I am still hopeful of beating them for the title - a lot of teams can take points off each other. But I'm getting worried now!
As for Liverpool I honestly have no idea, Championship isn't loaded so I can't track what's going on down there
Blasphemy! Seven clubs lock horns for the title after sir Alex Ferguson's retirement!
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I am still hopeful of beating them for the title - a lot of teams can take points off each other. But I'm getting worried now!
As for Liverpool I honestly have no idea, Championship isn't loaded so I can't track what's going on down there
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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Dido
BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.
This week he takes on British singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Dido. Dido attained international success with her debut album No Angel which sold 21 million copies worldwide and won various awards. Dido's first two albums are among the best selling albums in UK Chart history. She was nominated for an Academy Award for the song "If I Rise". Dido was ranked No. 98 on the Billboard chart of the top 200 artists in the 2000s.Premier League predictions: Lawro v Dido
BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.
A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.
Newcastle - Manchester City
Dido: I feel this one will be way too even and none of them will want to lose so I'll go with a draw, 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: the Magpies always play it brave and I can't see them going for a draw, the question is whether City will exploit that or crumble and I'll got for the former - 1-2.
Arsenal - West Ham
Dido: I know it's a London derby but we are at home and must make that matter - 2-0.
Mark Lawrenson: I'll also side with the Gunners for this one, 3-1.
Fulham - Tottenham
Dido: Another London derby, no harsh feelings for Spurs but I think they will fail again. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: Going for a Spurs win here. 1-3.
Manchester United - Chelsea
Dido: Very even match again, I'll go with a draw. 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: I think the Red Devils will have the upper hand even though the Blues have impressed me big time with their transfers - 2-1.
Last week, Lawro got three results right, with no perfect scores. His score of 3 was not good enough to match the predictions of Newcastle fan Tony Blair, who managed four correct results with one perfect score.
Total scores after Week Twenty One
Lawro: 90
Guests: 73
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Premier League
Round 22
Saturday 17th January 2015:
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Arsenal - West Ham 4-1
Vermaelen (8), Ramsey (34), Wilshere (48, pen 83); Uche (27), Morrison sent off (67)
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Sunday 18th January 2015:
Fulham - Tottenham 1-1
Richardson (47); Soldado (51)
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Monday 19th January 2015:
Manchester United - Chelsea 0-1
Fellaini o.g. (52)
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League Table:
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Premier League
Round 22
Saturday 17th January 2015:
Newcastle - Manchester City 2-2
Alvarez Balanta (42), Alvarez Balanta sent off (77), Remy (84); Rami sent off (80), Silva (88), Ronaldo (90+2)
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Arsenal - West Ham 4-1
Vermaelen (8), Ramsey (34), Wilshere (48, pen 83); Uche (27), Morrison sent off (67)
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Sunday 18th January 2015:
Fulham - Tottenham 1-1
Richardson (47); Soldado (51)
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Monday 19th January 2015:
Manchester United - Chelsea 0-1
Fellaini o.g. (52)
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League Table:
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Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2014/15 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!
Gary Lineker: Manchester City arrived at Saint James' Park knowing a win would put them on par with the reigning champions with a game in hand but a strategic draw would also do to keep in touch. The Magpies needed a win to cement their top place which came upon threat recently after a few shaky recent performances which saw them concede nine goals in two league games. Anyone expecting Hristov to abandon his ultra attacking approach was up for a surprise though as the Magpies were all over the visitors from the first whistle. The game was so eventful that I still wonder how there was only one goal in the first period - Eder Alvarez Balanta's 42nd minute strike was no less than the home side deserved though. The best part of this match was left for the final fifteen minutes though. Alvarez Balanta blitzed the road from hero to sinner when a reckless tackle got him sent off with the end-spiel in sight. The visitors didn't wait long to return the favour though - Adil Rami followed for a second bookable offense just three minutes later. Saint James' Park must have thought the game was sealed when Loic Remy extended the home lead further with a 84th minute strike but it was the final four which broke the Geordie hearts - David Silva threw the visitors a lifeline with two minutes to go, and Ronaldo completed a magnificent comeback with virtually the last kick of the game!
