On another dramatic day of Premier League action, we had a dazzling set of matches around the PL on Saturday in Week 21.
The big boys excelled, as Manchester United beat Swansea, Chelsea eased to victory away at Hull, Tottenham labored to all three points over Palace and Everton easily dispatched Norwich.
Aside from routine wins for the big boys, West Ham and Sunderland both picked up massive wins on the road against Cardiff City and Fulham respectively. Those basement boys badly needed a win as the relegation battle is heating up wonderfully, as plenty more teams have been sucked into the battle to survive.
MORE: Latest Premier League Standings
We have an action packed slate of matches coming your way on Sunday, so make sure you stay tuned to NBC Sports Network.
But right now, let’s run the rule over the seven PL games that took place on Saturday. Here are all the recaps, analysis and video highlights to unravel at your leisure.
Let’s get to it.
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United
There’s big wins... and then there’s this. A truly monumental victory for the Hammers, as Big Sam can breath a little easier tonight as West Ham scored in each half to bag a 2-0 win. Carlton Cole opened the scoring and a late Mark Noble strike compounded new Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to defeat on his managerial debut in the PL.
The Toffees continue their impressive form as they sit fourth and are now just five points off leaders Arsenal. A stunning long-range effort from Gareth Barry in the first half opened the scoring, then Kevin Mirallas curled in a beautiful free kick to make it 2-0. The Canaries were well off the pace as Chris Hughton’s side sit perilously close to the relegation zone.
Adam Johnson was the man of the moment for the Black Cats, as the tricky winger scored a hat trick at Craven Cottage to help Sunderland to their biggest win of the season. Sunderland raced into a 2-0 lead as Johnson and Ki scored in the first half, Steve Sidwell pulled one back for Fulham (who had USMNT captain Clint Dempsey playing his first PL game since May 2013) to make it interesting but Johnson scored two more to seal a massive win for the Mackems.
A composed and clinical display from Jose Mourinho’s side, as second half goals from Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres finished off a lively yet one-dimensional Hull City. Chelsea are top of the PL, with an easy victory proving just how solid they are as the Tigers never really looked like scoring.
Manchester United 2-0 Swansea City
Exhale... United fans. After losing three-straight games for the first time since 2001 to start off 2014, David Moyes’ men were back to winning ways with a relatively comfortable victory over Swansea at Old Trafford. In a nervy first half both teams cancelled each other out, but after the break strikes from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck put United 2-0 up. The Red Devils were rampant and could’ve extended their lead, but the three points were the most important thing.
Southampton 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
The Saints huffed and puffed the entire game and finally broke through in the second half thanks to a delightful Adam Lallana strike. In the 66th minute the England international latched onto a fine reverse pass from Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez and finished superbly. Shane Long was stopped by Artur Boruc late on but the Baggies didn’t really deserve anything.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Crystal Palace
Spurs struggled for most of the opening stages of this game, as Crystal Palace bossed the first half and Jason Puncheon missed a penalty with perhaps one of the worst PKs ever taken... No joke. A fired up Tottenham came out in the second half, as a verbal volley from Tim Sherwood got them going. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a blaster at the near post, then Toronto FC bound Jermain Defoe grabbed the second with a typically clinical finish. Spurs unbeaten in five and sit fifth in the league. AVB who?
