The van Persie effect: How one man can mean so much to one team

Its been far too long since I wrote on here;

I really can't wait to finish uni so I can make this a regular thing.

However, winter appears to be over. The first daffodils are coming out and spring looks like its finally arrived.

This means several things: longer days; brighter, happier weather; and the final straight of the Premier League season.

10 weeks from now and we will be in the middle of May, hotly anticipating the Euro's and, even more so, August, when the whole thing kicks off again. Right now though, the league table is starting to take shape, and all twenty teams know the position they are fighting for.

Forget the title; that's a two-horse race.

Third? Spurs should have that all sewn up.

The relegation battle will probably go all the way to the wire again. Terrible for the teams involved, but it makes it much more exciting for the neutral.

The position I'm interested in right now is fourth. The coveted final Champions League spot. An inconveniently placed two-legged qualifier is required, but its a small price to pay to compete in the world's best club competition.

Looking good for fourth right now are Arsenal. They beat Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, and Chelsea lost to West Brom to give the Gunners a tiny bit of daylight in the shape of three points between themselves and the fifth-placed Blues.

We all know who is responsible for turning Arsenal's season around from the disappointment, and dare I say, humiliation of August.

The man they signed from Feyenoord in 2004 was never really a prolific scorer, but van Persie's class was still clear to see, highlighted even further in that goal against Charlton.

Robin Van Persie

Although he has suffered various injuries, he came back halfway through last season, finishing the 2010/11 as the top league goal scorer of 2011 so far, an achievement he continued throughout the current season, finishing 2011 with 35 league goals.

This season, he's on 31 overall for Arsenal. 25 of these have come in the league, which is not bad going considering he's only started 26 games, and was introduced as a substitute against Stoke in October (he came on and scored twice). Going back to Arsenal's most recent game, the 2-1 away victory over Liverpool, it needn't be said that van Persie scored both goals. It was this game that led me to this post: Where would Arsenal be without RVP?

Many people have called Arsenal a one-man team, a phrase I'm not too keen on using, especially after Szczesny's performance at Anfield, amongst other key players for the Gunners.

But how far does the assessment 'one-man team' actually tell true? A quick indicator takes away any Premier League goal this season where van Persie has had a direct influence (either scored or provided an assist). After doing the research, the results are rather astonishing. Simply put, Arsenal wouldn't be far off a relegation scrap.

Without van Persie's contributions this season, Arsenal would have surrendered almost half of their points. Currently on 49 points in fourth spot, they would actually be in the lowly position of 15th, below Aston Villa, on 28 points.

Wins against Stoke, Everton and QPR would become draws (6 points dropped), losses against Manchester United, Blackburn and Swansea would become heavier losses, and worst of all, wins against Sunderland, Chelsea, Norwich, Villa and Liverpool would become losses (15 points dropped).

Without taking Goal Difference into account, the current table reads like this:

Current Premier League table (as of 05/03/2012)

The revised league table, however, provides a drastic change:

Potential Premier League table, minus goals directly influenced by Robin van Persie.

Fortunately for Arsenal fans, the former table is correct, and Arsenal do have van Persie in their squad. Unfortunately, his contract has little over a year remaining, meaning one of several possibilities:

Either the club breaks it's wage structure in order to keep him, he stays for the next four-plus years, likely winning little or no silverware; he foresee's he is unlikely to win a trophy, doesn't agree a new contract and they sell him in the summer/January to try and make some money from him; or he doesn't agree a new contract and they keep him until it expires, at which point lose him for nothing.

The day van Persie leaves the Premier League will be a sad day for English football, but other than a move to the obvious interested party Manchester City, is there anywhere else in the country that could afford him? The only other big-spender is Chelsea, who seem to be more of a sinking ship than Arsenal at the moment. This leaves a move abroad this summer as a seriously viable option, where he is more likely to win something, perhaps even the Champions League if he transfers to one of the Spanish big-two. 