Alan Hansen: You won't hear me saying the Citizens deserved this comeback because I don't think it was so, at all. Not that they were playing badly, they were completely blown apart by the buoyant Magpies. But as witnessed during the Keegan era, romantic all-out approach will cost you points now and then and this was a "then". Justice has nothing to do with it.
Alan Shearer: Alvarez Balanta had a great game despite his sending off, and Varane stepped up after his partner's dismissal. Sissoko was once again great in midfield, bullying opposition players around. Loic Remy also had a great cameo appearance to score the second goal for the Magpies. I think Januzaj and Depay owe their teammates a debt though as they had a number of great chances to seal the game for the hosts but never took them. As for the Citizens, Alaba had a rare poor game but it was PoM award taker David Silva who inspired the comeback by scoring the first and assisting the second.
Gary Lineker: This was a great game to watch but it is also quite likely to play a decisive part in the title race as the Magpies surrendered top spot and the Citizens are now back with a bang for it.
Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2014/15 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!
Gary Lineker: Manchester United welcomed Chelsea in a late Monday game fully aware a win would let them close the gap to the top to just five points. The Blues needed at least a point to stay on par with Newcastle but victory would see them make first place their own. It was little surprise David Moyes threw his usual cautious approach away for this game and the Red Devils were the more aggressive team. They seemed on track for a good result up to the point Marouane Fellaini shot his own team in the foot with an early second half own goal which was exactly what Jose Mourinho wanted. Chelsea adopted a careful deep-sitting strategy and saw the game out with relative ease to emerge league leaders.
Alan Hansen: I think the Red Devils will be left wondering what went wrong after this one. They were the better side and certainly didn't deserve to walk out of it empty-handed. The Fellaini own goal was a turning point as it massively swung momentum from the home to the visiting team and all of a sudden everything changed. Man United's aggressive approach backfired at that point as the yellow cards they picked up in the first half became dead weight and limited key players at a moment they really needed more bite to push for an equalizer. I would praise Mourinho but it was a perfect scenario for him and as we have seen time after time if he's good at something, it's protecting a lead in big games.
Alan Shearer: I won't shock anyone by saying no Man United players had a good game. On the other hand none of them were disappointing, either - the own goal was unlucky, and we couldn't expect Pogba to pull a miracle on his own in his first game back at Old Trafford after Fellaini couldn't support him due to his first half yellow card. Di Maria had to come off with an injury exactly when the home team was pushing for an equalizer so it all went wrong for Moyes. For those who demand a target to point fingers at Pogba should be the one - he did have no less than nine (!) shooting opportunities but couldn't capitalize on any of them. As for Chelsea - they just showed exceptional team effort and tactical discipline. It isn't surprising two of the most experienced players in their team were the best individual performers - Ashley Cole was tremendous at left back, but it was Petr Cech who claimed the PoM award with four key saves to keep Man United at bay.
Gary Lineker: It was a massive, massive game in terms of the title race. Chelsea have stepped up to steal the march from Newcastle and appear best equipped and best positioned to win the league right now. They also managed to put further distance between themselves and Man United which might effectively put the Red Devils out of the race!
Phil Collins @PhilCollinsFeed what a tool @ Marseilles can -u-----------e 1m
#THFC about to address void left by sales of Naughton and Rose!!!
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#THFC about to address void left by sales of Naughton and Rose!!!
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Spurs turn to former Chelsea fullback
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Last Updated: 19th January 2015
RYAN to fill void left by Rose and Naughton departures
Tottenham have taken their time to secure a fullback after the peculiar sales of Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton left the first team short of numbers in that position. The club has finally repaired that hole by snapping Ryan Bertrand (25) from Everton for a 9.75 million pounds fee. The former Chelsea defender is a natural left back but can play anywhere across the left flank and provide adept cover on the right side of defense if required.
