Arsenal vs Fulham Highlights : EPL Highlights
Two clinical goals from Samir Nasri rescued Arsenal as they survived another dreadful defensive performance at the Emirates Stadium to move top of the Premier League. The France star’s jaw-dropping composure was in stark contrast to that of his team-mates, who almost threw away another three points in front of their own fans.
Nasri put them ahead early on but a sickening clash of heads between Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci allowed Diomansy Kamara to equalise before Nasri netted a stunning winner. With Manchester United’s match postponed due to the big freeze and Chelsea held by Everton, the victory sent Arsenal a point clear at the summit.
But this performance was far from a champion performance, but much better from a side that had lost their last two home league games.
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Fulham vs Manchester City Highlights: EPL Highlights
Carlos Tevez showed no mercy towards his old manager Mark Hughes at Craven Cottage as Manchester City romped to a victory that saw them close to within three points of the Premier League leader Chelsea.
Twelve months ago Hughes was the man profiting from the South American’s lethal form in front of goal.
Now it is Roberto Mancini who is reaping two goals and a man-of-the-match display from the inspirational South American.
Indeed, as Mancini reflects on a table that shows his side to be bang in the title hunt, as well as more money to strengthen in January than any of their rivals – and four more goals on the road to answer the critics who have criticized him for being too negative, the Italian could be forgiven for having a large chuckle to himself.
Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure struck within a three-minute period at the end of the first half after Tevez had given City a perfect start with an early goal.
And although Zoltan Gera netted a consolation for the home side, Tevez had already killed the contest with a fourth for the Blues, who would have to be rated as strong championship challengers in this crazy season, if only they can start playing at home as they do away.
For a side said to be lacking in team spirit and certainly lacking a few goals after successive goalless draws, this was precisely the kind of win they needed to get things in order.
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Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic Highlights
Wayne Rooney return could not have returned on a better day for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took full advantage of their title rivals’ misfortunes. United brushed aside Wigan, who self-destructed in the second half with two unnecessary red cards, but perhaps more importantly Rooney made his first appearance since the contract saga that saw the England striker threaten to leave before signing a new five-year deal.
The setbacks suffered by Arsenal and Chelsea made it imperative that United did not slip up too and they made no mistakes as headers by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez ensured Ferguson’s men second spot in the Premier League table, behind leaders Chelsea only on goal difference. Rooney could have put the icing on the cake by scoring too but passed up a glorious opportunity.
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Evra’s Goal
Hernandez Goal
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur Highlights: EPL Highlights
Arsenal blew the chance to go top of the Premier League as Tottenham mounted a spirited fightback from 2-0 down to record a remarkable first victory at Emirates Stadium with a 3-2 win.
Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh had put the Gunners in complete control as they looked set to overtake Chelsea.However, Spurs, who had just one Premier League away victory over their old rivals, in May 1993 regrouped in the second half following the introduction of fit-again England striker Jermain Defoe.
Gareth Bale pulled a goal back on 50 minutes, before an freak handball from captain Cesc Fabregas from a free-kick gave away a penalty, which Rafael van der Vaart converted. Arsenal were then condemned to successive home league defeats for the first time in 13 years when Younes Kaboul headed in a dramatic winner five minutes before time.
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