I understand it is very simplistic to concentrate solely on the goals he has directly influenced in an attempt to evaluate Arsenal's season so far. However, there is and never will be an accurate way to measure one players influence compared to how the team would have fared without him in the same games.

There are also a lot of teams in the current league that, their star player's input removed, will be in a much different situation, but I believe this to be the case for Arsenal much more than any other team.

Just what would they do without him? I've got a feeling we'll be finding that out sooner rather than later.

Follow me on Twitter: @philbeck10

Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th April 2011

For those of you who have read my previous posts, you'll know I do more than just a few lines about each game. At the current moment in time, when I'm supposed to be writing essays and revising, whilst still trying to get this posted every week, it is getting rather difficult to keep each post at a decent length.
For this reason, I'm gonna do my best to keep them all short and sweet; just a quick sentence or two about each game, my prediction, and then move on. Plus, it makes it much easier for you all to read.

Manchester United v Everton

A game that can surely only have one winner. United looking to secure a team record 13 home wins on the bounce againt an Everton team that haven't won at Old Trafford in the league since the inaugural PL Season nineteen years ago. The Toffee's are also missing a whole bunch of key players.

Look out for:

Wayne Rooney - The former Toffee will love nothing more than to score and be on the winning side against his old club, especially as all the travelling fans will be more-than-likely booing him.
Leighton Baines - Brilliant anywhere down the left flank. Great in the tackle and an excellent crosser of the ball. If Everton manage a sniff at goal, it will be made by him.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton

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Aston Villa v Stoke City

With Aston Villa finally where they belong in the top half of the table, they can begin to play football without fearing a relegation battle. They'll definitely want to win while manager Gerrard Houllier is stuck in hospital. Stoke's first game since their thrashing of Bolton, and they'll definitely be in good spirits, even though their league form is poor. That said, they aren't playing for anything in the league either, and any games between now and the F.A. Cup final are just training games.

Look out for:

Ashley Young - Such a dangerous player on his day. He can put a ball in the box better than most in this league, and with someone like Darren Bent to aim for, he could create a few goals.

Matthew Etherington - Like Young, he is a constant threat. He opened the scoring in the Semi-Final and his goal against Spurs a couple of weeks ago was just magical.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Stoke City 

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Blackpool v Newcastle United

The last time these two met, Blackpool ran out surprise winners, but not much has gone their way since. They've also been notably stronger away from home than at Bloomfield Road, and can't seem to put together a good performance, never mind a win.

Newcastle played brilliantly in the first half an hour against Manchester United on Tuesday, but I feel the reason they suddenly stopped pressing was they had all got tired. The slight bit of pressure could cause Blackpool to crack, and leave them in the relegation zone until next weekend.

Look out for:

Charlie Adam - Fit again after injury, the Tangerine's captain needs to be on top form for Blackpool to get anything from any game these days. Talk about carrying a team.

Joey Barton - Caused so many problems against United in his new, unorthodox right-wing role. Looks very dangerous, especially considering he's used to playing in the middle and can always cut inside.

Prediction: Blackpool 1-3 Newcastle United 

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Liverpool v Birmingham City

The Reds vs the Blues. Liverpool are looking good recently, and Birmingham have far from mastered playing away from home. I'm afraid this has home win written all over it, leaving Birmingham hovering dangerously above the drop zone. It could be a case of damage limitation for McLeish's men, because goal difference could be vital come the end of the season.

Look out for:

Luis Suarez - Words can't describe the impact he's had on Liverpool since he arrived in January. He gives the team a sense of urgency, I know the fans are delighted his performances have been instantly brilliant.

