Records tumbled as history was made this weekend in the Premier League.
Sunderland ended their incredible 28-year wait for a home win over Newcastle United with a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light. Hot or Not wonders how many in the crowd witnessed Sunderland’s 1980 win at the old Roker Park, and are secretly wondering how long they’ll have to wait for the next one?
Well a year at least of course.
Chelsea’s four year undefeated home league record came tumbling down after a deflected Xabi Alonso goal gave Liverpool a very impressive 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
That wasn’t all the action though, as we get into this weeks Hot or Not.
HOT
Where else could we start but with the fairy tale that is Hull City? Ten years ago they were sitting bottom of the football league. For those of you who don’t know that's the bottom of League Two or as it was known then, Division Three. Yes, that is bottom of the fourth tier of English football.
Fast forward ten years and on Saturday night after a 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, Hull City were joint top of the Premier League. It’s what dreams are made of.
That game also provided the save of the weekend as WBA’s Scott Carson reacted instinctively to save Geovanni’s effort.
Hot or Not couldn’t ignore Darren Fletcher after he scored his third goal of the season in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Everton. It was a fantastically well taken goal from a player enjoying an extended run in United’s first team. The Scot didn’t give the ball away once and is making the holding role at Old Trafford his own. Funnily enough, whenever Fletcher scores, it tends to be United’s only goal of the game.
Wes Brown got his run in the United side last year in the absence of Gary Neville and in all fairness, he has been unfortunate to lose his place in the side. The England international right back had a terrific first half at Goodison Park. His second half wasn’t as good but it was well disguised in the United backline, even Titus Bramble would have looked worldclass alongside the hapless Rio Ferdinand.
Goal of the week has to be Kieran Richardson‘s thunderbolt free kick that earned Sunderland that glorious victory. It was truly unstoppable.
So now to Saturday night's news that Harry Redknapp had taken over at Tottenham Hotspur. And we have a go at players for their loyalty. The former Portsmouth manager said it was possibly his last chance to manage a big club. Sorry Jermain, Peter and all the other quality players persuaded by Harry to join not such a big club.
He certainly had the right effect at White Hart Lane, as his new Spurs team won 2-0 on Sunday for their first three points of the season with a new buzz about the players.
A few sleepless nights for Spurs fans when Sir Alex retires then? At least they would get their £5 million back—or is it £6 million now Harry?
Overshadowed by other weekends events was Liverpool’s announcement that they are title challengers. They have now beaten both Chelsea and Manchester United this term and sit proudly atop the Premier League. Hot or Not feels far better about their Spurs prediction now that Liverpool look a decent bet for the top two.
At the heart of that Liverpool side are the simply amazing Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Carragher could easily have stolen save of the week with his tremendous tackle on Deco inside the penalty area. Gerrard and Deco put on an exhibition of passing at Stamford Bridge, the likes of which won’t be bettered anywhere in the world. It was a pleasure to watch.
Hot or Not likes to highlight young talent and this week Nadir Belhadj stormed into our sights with a great performance at home in Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw with Fulham. The left back nearly capped off the performance with goal of the season following a Giggsy-esque run, but he couldn’t find a way past the keeper.
Aston Villa woke up from their October hibernation to score four at Wigan Athletic. It’s definitely Villa and Manchester City, who beat Stoke City 3-0, who’ll battle it out for 5thplace and that UEFA Cup spot. Steven Sidwell capped off Villa’s win and his own debut with a screamer that flew into the top corner.
We began with the hard working Hull City and now we will end with brilliance that is Manchester City. They didn’t have it all their own way however and Joe Hart celebrated his new five-year deal with a hard earned clean sheet.
So far £32 million well spent. Robinho has been a breath of fresh air and his three goals on Sunday put his cross city rival Cristiano Ronaldo to shame. It’s not only money well spent at City either with youngsters Chad Evans and Daniel Sturridge adding valuable contributions. Well done Mark Hughes.
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2 months ago
Nice defending by Stroke
from 2 months ago
Yip committed to the end.
from 2 months ago
hehe...... committed to keeping the grass trimmed.
from 2 months ago
Great piece Andrew,
really enjoyed your musings.
but I was a little confused, surely you don't think a club like United would be interested in Harry do you?
I'm a Spurs fan and while I'm not a huge fan I've got to admit that he's the right man at the right time.
Especially after tonights 4-4 win at Arsenal!
from 2 months ago
haha no Willie, I was just thinking oh his next dream job and taking the piss. Thanks mate.
2 months ago
I disagree with you about Rooney, I thought he was unlucky not to be sent off. His tackle was bad and his badge kissing incited the crowd and could be argued to be a yellow card offence.
from 2 months ago
His tackle was bad? erm ok Alan. His badge kissing wasn't smart but I'd probably have done the same if my "home" crowd was giving me stick.
2 months ago
Great article, Andrew. How much better can Hull play this season?
from 2 months ago
Thanks very much for the pick Joe. Well if they beat Chelsea and Liverpool slip up, they'll be arguably the best team in the league :P the table doesn't lie they say.
I won't get to see it though, in Scotland we are stuck with Kilmarnock vs Celtic in the league cup.
from 2 months ago
0-3 ........might want to rethink all that.
from 2 months ago
It wasn't a prediction S....no need to worry.
from 2 months ago
I finally got a look at the goals on sports Center.....by the way nice defending by Hull as well...love that second Chelsea goal. Seems the EPL`s defending is not all that up to par. Ever since your Brazilian league comment about defending I`ve been paying attention to EPL. I`ve seen some real silly stuff at your favourite league mate.
2 months ago
great once again, And now Liverpool at top at least for a few more hours (if not days and hopefully longer) The game was a sight to see was it not?
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the pick Myles. It was indeed an advert for football. Oh I love a long pass well struck long ball to feet :)
2 months ago
A very good article Andrew, i gave it 5/5 on the star rating, a very good read, loved it, keep it up x
from 2 months ago
Thanks a lot Rosie. Will certainly try, my next one will be up by Friday. Oh and thanks for the pick :)
2 months ago
Richardson is pure class, the guy has put in incredible performances for Sunderland recently, maybe he can finally start to fulfill the potential Ferguson saw in him.
from 2 months ago
He is certainly got a reputation for being inconsistant but that maybe because he spends too much time working on his free kicks :)
2 months ago
Congrats to Man City, however are they really any better than they were last year at this point? Robinho has got the supporters and neutrals wanting to watch Man City, but I think the jury is still out on whether is has been good for the football on the pitch-at least compared to this point last year.
from 2 months ago
They are in a similar place to last year but we'll see what happen in February after the millions are spent.
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