Another managerial sacking this weekend in the Premier League as Fulham parted company with Dutch manager Martin Jol. Fulham, who went to Upton Park on Saturday on the back of four straight defeats succumbed to yet a another one, from a relatively poor West Ham team. Fulham, to their credit were in this game until just after the break when Mohamed Diame scored against the run of play. But, with Fulham pressing to try to get back into the game, the Hammers capitalised to score two goals late on and push Jol ever closer to the exit door. Then, on Sunday it was announced that they had gone their seperate ways. Ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen will take over until the end of the season, even though his tenure at Russian club Anzhi didn't last very long.
New Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis took charge of his first game, away to fellow strugglers Norwich. In what was effective a six-pointer the Canaries came out on top with a 1-0 win as Ex-Celtic man Gary Hooper scored the only goal of the game. Palace are now 6 points away from safety with games against West Ham and Cardiff coming up during the week. It is imperative that they get at least 4 points out of those two games or else it's going to be a winter of discontent for the Londoners.
Everton underlined their talent with a whopping 4-0 victory over Stoke City. Goals from impressive Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu, Irishman Seamus Coleman, Costa Rican Bryan Oviedo and Belgian Romelu Lukaku just shows how International the Premier League is. This result put the Toffees up to 4th in the table, level with their Merseyside rivals. It looks like it was a very smooth managerial transition over the summer as David Moyes left for the Champions and Roberto Martinez left FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic.
Arsenal continued on their merry way, opening up a four point lead at the top with a comfortable 3-0 win away at Cardiff. Ex-Cardiff star Aaron Ramsey stole the show as he scored twice, his first a header which he refused to celebrate. It shows how highly regarded he is in Wales as the Cardiff supporters to a man applauded his goal. Matthew Flamini was the other goalscorer. Theo Walcott made another appearance from the bench as his recovery from injury continues. Arsenal have to play Hull during the week, before three massive games against Title rivals Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea before Christmas
Aston Villa took on Gus Poyet's resurgent Sunderland at Villa Park and they played out a goalless draw. The point was more beneficial to Villa, but at least Sunderland picked up 1 point away from home and it gives them something to build on.
Newcastle United won 2-1 at home to West Brom. A goal either side of the break from Yoann Gouffran and Mohamed Sissoko, while Chris Brunt replied for the Baggies. Those fans who were bemoaning the huge contract afforded to Alan Pardew not so long ago are very quiet now as the Magpies are flying high in the Premier League, in 6th place.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United played out a very entertaining 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane on Sunday. An early goal from Kyle Walker, a free-kick along the ground as the whole United wall jumped up to block it left keeper De Gea fuming. Wayne Rooney's predatory instincts got them the equaliser as he pounced on a deflection from Walker. Brazilian Sandro then produced a moment of pure magic, taking the ball at the United defence and jinxing inside, only to let fly from about 30 yards. The ball hit the top corner of the net as De Gea could only look on in admiration. Rooney again equalised for United, this time from the penalty spot. The game petered out after that, but Tottenham will be wondering how they didn't win the game as they had umpteen chances to do so. In the end a draw won't do either team much good, 10 and 11 points behind the leaders Arsenal. One thought, where would United be without Wayne Rooney? His attitude and application is superb, were he to get injured United would struggle immensely.
The biggest shock of the weekend came in the Hull/Liverpool game. Jake Livermore scored the opener for Hull, while Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard equalised 7 minutes later. Liverpool never really got going in this game and Hull deservedly went ahead again when David Meyler scored, then Martin Skrtel diverted an effort past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to make it 3-1 to Hull. This was a great result for Steve Bruce and Hull City, but what now for Liverpool? Defeats to Southampton, Hull and Arsenal along with a draw in the Merseyside Derby and Brendan Rodgers will have his work cut out to get his men back into form. Daniel Sturridge will miss a few weeks with injury, so that won't help.
Chelsea, 1-0 down to surprise package Southampton after only 1 minute when Jay Rodriguez latched on to a defensive error to slot past Cech, took their time to get into this game. Two goals in seven minutes, both from corners, scored by Gary Cahill and John Terry got Chelsea moving in the right direction. A late Demba Ba goal sealed it for Chelsea. On a welcome note for Chelsea fans, Fernando Torres had a wonderful game, was involved in a lot of their good play.
Manchester City kept up their great home form by beating Swansea City 3-0 at the Ettihad. An early Alvaro Negredo free-kick set the tone for City, while two second-half goals from Samir Nasri helped to keep City on Arsenal's coat tails in the table.
Arsenal stay on top in the table, with Chelsea second, four points adrift. Then, seven teams are within 4 points of each other. Fulham, Sunderland and Crystal Palace are all in the Relegation Zone, all three have changed managers this season. It remains to be seen if that has any major effect.
Published by @gersloveofsport December 2
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