Ben Foster - Like I said, damage limitation. If Liverpool are playing well, it could get ugly for Birmingham, but if Foster woke up on the right side of the bed, he'll do his best to keep the score down.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Birmingham

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Sunderland v Wigan Athletic

 

This is surely the game for Bruce's men to stop the rot. On paper, they don't come much easier than a home game against one of the poorer teams this season. Wigan's win at Blackpool last week could get prove to be vital, whilst Sunderland's no-show at St. Andrews extended the Black Cat's terrible run. Only 4 points separate these two now, and I wouldn't like to put money on Sunderland winning, but Wigan haven't won two league games in a row all season, and I don't see that changing.

 

Look out for:

Asamoah Gyan - Any Sunderland goals are going to come from him. Young Frazier Campbell has recently been ruled out for most of next season and Danny Welbeck is doubtful with a hamstring injury, leaving the Ghanaian as the only fit Sunderland striker.

Charles N'Zogbia - A big fish in a small pond, N'Zogbia could be at a much better club than Wigan. However, he plays like he enjoys his football, even though his club are fighting to survive. He can run at defenders, and with Sunderland's injury list growing, their make-shift backline will have their work cut out against the Frenchman.

 

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Wigan

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Tottenham Hotspur v West Brom

 

Spur's midweek game against Arsenal was one I thought they could win, but they did excellently to come back from 3-1 down to earn a point. That was one of the most exciting games of this season, and they'll want to take that entertainment factor into this game, knowing they still have a chance of Europe. The Baggies' lost last time out against Chelsea, and they'll want to make sure that is only a minor blip rather than the start of a poor run of form.

 

Look out for:

Rafael Van Der Vaart - With Bale a major doubt after suffering an injury against Arsenal, Van Der Vaart will be Spurs' star man. Him and Aaron Lennon were the catalyst for the comeback, and he is a player who can score or create goals for his team.

Peter Odemwingie - This season alone, he's given enough footage to create a bloopers DVD, but he's also scored some vital goals. He may need a few chances to score, but he gets in the right positions.

 

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 West Brom 

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Wolves v Fulham 

 

Wolves were left propping up the table last week, albeit with a game in hand over West Ham. With West Ham not playing until 5:30, Wolves could climb out of the relegation zone providing other results go their way. They have a brilliant chance against a Fulham team who have won only once away from Craven Cottage this season. However, Wolves are famed this year for their scalps against the big teams, but failure to repeat this against the teams lower down the table.

 

Look out for:

Jamie O'Hara - A player who poses quite a conundrum for Harry Redknapp. Currently on loan from Spurs because he can't get first team football, but occasionally puts in a man of the match performance to make you wonder if he could play at White Hart Lane. The Wolves' engine room, against a midfield such as Fulhams, could win the game.

Brede Hangeland - An outstanding defender. He could prove to be the difference between Wolves getting the goals they need or not, and will always pose a threat from Fulham's set pieces.

 

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Fulham

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Chelsea v West Ham 

Saturday's late kick off can surely only go one way. A West Ham team with or without Football Writer's Association Player of the Year Scott Parker wouldn't be expected to take any points from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea leap-frogged Arsenal into second place on Wednesday night, and I see them as United's real challengers for the title, due to Arsenal's tendencies to fall short this time of year. After Ancelotti's men dropped so far behind, it seemed unlikely they would get 3rd, yet now they are back in with a shout at the league, and will give absolutely everything to their cause.

 

Look out for:

Didier Drogba - A true matchwinner. Since Torres arrived (although he is yet to turn up to a game), Drogba has looked more like a £50m signing. He will be too much for West Ham's defence to handle.

Matthew Upson - With Parker a huge doubt, the Hammers will have to look at parking the bus for as long as possible. Upson isn't everyone's favourite player, but I believe he is a top defender on his day, and will need to be to cope with Drogba, Malouda, Anelka, and co.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 West Ham

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Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

 

A real test of the Trotter's character, to see whether they can bounce back from that horrific defeat last weekend. Had they won last Sunday, they would go into this game believing they can get all three points against an Arsenal team that seem to be slipping away. However, with nothing else to play for in the league, the players could have their summer holidays on their mind all too early. As for Arsenal, for a team challenging for the league to take only 2 points from 2 games at this stage of the season is simply not good enough, and they will either bounce back and really go for the league, or fall away completely.

