Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
Jose Mourinho and his boys had a tough match ahead, where they had to visit Villa Park and collect some points. Chelsea still sitting in 1st with 53 points and Aston Villa in 16th with 22 points.
Just in the eighth minute, Chelsea went ahead 1-0 with a goal scored by Eden Hazard, his ninth goal in the Premier League. Oscar took the ball from the midfield all the way to the end line on the right side. He then made a diagonal pass outside the eighteen to William, who put a brilliant through-ball to Hazard in the penalty area so he can just pass it in. First half ended 1-0 with both teams having some ball possession.
Just three minutes into the second half, Aston Villa had a corner kick hit to first post that was cleared by Didier Drogba. Aston Villa put the ball across to second post this time for Jores Okore who lost his mark and made a brilliant header to tie up the game.
After the goal Chelsea were forced to attack and go for the 3 points. Minute 66′, Cesar Azpilicueta crossed from the left side and was blocked by an Aston Villa defender who was not able to clear the ball and after a few touches the ball was crossed once again by Azpilicueta and the ball ended up on the right side of the eighteen and was struck by Branislav Ivanovic’s left foot and beat Brad Guzan to make it 2-1.
Chelsea were able to keep the lead and earned three very valuable points thanks to the Ivanovic’s brilliant goal, arguably the game’s MVP.
Chelsea will play Wednesday, February 11th at home versus Everton. Aston Villa will play Tuesday, February 10th at Hull City.
Manchester City 1-1 Hull City
Manchester City were forced to win this game at home to continue in 2nd and stay within five points from Chelsea, who were able to collect three points from Aston Villa. Hull City placed in 18th with 19 points were forced to get some points to stay away from the last three places.
Manchester City were surprised in the 35th minute by David Meyler who put the Tigers ahead 1-0 with a goal that was rebounded off the wood work.
After dominating the whole game and having three-fourths of ball possession, the townsmen were not able to find the net until the 90th minute. MVP of the game, James Milner, who got subbed in by Edin Dzeko in the 66th minute scored a beautiful free-kick to get a valuable point.
With Manchester City only able to get one point, they sit seven points behind first place Chelsea. Hull City remains in 18th with 20 points. Manchester City will visit Stoke City Wednesday, February 11th and Hull City will receive Aston Villa.
Queens Park Rangers 0-1 Southampton
Southampton sitting in 4th with the same amount of points as Arsenal were forced to get some points visiting Queen Park Rangers who sit in 19th with 19 points.
With not much action throughout the whole game, Southampton was able to find the back of the net by a phenomenal finish by the MVP of the game Sadio Mane in the 93″ minute, Mane received the ball in the QPR’s box with his back towards the goal and made just enough space for himself towards his right to shoot with his left across the top corner to make it one to nil.
Southampton’s valuable victory ended up placing them in 3rd with 45 points. QPR continue to sit in 19th with 19 points. Southampton will receive West Ham United at home Wednesday, February 11th as for QPR will visit Sunderland Tuesday, February 10th.
West Ham United 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United were forced to win if they wanted to remain third, behind Chelsea and Manchester City. West Ham had the opportunity to win and catch up to Liverpool, who sit in 7th place.
Just four minutes into the second half, West Ham sent a ball into the box that was not cleared successfully by Wayne Rooney. Chelkhou Kouyate controlled juggling the ball twice with his right foot and shoot a powerful shot from close range to beat David De Gea.
It was not until the 90th minute when Manchester United found the back of the net with a nice finish by the MVP of the game, Daley Blind’s left foot.
With Manchester United only gaining a point, they sit in 4th place with 44 points, just a point behind Southampton. West Ham United remain in 8th with 37 points. Manchester United will have an opportunity to gain 3 points Wednesday, February 11th, as they receive Burnley at Old Trafford. West Ham United will visit Southampton for a tough battle.
Featured Photo: http://www.independent.co.uk/
