A Phil Jones own goal helps Chelsea’s push for a third place finish after the Blues clinch a late victory at Old Trafford. Liverpool and Everton play out a goalless draw at Anfield in a Gameweek that has proved fruitful for defensive returns, with nine clean sheets from the nine fixtures played so far:
Toffees Hold Steady
Liverpool’s free-scoring frontline was brought to a halt by another resilient display by their visitors in yesterday’s Merseyside derby. Having hammered Newcastle 6-0 at St James’ Park, the hosts were in buoyant mood ahead of the Anfield showdown but David Moyes’ men maintained their recent superb defensive record by registering a sixth clean sheet in the last eight games, with just three goals conceded over that run. Given that they had kept out their opponents just four times in the first 28 Gameweeks, it’s a remarkable turnaround in solidity and somewhat dispels the theory that Leighton Baines is merely worth the acquisition for attacking points. Indeed, the left-back has now moved to 170 points for the season – his second highest ever haul – despite returning a goal and assist in only one of his last nine appearances.
Rodgers’ Limited Options May be Advantageous
With Luis Suarez suspended and a lack of any real depth to the first-team squad, Liverpool’s consistency of selection could be crucial over the last couple of matches. Brendan Rodgers named the same XI that swept aside Newcastle last time out and while Daniel Sturridge failed to find the net, it’s likely he will be targeted by Fantasy managers over the next few days as Liverpool prepare to face Fulham and QPR. With rest and rotation a real worry for a number of sides now and Michu owners looking for a replacement in midfield, Philippe Coutinho is another Reds asset certain to appeal as Rodgers’ side brace themselves for an enticing last two matches – the Cottagers have just conceded four at home to Reading and have picked up one point from their last six, while the Gameweek 38 Anfield showdown against QPR could see Sturridge handed the armband by many as Rodgers’ side look to finish the season with a flourish.
Ferguson Starts to Rotate
While many had anticipated a near full strength United side for the visit of Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson’s five changes indicated his thinking from here on in. David De Gea’s owners will be looking to their back-up keeper for points now after the Spaniard was rested to the bench for the first time since Gameweek 15 as Anders Lindegaard was afforded a rare opportunity between the sticks. Michael Carrick has been a virtual ever-present for the champions but with Nemanja Vidic fit and available, Phil Jones moved into midfield alongside Anderson, with Carrick also rested – bearing in mind Ferguson has hinted Paul Scholes is likely to start next week, it seems he’s now determined to utilise his fringe players, as previously promised.
Certainly, Jones’ security of starts looks enhanced over the last couple, with Rafael’s late dismissal affording the versatile former Blackburn man the chance to move to right-back for the remaining couple of fixtures. Wayne Rooney’s disappointing season goes from bad to worse; the former Everton man was also shifted to the bench and while Robin Van Persie was handed the full 90 minutes against the Blues, even his owners will be a little concerned over his game time for the remaining couple of fixtures in light of Ferguson’s team sheet.
Mata in the Points Again
Just when it seemed that Sky’s “Super Sunday” would deliver us nothing more than a pair of goalless draws, Chelsea kept their push for a third place finish firmly on track by bagging a last-gasp winner. Juan Mata was instrumental yet again – the little Spaniard picked up an assist after his shot, which was initially off target, was deflected into his own net by Phil Jones – and has now delivered five assists in his last four appearances and 18 for the season.
While Mata took the chance to deliver the goods again, Eden Hazard owners were left frustrated after he missed out due to a calf complaint. The Belgian was subbed off in the midweek Europa League win over FC Basel but Rafa Benitez had insisted in Thursday’s post-match press conference his withdrawal was no more than a precaution. With three sets of double figures in his last seven in front of his own fans, Hazard’s 22% owners will be desperate for a return in time for Wednesday’s vital home game with Tottenham. After yesterday’s match, his manager gave an update on Hazard’s injury situation:
“He had a problem with his calf. He trained yesterday and we thought he was fine, but we didn’t want to take a risk with him. He could be available [for Wednesday], the physios are working with him and he could be fit.”
Chelsea in Pole Position for Third
Yesterday’s result may now play a significant part in how Benitez approaches the final three league matches as he looks to cement a third place finish and secure the Europa League. The 1-0 victory at Old Trafford means a win against Spurs at the Bridge on Wednesday would put Chelsea six points ahead of Andre Villas-Boas’ side and four ahead of Arsenal with two league games remaining – bearing in mind the Europa League final with Benfica falls between a Gameweek 37 trip to Villa and a home clash with Everton on the final day of the season, a win on Wednesday could prove significant in how Benitez views his Gameweek 37 lineup for Villa Park. Indeed, Chelsea could even afford to lose against Spurs and still remain in the driving seat – such a scenario would leave them a point ahead of Arsenal and above Tottenham on goal difference alone. After the game, Benitez stressed just how vital a victory will be for his side:
“If we can win we will be there, but Tottenham are a good team and it will be a final for the top four. This game was difficult and important for us. Wednesday will be even more important as we are so close to them. Winning is crucial for us, it’s even more important for them, so there will be a great atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. We will try to win because we know it will guarantee a top-four finish, I don’t see more or less pressure for either team, I know we just need to win.”
Furthermore, yesterday’s result also has a knock-on effect on Man City ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with West Brom. Roberto Mancini’s side are now just four points ahead of Chelsea in second spot (72 to 68) but with Benitez’s side having a slightly superior goal difference (+34 to +30) City may still require six points from their remaining three games in order to mathematically ensure second position. Despite a weekend FA Cup final with Wigan, Mancini can ill-afford to send out a weakened side for the next two league matches at least, then – encouraging news for those who loaded up on the likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez ahead of their double. With a Gameweek 37 trip to Reading also looking essential to their chances of clinching a runners up slot, City’s main attacking assets could be handed the chance to redeem themselves after Saturday’s disappointing blank at Swansea.