Spurs turn to former Chelsea fullback
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Last Updated: 19th January 2015
RYAN to fill void left by Rose and Naughton departures
Tottenham have taken their time to secure a fullback after the peculiar sales of Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton left the first team short of numbers in that position. The club has finally repaired that hole by snapping Ryan Bertrand (25) from Everton for a 9.75 million pounds fee. The former Chelsea defender is a natural left back but can play anywhere across the left flank and provide adept cover on the right side of defense if required.
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Bertrand joins Spurs
Bertrand became a regular for Everton over the season and a half he spent with the Toffees and performed at a good level. He is a good Premier League level player and while the White Hart Lane faithful can't expect fireworks from him, he will do a job for the team when relied upon.
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Premier League
Postponed fixture
Tuesday 20th January 2015:
Q.P.R. - Arsenal 1-2
Kelly (68); Cazorla (80), Park Ji-Sung o.g. (90+1)
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League Table:
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Premier League
Postponed fixture
Tuesday 20th January 2015:
Q.P.R. - Arsenal 1-2
Kelly (68); Cazorla (80), Park Ji-Sung o.g. (90+1)
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League Table:
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English Title Contenders Cup Watch
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Semi Final Second Leg
Tuesday 20th January 2015:
Sunderland - Manchester City 0-1 (0-3)
Ronaldo (85)
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Wednesday 21st January 2015:
Newcastle - Liverpool 2-0 (5-1)
Zouma (26), Depay (36)
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Semi Final Second Leg
Tuesday 20th January 2015:
Sunderland - Manchester City 0-1 (0-3)
Ronaldo (85)
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Wednesday 21st January 2015:
Newcastle - Liverpool 2-0 (5-1)
Zouma (26), Depay (36)
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Simon Pegg @simonpegg what a tool @ Marseilles can yo-----i------ue 1m
Dutch international about to join #CFC
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Dutch international about to join #CFC
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Dutch tireless midfielder signed by Mourinho
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By Ray Wilkins | Last Updated: January 21, 2015 9:33am
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Strootman arrives at Stamford Bridge to win the title
Kevin Strootman to deliver extra midfield stability, says Ray Wilkins.
Chelsea have announced the signing of Roma tireless midfielder Kevin Strootman (24) for a 33.0 million pounds fee. The Dutch international is a hard working all-round player who can perform the dirty work for his teammates while also pulling the strings from a deep role. He should fit perfectly in Mourinho's system and would be massively important in the second half of the season as he flourishes in games such as the one we just saw at Old Trafford.
Strootman spent the last two seasons with Roma and starred in their midfield. He is likely to compete for a starting position with Ramires and John Obi Mikel and while they seem to be the better players at the moment, Kevin also has his arguments in direct comparison and is very likely the long term replacement for Obi Mikel, who Mourinho doesn't like for his lack of mobility.
Kevin Strootman transfer verdict: 7.5/10 - solid squad depth player for the immediate future with a view of becoming a key ingredient in a title-challenging side for years to come.
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Dutch tireless midfielder signed by Mourinho
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By Ray Wilkins | Last Updated: January 21, 2015 9:33am
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Strootman arrives at Stamford Bridge to win the title
Kevin Strootman to deliver extra midfield stability, says Ray Wilkins.
Chelsea have announced the signing of Roma tireless midfielder Kevin Strootman (24) for a 33.0 million pounds fee. The Dutch international is a hard working all-round player who can perform the dirty work for his teammates while also pulling the strings from a deep role. He should fit perfectly in Mourinho's system and would be massively important in the second half of the season as he flourishes in games such as the one we just saw at Old Trafford.
Strootman spent the last two seasons with Roma and starred in their midfield. He is likely to compete for a starting position with Ramires and John Obi Mikel and while they seem to be the better players at the moment, Kevin also has his arguments in direct comparison and is very likely the long term replacement for Obi Mikel, who Mourinho doesn't like for his lack of mobility.
Kevin Strootman transfer verdict: 7.5/10 - solid squad depth player for the immediate future with a view of becoming a key ingredient in a title-challenging side for years to come.
