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Manchester United, Scolding hot in Pauls 700th

Marathon man Paul Scholes celebrated his 700th Manchester United appearance with a goal in their 4-0 win against Wigan.  A missed penalty from Hernandez in the 6th minute was the football karma event of the weekend.  Wigan managed to keep United scoreless for the first half but the floodgates opened as Sir Alex’s men gained two points on City and Chelsea whilst keeping a clean sheet.

West Ham and Norwich shared the spoils at Carrow road during an entertaining 0-0 draw, if there is such a thing.  Both keepers were the stars of the show making numerous saves during the encounter.  Norwich fans will feel hard done by with a close penalty call, but the referee was spot on when he awarded a first half free kick just inches out of the penalty area.  Norwich youngster Harry Kane showed wasn’t able, when he missed a late chance to give the canaries all three points.

Fulham fans worried about the Michael Jackson statue should start petitioning for it to be changed to Dimitar Berbatov if this form continues throughout the season.  The Bulgarian proved the difference between the two teams with his two first half goals.  West Brom fans will be disappointed with the Peter Odemwingie outburst that led to a first half yellow card and a three week holiday.  Fulham were too good during the entire 90 minutes running out 3-0 winners.

Arsenal reminded the rest of the league how dangerous they could be with a 6-1 mauling of Southampton.  It was a day that Saints fans would like to forget with two own goals contributing to the score line.  Southampton will be glad their month of hell appears to be over for now, while Arsenal is back entrenched in the top few positions.  Lukas Podolski once again looked very dangerous and will continue to frustrate opposition defenders.  Arsenal managed to get six past Southampton in a match that reminded us of the gunner’s firepower.

Did he or didn’t he, the answer is he didn’t.  QPR’s Anton Ferdinand still refused to shake the hand of John Terry in their match at Loftus Road.  That was the only talking point that came from this drab 0-0 affair.  Chelsea didn’t look like scoring, with Fernando Torres subbed during the second half after a below par performance.

Out of favour English and Stoke striker Peter Crouch found the back of the net against champions Manchester City had two great chances in the dying minutes of the game but were denied by a world class save by keeper Begovic, then a goal line clearance from Ryan Shawcross.  City was well below their best and will consider these two points dropped.

High flying Swansea couldn’t keep up their early momentum against strugglers Aston Villa.  2-0 was the final score to Villa as they jump out of the relegation zone.  Great news for Socceroos fans with Brett Holman picking up the sponsors man of the match award.

Liverpool managed to rescue a point after a very tough week for all involved at the club.  New Hillsborough revelations were announced this week making the week extremely tough for all involved at the proud club.  Sunderland started off well and new signing Steven Fletcher once again proved his worth putting the home side up in the first half.  Liverpool’s only current avenue to goal Luis Suarez managed to find a 71st minute equaliser in a result which further compounded Liverpool’s poor start.

Tottenham provided us with a reminder of the gulf in class between European contenders and Premiership newcomers.  Jermaine Defoe managed to find the back of the net twice against a helpless Reading defence.  New keeper Alex McCarthy won’t provide Aussie Adam Federici with any sleepless nights on that performance.  Full credit to the Reading fans who created a fantastic atmosphere for the 90 minute ‘contest’.

Everton fans will not only be frustrated with officials with a clear goal missed, but their absent defence in the dying minutes of their clash against Newcastle.  Demba Ba was always going to score at least once after a certain blog writer transferred him out of his dream team.  Everton will be kicking themselves after dropping two points, but should bounce back against Swansea this week.

@TheHardsWord Hero of the week – How can you go past Paul Scholes, the man scored in his 700th appearance for his beloved Manchester United.  Ryan Shawcross you were very unlucky, your last second goal line clearance was spectacular, and I’m sure Paul Scholes and his team mates will be thankful.

Villain of the week – Pretty easy this week, Peter Odemwingie.  The West Brom goal scorer not only cost his team any chance of winning against Fulham, but will miss crucial games against Reading, Aston Villa and QPR.

Who would you rather be – Southampton and QPR are both struggling in the bottom three but have shown signs of life so far this season.  For clubs at the lower end of the table it’s a race to 40 points but Southampton haven’t got off the mark yet, and QPR are only 2 points better off.  I’d still rather be QPR but both teams need some quick points.

Upcoming Week (Predictions in caps, draws in bold)

Swansea v EVERTON

CHELSEA v Stoke

Southampton v Aston Villa

West Brom v Reading

WEST HAM v Sunderland

Wigan v FULHAM

Liverpool v MAN UTD

NEWCASTLE v Norwich

Man City v Arsenal

TOTTENHAM v Queens Park Rangers

Until next week enjoy the action on the pitch, and don’t forget Champions league action is back.8

About David Hards (524 Articles)
The Founder of FTSAUS. A football fan who is more than willing to voice his opinion, no matter how wrong it could be. An average goalkeeper or makeshift right back who had more bad days than good on the pitch, but still loved every minute of it. Follow on Twitter: @Hardsy05
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