The top billing clash saw United outclass Chelsea to leave them needing just a point from their last two games to claim the crown. Sunday’s support acts included a win for Stoke as they warmed up for their FA Cup Final against Man City by battering Arsenal. Botttom of the bill Wolves grabbed a massive win over rivals West Brom to leap out of the relegation zone. Here’s the notes from yesterday’s games…
Steven Fletcher
The Scotsman continued his recent good goal scoring form, grabbing a double to lift Wolves out of the bottom three with just two games remaining. Fletcher also picked up an assist and the 3 Bonus Points for a 16 point FPL return in the 3-1 home win over Midlands neighbours West Brom. He’s now scored 4 goals in his last 3 games and with (sun, BLA) left to play, Big Mick’s side can approach gameweek 37 with a much-improved optimism.
Matt Jarvis
The flying winger was surprisingly dropped to the bench by Mick McCarthy in Sunday’s win, with Stephen Hunt given the nod on the left flank with the impressive Adlène Guédioura on the right. Having been a key threat all season and with the Wolves Player of the Year accolade in his sights, the decision to drop Jarvis was a risky one by McCarthy. The Wolves boss had this to say post-match…
“In the last four or five games I don’t think Jarvo has been as effective.Previously he was just ‘Matt Jarvis – that lad from Gillingham who’s done alright. Then all of a sudden it’s ‘Matt Jarvis, England international’ and they all know that and people double up on him which has a bearing on it…I just thought Hunty was the man for the occasion.”
Jermaine Pennant
Stoke’s right winger has exploded into form in the last few gameweeks; good news for Tony Pulis, particularly with Matthew Etherington touch and go ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup Final. Playing at the Britannia seems to be bringing out the best in Pennant these days; his last five home games have brought three goals and five assists, for a score of 50 points.
Robert Huth
The big centre-half departed the proceedings just before the 50 minute mark, after falling awkwardly when attempting a header on the Arsenal goal. It’s reported Huth will have a scan on a knee injury some time today, though Stoke are positive that he’ll be fine for the big day out at Wembley next weekend.
Robin Van Persie
Last week’s deserved victory over Man United seemed a million miles away for Arsenal yesterday; the Gunners were second-best all over the part in their defeat to Stoke. Van Persie was the only player who can’t really be faulted by Arsene Wenger; this was the eighth away game in a row the Dutchman has scored but, for all his goals in this second half of the season, Arsenal continue to show a fragility at the back that proves time and again to be their undoing.
A Candid Wenger
The Arsenal boss was very open in his criticism of his side following the Stoke defeat. Again Arsene Wenger emphasised the issues in defence, stressing his sides obvious weakness at set-plays…
“We [have] conceded, I think, 21 from set-pieces and only 17 in open play. Less than anybody else in open play [but] we have been caught on set-pieces. Today, [Kenwyne] Jones didn’t even need to jump to head the ball in. That is something we have to correct.”
When asked whether his side had missed the influence of Thomas Vermaelen over the season, Wenger suggested that the defender – back on the bench at the Britannia – could make a return to the starting lineup for Arsenal’s remaining fixtures.
“I would love to have had him and maybe I can give him the last two games, I don’t know.”
Rotation Ahead at United
Needing just a point from their last games two games (bla, BLP) affords Alex Ferguson a license to rotate with the Champions League in mind. United will no doubt want to tie up the league next weekend at Blackburn and it‘s likely he’ll field a strong line-up for the Ewood Park. If the league‘s in the bag before the gameweek 38 match with Blackpool, though, there’s every chance United’s starting XI will be in the same vein of their midweek line-up against Schalke. As the Wembley Final against Barcelona is six days after the Seasiders‘ clash, Rooney, Hernandez, Vidic Ferdinand should all expect less game time in that final match of the season.
David Luiz
The Brazilian’s Fantasy owners will be concerned by his display and his withdrawal in yesterday’s game, with Carlo Ancelotti suggesting post-match that Luiz was still suffering the effects of a training ground injury. With Luiz considered at fault for the early Hernandez goal, Ancelotti had this to say on the situation…
“He had a little (injury) problem yesterday in training, we tried this morning and he said it was okay so I put him on the pitch…On the pitch, you can make a mistake…I was not angry because I took him out at the end of the first half but if I had 10 or 11 substitutions I wanted to use all the substitutions”
Ancelotti was clearly frustrated with his January signing and with Alex replacing Luiz from the bench, he would seem to be well placed to start the gameweek 37 fixture with Newcastle next time out. That would be a major blow given the clean sheet potential on offer in that fixture.
