10 Things We Learned From The Premier League This Weekend…

 

1) BIRMINGHAM could qualify for Europe. Sitting pretty in eighth, Alex McLeish’s men are the surprise of the season. They’ve been consistently grinding out results and when a 36-year-old marksmen scores a winning double, you have to throw any logic out the window. Originally a certainty for the drop, they could now crack that top six. As for Kevin Phillips, well, he admitted to Sky Sports: “I’m knackered.” Better have a rest then Kev, there’s no doubt you’ll be leading that frontline next time out.

2) PORTSMOUTH are going down. If they survive the season financially and they’re still playing football at Fratton Park come May, then come August it will be in the Championship. After a 5-0 hiding from Manchester United, you really can’t see a way back for Avram Grant's patched-up 11 but that didn’t stop their faithful fans having a ball in the stands at Old Trafford. You really have to admire and applaud the supporters' loyalty.

3) A 0-0 draw is not always boring. SPURS and ASTON VILLA had a goalless stalemate at White Hart Lane in what must have been a massively entertaining game for the neutral. Not for either manager though, as both sides failed to capitalise on Manchester City losing at Hull to extend their lead and grip on the chase for the top four. Tottenham fans will bemoan Villa's shutting up shop but Martin O'Neill certainly came away the happier gaffer with tactics that ensured a point.

4) Talking of ROBERTO MANCINI, his superstars were humbled by a Hull team scrapping for their life at the bottom of the table. If the best the Blue Moons can offer is Patrick Vieira to change a game, then Robbie really needs to rethink the tactics. The French journeyman could learn a lesson or two from George Boateng, who scored the winner. He never scores. Ever. Not even in his dreams. He must have been on cloud nine.

5) Should MATTHEW ETHERINGTON get a call up for England? There’s always one shock inclusion to a European Championship or World Cup squad and the Stoke winger is catching the eye. His crosses and passing are sublime and Matty even popped up with a goal against Blackburn. With Ashley Young, Stewart Downing, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips either injured, dropped or on a terrible run of form, Etherington could yet make the squad.

6) Why is nobody praising RAFA BENITEZ? The Spaniard couldn’t do a thing right a few weeks back as Liverpool slumped to defeat after defeat. He was either finished, sacked or resigning as far as most of the media was concerned. Now his side has taken 17 points from a possible 21 and they’re back in their ‘rightful’ spot of fourth. With Arsenal looming mid-week, they could yet rise up to third with a win against the Gunners edging them to just a couple of points behind. Anyone want to eat some words with that massive slice of humble pie?

7) Ah, we forgot to mention, PORTSMOUTH can score goals. Just  at the wrong end. THREE own goals, or at least terrible deflections, said more about them than it did Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson even took Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov off with a good 25 minutes left. Well, when someone is doing the work for your strikers, you might as well let them put their feet up.

8) Unsung hero of the weekend has to go to DANIEL FOX. He won’t hit the headlines, but the Burnley newbie scored one and made another on his debut. The former Celtic defender’s free-kick was superb and the three points lifts his team into the safety zone. Their opponents West Ham on the other hand are deep in the brown stuff. Gianfranco Zola better hope he receives no more ‘backing’ from the new Chairman. Otherwise he might as well book a flight back to Italy.

9) Talking of bosses getting the boot, ARSENE WENGER could be presiding over his last season in English football. The Frenchman and his side offered nothing to Man Utd, they were beat 2-0 by Chelsea yesterday and now face Liverpool. With a bench of Championship proportions, and a first XI that relies far too much on Cesc Fabregas, the Gunners might as well concentrate on the Champions League and put their efforts into that because otherwise another trophy-less season beckons.

10)  DIDIER DROGBA. Do we even need to say any more than that? Back from the African Nations, he’s scored three goals in two games and ripped Arsenal to shreds. He even had a free-kick bounce back off the bar and didn’t need to worry. He always scores against Arsenal and with Matt Damon watching from the stands, Drog seems Bourne to lead Chelsea to the title single-handedly this season.

What was your best moment of the weekend? Let us know...