Premier League Analysis - 12/13 Jan

Arsenal 1 Birmingham 1

Walcott started on the right with Eduardo partnering Adebayor in attack. Senderos came in for Toure who is at the African Cup of Nations. No goals in seven Premier League games for Fabregas. Gallas almost snatched a late winner and consistently looks the most likely of their defenders to score.

Kapo returned from a knee injury but picked up his fourth yellow card of the season. At £3 million he is a decent option. McSheffrey was dropped as O’Connor (the goal scorer) played with Jerome up front. Queudrue went off injured in the 61st minute. Larsson registered his fifth KC of the season.

Aston Villa 3 Reading 1

Carew and Lausen both moved to six goals for the season. Mellberg felt unwell in the warm-up and was replaced by Gardner. Ashley Young is the KC master - he now has 12 and leads this chart by one from Fabregas.

Reading have scored more away goals than Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United this season. They miss Bikey and Sonko (both on ACN duty) and now have a goal difference of -17. It’s United at home followed by a trip to Chelsea next.

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0

Goals in consecutive games for Shaun Wright-Phillips for the first time in his Chelsea career. Anelka started on the bench but looked sharp when he came on and should settle quickly. Belletti scored his second rocket of the season and has now started the last three games. Lampard is reported to be close to his comeback.

Huddlestone and Jenas were both suspended and Malbranque picked up his fifth booking in this game. Cerny was preferred once again to Robinson. Only the third time that Spurs have failed to score this season.

Derby 0 Wigan 1

Derby have the worst ever Premier League record after 22 games. Ghaly, Robert, Savage and Villa (not Ricky) all started.

Only two defeats in eight for Wigan. New signing Palacios started for Taylor (injured) whilst Boyce replaced the suspended Scharner. Sibierski came on to score the winner and help his cause for a start against Everton.

Everton 1 Man City 0

Pienaar, Yakubu and Yobo are all in Ghana so Anichebe, McFadden and Valente came in. Johnson was injured in training so was not considered. Lescott, who played at centre back notched his fourth of the season. Three clean sheets in four for Everton. Fernandes is back on a laon deal from Valencia. Cahill picked up his fourth booking.

For City, Ireland dropped to the bench in order to incorporate Elano and Castillo. Corluka once again played in midfield with Onuoha at right-back. Ball remained at left-back with Garrido benched. Four of City’s next six games are at fortress Eastlands.

Man Utd 6 Newcastle 0

Ronaldo now has as many Premier League goals as Steven Gerrard (51). O’Shea came in for the suspended Brown and Tevez was passed fit despite a bruised ankle. Gary Neville scored on his return for the reserves so the right back slot will be keenly fought over. Rooney picked up his fourth booking.

Desperate times for Newcastle. They need an experienced manager fast. Smith will miss two games for his stupid sending off and Butt will miss a game for his 10th booking of the season!

Middlesbrough 1 Liverpool 1

Pogatetz was ill and Woodgate had a hamstring injury. They love playing Liverpool and have lost only one of their last nine home games against them. Mido should be back soon.

With news emerging that Liverpool’s owners did approach Klinsmann about becoming manager it was not a good result for Rafa. Torres has five in five and looks total class. Arbeloa played at left back with Riise in midfield. Voronin started with Kuyt on the bench and Crouch not in the 16. Alonso picked up his fourth booking. Agger has suffered a setback in training.

West Ham 2 Fulham 1

Glimpses of a serious return to form for Dean Ashton and Freddie Ljunberg. Neil was injured so Spector played at right back. Faubert came on in the final minute for his first action of the season. The Hammers have bounced back from five of their seven league defeats with a victory.

Fulham are adrift and in big trouble. They love to go ahead and then lose. Bocanegra left the field injured after just 14 minutes. Konchesky picked up his fourth booking. Great to see Jimmy Bullard on as a 77th minute substitute. Four of their next six games at the Cottage although two of those are against United and Arsenal.

Bolton 1 Blackburn 2

This was the fourth Premier League game this season that Bolton have played without Anelka - they have lost them all. They need a new striker. It was a stunning strike from Nolan who has thrived since Sammy Lee left. Matt Taylor from Portsmouth would be a decent addition to the squad. Fifth booking for Campo.

Ooijer came in for the injured Emerton. Reid partnered Dunn in central midfield. Blackburn have now rescued 18 points from a losing position this season. Only one clean sheet in 11 for Rovers.

Sunderland 2 Portsmouth 0

A much needed win for Roy Keane. A double strike for Kieran Richardson who has only started six games. At £3 million he’s one to watch. Murphy got the nod up front alongside Jones. McShane was dropped to accommodate Evans. Only the third clean sheet of the campaign.

After all the fuss about Harry not going to Newcastle this must have been a big disappointment for him. Pamarot replaced the injured Johnson. Nugent started on his own up front although Benjani joined him as they went on the attack. Harry said that players going to the ACN would be a problem and sure enough……

That’s it for this week. Did you qualify for the first round of the YTM Cup?

Cheers,
Tom