Look out for:

Daniel Sturridge - Bolton could have done with him at Wembley. I'm not saying he would have been the difference between 5 goals, but he would have provided his team with urgency, and perhaps woke them up. No doubt he'll go on to have a great career and win many things with Chelsea anyway. As a young striker, he already looks complete. He gets in the perfect positions and his record at the start of his Bolton spell was amazing, scoring in his first four games.

Robin Van Persie - It was a tough call between him or Fabregas to be Arsenal's main man, and I've gone for the Dutchman because he isn't afraid to shoot. Too many times Arsenal look for that extra pass but RVP will shoot, and can score, from anywhere.

Prediction: Bolton 1-1 Arsenal

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Blackburn Rovers v Manchester City

 

City will be looking over their shoulder to see Spurs chasing them for 4th, and Ewood Park has proved in the past that it is a tough place to visit, especially for the big teams at this part of the season. With United still to go there, Blackburn could have a big say in who gets Champions League football, and where the trophy ends up. 

 

Look out for:

Chris Samba - Is a rock in Blackburn's defence, and City don't have Tevez, so he'll be confident he can break down any attacks. He'll also pose a big threat at the other end if Blackburn get any set pieces.

Yaya Toure - Ran the game against United at Wembley, and a game like this that has the potential to be scrappy will be won in the midfield battle. The former Barcelona man has been huge for City this season, and may come up big again.

 

Prediction: Blackburn 2-2 Manchester City 

Midweek Special - Tuesday 19th/Wednesday 20th April 2011

Due to recent cup commitments, six teams finally get to play their games in hand. Carling Cup finalists Birmingham and Arsenal both face away trips that may prove to be tricky for different reasons. The Blues go to Stamford Bridge to face current Champions Chelsea, a team who are refusing to give up on a late title charge, whilst Arsenal make a short trip across North London to take on Harry Redknapp's Spurs in a game that could have the biggest bearing yet on where the Premier League Trophy ends up in May.
Before these, however, Manchester United will attempt to bounce back from a poor showing at Wembley on Saturday as they travel up north to St. James' Park to face a Newcastle side who are playing merely for pride.

Newcastle United v Manchester United

Alan Pardew announced on Monday morning that Manchester United will be afraid of travelling to Tyneside due to the fantastic atmosphere generated from the home fans whilst in and around the stadium. The Magpies will really believe they can win this game, too, with [Manchester] United's away form still not brilliant, although much better than when the season started. Newcastle had the weekend off, too, so will feel much fresher. Their recent form has been sketchy to say the least, with inconsistent showings both home and away. Man United fans will be pleased to know that out of Newcastle's previous 6 home games, they have only won twice, but have scored 4 goals or more in three of them. They will also be without top goalscorer Kevin Nolan, who is serving the final game of his suspension.
The main difference between this game and the 3-0 Manchester United win on the opening weekend of the season is that the Red Devils will be able to field an in-form and on-fire Wayne Rooney. In the previous meeting, Rooney was very ineffective and lasted little over an hour, whereas this time around, he is fit, fresh, free from suspension, and will be looking to add to his tally of 9 goals in 11 league games against Newcastle.

Key players:
Newcastle United:
Jose Enrique - It's no wonder why he's been linked with a whole heap of top clubs this summer. A very solid left back, who may just be able to cope with whoever Manchester United choose to deploy on the right wing.
Jonas Gutierrez - The tricky winger likes to beat a man down the flank or cut inside, and he can put a decent ball into the box. I'm sure he would love to add to his handful of assists this season, and he'll like the thought of going up against any of United's right backs at the moment.

