Nowhere Men

The lads from Liverpool (Everton), led by Lennon (Aaron - left) and McCarthy (James -right), helped Newcastle continue the slide into nowhere, that unique space just above the relegation zone and far from the Champions League and Europa Cup places.  Where everybody else but you have something to play for. Actually the real architects of the 0-3 loss were Krul, Gouffran and Coloccini.  Krul was leaning the wrong way on McCarthy's shot, Gouffran needlessly fouled Lennon in the box and Coloccini's rash challenge meant that Newcastle spent the last 30 minutes a man down. In truth, the Magpies didn't play all that badly and the game really was up for grabs even though they were down 0-1.  But then the PK and the sending off and an interesting game was shot to hell.  Newcastle were not helped by a make-shift lineup that was missing Cisse (7 game suspension for his spat - past tense of spit - with Man United's Evans) and a host of defenders.  Everton fans were probably happy enough about getting some distance from the bottom of the table as they try to find their way to nowhere.


Torn ASunderland

Aston Villa had little trouble disposing of Sunderland at the Stadium of Disgruntled Fans Yelling at Their Players. Dennis provides details:

Easily the most convincing win of the season - this game was probably over after 20 minutes, definitely over after 30, and kind of embarrassing by 40.  Agbonlahor continued to drink from the fountain of youth, Benteke actually seemed interested in attacking the ball, and Sinclair continued his all around excellent play.  But this 4-0 drubbing was definitely a joint effort as Sunderland showed little to no life or effort right from the start and had maybe 2 serious chances throughout the 90 minutes.  While the Villans certainly appeared to play a fluid, attacking game, Sunderland seemed more concerned with not catching the plague from Villa players than with playing defense.  Honestly, it was an overall bizarre experience that left me equal parts elated and confused, but most importantly left Villa 3 points clear of relegation.  It also improved our anemic goal differential while bruising Sunderland's, which could very easily become relevant.  Aston Villa certainly appear to be in the fast lane to nowhere.


Other Matches That Mattered

In another blowout, Manchester United had little trouble dispatching Tottenham 3-0, bolstering the winner's CL credentials and putting a crimp in the loser's plans.  Southampton faced down Chelsea and came away with a draw.  I suggested that Arsenal and Liverpool needed to guard against complacency in their matches against West Ham and Swansea.  Forgot to tell Man City to be careful too and they went down to Burnley 0-1.  Arsenal's 3-0 win wasn't as easy as the score indicates and Liverpool were fortunate to come away with a 1-0 win, being outplayed by the Swans.

On the relegation side, QPR were handled easily by Crystal Palace but Matthew Phillips did have possibly the goal of the year, a stunning strike from 40+ yards that is easily this week's YouTubeableMoment. Didn't see the Hull and Leicester 0-0 draw but given that both are relegation threats, it might have been a tense match.

So Arsenal and Manchester United end the weekend in 3rd and 4th with Liverpool two points back.  Tottenham and Southampton hang by a thread, six points behind Manchester United.  Despite their win, Burnley still sit with Leicester and QPR in the relegation zone, with Sunderland just one point clear and Aston Villa and Hull City three points clear. 


Another Draw for the Union

This was a classic "if you would have offered us a 3-3 draw before the match we would have gladly taken it but still ended up disappointed" match.  That was because of a phantom PK call late that enabled Real Salt Lake to level the score.  But in reality, the Union's goals came on a deflection, an uncalled foul throw-in (check out 1:24 of this highlight video), and an own goal plus Salt Lake, to my mind, had the run of play for most of the match.  So, walking away with a point on the road against one of the league's better sides was a fair result for me.


Uninspiring Weekend Ahead

For one, we have the twice-yearly scheduled thrashing of Newcastle by Arsenal; the Gunners are favored by a touchdown.  For two, many of the contests are between the haves and the have-nots. e.g. Hull City v Chelsea, Manchester City v West Brom, Tottenham v Leicester and maybe Southampton v Burnley.  Not that these matches don't have implications, it's just that they are not the most interesting matchups, at least on paper.  One noteable exception is Liverpool-Manchester United at Anfield (Sunday at 9:30 on NBCSN); a win for the hosts put them in 4th while a win for the visitors would give them a five point cushion for the last CL spot.

Everton have a chance to complete their journey out of relegation danger as they travel to London to face QPR.  I like Aston Villa's chances home against Swansea; the Swans still play an excellent team game but are having as much trouble putting the ball in the net as, well, Aston Villa were until a few weeks ago.  Even a point would be big for the Villans.  West Ham were competing for a CL spot earlier but now find themselves in the same neighborhood as Newcastle; the Hammers could put another nail in Sunderland's coffin this weekend.  Crystal Palace probably only need one or two points to avoid relegation and could get those this weekend against Stoke City.

I'll be hiking in Northern Virginia this weekend so won't see too much, at least not live.  Given that Newcastle are facing Arsenal, this is probably a good thing.