Following the FA Cup 2nd Round weekend, the focus returned to league action. With only four Division 1 match weekends remaining, the title race is hotter than ever between the three main sides, Arsenal, Everton and Man Utd.

Everton were the first of the three to play, as they took on Southampton at home. It was a close game as Southampton knew that if they could take the 3 points, it would virtually seal their place in Division 1 for next year. So it came to be as the Saints piled on the pressure and were the first team to score. Everton fought for an equaliser but Southampton stood firm to frustrate the home fans. Everton could see their title chances slipping away as the game entered injury time. Southampton only had to get the ball away from goal to finish the match, but Everton had numerous corners. Eventually, Saints slipped up and Everton had a vital penalty. In controversial scenes, there was debate as to if the ball crossed the line with no-one certain of the outcome. The referee demanded a re-take and Everton scored to make it 1-1. Southampton’s players were furious but their complaints were drowned out by the home fans celebrating a crucial point to keep them in title contention.

Champions Chelsea hosted Arsenal in a grudge match between the London rivals. Arsenal had already knocked Chelsea out of this years League Cup and are also looking to take Chelsea’s crown as League Champions. Arsenal have com from two defeats in the Cup competitions so the League is their final chance of silverware this season. It was a fiery game with plenty of lunging tackles coming in and free kicks being awarded. But it was Arsenal who slipped up first as they gave away direct free kick which Chelsea scored to take a lead. The favour was soon repaid as Chelsea too gave away a free kick and Arsenal took the chance to make it level. The game could have gone either away at this point, but it was Chelsea who finally put a slick move together in open play to take the lead once again. Arsenal pushed to get back into the game, but time was not on their side and it soon expired. Chelsea have defeated Arsenal in the league once more to put them in the top half of the table and inflicted a first league defeat this season, which has put a huge dent into Arsenals title hopes.

Title challengers Man Utd took on this years hot team Watford at Old Trafford, hoping for 3 points to propel them to the top of the table. It was an even game with not much between the sides, although it was the home team that were pushing harder for the win. It appeared that it would be honours even until Man Utd defender gave a way a shock free kick in the second half. The home crowd went quiet as Watford took the kick – thankfully for United there was a bundle on the goal line and they managed to keep the ball out of the goal. Man Utd then had several opportunities to take the points but the Watford keeper made some incredible saves to keep the score at 0-0. The point does not really help either side, although it does retain Man Utds unbeaten league record.

Bottom of the table Nottingham Forest hosted Liverpool, who were seeking to break into the top 4. Forest had not won a league game all season and knew that time was running out for them. It was Forest who made an incredible start to the match as they scored with their first possession, without a Liverpool player even touching the ball. The home fans were overjoyed soon after when Forest attacked and scored once again to make it 2-0. Despite the two goal lead, the fans could not relax and their fears came true when Liverpool got on the scoresheet themselves. The final part of the second half was an enthralling encounter as Liverpool pressed hard for an equaliser. Despite their best efforts, Forest held out even after a few close calls and some saves from the keeper. The 3 points are Forests first win and it potentially moves them off the bottom depending on other results, but leaves Liverpool floundering mid-table and too far behind to make a late title challenge.

Norwich City took on Tottenham in a must-win game for both sides. Norwich have been on the wrong side of some big defeats and Spurs could be brought into the relegation fight if they lost this game. Both sides looked nervous from the off, with so much at stake. After an initial flurry from Norwich, Spurs took the initiative and pushed forward, scoring an angled goal to surprise the keeper. Norwich tried hard to counter but Spurs held strong. After a series of corners for the away side, an error with a tackle gave Spurs a free kick just outside the goal zone. The ball was passed sideways and then a stunning drive saw it past the keeper to make it 2-0 to the visitors. Time was nearly out and Norwich only had one more change to ease the goal difference, but it was not to be as Spurs push themselves into the top half of the league table.

The final match of week 8 for Division 1 was Newcastle against West Ham. Newcastle were looking to move towards a top 4 position whilst West Hams season has combusted and they are trying to do anything to get out of the relegation zone. It was always going to be a dramatic game and so this one was as both sides looked for the first breakthrough. It was West Ham who put a good move together combined with an incredible shot saw the ball nestled into the goal to take an early lead. This only inspired Newcastle to fight back and they soon were level after some good play. West Ham had to fight to take the lead once more and they had the best chance as a super ball tucked right into the attackers path, but a great save denied them. West Ham then had another shot but the ball was so close to the 6-yard box that the keeper made an easy save. They continued with a series of corners but Newcastle held strong, so that the sides had to share the points.

There was another huge fixture in Division 1 week 7, as Liverpool hosted bitter rivals Manchester United. There was a lot to play for as Man Utd could go provisionally top with a win, but Liverpool could get back in the running if they took all 3 points. Neither side wanted to lose this crucial match and concede a title change to their opponent. Manchester United are undefeated in the league so far, and after their previous league title disappointments, they really wanted to keep their good form going.

