Last weekend’s Premier League staged two big comeback shows, both of which were labelled with a “Made in Manchester” tag. Manchester United trailed Aston Villa by two goals at Villa Park, before super-sub “Chicharito” snagged a brace and created an own goal to make it 3-2. This was the eighth time this season the undisputed comeback kings have come from behind to win the match. Manchester City copied their derby rival’s method for winning a tough match. The game between the Blue Moon and Totthenham Hotspur was decided by another super-sub, Edin Džeko. The Bosnian striker scored a late winner for City to give his side victory and keep them just two points behind United on the league table.
The last of the top three clubs, Chelsea, continued their slump in their match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. John Terry, playing his first league game after serving a four-match ban for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, scored the match’s opening goal for the Blues. But Luis Suarez salvaged a point for the Reds when his header in the second half offset Terry’s goal.
Arsenal and Fulham created a six-goal thriller in the London Derby. The Gunners had a golden chance to make it 4-3 in extra time, but Mikel Arteta’s penalty effort was saved by Mark Schwarzer. Arsène Wenger couldn’t hold back his disappointment after the final whistle, as he realized the goal this season for an Arsenal team without Robin Van Persie is merely a top four spot.
The upcoming mid-week international friendly fixtures caused widespread complaint among EPL managers. Brendan Rodgers worries for Steven Gerrard’s knee if the Liverpool captain wins his 100th England cap, as he just had a scan on Monday to pass fitness. If Gerrard is selected he will become the sixth centurion player for England. Arsène Wenger railed at the meaningless international games, “There are a lot of politics behind these games … it is more to pay back some corporation rather than preparing a team for the next official game.” Wenger has a point, given we wont see any World Cup qualifiers until next February.