English Premier League Review Dec 15th 2012

Manchester United produced a ruthless attacking display to beat woeful Sunderland to follow up last weeks win over Manchester City. Two first-half goals ultimately decided this contest, with Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley giving United the lead. Wayne Rooney tapped in from close range to make it 3-0, but Sunderland kept working and pulled a goal back through former United striker Fraizer Campbell. The 3-1 win keeps United 6 points clear at the top.

Second place Manchester City rebounded from last weeks loss in the Manchester derby, with a resounding win over Newcastle United on the back of a solid display from Yaya Toure. City went up 2-0 at the half with goals from Sergio Aguerro and Javi Garcia. Newcastle brought one back with a goal from Demba Ba, but the game was closed out by Toure, capping off his fine performance with a goal. The loss heaps more problems on Newcastle and their manager Alan Pardew, as their run of poor form now finds them mired in the relegation dogfight.

Champions league candidates, Spurs, got a hard fought 1-0 win over a stubborn and defensively well organized Swansea side, to pick up a result that takes them back into the top 4, after last weeks loss to Everton. Spurs dominated for large portions of the match and their perseverance was finally paid off when Belgian defender, Jan Vertonghen, broke the deadlock, scoring off a Kyle Walker’s free-kick at the 75th minute. Swansea had few chances in a hard working display, but remain10th despite their second straight defeat.

Elsewhere, other champions league hopefuls Everton, were held to a 1-1 draw with Stoke, as Stoke maintain their unbeaten home league record with their goal coming from Trinidad international Kenwyne Jones, as he scored his first goal in 28 Premier League appearances.

West Brom and West Ham played an uninspiring match, ending with both earning a point from a goalless draw. A decent point for both.

Norwich’s fantastic run continues as they beat Wigan 2-1 to extend their unbeaten league streak to10 games, with a fine display from Irishman Wes Hoolahan leading the way. Their unbeaten run goes back to the start of October, leaving Norwich now only two points shy of a place in the top four. Norwich’s win and all 3 points were well-merited as Wigan were very poor on the day. If not for Wigan keeper, Ali Al-Habsi, who was terrific, the result would have been even more emphatic. Wigan now remain entrenched in the relegation zone.

In the shock result of the weekend, Liverpool were stunned in a loss to Aston Villa and their hopes of challenging for a top-four spot were hit hard. Liverpool dominated play in terms of possession but were unable to create any true chances. Aston Villa scored against the run of play when Belgian, Christian Benteke, arrowed a shot in off the post.
The youthful and improving Villa side went up by two with great combination play again taking advantage of Liverpool’s wasteful attacking and poor defending. Steven Gerard pulled one back, but the final 3-1 score line was well deserved. The result puts Liverpool recent surge on hold, as their second loss in 12 games puts the skids on their top 4 hopes.

Queens Park Rangers’ record-breaking winless start to a Premier League season ended as they beat Fulham in an enthralling London derby. QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt’s scored twice in a dramatic win. The victory was their first of the campaign, halting a run of three consecutive draws since Harry Redknapp took over. The win moves QPR off the bottom It also moves them above Reading for the first time since November.