Piers Morgan @piersmorgan what a tool @ Marseilles can youiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie 1m
Gibbs replacement reportedly on his way to #Arsenal
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Gibbs replacement reportedly on his way to #Arsenal
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Gunners replace Gibbs with British talent
Abou Diabi leaves the club
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Ben Davies explains leaving Swansea as the right career move
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Diaby leaves the Emirates
Someone who won't be making the grade at Arsenal is French international midfielder Abou Diaby (28) who has been released on a free transfer. The fact Diaby is currently out injured and couldn't even draw interest from a single club kind of says it all for his career with the Gunners - he could have been an influential player but consistent spells on the sidelines wouldn't let that happen.
Gunners replace Gibbs with British talent
Abou Diabi leaves the club
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Ben Davies explains leaving Swansea as the right career move
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By Alan Smith
10:29AM GMT 22 Jan 2015
Arsenal have announced the much anticipated replacement of Kieran Gibbs. Perhaps a little unexpectedly, Arsene Wenger has chosen to pick from the English market this time by signing Europa League winning Swansea left back Ben Davies (21) for 17.0 million pounds. Davies is already a better player than Gibbs even though he is four years younger. His willingness to participate in attacks down the left flank is likely to appeal to the Gunner fans and it is always nice to cheer for a British player. Another positive is Davies has showed consistent improvement as his solid performances last campaign have become even better in the current one.
By Alan Smith
10:29AM GMT 22 Jan 2015
Arsenal have announced the much anticipated replacement of Kieran Gibbs. Perhaps a little unexpectedly, Arsene Wenger has chosen to pick from the English market this time by signing Europa League winning Swansea left back Ben Davies (21) for 17.0 million pounds. Davies is already a better player than Gibbs even though he is four years younger. His willingness to participate in attacks down the left flank is likely to appeal to the Gunner fans and it is always nice to cheer for a British player. Another positive is Davies has showed consistent improvement as his solid performances last campaign have become even better in the current one.
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Diaby leaves the Emirates
Someone who won't be making the grade at Arsenal is French international midfielder Abou Diaby (28) who has been released on a free transfer. The fact Diaby is currently out injured and couldn't even draw interest from a single club kind of says it all for his career with the Gunners - he could have been an influential player but consistent spells on the sidelines wouldn't let that happen.
Ben Davies transfer verdict: 6.5/10 - a definite improvement on Kieran Gibbs and a British player although the club could have done better with an established top player rather than yet another prospect for the future.
Abou Diaby transfer verdict: 5.0/10 - the Frenchman had no future at the club and the call to let him go was justified but it would have been better if the club managed to pick up at least a respectable fee for him.
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Club captain leaves Spurs
Villas-Boas calls an end to an era
Villas-Boas calls an end to an era
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David Pleat
The Guardian, Saturday 24 January 2015
Tottenham have shocked the footballing community by allowing club captain Michael Dawson (31) to leave the team mid season. Dawson joins Southampton for 1.0 million pounds. Even if Michael wanted to leave sanctioning the deal at this point is questionable at best as you simply don't get rid of your most influential dressing room player with the campaign still going. Dawson's departure puts an end to a decade-long career at White Hart Lane and is certain to affect the first team one way or another. Michael has played the massive 258 league games for Spurs.
Andre Villas-Boas vowed the team not to dwell on the transfer and immediately appointed Younes Kaboul as new club captain, Sandro assuming vice-captain duty. Whether a replacement for Dawson is on the transfer agenda is yet unclear but it is a fact Tottenham are now short in central defense with just three specialists available for the position.
David Pleat
The Guardian, Saturday 24 January 2015
Tottenham have shocked the footballing community by allowing club captain Michael Dawson (31) to leave the team mid season. Dawson joins Southampton for 1.0 million pounds. Even if Michael wanted to leave sanctioning the deal at this point is questionable at best as you simply don't get rid of your most influential dressing room player with the campaign still going. Dawson's departure puts an end to a decade-long career at White Hart Lane and is certain to affect the first team one way or another. Michael has played the massive 258 league games for Spurs.
