Monday 6 December 2010

Big clubs beat the weather

So, after the World Cup bidding fiasco, it was back to the parochial limits of the Premier and Football Leagues. Except that they're not so parochial, with such wide foreign influences, and we weren't quite back as much of the Football League programme was called off because of the adverse weather.

Congratulations to all those clubs who did get their games on - all the Premier League games except at Blackpool, and seven of the 12 Championship games, together with games at Swindon Town, Northampton Town and Oxford United (not too far apart geographically, which tells a tale). Given that the higher in the league a club is, the more likely the game was to be on, it does seem that money can even beat the weather!

Chelsea's stumbling continued as Everton fought back to equalise with a late goal, and even pressed for a winner. Arsenal took advantage with a 2-1 home win against Fulham - getting over some of their recent poor home form. Manchester City have not yet been particularly convincing, but their 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers puts them only three points behind the leaders, after Chelsea have surrendered their early season advantage.

The Championship is tight, except that unbeaten QPR are four points clear, despite not playing at the weekend. Second-placed Cardiff City secured a late-late draw against bottom club Preston, whose draw must have felt like a defeat, after being denied so late. Swansea City saw off the challenge of Ipswich Town, but were greatly helped by referee Andy D'Urso's refusal to award them what appeared to be a clear penalty at 1-2; and Swansea broke away and scored a third straight away (a magnificent effort by Craig Beattie). Ipswich boss (who does have previous with Mr D'Urso) refused to blame the referee.

From Norwich City in fourth to Sheffield United in 20th, there are only 11 points separating the teams, so there is still all to play for in a division notorious for late runs both up and down the table!

No comments:

Post a Comment