Premiership round up - Week 17

Man United v Wolves - 3:0 - Mick McCarthy made ten changes to the team that beat Spurs by a goal last time out. It's hard to understand why - intense United pressure eventually paid off in the form of a penalty for handball, which Rooney duly converted (30). Vidic scored with his head to make it 2 in the first half (43). United's third goal was a beauty (Valencia, 66) after a great build-up. Mick McCarthy seems more concerned to get a few wins against the low-flying clubs than the big boys. Just another day at the office for ManU.

Sunderland v Aston Villa - 0:2 - Although Sunderland started the more brightly of the two sides Heskey put Villa ahead with a well-taken poacher's goal (24). Villa might have scored several more but woodwork, goal saves and slight inaccuracy kept them at bay until England hopeful, Milner, got Villa's second (61) with a powerball from way outside the box. Towards the end of the game Cana was sent off for a second yellow, a foul on Milner. The referee’s name was Mr Friend, but Your Ear refuses to make any cheap jokes about him not being very pally with Cana (etc). Until Arsenal displaced them the following day Villa were third in the table and are looking strong.

Birmingham v Blackburn - 2:1 - Jerome got Birmingham off the mark (12) and also scored their second (48). Blackburn scored third (Nelsen, 69) to get themselves back into contention but Birmingham were strong and kept pushing forward. Blackburn might have got completely back into the game (or at least achieved a draw) with some last ditch efforts in extra time but a good reaction saved denied them. Birmingham then nearly scored a comedy goal at the death, as Blackburn's keeper Robinson, who had come up-field to try for an equalizer, was forced to run the full length of the pitch to stop Birmingham scoring their third. He just about had the puff to do it and made a good save from Larsson’s shot.

Bolton v West Ham - 3:1 - The Hammers poor away form continues. A dour first half yielded nothing for either side and most of the action took place in the second. Lee opened the account for Bolton (64) only for Diamanti to equalize 5 minutes later. At that point the game seemed to hang in the balance, but it was Bolton's day. Another England hopeful, Hammer' keeper, Green, did himself no international favours as he failed to hold the ball, allowing Klasnic to tap in Birmingham's second (77). Despite frantic West Ham efforts Cahill scored Birmingham's third (88). West Ham definitely now look more than a bit fragile and potential relegation candidates. Meanwhile, while Bolton climb out of the bottom three, West Ham fall back in.

Chelsea v Portsmouth - 2:1 - Avram Grant, on his return to Stamford Bridge, was given a warm welcome by both the Chelsea faithful and his ex-players. He looked genuinely pleased to be there, as well. Chelsea applied the early pressure and Kalou nearly scored. Then Anelka was fortunate to be in the path of a deflected cross to get Chelsea's first (23). Portsmouth (Hreidarsson) almost got back at them before the break with a half-chance. But Pompey’s ‘never say die’ approach got them level with a good goal by Piquionne (51) and almost put them in front on more than one occasion. Unfortunately for Portsmouth Wilson made a rash challenge on Ivanovic and Lampard scored from the spot (79) to win the game. Chelsea look a little static while Pompey are very good in attack. In in watching this match you would never think this was top of the league versus the bottom. When they play like this Your Ear refuses to believe that Portsmouth cannot wriggle out of the relegation hole they find themselves in.

Spurs v Man City - 3:0 - Spurs (for once) seemed the more confident side in the early stages. Their aggressive play paid off - Lennon’s speed got him past Sylvinho and a good cross was snapped up and converted by Kranjcar (37). Spurs should have scored more, but ended the first half just one ahead. After half-time Crouch rose (as only he can) to head to Defoe who tapped the ball home for Spurs' second (54). City tried but their best efforts were denied, as was a penalty claim that should have been awarded in their favour. Two bad misses by Adebayor summed up City's miserable evening before Kranjcar scored a great solo effort (90+3). This was a crucial game for Spurs, and a convincing win over their main top 4 rival (although Villa are in that frame as well, now). St Hal - ‘they’re a good side, they’re going to be bang there at the end of the year, and in years to come, I’m sure, with the resources they’ve got… they could end up doing anything in the next couple of years, but tonight we were the better side, there’s no disputing that… everyone worked, we passed well… I told Kranjcar if he don't get man-of-the-match for that tonight he'll never get it…” (he did get it). Mark Hughes - ‘The second goal killed us…’ Your Ear believes it was the first, then the second, then the third, a death by three cuts.

Burnley v Arsenal - 1:1 - Vermaelen nearly scored an early own goal for Burnley but the game was mostly all Arsenal's. Lots of pussyfooting in the goal area allowed Fabregas to pass the ball into the net (7). Fabregas and Arshavin both nearly scored before Bikey was fouled by Vermaelen after a neat Burnley build-up and Alexander’s penalty levelled the game (28). Burnley grew in confidence and Arsenal seemed half asleep whilst Burnley attacked them repeatedly, but to no profit. Fabregas came off (with a potential back injury) and although Arsenal gradually turned the game around and made a few chances they could gain no further advantage. In the second half Burnley started better, with many chances (off the post, offside, a good shout for handball denied, deemed to be outside the box) and preserved their good home record. Arsenal look a much blunter instrument now than was evident earlier in the season and Burnley deserved the draw. Wenger agrees that his side has problems maintaining momentum if/when they go ahead, something he will need to address if Arsenal’s title challenge is to be maintained. From an Arsenal fan’s point of view this game was frustrating, it looked more like a friendly or a training match.

Liverpool v Wigan - 2:1 - Lively early play by Liverpool presented several chances and after 9 minutes gave them the lead (N'Gog, glancing header from a good cross). Wigan may not be as skilful a side as Liverpool but they are physically imposing and almost retrieved the deficit 4 minutes later. N'Gog might have had a second, but missed narrowly. Kuyt almost scored a blaster but it was saved. N'Gog made way for Torres, who was quiet for a while, but shortly after Scotland should have scored for Wigan (hitting the bar), Torres settled the game, scrambling the ball in after 'rounding' the keeper and almost giving the ball to Bramble (79). This was Torres’ 61st goal in 100 appearances. N'Zogbia got one back in extra time (90+2) but it was too little, too late. This was a good result to help settle frazzled Liverpool nerves.