The Week in EPL: Liverpool, Arsenal share the spoils; Manchester City catch up with Chelsea

Saturday was a true test of Manchester City’s resolve – Manuel Pellegrini was without his three striking options as he opted for James Milner to perform in an unfamiliar role as the lone target man.

Milner’s performance was admirable as he was essential in closing down the spaces between defender and goalkeeper creating gaps for David Silva to weave his magic. The first half was a bit of a drab display fr om the home side as Crystal Palace conjured a few good chances that could have seen them take a lead.

However, Pellegrini’s side began the second half with intent and were fortunate when Silva’s deflected strike bounced over Julian Speroni into the net. It was the perfect response from the Champions.

If the first strike was fortunate, the second was just fantastic quality. Alekandar Kolarov drilled a cross from the left flank which was  met by an unmarked Silva around the six-yard box- he finished brilliantly to give City comfortable 2-0 lead.

Yaya Toure scored the goal that killed off the tie in typical fashion as he latched on to Milner’s pass to smash the ball in the back of the net with a little help from the post.

Pellegrini’s side proved their title credentials once again with a display of grit and determination. They are now level on points with Chelsea, albeit with the Blues having a game to play on Monday evening.

With teams likely to drop some points over this festive period, it will be interesting to see if the Citizens can usurp the leaders from London.

United’s six-game winning streak ended by Aston Villa

The Red Devils put in an abject display once again but were unable to claim the three points this time at Villa Park.

United could not take advantage of the extra man when Gabby Abgonlahor was harshly sent off in the 65th minute for a 50-50 challenge on Ashley Young.

The Villains put in a solid performance and were well worth the half time lead thanks to an exquisite finish from striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgian was allowed to control the ball in the penalty area from a free kick, as he twisted and turned Jonny Evans in the box to release an unstoppable shot.

United’s big conundrum is in midfield as they do not posses a player that can dictate the play. Darren Fletcher was poor and had to be  substituted at half time, while Michael Carrick is a quality player who can perform that role.

However, due to the injuries in defence, he is often being deployed in a centre back role.

The positives Van Gaal can take from the game will be the return to goalscoring form for striker Radamel Falcao who was making his first start since 5th October. Despite being injured for part of the season, Falcao has only managed two goals for his club and it remains to be seen if the Colombian can live up to the hype.

Villa will be kicking themselves as they had a glorious chance to win the game in stoppage time. For United there is still work to be done. A consistent run with consistent performances is what is needed if they are to be considered as serious title contenders.

Skrtel late header salvages point for Liverpool against Arsenal

Liverpool played their best football of this season last night at Anfield and were unlucky to have to come from behind to draw the game in the 97th minute despite being a man down.

Liverpool dominated the play from start to finish and looked the more likely to score. Philippe Coutinho’s strike late in the second half gave them a deserved lead only for the home side to concede of another set piece a minute later.

The late equalizer gave Arsenal the impetus and confidence in the second half as Olivier Giroud worked fantastically with Santi Cazorla to give the Gunners an undeserved lead against the run of play.

For Liverpool however, it was the same old story. Playing the better football, dominating the stats, but yet they found themselves a goal down due to some horrific defending.

When Fabio Borini was sent off in the 90th minute for a chest high challenge on Cazorla, it seemed certain that the Merseyside club were headed for an 8th defeat of the season. However, a late corner from Adam Lallana was met by an unmarked Martin Skrtel in the box who nodded him for a deserved equalizer.

The result do no favours to either side’s position in the league table and both managers must address the defensive frailties in the coming window as they are susceptible to costly errors at the back during crucial moments.