the deadlock in the second half for the visitors before a Stephen Ward rocket appeared to earn Wolves a valuable point. Frank Lampard completed a flowing Chelsea move a minute from the end to earn the Stamford Bridge club all three points and some breathing space for under-fire manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Swansea’s first away victory in the Premier League arrived courtesy of a 2-0 win at Villa Park over an out of sorts Aston Villa. Nathan Dyer opened the scoring with an opportunistic strike following some wayward Villa defending before Wayne Routledge secured Brendan Rodgers’ side’s first three points away from the Liberty Stadium.

Stoke moved into eighth following a 2-1 win at Ewood Park to end Blackburn Rover’s recent mini-revival. England international Peter Crouch netted either side of the interval to secure Tony Pulis’ fourth away win of the campaign. David Goodwillie’s late strike wasn’t enough to get Blackburn back into the game and Rovers remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Joey Barton made headlines in QPR’s 2-1 loss at home to Norwich City at Loftus Road having scored a goal and then getting himself sent off. Barton opened the scoring with a well taken effort but was dismissed shortly afterwards for an apparent head butt on Bradley Johnson. Norwich took full advantage with Anthony Pilkington and Steve Morison netting to elevate the Canaries to ninth.

Follow Ger on Twitter: @offcentrecircle

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