Twenty-Third Week Premiership Football Conclusions

What an amazing week in the world of Premiership football; Hull leaped to safety, Wayne Rooney scored (again), Liverpool stormed to 4th place and of course there was a tiny scandal that involved John Terry and Wayne Bridge.

Liverpool fight for fourth. There’s no doubting the Reds have had a miserable season. But if Rafa Benitez can guide Liverpool to 4th place, as promised last year, then he might just find himself still in the Anfield hotseat come next season. The Reds went a long way to fulfilling Rafa‘s prophecy as they defeated city rivals Everton in a good old fashioned Merseyside derby. Referee Martin Atkinson dished out two red cards and six yellows as Dirk Kuyt‘s headed effort separated the two sides.

United take charge. Another game, another three points. Manchester United have been in insatiable form since the turn of the year. Since dropping two points in a draw at Birmingham on January 9th, United have won four on the trot scoring 15 goals and conceding only one during that run. Renown for their second half of the season charge for the title, United‘s 5-0 win over Portsmouth means John Terry can’t have been the only Chelsea player to have trouble sleeping this weekend.

Terry restores order. Ashley Cole facing old friends. William Gallas back on his old stomping ground. Nicolas Anelka up against his former mentor.  The subplots were intruiging enough in themselves. But we always knew that once you add the central figure in the most controversial football scandal of the year, there were going to be fireworks. Fresh from having the England captaincy stripped by Fabio Capello, John Terry proved yet again his passion, pride and professionalism in the blue of Chelsea. Stamford Bridge witnessed a scintillating display of skill and passing as the West London side rode out deserved winners 2-0. While Chelsea‘s decision to keep faith with Terry has proved fruitful (at least in the short term), only time will tell how England will fare without Terry‘s wholehearted leadership.

Hull jump to safety.. for now. Phil Brown and his men enjoyed a week to remember at the KC Stadium as Hull City grabbbed 4 crucial points in their fight for survival. The Tigers followed an impressive mid-week draw against high-flying Chelsea with all three points in a 2-1 win against big spenders Manchester City. But Hull aren’t home free yet. Ominously for Hull fans, despite now sitting in 14th place, 3 points off the drop zone, the Tigers boast the Premiership‘s worst goal difference with a staggering minus 25.

Poor Wayne Bridge - can't win on or off the pitch