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.