Gameweek 37 Summary

Gunners fail to shoot down Canaries in high scoring stalemate

Arsenal failed to win their fourth consecutive league match following a thrilling encounter against Norwich.  The Gunners led 1-0, then fell back 1-2, then came back to lead 3-2 before Morison scored a late equaliser.  The draw means that Arsenal must win their last match to definitely secure a Champions League spot for next season.

City on course to say "Yaya" to title via win at the Sports Direct Arena

Man City moved one step closer to their first top flight title in decades following a 0-2 victory against Newcastle United.  The first half was close and cagey, but it was Yaya Toure's brace that ultimately unlocked the Geordies defences and led to a famous win for City, with Newcastle's Champions League hopes now remaining slim.

Villans secure survival with draw against Spurs

They may have had a woeful season that made them shock last minute relegation candidates.  However, Aston Villa survived to live another season in the Premier League.  Clark's goal proved crucial in securing a draw, which complements a superior overall goal difference, in comparison to Bolton and QPR.  Spurs will be ruing their luck on how they failed to win the match and like Newcastle, their Champions League hopes still remain uncertain.

Bolton blow two goal lead as they succumb to late draw

So close and yet so far.  Bolton were seconds away from gaining a vital win to put them on points parity with QPR.  Yet Brunt's last minute strike took away 2 points from Bolton.  It means that Bolton must win their final match of the season (Stoke - away) and hope that QPR fail to win their match (Man City - away).

Captain America and his handy "dumbbell" save the day at Craven Cottage

It was Fulham's non-club superhero/captain that saved the day again for them.  Clint Dempsey scored the opener, which was followed by Dembele bagging the second.  The victory was Fulham's second in as many weeks, as Sunderland extended their winless run to seven.

Cisse strikes late as match ceases with much needed win for QPR

The North East's Cisse has been hitting the headlines of late.  But West London's equivalent struck late to deliver the Hoops a sensational victory at home.  QPR must now obtain a draw against City and hope that Bolton fail to win their final match of the season in order to survive.

Wolves secure rare clean sheet in goalless draw against Everton

They may be down and out, but it seems that no one told Wolves about their confirmed relegation.  A 0-0 draw against Everton was their second consecutive unbeaten match and ensures that Wolves are ending the season with some dignity.

United beat Swans as their title hopes hang on a knife edge

Goals from Scholes and Young secured a 2-0 win for United at Old Trafford.  The victory put United back on level points with City.  However, City's superior goal difference means that United will only win the title if they obtain a win against Sunderland (away) and City fail to win against QPR.

Chickens come home to roast as Blackburn lose and get relegated

Blackburn's survival hopes ended in a farce, following a 0-1 defeat to Wigan at Ewood Park.  Constant protest from fans through out the match against their manager and owners, fans on the pitch as well as a cockerel on the pitch summed up the chaos.  The ex-Premier League champions were relegated from the Premier League for a second time in their history as the Latics in turn secured survival.

Lively Liverpool thump Chelsea B team in bounce back win

The Reds may have lost to a triumphant Chelsea in the FA cup final over the weekend.  However, nothing could stop them from trouncing Chelsea in their second encounter in less than a week.  Chelsea lacked many of their first team regulars, yet that was no excuse as they lose 1-4.  The defeat ensures that Chelsea must win the Champions League final to secure entry into Europe's elite competition for next season.

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A decent penultimate Gameweek of the season for me, which ensures that the FPLH Blog Team is now ranked in the Top 100 of FPL, as things stand. A truly remarkable achievement for a team that has consistently performed. Van Persie, my captain, did me proud with 2 goals.  Rosicky, my recommended player for GW 37 bagged an assist.  In addition, de Gea's clean sheet, Clichy's clean sheet/assist, Petrov's goal/assist, Dempsey's goal as well as assists from Rooney and Suarez ensured that the FPLH Blog team scored a decent GW total.  The -4 transfer hit paid off as my transfers scored a gross tally of 16 GW points. However, it was disappointing that van der Vaart (last week's tip) failed against a weakened Villa team.

Looking to Gameweek 38, I may take another -4 hit.  Aguero and Kompany could be potential transfer targets.  Along with Chelsea's on-form Ramires (recently scored in the league, cup final and Champions League semi-final).  I will take my time on deciding my transfers, as the FPLH Blog Team strives to secure a Top 100 FPL ranking out of 2.78M competitors.  I will upload my recommended player for GW 38 shortly. Until then, in the words that Mancini will hope to say to United's hold of the Premier League title... arrivederci!

Recommended Player for Gameweek 37

Recommended Player for Gameweek 37 - Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal)

Can Arsenal's "Mozart" produce another master class?