Joey Barton - The self-proclaimed best midfielder in England may not be far off with his opinions, and he'll be looking to further enhance these shouts tomorrow night. Made a hatful of chances for Newcastle so far this season, and has found the net a few times himself. Will no doubt cause problems with his physical approach.

Manchester United:
Nemanja Vidic - PFA Player of the Year nominee Vidic has the ability to snuff out any attack from the home side. The tough-tackling Serb has been a rock this season, and will have to be on his toes again.
Nani - Opta Statistics' Player of the Season so far is somebody we are all too familiar with. Likely to be a constant threat with his quick feet and natural pace across the ground. His ability to mix it up will surely confuse defenders, but lets hope the indecision he has shown too many times this season is behind him.
Wayne Rooney - It would be easy to say United missed him on Saturday, and I don't think they did. Obviously, they are a better team when he is on form, but Berbatov has no excuses for missing two chances you'd expect him to take. It's impossible to say another striker would have taken them, because you just don't know. Anyway, I think Rooney's urgency was missed, and he can really force a game to speed up when he drops deep to collect the ball.
 
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester United

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Chelsea v Birmingham

The Champions aren't quite ready to let go of their trophy just yet, and they showed that at the weekend against West Brom. Their patchy form seems to be behind them and they will at least want to take second place in the league. Birmingham, on the other hand, haven't been brilliant of late. Although I think they are now safe, as they sit on 38 points with a game in hand, their extra game couldn't come at a much harder place, and I'm afraid that by Thursday morning, they will have 38 points under their belt but no game in hand. I still think it is enough to keep them in the division, but only due to the fact there are much worse teams.

The big talking point for the home side will no doubt be whether Torres is left on the bench again, as was proven a successful move by Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday.

Key players:

Chelsea:

David Luiz - I don't expect him to see much of a threat throughout the 90 minutes, but anything he will have to do will be done professionally, which will send out a message to his team-mates that there is still a job to do.

Michael Essien - The Ghanaian is simply so important to Chelsea. Their bad run of form earlier in the season coincided with Essien being injured, and the fact that Chelsea have won 63% of games with him this season, compared to only 20% without supports this belief.

Didier Drogba - He has the ability to win any match. His goal got Chelsea level against West Brom and sent them on their way to a vital win. I can't see the Blues performing anywhere near their best this season without him, and his importance to this club is only highlighted by the fact that everyone is calling for £50m Torres to be left on the bench.

 

Birmingham:

Ben Foster - A great shotstopper who could keep Birmingham in the game for a long time. He is prone to the odd mistake, but this season, he's done what's been asked of him and more, and has been a shining star in the sticks.

Sebastian Larsson - His goal at the weekend sent the Blues on their way to a win against Sunderland, and although he is unlikely to find the net against a strong Chelsea team, he is definitely McLeish's main man.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham

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Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

 

This is time for Arsene Wenger to prove he is still capable of producing a title winning side. A bizarre end to their game against Liverpool saw two penalties given well after the 90 minutes were up, and must have sent a message around the Arsenal dressing room that this year, like all the others, was not going to be their year. 

Spurs' hopes of retaining fourth spot have faded somewhat, and after a weekend off, there is no better game for them to prove they have what it takes. A fierce rivalry only understood by supporters of either team, both teams will be desperate for a win, and I feel Spurs could well have the advantage is PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale has anything to say about it. The previous meeting between the two saw a complete capitulation of the Gunners' in the second half, after they went into the break leading 2-0 only to find themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline come full-time. Bale initiated the comeback that day, and along with Van Der Vaart, Modric and Co, will look to throw another spanner in the Arsenal works. For me, Spurs are favourites here, and the pressure of such a meaningul derby game for Arsenal could prove to be too much.

Key players:

Tottenham Hotspur:

Michael Dawson - The England International centre-half is a good, old-fashioned, tough tackling type. He is also physically and mentally quick, and can read a pass before it happens. He'll need to be on top of his game to break down Arsenal's quick passing around the box.