It was a hectic start as both sides flew in with hard tackles to set the tone for the game. It was clear from the outset that it would be a close match with not much between the sides. Despite Liverpool having the greater possession, it was Man Utd that struck first with a great strike from a counter-attack.

Liverpool knew they must score to have a chance, but Manchester’s defence stood solid. Liverpool could not get their attack going and continued to give away needless free-kicks which broke up the flow of the game. Eventually time ran out for the hosts and Manchester United celebrated taking all 3 points at Anfield.

The second match was between Tottenham and West Ham. There was a lot of history between these sides after West Ham pipped Spurs to the Division 2 title in Year 4. Both sides have been struggling with form this year, so a win was required to pull themselves away from the relegation contenders.

West Ham got off to a flyer as they scored a beauty on their first attack. Spurs knew they needed to score and were soon back in the match as they found the net near the end of the first half. Despite getting back into the game, a clumsy tackle gave West ham a direct free kick on the edge of the area. The first shot was inconclusive if it had gone in to the goal, so the referee ordered a re-take. West Ham scored to take the lead again.

Spurs continued to push forward to get even and they were rewarded when West Ham gave away a silly penalty. The Spurs striker had a lot of pressure on him, but easily found the net to make it 2-2. It was looking as if the sides would share the points, but Spurs made a lovely move down the left wing with a cross that went straight to a waiting forward.

Spurs continued to push forward to get even and they were rewarded when West Ham gave away a silly penalty. The Spurs striker had a lot of pressure on him, but easily found the net to make it 2-2. It was looking as if the sides would share the points, but Spurs made a lovely move down the left wing with a cross that went straight to a waiting forward. A West ham defender tried to block, but missed timed it and the Spurs player slammed the ball into the top corner to make it 3-2. Spurs move up to mid-table but West Ham are in trouble as they are left near the bottom.

Title contenders Arsenal took on Newcastle at the Emirates. Despite a good start, they soon gave away a clumsy penalty to let Newcastle take the lead. They soon hit back though with a great goal from open play. It did not take much longer for Arsenal to take the lead as Newcastle then gave away a penalty too, after a mishap defending a corner. Newcastle were looking for an equaliser from kick-off but Arsenal soon took the ball and after a sweeping move made it 3-1. The rout was not quite complete as once again a quick Arsenal break saw them head towards the Newcastle goal and a great finish made it 4-1. Arsenal move back to the top of the table and look quite unstoppable.

The third title contender Everton, took on Reigning Champions at Goodison Park. It was a tight game with neither side on top form. Everton were looking to keep pace at the top of the table but they could not find a way past the Chelsea keeper, who was playing fantastically to keep them in the tie. Eventually, Chelsea used a good long ball forward and beat the Everton keeper to up 1-0 up. Everton fought back but it looked like Chelsea would hold on. Everton finally had a good shot, with a Chelsea defender sliding in to try and block it. There was a melee in front of goal with the ball bouncing out and no-one could tell if it had gone over the line. Eventually, it was decided that Everton has scored, despite Chelsea’s protests. The match finished 1-1 but the game will be remembered for the contentious Everton goal.

Norwich took on Notts Forest in a rematch from last seasons FA Cup Final, where Forest took the honours. It was predicted to be a close game between these two rivals and that is how the game panned out. Forest almost took a lead in the first half as they hit the post. But it was Norwich who drew first blood as they found a way to beat the keeper. Forest had a few chances to equalise but the shots were off target. Norwich could have extended their lead, especially when they had a direct free kick, but the Forest defender bundled it away for a corner. Forest could not find the net and Norwich got their second win of the season to move out of the relegation places.

The final match of week 7 saw two promotion teams as Southampton faced Watford. It was an edgy affair, as a win for either side would put them into 4th place in the league. It was Watford who scored first with some good build up play. The match was pretty even, with Southampton even hitting the post. At the end of the game, Southampton had a raft of corners, but Watford defended well and managed to take away all 3 points.

The game of the week saw joint division leaders Arsenal take on Everton in a winner takes all match. Arsenal, who had home advantage, took the game by the scruff of the neck as they tore into Everton from the beginning It did not take them long to score, after the Everton keeper was totally wrong footed and watched aghast as the ball slid past into the goal.

Everton were all over the place as Arsenal continued their domination and soon scored a second to move further ahead, as a rebound took it past the keeper once more. It looked like Arsenal would continue their scoring run until a quick reacting Arsenal defender touched a moving ball to give Everton a free kick outside of the area. Despite the distance, Everton converted the free kick to bring the score to 2-1.