After my recent successful endorsements of Petrov (17 points, GW35) and van der Vaart (22 points, GW36), I have decided to endorse another midfielder.  My recommended player for Gameweek 37 may come as a mild surprise, nonetheless I am endorsing Arsenal's Thomas Rosicky.

He may not have played many matches in the first half of the season, but Rosicky has recently shone signs of his world class talent in a reinvigorated Arsenal team.  The Czech international has started 10 of Arsenal's last 11 matches, which have included him creating two assists and scoring a goal.  He is a playmaker by nature.  This proven attribute forms the essence of his raw footballing ability.

With injuries to Arteta and Walcott, I believe Rosicky will play a more attacking role in the final two game weeks, which could lead to his involvement in potential assists or goals in Arsenal's remaining two matches.  This seems all the more possible especially considering his team's remaining fixtures:

Norwich (H) - They have conceded 1.83 goals on average whilst playing away this season.

West Brom (A) - They have conceded 1.06 goals on average whilst playing at home this season.

Norwich have recorded 9 defeats away. West Brom have recorded 9 defeats at home.

Arsenal on average have scored 1.89 goals per league match this season.  With this and the above in mind, the Gunners could potentially score at least 3-4 goals in their remaining two matches.  Rosicky could orchestrate this as he will have to play a more integral midfield role.

He has scored a respectable 20 goal in 85 matches for his country.  There is a strong probability for him to add to his goal scoring tally due to the aforementioned reasons.  Purchasing him would in-effect require you taking a calculated risk, but at 5.7 he is a steal purchase.  Surely his natural football talent and quasi-musical on-pitch rhythm is unquestionable?

I will post My GW 37 Blog Team (with confirmation of my selected captain and vice-captain) at least a night before the Gameweek commences.

Recommended Player for Gameweek 36

Recommended Player for Gameweek 36 - Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham)

Time to buck up?

Gameweek 36 is a "Double Gameweek", consisting of 14 matches. With this in mind I have decided to endorse a player whose team is involved in two matches. Not only that, but a player who is capable of making an impact. My recommended player for Gameweek 36 is Tottenham's Rafael van der Vaart. Of course Spurs' league form has been woeful of late with only 2 wins from their last 10 matches. This is quite a remarkable down turn for a team that were effectively outside title challengers as recent as mid-February.

However, I believe that Tottenham will do their best to not let things slip further in their pursuit for 4th position in the Premier League. Van der Vaart started the season in electric fashion with 6 goals to his name by Gameweek 10. Since then he has only added a paltry 3 goals to that tally.  Injuries, indifferent form, being rested and subbed off regularly hasn't helped his on-field performances. The time for excuses has to stop. I believe Tottenham can stop the rot, especially considering their GW 36 opponents:

Match 1 of DGW 36 - Blackburn (H):

Rovers have conceded 41 goals on their travels in 17 matches this season (2.4 goals per match).

Match 2 of DGW 36 - Bolton (A):

Wanderers have conceded 33 goals at home in 17 matches this season (1.94 goals per match).

(Even after DGW 36, Spurs have decent fixtures at hand, with Villa away and Fulham at home).

Indeed, it must be noted that both Bolton and Blackburn are battling against relegation. During this time of the season you would want to avoid playing such teams as they have everything to play for, when it comes to top-flight survival. But remember, Tottenham's season hasn't ended yet. Would they really want to let a Champions League spot slip away with defeats against minor opponents? Definitely not. Spurs haven't packed it all in yet and will do their utmost to win both of their DGW 36 matches.

Admittedly, it will be a semi-calculated risk in picking Van der Vaart due to Spurs' recent run and his personal form of late. But it is time for him to up his game. Aside from Tottenham he has played for the likes of Ajax and Real Madrid which highlights his world class pedigree. In addition to this, he has 93 caps to his name, along with a World Cup finalist medal. A player of his calibre can inspire Spurs' rejuvenation.  DGW 36 provides a perfect opportunity for him and his club. A good performance is overdue from Rafael van der Vaart and now is surely the time for an upturn in Spurs' fortunes.

I will post My GW 36 Blog Team (with confirmation of my selected captain and vice-captain) at least a night before the Gameweek commences. 

Gameweek 35 Summary

Cool, Calm and Collected Chelsea Cech Off Van Persie

Following their surprising triumph against Barcelona only a few days earlier, the Blues held their nerves for a credible draw against Arsenal. Cech's five saves were important in maintaining Chelsea's five match unbeaten run and means that Van Persie has only scored one goal from his last seven matches. However the draw leaves Chelsea in 6th place with the daunting realisation that they may have to go all the way and win the Champions League if they are to definitely play in the elite European competition next season.

Black Cats fail to get their claws into Villainous Lions

Coming into this match, both teams had failed to win in their last few league matches. Going out of it, the abysmal winless record continued for both as the match ended in a goalless draw. Villa's inability to win has made them shock last minute relegation candidates as Sunderland's recent poor form is sufficient for them to accept mid-table mediocrity.

