Hull City v Stoke
A fascinating game, both teams having different approaches how they rub their clubs, but both going in the right direction under Welshy and Ska.
Hull Started brightly with the youngsters really going at the Stoke defence, they took the lead when Forsberg got in behind the defence and whipped in a delightful ball, Werner couldn't miss on 16 mins. But of course when you have Zlatan anything can happen and it was he who equalised after Cesc slipped one into him (oe-er) on 37 mins. Second half again not much to chose from as they both went at it, and in 62 mins, Zlatan turned provider for Mkhitaryan who volleyed home from Zlatans header back to him, Druissi came on and provided much need energy to Hull who were beginning to tire after giving there all. Again Forsberg providing the assist on 83 mins for Druissi to smash home. A fair result on refelction, don't think either boss will be too disappointed.
Hull City 2 - 2 Stoke City
Werner(Forsberg, 16), Druissi(Forsberg, 83)
Zlatan(Cesc, 62), Mkhitaryan(Zlatan, 62)
MOTM - Forsberg
Aston Villa v Man Utd
A vastly improved Man Utd travel to face title challengers Aston Villa hoping to climb closer to those around them, but always an uphill task for lrf. At so it proved as Robben terrorised their defence and drilled in a low cross for Benzema to latch onto quickly for 1-0 on 7 mins, Villa were enjoying the possession and again Robben proving to doubters he still has it, as a quick solo effort, sprinting into the box and into the top corner put the hosts 2-0 up at halftime. Man Utd huffed and puffed and began to share possession but Cavani was having an off day as he does at times as chances came and went for them. Villa took the foot off the pedal a bit and strolled home to a 2-0 victory.
Aston Villa 2 - 0 Man Utd
Benzema(Robben, 7), Robben(24)
MOTM - Robben
Spurs v Birmingham
Both in need of 3 points, to both get them away from relegation and to try a get closer to that elusive final Europa league spot, Spurs have proved to be a solid workman like team and Brum quite the opposite, put these together and we should have a decent game, Spurs controlled the play but lacked a little drive in going forward, this Spurs team seem to fear reaching the opposition box, whereas Birmingham always heads up and looking to go for goal. Spurs back 6 are solid and have been difficult to break down this season, and today was no different as much as vardy and co tried they couldn't find a way to goal..
Spurs 0 - 0 Birmingham
MOTM - Van Dijk
Leicester 0 - 2 Newcastle
Firmino(Pjanic,33), Nainggolan(Pjanic,61)
MOTM - Pjanic
N'Zonzi
Week 16
posted on 8/1/17
Liverpool 2-2 Portsmouth
Well it wouldn't be 2017 without a game of 2 teams following the latest tactical trend of 3 at the back. Both managers elected to use the formation to get the best out of their attack and that translated in to a high tempo, aggressive encounter with plenty of goals to go around.
The first half was all Liverpool, with Aubameyang starting proceedings very early on when he sprang free of the Pompey defence. David Luiz doubled he lead not long after with a thunderbolt of a free kick, the way only Brazilian Defenders seem capable of.
The second half, however, was far more agreeable for Portsmouth, who managed to peg Liverpool back directly from kick off when Guerreiro played a perfect cross on to the head of Lewandowski. Portsmouth equalised very late on when two Substitutes in Martial and Moura combined with some lovely technical play before the French man coolly slotted home.
Scorers: Aubameyang (Coutinho), Luiz (FK); Lewandowski (Guerreiro), Martial (Moura)
MotM: Guerreiro - The young full back was superb up and down the wing and contributed to all of Portsmouth's attacks.
Chelsea 3-1 Wolverhampton
Wolves have to be respected for coming to Stamford Bridge and looking to go toe to toe with the defending Champions. For large parts of the game, they held their own and even opened proceedings with Andre Schurrle pulled back for Mata to deftly finish.
The quality of Chelsea's starting line up soon took its toll, though, and an Aguero tap in after a great piece of trickery from Sanchez opened the floodgates. From there, the front three combined twice more with Aguero feeding Neymar and Neymar, in turn, feeding Sanchez.
In truth, Chelsea possibly could have scored more but for some very resolute defending and a solid performance by Ter Stegen.
Scorers: Aguero (Sanchez), Neymar (Aguero), Sanchez (Neymar); Mata (Schurrle)
MotM: Sanchez - The industrious Chilean was everywhere today and a constant thorn in Wolves' side.
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
The revival seen at City in the past few months has been nothing short of exceptional and it's a testament to this improvement that they can look to home games at the likes of Arsenal and fancy their chances of taking something from the game.
In a very interesting encounter, where both teams looked constantly dangerous with their clinical finishers and technically gifted playmakers, it was difficult to point out who would go on to win the game. No surprise, then, when it settled as a draw.
Arsenal took the lead midway through the first half when James Rodriguez managed to create some space for himself before teeing up a shot that struck the bar. Rather fortuitously, the ball found its way on to the foot of Higuain who had the easiest of tap ins.
Man City gave it their all to find an equaliser and were fruitful in their quest when Icardi was fed through by Perotti and hammered home a low, angled shot.
Scorers: Icardi (Perotti); Higuain (James)
MotM: Wanyama - The Arsenal hard man was a key component in this game, managing to win the physical duel and giving Marchisio the freedom to play his game.