Premier League: 16 April 2014
BY NISAR KHAN
It was a dramatic midweek night of Premier League action which dramatically effected the Top Four as Everton were stunned by Crystal Palace, and Man City scraped merely a point from Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.
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| Sunderland’s Connor Wickham dealt a big blow to City’s title hopes on Wednesday STANDARD SPORT |
Manchester City’s title hopes were dealt a colossal blow as they drew with Sunderland in a thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium.
For the visitors, it was looking to be a gloomy day from the outset, as Fernandinho netted a goal for the hosts just two minutes in. The Brazilian smashed it to the right bottom corner after being threaded through from Sergio Aguero’s through ball.
The initial analogies of what the game would turn out to be though were, in fact, the contrary to what actually ensued – Sunderland pressed Man City and left them with a slender lead going into the half-time break.
Man City would hold on till the 71st minute, when Connor Wickham fired a deserved goal back in Sunderland’s favor to even the game. Emanuele Giaccherini’s cross put him through to beat Joe Hart and put The Citizens on edge.
Under ten minutes later, and Connor Wickham would complete his double and of much greater significance, he would give Sunderland a lead that hardly anyone would have expected. Joe Hart was left a bystander as the shot was cruelly slotted past him and left him helpless.
As the Black Cats slowly approached a vital three points, it was snatched away from them in crumbling fashion. Samir Nasri’s shot from the middle of the box was half-saved by Vito Mannone, though he could do little as it trickled into the net – the Italian was distraught as his blunder surrendered what would have been an uplifting three points to his side.
Sunderland, contrary to general consensus, would in fact press further for a winner, rather than defending for their lives, they came close to stunning City with another winner out of nowhere. Neither side could score a third goal, and honors were even as they both took a point.
A dwindling blow for Manchester City, who have put the title out of their own doing now – the loss to Liverpool on Sunday means that the Reds will only need 10 points from their final four games to clinch the title.
Crystal Palace held on to defy Everton at Goodison Park, while in the process push them further towards safety in the Premier League.
Jason Puncheon continued his scoring form as he broke the deadlock around 22 minutes in, with a strong strike to the bottom left of the goal. His lone goal of the half gave the Londoners an important lead going into the interval.
Three minutes into the second phase and the Eagles’ would be flying high in Goodison – Scott Dann headed home from Bolasie’s ball in.
Everton kept a gasp in the game around the hour-mark, with Naismith scoring from close range after Leighton Baines headed it towards his path, bringing back the deficit to one goal.
As Everton pressed, they would suffer a setback ten minutes after scoring. Cameron Jerome was provided possession off the ball from Jason Puncheon, allowing him to beat Tim Howard with a low-driven, medium-range shot.
Goodison was preparing for a nail-biting finish when Kevin Mirallas scored an easy goal with little yards between him and the goalline, just five minutes from the end of regulation.
Some six minutes of stoppage time later, and Everton’s final efforts would be in vein – Crystal Palace flew high on the day as they propelled to safety considerations, while Everton handed the fourth-place takings in the Gunners’ favor.
City Fail To Take Advantage Of Game In Hand
Manchester City’s meeting with Sunderland was one of two games in hand that, if both were won would sandwich them two points between Liverpool and Chelsea. Sunderland were reluctant to succumb to Manchester City’s attacking prowess and got the point.
But many would say they deserved more – Mannone’s blunder was a horrifying way for Sunderland to miss out on the three points. They definitely did a bigger favour for the other two title challengers in Liverpool and Chelsea.
Yaya Toure’s absence due to injury was quite noticeable in the game – even though Fernandinho made his presence somewhat known with an early goal, it was far from Yaya Toure’s potentials. A positive for City though is Aguero’s improvements as he assisted Fernandinho for the opener.
Liverpool need 10 of a possible 12 points to clinch the title now, meaning they can afford to draw with Chelsea at Anfield. If Liverpool and Chelsea continue form, then Man City are gone completely – every game now is must-win for the Etihad Stadium occupants.
The three points they missed out on though may be costly in the relegation bottle as they stick rock-bottom of the table.
Eagles Stick Toffees For Fifth?
Arsenal’s touts as the favorites for fourth spot are now even stronger – as wrote in this previous column, they definitely have the advantage.
Everton still have games with Manchester United, Manchester City and Southampton – while Arsenal’s run-down is a much easier journey to secure Champions League football. Everton really needed to pick up a win, even with it being at home, to keep the pressure on the Gunners.
And for Crystal Palace, well, what a turnaround. They are fighting back as the season approaches a thrilling culmination. They’ve hit the magic 40-point mark, and lie ten points from the drop zone.
Aftermath: The table at the end of the night
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