Many would argue we’re witnessing the best season in Premier League history and after another spectacular Saturday played out, it’s hard to disagree.
Chelsea slipped up away at Crystal Palace to leave their title hopes in tatters, Manchester City and Arsenal tied in a pulsating clash, Manchester United saw off Aston Villa 4-1, while Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion played out arguably the game of the season in a enthralling 3-3 draw.
(MORE: Latest Premier League standings)
There were 22 goals in Saturday’s seven games, as action packed matches were the order of the day. In case you missed any of it, don’t fret, we’ve got you covered at PST.
Here are all the recaps, analysis and highlights from all of Saturday’s games.
Man City started superbly against Arsenal, and David Silva put the Citizens ahead after just 18 minutes as he reacted first to Edin Dzeko’s shot that crashed off the post. City were the better team for most of the first half, as the Gunners’ faint title hopes looked to be fading out with a whimper. However a totally different side appeared after the break, with Mathieu Flamini finishing superbly to level things up and then Lukas Podolski’s shot was well saved by Joe Hart as City held on. City are still title favorites, but Arsenal keep themselves in the hunt. Just.
Palace dealt Chelsea’s title hopes a massive blow as a John Terry own goal in the second half means Chelsea’s title hopes are over, in the words of their own manager Jose Mourinho. Chelsea just couldn’t handled Palace’s physical approach, as the Eagles took the game to the Blues and gave their chances of Premier League survival a huge boost.
Manchester United 4-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa went 1-0 up through Ashley Westwood’s free kick, but that only acted to fire up United. You won’t like them when they’re angry. Wayne Rooney scored twice, plus goals from Juan Mata (his for in the PL for United) and Javier Hernandez sealed a comfortable win. Villa boss Paul Lambert didn’t think his side deserved a hiding, but United were clinical.
Southampton 4-0 Newcastle United
The Saints were sensational against the Magpies, and three England hopefuls kept their charge towards Brazil going. Jay Rodriguez scored twice, Rickie Lambert bagged another and Adam Lallana scored a screamer as Saints jumped into eighth ahead of Newcastle, who were truly shocking. Mauricio Pochettino’s men continue to impress.
Peter Odemwingie was the hero for the Potters, as Stoke sealed their third-straight win. A determined Hull kept plugging away, but the Tigers weren’t quite good enough and Stoke did a job on them. How high can Mark Hughes’ men finish now? They have already reached the magic 40 point marker.
Swansea had been threatening to give someone a hiding for a while, and that team was Norwich. Two Jonathan De Guzman goals set Swansea on their way and another from Wayne Routledge sealed the win to ease Swansea’s relegation worries. As for Norwich, they are embroiled in the battle to stay up. Big time.
West Bromwich Albion 3-3 Cardiff City
This season we’ve been blessed with so many stunning games in the PL, but this could take the biscuit. West Brom raced into an early 2-0 lead with Morgan Almafitano and Graham Dorrans on the score sheet, but Cardiff’s Jordon Mutch scored before the half and then Steven Caulker leveled the scores in the 73rd minute. More drama arrived in stoppage time, as Thievy put West Brom ahead in the 92nd minute and the Baggies looked to have snatched a massive three points. But with the last kick of the game, Mats Moller Daehli popped up to send Cardiff’s fans wild and reignite their survival bid with a stunning late goal. You can’t write this stuff.