Andre Villas-Boas vowed the team not to dwell on the transfer and immediately appointed Younes Kaboul as new club captain, Sandro assuming vice-captain duty. Whether a replacement for Dawson is on the transfer agenda is yet unclear but it is a fact Tottenham are now short in central defense with just three specialists available for the position.
Michael Dawson transfer verdict: 2.5/10 - you do not sell your captain in January, period.
English Title Contenders Cup Watch
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Fourth Round
Saturday 24th January 2015:
Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea 1-2
Hulse (pen 22); Falcao (2), Draper o.g. (72)
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Newcastle - Ipswich 4-1
Anita (22), Ben Arfa (50, 74), Donovan (81); Taylor (88)
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Manchester City - Stoke 0-0
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Sheffield United - Tottenham 0-1
Griezmann (82)
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Fourth Round
Saturday 24th January 2015:
Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea 1-2
Hulse (pen 22); Falcao (2), Draper o.g. (72)
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Newcastle - Ipswich 4-1
Anita (22), Ben Arfa (50, 74), Donovan (81); Taylor (88)
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Manchester City - Stoke 0-0
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Sheffield United - Tottenham 0-1
Griezmann (82)
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Manchester United - Derby 2-1
Rooney (31), Smalling (45+2); Bennett (23)
View attachment 417297View attachment 417296Rooney (31), Smalling (45+2); Bennett (23)
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English Title Contenders Cup Watch
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Fifth Round Draw
Newcastle - Watford
Manchester United - Yeovil
Reading - Tottenham
Everton - Chelsea
West Brom - Stoke/Manchester City
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Fifth Round Draw
Newcastle - Watford
Manchester United - Yeovil
Reading - Tottenham
Everton - Chelsea
West Brom - Stoke/Manchester City
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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Noel
BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.
This week he takes on English musician, singer, songwriter and Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher. Noel served as the lead guitarist, occasional lead singer and principal songwriter of the rock band Oasis. Many have praised Gallagher's songwriting, with George Martin claiming him to be "the finest songwriter of his generation."Premier League predictions: Lawro v Noel
BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.
A correct result is worth ONE point. A correct score earns THREE points.
Tottenham - Newcastle
Noel Gallagher: What a better chance than this to catch up with the champions? 1-1.
Mark Lawrenson: I think the Magpies will be itching to get back to winning ways after surrendering a two goal lead against City last round. 1-3.
Manchester City - Hull
Noel Gallagher: Must win. 3-0.
Mark Lawrenson: Can't see past the Citizens for this one. 4-1.
Sunderland - Manchester United
Noel Gallagher: Don't underestimate the Black Cats, they can make the lesser Manchester team suffer. 2-0.
Mark Lawrenson: No way on earth will the Red Devils miss to win this match. 1-3.
Chelsea - Arsenal
Noel Gallagher: The Blues should win this game - 1-0.
Mark Lawrenson: I also think Chelsea will be unstoppable at home after finally taking the lead in the league table. 3-1.
Last week, Lawro got one result right, with no perfect scores. His score of 1 was nowhere near the predictions of Arsenal fan Dido, who managed three correct results with one perfect score.
Total scores after Week Twenty Two
Lawro: 91
Guests: 78
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Tottenham - Newcastle 2-1
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Sunderland - Manchester United 0-4
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League Table:
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Premier League
Round 23
Tuesday 27th January 2015:
Round 23
Tuesday 27th January 2015:
Tottenham - Newcastle 2-1
Lennon (59), Defoe (66); Lamela (46), Yanga-Mbiwa sent off (53)
View attachment 417285View attachment 417284View attachment 417283Manchester City - Hull 1-0
Negredo (11)View attachment 417281View attachment 417280
Sunderland - Manchester United 0-4
Kagawa (7, 34), van Persie (31, 62)
Wednesday 28th January 2015:
Chelsea - Arsenal 1-0
Giroud o.g. (31)
View attachment 417277View attachment 417276View attachment 417275Chelsea - Arsenal 1-0
Giroud o.g. (31)
League Table:
Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2014/15 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!