Rafael Van Der Vaart - Potentially the signing of the season, VDV has been a revelation for Spurs, particularly at White Hart Lane. Whether it is coincidence or not, I feel he will perform at the very best of his ability with every Spurs fan behind him.

Gareth Bale - The Welsh winger is so quick down the wings, any full-back since Phil Neville will struggle with him. Although his quality is obvious, I don't think his recent award was justified, and believe it to be simply for the hype surrounding him. That said, I would never bet against him having an absolute barnstormer.

 

Arsenal:

Bacary Sagna - The PFA Team of the Year right back hasn't been named as such for no reason. He'll have a tough test against Bale if he passes a late fitness test, but will have a chance of keeping him quiet if he plays to his ability.

Cesc Fabregas - For a game like this, Arsenal need a player like this. He's been around the club long enough to understand the tradition and what it means to the fans to win one of these games, and he has the quality to match. He can create something out of nothing with a few quick, slick passes. 

Robin Van Persie - Like Fabregas, he knows what it means to the fans, and he'll be leading from the front for Arsenal. He thought he'd scored the winner against Liverpool on Sunday only for Dirk Kuyt's even later penalty to cancel it out, but it proved that when the pressure was really on him, and him alone, to keep the Gunners in the title race, he was cool-as-you-like.

 

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal  

Weekend Review: Saturday 16th April/Sunday 17th April

Birmingham v Sunderland

Prediction: Birmingham 2-1 Sunderland 
Actual Result: Birmingham 2-0 Sunderland

I wasn't too far off here - I just under-estimated Sunderland's complete lack of ability to find the net at the moment. Although Ben Foster did play well and made a few important saves, like I expected. Both teams are now sat on 38 points, and I consider both to now be safe, purely because there are worse teams in this league.

Up next for Birmingham: Chelsea (a), Liverpool (a)
Up next for Sunderland: Wigan (h)

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Blackpool v Wigan

Prediction: Blackpool 1-1 Wigan
Actual Result: Blackpool 1-3 Wigan

Craig Cathcart proved to be the Tangerine's complete undoing, giving away the ball for the first goal and forcing the deflection (albeit unluckily) for the third. Blackpool have come along way from the team that beat Wigan 4-0 on the opening day of the season, but it appears to be in the wrong direction. Struggling to get the basics right. Wigan jumped out of the relegation zone, and Blackpool dropped in it for the first time this season, and both teams will struggle to secure Premier League status.

Up next for Blackpool: Newcastle (h)
Up next for Wigan: Sunderland (a)

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Everton v Blackburn Rovers

Prediction: Everton 3-0 Blackburn

Actual Result: Everton 2-0 Blackburn

A strong display from Everton ended in a comfortable win. Again, my scorecast wasn't far off, just the one goal in it. With Tim Cahill out again, Leon Osman stepped up to cause this Blackburn side a lot of problems, and it was finished with Leighton Baines' penalty. A sliver of a chance of Europe for the Toffee's next season, whilst Blackburn will really struggle to survive, and leaving Steve Kean's team winless since 23rd January.

Up next for Everton: Manchester United (a)

Up next for Blackburn: Manchester City (h)

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West Brom v Chelsea

Prediction: West Brom 2-2 Chelsea

Actual Result: West Brom 1-3 Chelsea

I wasn't the only person this weekend predicting Chelsea to drop points to what has turned out to be a strong Roy Hodgson side. Things looked like they would go my way early on as Odemwingie gave the Baggies the lead, but it was short-lived when Drogba equalised and Kalou put the away side in front. Lampard finished the scoring. Still, it's definitely too late for Chelsea to mount another challenge for the title, and they just need to focus on securing third spot. For West Brom, they are safe if they avoid complacency in their remaining fixtures.