Arsenal tried to find a third goal but were beginning to tire after their midweek Cup match. Everton kept the attacks going and soon found an attacker on the edge of the area with the ball. A sublime thunderbolt of a shot left the Arsenal keeper stunned as it flew into the top corner. Arsenal continued hunting for a winner and managed to hit the post twice within minutes, but could not get the break they needed. The 2-2 draw keeps both teams level at the top of the table with 14 points.

The second match of the week saw Newcastle take on Nottingham Forest. Newcastle were the stronger team in the beginning and used that to take a well deserved lead. Notts Forest then began pushing for an equaliser but their attackers could not put a good shot at the keeper. Despite a lot of pressure they could not find a way through. Newcastle nearly found a second near the end of the game but the score remained 1-0.

The third match was a big game between Liverpool and Chelsea, as both teams were mid-table and needing a win. Chelsea started the brighter but Liverpool were dangerous on the counter and scored the first goal. Liverpool soon found a second and Chelsea came close a number of times, including hitting the post before they did manage to get one in the back of the net. Chelsea pressed hard for an equaliser, but Liverpool caught them on the break once more to get a third in the final minutes to close down the match.

The week brought another big tie as Tottenham took on Manchester United. Spurs needed a win and Manchester were looking for revenge after Tottenham dented their title ambitions last year. Spurs got off to the better start and were soon 2-0 up, even after a dubious freekick that had to be retaken. Man Utd needed to fight back and soon they got the goal they needed. They continued to push forward and Spurs could not hold back the tide with only seconds remaining, leaving the score at 2-2.

The next match was between rivals West Ham and Watford. It was quite even to being, until West Ham opened up the scoring. Watford were quick to equalise to make it 1-1. It appeared as if the teams were going to settle for the draw until West Ham pushed forward and Watford attempted a back pass, only for the keeper to fumble the ball into his own net. Watford were furious with going behind and attacked from kick off. A neat little chip saw the ball float past the West Ham keeper and the score was level at 2-2.

The final match of the week was a relegation 6-pointer between Southampton and Norwich City. Southampton got off to a dreadful start as they gave away a series of free kicks, giving Norwich an early lead. Southampton soon got back into it to make it 1-1 before Norwich once again took the lead. Southampton did not give up and soon it was Norwich being careless in defence. Southampton made the score 2-2 and then pushed on against a tiring Norwich to find a winner. Southampton take a crucial 3 points to move up the table whilst Norwich remain nailed to the bottom of the Division.

In the big Division 1 game of week 5, Manchester United took on rivals Chelsea. It had been the London team that snatched the league title away from Manchester last season, after a last minute goal against them. United went into this home game seeking to get revenge, especially as Chelsea have not had the best of starts to this years campaign.

It was honours even in the first half. with both teams kicking chunks out of each other but not really troubling the goalkeepers. It was Chelsea who made the first mistake in the second half, as they gave away a needless free kick on the edge of the area. United made full use of it as they scored. Although Chelsea fought back, United pressed for more and found a striker on the edge of the six-yard box. Despite no-one thinking he could score, the forward hammered the ball into the far top corner to make it 2-0.

In injury time, Chelsea let their frustrations get the better of them and have away another free kick. United stepped up and hammered it home to leave the result at a resounding 3-0.

The weeks other big game was between Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool had a solid defence but up front they were all over the place, with long balls going too far or missed shots. It was quite a drab game, with Arsenal looking to get back on the counter attack. It was not far from the end when Liverpool’s defence ended up out of position and clipped an Arsenal player on their way back. Arsenal were awarded a penalty which they duly converted. Although Liverpool searched for an equaliser, they ran out of time, leaving Arsenal as 1-0 winners. Liverpool have now lost 3 of their opening 5 games, whilst Arsenal have won 4 from 5 and are pushing for the top spot.

In the relegation 6-point game, Norwich City finally found their scoring boots. West Ham looked a tired side after their midweek League Cup match and Norwich made full use of their rest period. They put two goals past the Hammers, as they finally get their points tally underway. West Ham are now in big trouble, as they only have the same points as Norwich City.

There was nothing to separate rivals Southampton and Newcastle as they played out a 1-1 draw. Surprisingly, Southampton had the better of the play and went 1-0 up. Southampton looked good to go 2-0 ahead but Newcastle found a way to equalise against the run of play. Neither side could score after that, but a point does little favour for either side.

League leaders Everton took on a struggling Nottingham Forest at the City ground. The home team were first to score and they thought they may be able to take all 3 points. Everton were aiming to set a new record of 5 wins in a row from the start of the season but this looked a long way off as they fought back. With minutes remaining Everton found a way through to break Forest hearts. Everton could not find a winning goal so it was one point to each side, as Everton drop to second place in the league.

