Take a deep breath and then look at the league table because after 20 matches and a ridiculous number of goals there has been some seismic changes in the league table. Boxing Day and 29/30 December matches now on and included in the calcs.
There’s also round 2 of the Cup to tell you about and Manager of the Month for December - read on MacDuff…..
BOXING DAY
A day for meant for lounging about in your choice of sleepwear (providing its warm enough to keep out the winter chills) and getting stuck into the selection box. A day also for watching whatever comes your way on the telly, not for venturing out into the wilds to watch football. The hardy souls that did are to be commended, and at White Hart Lane they were treated to a feast of goals from Ramos’s attacking charges - 5-1 they thumped at that time manager-less Fulham. 3 goals to nil for 2 of the least glamorous sides (Birmingham against Middlesbrough) and included an own goal for Boro winger Stewart Downing.
Liverpool snided a win at Derby in the last minute as Gerrard literally willed the ball into the net while their Merseyside rivals were far more comfortable in a 2-0 home win against Bolton. Four goals for Man Utd at Sunderland despite Tevez being rested but absolutely none at Fratton Park for either Portsmouth or Arsenal - typically this was the televised match….
The excitement was most palpable down the Kings Road - 8 goals, 3 red cards, 2 penalties and a money grabbing left back sent off…….Knight and Carvalho also went off for first and second use of the soap. The game by the way 4-4 in the end. Wigan overcame Newcastle to set them off on a terrible run (Ryan Taylor) and West Ham and Reading drew 1-1. Not quite sure why Man City v Blackburn was on the 27th (probably telly) but a 2-2 draw transpired with Santa Cruz once again scoring 2.
WEEKEND
Things got even crazier in North London as Spurs and Reading entertained us with their dazzling attacking and baffling defending in a 6-4 epic. Berbatov was the man to have with no less than 4 goals. Robbie Keane managed to miss another penalty, which if he had scored would have meant reading had lost 7-4 twice in the one season. And yet, Steve Coppell continues to choose the same keeper and back 4 and even gave Hahnemann the keeper a new contract (for the pedants the new contract was activated by reaching a certain number of appearance). Arsenal were on the road at Everton and came back from a Cahill goal to knock in 4 - da Silva showing he doesnt just score against England. Arteta and Bendtner exited early.
Chelsea hardly extended themselves with a 2-1 win over Newcastle, but it was very much a second string the put out. Middlesbrough scored a rare win, away from home at Portsmouth who just cant score or win at home. All square at St Andrews as Fulham once again took the lead but at least didnt lose this time. Landmark day in Sunderland as a Kenwyne Jones inspired side took Bolton apart 3-1, and West Ham defeated Man Utd for the second time in a row, Ronaldo missing a penalty.
Aston Villa chalked up another ‘ugly’ win at Wigan - could there be any other type of win against Steve Bruce? Sunday saw Derby chucking it away again, another penalty miss, this time from Steve Howard who quickly jumped in the car to move to Leicester - Blackburn winning 2-1 in the end. Man City held Liverpool at bay to take a goal-less draw in the last and probably worst game of the year.
THE POINTS
Top 5 points scorers now shown on right hand side of page - but quite clearly if you had Berbatov you were on a absolute winner!
THE TABLE
A couple of young pups flying this week, Stu’s Super Saints and Danny’s Boys tearing into the top 5 - the Doushbags not too far behind. Still though its Shamu leading by a fair old bit, but Jane’s Buddies in danger of being usurped by the younger generation. Elsewhere upwardly mobile are Dublin Bhoys, the Phoenix is Rising, Going for Goal, Dukla Pumpherston Sawmills & Tanneries, 1910 was a great year, Whizbee Whatsits.
THE CUP & TROPHY
Half of you look away as you’re already out but for 64 brave teams it was Cup weekend. Now, these scores take into account ONLY THE MATCHES ON 29th and 30th DECEMBER!!!! You’ll see the results at the Cup tab above, but one replay between Real Sosobad and Going for Goal that will take place on weekend of 12 Jan. Round 3 on 19 Jan - draw coming once the 12 Jan game sorted. Last 16 in each comp now, getting exciting.
MANAGER OF THE MONTH
This month the honour goes to Stu’s Super Saints with an incredible 250 points, miles ahead of the rest. Those closest included the Doushbags and Danny’s Bhoys in 3rd for second month in a row (thats my bhoy!). Clock started again on New Years Day, you could be drinking your tea out a nice new mug before the dark nights are gone…..
THE FA CUP
3rd round this weekend and it counts for FFL purposes, so remember to pay attention to MoTD…………
There ye are a great start to the year chat-wise………my new year’s resolution 100% fulfilled to date can’t ask for better than that!