Up next for West Brom: Tottenham (a)

Up next for Chelsea: Birmingham (h), West Ham (h)

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West Ham v Aston Villa

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa

Actual Result: West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa

West Ham had the chance to continue their survival push, but instead let Aston Villa leave with all three points. It started well for the Hammers with Robbie Keane's neat close-range finish, but failure to clear their lines cost them dearly when Darren Bent was presented with an easy header. In the end, Gabby Agbonlahor burst the home side's bubble in a game that the Villains fully deserved to win. West Ham still aren't safe, and end the weekend still in the relegation zone, whilst Villa are finally in the top half of the table, quite frankly, where they belong.

Up next for West Ham: Chelsea (a)

Up next for Aston Villa: Stoke City (h)

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F.A. CUP SEMI-FINAL #1

Manchester United v Manchester City

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City

Actual Result: Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City

A game that never really reached its full potential, but that City fully deserved to win. If not for Dimitar Berbatov's profligacy, it could have been a different story as he spurned two glorious chances to take the lead. In the end, it was decided by a Michael Carrick mistake, well capitalised upon by Yaya Toure, who was outstanding on the day. The day got worse for United as Paul Scholes saw red for a ridiculously high tackle on Pablo Zabaleta. For City, this could prove to be the end of their 35 year wait for silverware, whilst United will regret the chance missed to take their treble charge into the final month. Still, United must fight to regain the Premier League and Champions League trophies whilst City want to ensure 4th spot is theirs.

Up next for Manchester United: Newcastle (a), Everton (h)

Up next for Manchester City: Blackburn (a)

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Arsenal v Liverpool

 

Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

Actual Result: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool 

A touching banner in remembrance of the Hillsborough disaster

A game of attack vs. defence for 96 minutes. Jamie Carragher's head injury and forced substitution led to 8 minutes of added time, and with the score locked at 0-0, Jay Spearing brought down Cesc Fabregas inside the box. Robin Van Persie duly converted the resulting penalty, and Wenger must have believed his men would keep one finger on the Premier League trophy. As we saw quite often last season, and is a mark of all great teams, Arsenal scored very late on from a drawing position to take the three points. However, this game wasn't to be. In the 100th minute of the game, even more drama ensued when Emmanuel Eboue clumsily felled Lucas who was running away from goal. Dirk Kuyt stepped up to equalise from the spot, and give Liverpool's biggest rivals United an even greater chance of finally overtaking their long-standing record of 18 league titles.

Up next for Arsenal: Tottenham (a), Bolton (a)

Up next for Liverpool: Birmingham (h)

 

(Also, this amazing picture has just been brought to my attention. Taken in the minute's silence for Danny Fiszman and those lost at the Hillsborough disaster.)

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F.A. CUP SEMI-FINAL #2

Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City

Prediction: Bolton 3-1 Stoke

Actual Result: Bolton 0-5 Stoke

 

What a game for the Potters! A lot of pundits had Coyle's men down to win, but Stoke clearly hadn't read the script. The first half consisted of glaring errors by Bolton, who didn't seem to be awake. Two bits of poor defending presented Etherington and Huth with opportunities outside the area, and they were taken with some style. The third goal had Martin Petrov at fault, who lost possession to Jermaine Pennant in Stoke's half. The former Liverpool and Arsenal winger ran half the length of the pitch before finding Kenwyne Jones in acres of space, who finished coolly past Jussi Jaaskelainen. With 15 minutes left until half time, the game was as good as over, and it only got worse in the second half with two Jonathan Walters' goals condemning his former club to a humiliating defeat. Bolton would have liked to at least leave with dignity intact, but Pulis' men ensured an embarressment of the highest order. With neither team in any trouble in the league, and neither aiming for anything higher than mid-table, the chance for a European place next season was up for grabs. Back to reality now for Bolton, who have nothing else to really turn their attention to, and this Wembley hangover could last a while yet.

Up next for Bolton: Arsenal (h)

Up next for Stoke: Aston Villa (a)