City deployed Yaya Touré effectively to attack and constrict United | David Pleat
Manchester United's abandoning their tactical formation gave Manchester City the base to use the Ivorian to counterattack and eventually close the game downThis was a predictably tight and nervy occasion, ultimately settled by a header from a set play ...
QPR pay hefty price for failing to cut off Chelsea’s supply lines | David Pleat
Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata ran the midfield show ensuring another victory for Roberto Di MatteoRoberto Di Matteo shuffled his pack and the positive effects of doing so were obvious right from the start as Daniel Sturridge showed an imm...
Manchester United sparkled going forward but at the expense of defence | David Pleat
Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck combined to breathtaking effect and Everton's finishing was similarly lethalRichard Scudamore, BSkyB and possibly the Manchester City hierarchy would have enjoyed this spectacular. No parking of the bus here; maybe at 4-2...
Movable Juan Mata was the key to Chelsea denying marauding Tottenham | David Pleat
The Spaniard dropping back in the second half helped Chelsea dominate midfield as Parker tired and Modric disappointedHarry Redknapp's brave selection, in playing two wide men on the open Wembley pitch, failed to find a reward only after Chelsea scored...
Alex Song ensures Arsenal lead Manchester City a merry dance | David Pleat
Arsenal's movement opened up the space for Alex Song's surges and helped them dominate the middle thirdArsenal dominated the early exchanges but the visitors slowly emerged from their shell, defending strongly. With David Silva out from the beginning a...
Hatem Ben Arfa’s tricky moves drive pitch-perfect score for Newcastle | David Pleat
In a wide role the Frenchman was adept at manipulating defenders and provided an interesting contrast to Craig BellamyAlan Pardew has steered the ship well since taking over following Chris Hughton's departure but his own coach John Carver and chief sc...
Masterclass of centre-halves ensures Tottenham and Chelsea draw blank
The two central defensive pairings were in control throughout a tight contest lacking goalmouth excitementThis had been an occasion for both teams to establish their Champions League qualification credentials, though, in a tight contest of good technic...
Manchester United play havoc with Wolves’ over-stretched defence | David Pleat
Woeful defending at set-plays and a lack of organisation to counter Manchester United's Antonio Valencia brought about Wolves' demoralising defeatA combination of woeful, undisciplined defending at set-plays and a lack of organisation to counter Antoni...
Roberto Martínez’s faith in system hints at brighter future for Wigan | David Pleat
Manager refuses to budge from his philosophy and gamble pays dividends in spirited comeback to draw at NorwichThis was a surprisingly entertaining contest in which both teams chased victory until the last minute and Wigan, in particular, should be appl...
Roberto Mancini replicates Manchester City’s winning formula | David Pleat