Last weekend’s EPL action was full of unexpected twists and turns. On Rafa Benítez’s emotional return to Anfield — where he previously spent six years as Liverpool manager from 2004 to 2010 — Reds striker and candidate for PFA Player of the Year Luis Suárez conceded a penalty but was brilliant at the other end as he created one goal then scored another deep into added time to salvage a remarkable 2-2 draw.
Angel or Demon? A game of two halves for Luis Suárez
However, it was another incident that stole the headlines when Suárez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanović’s arm in a tussle for the ball — the second time in his highly controversial career that the Uruguayan has chomped on an opponent. His first offense on PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otaman Bakkal earned him the nickname “The Cannibal” as well as a seven-match ban and he can expect a similar layoff this time around.
It was another crazy day at White Hart Lane as Tottenham came from behind to upset Manchester City. Samir Nasri scored the opener for City after just five minutes and they appeared destined for victory until some tactical changes from Spurs manager André Villas Boas in the second half saw the home side score three goals in an astonishing seven minute period. Manchester United will officially be crowned champions with four games left to play if they beat Aston Villa this Monday.
Di Canio’s spectacular journey at Sunderland continued
We also witnessed something spectacular in North East England where relegation-threatened Sunderland continued their remarkable resurgence under new manager Paulo Di Canio. A 3-0 win against Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear Derby was followed this week by a 1-0 win over Everton thanks to Stéphane Sessègnon’s only goal in the game. After just three games in charge, Di Canio has already won over Sunderland fans who showed their devotion towards their new manager with banners reading “You have Mourinho, we have Di Canio”.
There are still questions to be answered at both ends of the ladder but some clubs have now sealed their destiny. Cardiff City have locked up one slot in next season’s EPL, becoming the second Welsh club in England’s top flight, while Queens Park Rangers and Reading will be going down following defeats to Stoke City and Norwich respectively.