Hoilett halts the rot for Rovers

Blackburn ended their five match losing streak with a much needed win at Ewood Park. Goals from Formica and Hoilett were enough to defeat Norwich. Rovers are now three points away from safety and could still be in with a shout for survival. It all now depends on how much they wish to fight until the end.

Elegant Eagles' goal not enough to down Swift Swans

Bolton were denied three points at home as they fight to avoid the drop. A draw seemed to be the inevitable outcome as Bolton's home record hasn't been that great this season, which was complemented by Swansea's poor away performances.  And so it ended in a 1-1 draw. See below for the outcome of Bolton's second GW 35 match...

Pog Riises and Sends Martinez's men back to the drawing board

Wigan came back down to reality with defeat at Craven Cottage, following back-to-back victories against Arsenal and United. Goals from Pogrebnyak and Senderos were enough to secure three points for Fulham, despite Boyce's goal for the Latics. With 3 games to go Wigan are 3 points above the relegation zone and must avoid complacency to avoid being dragged back down to the drop zone.

Geordies order Cab ride for Stoke in three goal rout

Newcastle continued to defy the odds as they recorded their sixth consecutive league victory with a comfortable win against Stoke. A brace from Cabaye and yet another goal from Cisse ensured that the Geordies remain 3 points above 5th spot and only 3 points away from 3rd. Never in their wildest dreams could the Toon Army have imagined such a tantalising scenario at the start of the season, of Champions League football within touching distance...

"Queen Kenny's" six appeal saves the day at Loftus Road

Half a dozen saves from QPR's goalkeer, along with an Adel Taarabt goal secured three unlikely points against fellow Londoners Tottenham. Taarabt may have got himself sent off later in the match but that wasn't enough for Spurs to score. The win leaves QPR 3 points safely above 18th place with 3 matches remaining.

Moyes' Boys shock Fergie's foxes in 8 Goal Thriller

He may have been at Everton for 10 years in a trophyless reign, but Moyes showed that his shoestring budget team can from time to time raise their game against the big teams. A win for United would have semi-sealed the title race. At 0-1 down they were in trouble. At 3-1 up they were cruising. Even at 4-2 up they were cruising. But perhaps United became complacement? With 7 minutes of time left, Everton blew open the title race with two late goals to finish the match 4-4. United may be regretting their poor defending and missed chances, but will have to avoid defeat in GW 36 at City to prevent losing complete momentum in the title race.

Hodgson comes back to Anfield and piles more misery on Liverpool

He may have been sacked in an unjust manner last season, but since then he has prospered and Liverpool have stagnated. This proved to be the case as West Brom defeated a wasteful Liverpool team at Anfield for the first time in 45 years. The once formidable Liverpool have unfortunately relegated themselves to the status of a cup team this season. Talking of relegation, Liverpool would be right in the mire if you look at the Premier League table from January 2012. The victory was West Brom's 3rd from their last 4 matches and puts them only 1 point away from Liverpool.

City beat and relegate Wolves (as well as reducing league lead)

Mancini's men made the most of United's lost two points at Old Trafford by picking three points of their own at the Molineux Stadium. Their 0-2 victory, courtesy of goals from Aguero and Nasri, automatically relegated a Wolves team whose fate seemed sealed weeks before. City will now hope to beat United in GW 36 and win their remaining matches to stand any chance of winning the Premier League.

and finally...

Eagles and Pets plunge Villa into relegation Dog Fight

Aston Villa may have been lacking three of their key players (Collins - injury, "Stan" Petrov - Illnes and Bent - injury), but this was no excuse to lose to a struggling Bolton team. Warnock's goal gave Villa some hope for victory. But that lasted seconds, as complacency set in and withing three minutes Villa were 1-2 down. The defeat means they have only won one match in their last ten where as Bolton now remain one point away from safety with a game in hand.

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A mixed gameweek for me. On the one hand 8 of my starting XI scored 2 points or less. No one from my defence kept a clean sheet other than Gibbs whose points will not count as he was unfortunately my third substitute. On the other other hand, Rooney's two goals complimented nicely with my GW 35 captain/endorsement Martin Petrov's assist and goal which added respectability to my score. Looking to DGW 36, I already have made one change by replacing the injured Walcott. I am willing to take a -4 for the first time in almost three months to accomodate another DGW player. RVP could surprisingly be axed from my team. His turnover of 1 goal in 7 matches has been unimpressive when the cheaper likes of Jelavic and Cisse (who have two matches in DGW 36) have scored freely. I will provide thought to my second transfer before carrying it out. I will upload my recommened player for Gameweek 36 shortly. Until next time ciao!