Gary Lineker: Champions Newcastle came to White Hart Lane needing nothing but a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Chelsea. Hosts Tottenham had little to play for other than pride as their chances to mount a late charge to salvage the season with a top four finish less than slim. Considering the setup it was hardly surprising it was the visitors who dominated the first half and took the lead immediately after the break with a good Erik Lamela goal. It all went off the rails then as Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa got himself sent off for a stupid second booking. It is the second game in a row and a second title contender derby the Magpies suffered a red card and it changed the status quo on the pitch. Spurs were invigorated by the lifeline and put the confused visitors under tremendous pressure. Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe managed to turn this to goals and even though Newcastle tried to push for an equalizer at the end they just lacked the energy and drive to achieve it.
Alan Hansen: There were two distinctive periods in this game. Before the red card it was Newcastle who created everything meaningful up front, with Spurs only threatening on occasion. After Yanga-Mbiwa got his marching orders it all changed. Spurs' five man midfield had little competition and simply kept putting the ball back in the visitors' box. It was always going to lead to goals and unlike so many other games earlier in the season Tottenham got the little bit of luck to get just what they needed to secure a big win.
Alan Shearer: I thought Ryan Bertrand was impressive for his new team in this match but it was the midfield that produced the comeback and Paulinho, Eriksen and Lennon all upped their game in the second half to put the Magpies to sword. I will also note the big game PoM award taker Kurt Zouma had for Newcastle despite seeing his partner at the heart of defense go early.
Gary Lineker: It's a pity Spurs got this win too late to revive their top four ambitions as they still stand 15 points short in the table. It puts a massive dent in Newcastle's title defense though - the Magpies are now five behind Chelsea and risk being overtaken by Manchester City if the sky blues take anything from their game in hand.
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Gary Lineker: Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for our thoughts on the 2014/15 Premier League season! It seems the race will be as tight as ever this time around and as we all know it is those direct 6-pointer clashes that play a decisive part in deciding who will fly and who will fall. For this reason we will be focusing solely on those giant games in Match of the Day. Stay with us as Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer aid me on analyzing the key aspects of what happened and why it happened for you!
Gary Lineker: League leaders Chelsea entertained Arsenal at Stamford Bridge after Newcastle had already lost their fixture at White Hart Lane. That opened up a great opportunity for the Blues to pull a gap at the top at least until Man City play their game in hand. An away win would have seen the Gunners match the hosts' points tally and go joint top of the table though. Despite expectations of a tight tactical affair both clubs actually showed they wanted it by committing men forward throughout the game. It was Chelsea who had the little bit of luck though as Olivier Giroud scored an unfortunate own goal on the half hour mark - and that proved to be the only goal in the game.
Alan Hansen: Another typical Mourinho game at the Bridge. Once Chelsea had the lead, they simply kept possession and their great ability to move the ball around deprived Arsenal of any real chances to equalize. The Gunners tried to up the aggression in the middle of the park as suggested by the yellow cards they picked in the second half but ultimately came short. I think Wenger was a bit too stubborn with his starting lineup though as he left Vela and Cazorla on the bench for the entire game even though Arsenal needed some freshness in the second half.
Alan Shearer: To get Arsenal out of the way, I'll point out Jack Rodwell had a good game for them. He gave a real fight to the Chelsea midfield and was extremely efficient even if his passing left something to be desired. But his performance was outshined by his Chelsea counterpart and PoM winner Ramires. The entire defensive line of the hosts was very solid with Mangala leading them all the way to a big clean sheet. Oddly Eden Hazard was one to disappoint as the Belgium international missed several clear cut chances to put the game to bed.
Gary Lineker: Incredibly it is the second game in a row - a title contender derby in a row - that the Blues win thanks to an own goal. It is matches like this that make or break a trophy winning season and Chelsea seem to have everything going their way so far. Let's not miss on another important fact - the hosts denied Arsenal a great opportunity to join the front runners so it is a double win in Mourinho's book! The Gunners are still in the mix but the six point deficit will be extra heavy in their heads knowing they could have been right there had they got a result at Stamford Bridge.
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