The final match of the week was between this years surprise team Watford, against London rivals Spurs. In an even contest, both teams wanted the win. Tottenham took the lead and nearly had a second but it flew over the crossbar. The match went into injury time and Spurs were nearly home but Watford had a late attack into the Spurs area. It looked like Watford had a perfect shooting position and a rash Spurs defensive manoeuvre caught the attacker. Watford were awarded a penalty and scored with the last kick of the match. Watford remain in 4th place with Spurs now in trouble with only 4 points from 5 games.

Week 5 is offering some mouth-watering fixtures for the top Division 1 sides at SubbuteoCLUB.

In a repeat of the match from Year 5, Manchester United host Champions Chelsea. Last season the home team were minutes away from a first ever Division 1 title, until Chelsea scored to snatch the points. It was enough for Chelsea to take the title and leaving Manchester United wishing what could have been. Man Utd have started Year 6 in much better form than Chelsea, although they are still 4 points behind leaders Everton. Chelsea have drawn a lot of games this year and are already 6 points off the top, so they cannot afford a defeat or their title defence will look to be over. Man Utd did not play in the League Cup this week so their squad will be more rested, and will be seeking revenge from last year.

The second clash of week 5 involves Liverpool playing Arsenal. It is a tie of two of English footballs great teams and could shape the league for the rest of the season. Arsenal are chasing their first title and are doing well, whilst Liverpool have some catching up to do.

Top of the table Everton will be looking to set a new record of 5 wins in a row, as they take on struggling Nottingham Forest. No top team has ever won the first 5 games, but Everton have a good chance as Forest are yet to record a win this year.

There is a 6 point relegation match with Norwich City taking on West Ham. Norwich have taken some big defeats this year and need to begin taking points or they will be doomed to relegation. West Ham have struggled this year, after performing so well in Year 5. West Ham always do well in the League Cup, but will the additional Cup fixture work against the Hammers?

Southampton take on rivals Newcastle as they look to continue their winning run after their surprising victory against Liverpool last week. These two teams were both promoted last year and are looking to kick start their season, after finding the going tough so far.

Struggling Tottenham play in a London derby as they face Watford. Spurs should be much higher in the table but have found it hard to score. They also lost to Man City in the League Cup. Watford are the surprise team this year, standing in an excellent 4th place after promotion from Division 2. Can Watford clinch another win to push them even higher up the table?

Everton have taken top position at the top of Division 1, after a stunning 2-0 win against West Ham in Match Week 4. Everton already had a perfect set of results so far, and many believed that they would not be able to keep the run going, They put on a masterful display to complete four straight wins, which equals Liverpool’s record for a perfect start to a campaign, from year 4. Everton now sit on top of Division 1 for the first time in their SubbuteoCLUB six year history.

In the televised match, Manchester United hosted Arsenal, as Manchester looked to seek revenge after the Gunners knocked them out of the League Cup last week. United got off to a great start with an early goal, before scoring a second from a free-kick. After the break, Arsenal got their own bit of luck with a goal from a careless free-kick, given after a poor tackle from a United defender. United still thought the three points were in the bag, until an unbelievable shot from Arsenal at a tight angle hit the far corner of the net. The final score was 2-2, although it will be United who will feel like they dropped 2 crucial points in their chase for a first league title.

In other matches, Newcastle looked strong as they defeated a disjointed Spurs. The result moves Newcastle up to midway in the table, but leaves Spurs hovering above the relegation places.

Watford put up another strong performance, as they put 3 past a weak Norwich side. In what was billed a a close game, Norwich scored first, but then Watford overpowered their opponents to win 3-1. Watford are now up to 4th place in the table, which is their highest ever position in the league. Norwich have finally scored in a league match this season, but they remain bottom with a -10 goal difference.

Liverpool were stunned at Anfield, as visitors Southampton stole the points with a 2-1 victory. Both sides have been struggling to put together a decent run of results. The three points help new promoted Southampton climb the table to 8th.

In the other Division 1 match this week, current League Champions Chelsea played out a dull 0-0 with Nottingham Forest. It is now Chelsea’s third draw in four games, as they remain undefeated, but they cannot find a way to win matches this season. Forest will be pleased with a point, although it still leaves them in a relegation position.

Week 4 is shaping up to be a very important week of fixtures. The big match of the week is Manchester United versus Arsenal.

Manchester are looking for their first league title and could make up for dropping points in Week 3.

Arsenal meanwhile, are on a 3-win streak and would like to continue that form.

Ironically the same two teams meet up before this game in a League Cup fixture. This will add a bit more spice to the league fixture, as one of the teams will be knocked out of the cup by then.

Elsewhere, Newcastle take on Spurs as both sides look to get their season started after disappointing results.

The other surprise leaders Everton take on West Ham. The result of this game will show if Everton really are genuine title contenders. Liverpool host Norwich, who are desperate to get some points, after three defeats in a row.