Arsenal Premiership: Blackburn given a lesson

Arsenal Premiership: Class gap a chasm as Blackburn given the run-around

Arsenal and their Premiership ambitions were given a huge boost after this performance. Star of the show, was England man Walcott.

Walcott’s pace and vision made the opening goal for Robin van Persie and his continual pacey runs constantly showed up the immobile Blackburn defence and midfield. Arsenal confirmed that more than ever the Premiership 'big four' and the rest have a massive gulf in class.

Walcott's substitution in the second half left it to Emmanuel Adebayor, who promptly helped himself to a hat-trick. You got the thought, that this game may even have prompted Ince to even consider the possibility of switching to the basket case that is St James’ Park.

However at Blackburn, he at least has his fate in his own hands here and you don't meet Arsenal storming the Premiership every week.

Walcott apart, Arsenal went coasted through the game and passed their way past Blackburn with a minimum of physical or mental effort.

Blackburn briefly sensed they were still in contention only for Adebayor to deliver a reality check after a glorious phase of possession by Arsenal just before half-time. That made it 2-0 and there was only one outcome after that.

Arsenal really will be a Premiership force again this season, despite the higher resources of rivals. You can't help thinking that the Premiership is lucky to have a club like Arsenal to act as a counterbalance to the unseemly way some clubs are run. Arsenal are a club truly built on the values of the beautiful game!

Football Transfer News

Football Transfer News: Arsenal to sign Johnson to replace Flamini

The latest football transfer news has it that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger may make a surprise move for Man City's Michael Johnson.

This would be a surprise transfer, as Wenger clearly needs experience, not another talented but young star. He only has 33 Premiership games to his name, so though accustomed to the Premier League, he can hardly be called experienced at that level of football. The thing that may also be attracting Arsenal, if there is substance to this, is the fact that he's English. The row between UEFA, FIFA and the EU etc is making football clubs consider English players for transfer more and more. It certainly played a part in Benitez and his thinking over Gareth Barry.

The transfer out of Flamini and Hleb will be a huge burden for Arsenal, but if anyone can get round this it's Wenger. Johnson is an undoubted talent, and will surely play for a big four club one day, but this transfer would be one of the surprise moves of the summer.

The Footy Focus team reckons this football transfer news is more speculation than anything of substance. Arsenal certainly need reinforcing, but is Johnson really what they are after. We think not!

Arsenal News

Arsenal News: Wenger and the boys getting lampooned big time!


Quality bit of Arsenal lampoonery. Seen this on a Liverpool forum - its absolutely quality!! No idea what it is but I think its great! Seen it here Hopefully Arsenal fans will laugh at it too in amongst all the bad news surrounding their team!

Not quite Arsenal news in the true sense but a good laugh all the same

Liverpool Lucky - I don't think so!

Jibes about Liverpool being lucky against Arsenal and Inter Milan just don't ring true

As a Liverpool fan I really do take exception to the myopic jibes that say we were lucky to get through against Inter Milan and Chelsea. Critics cite that against Milan, the tie went our way due to the Matterazi sending off and the injury to .

Against Arsenal, they also cite the injury to Flamini as a defining moment, together with the two penalty decisions that went our way.

Well this all may well be true enough but as they say, this all evens out in the end. Liverpool has had equally many things go against them in big games to more than equal out the decisions and events against Arsenal and Milan.

What you ask. Well for a start who remembers Xabi Alono's joke of a yellow card after Eidur Gudjohnsen went down like a sack of spuds in the Champions League of 2005? That kept Alonso out of the second leg. Moreover that came shortly after comeback after three months out, due to a horrendous Frank Lampard tackle on New Years day that broke his ankle. Being deprived of a keep midfielder for three months and for the second leg of a Champions League semi-final? Lucky Liverpool.

What about the penalty this season at Anfield, that was given to Chelsea to enable them to snatch a ill-deserved draw. After being outplayed for most of the game and trailing to a wonderful first goal from Torres, Chelsea were awarded penalty, when Rob Styles was fooled by Malouda's dive. Lucky, lucky Liverpool!

Another piece of luck for Liverpool, was the four month lay-off for Momo Sissoko due to a dislocated shoulder. At the time he was best holding midfielder in the Premier League, but one bad fall at Birmingham in the Carling Cup and Liverpool had to do without a key midfielder for four months. This was repeated when he almost lost an eye against Benfica again depriving Liverpool of his talents for a number of months. We at Footy Focus are glad to see he's won over the Juventus fans, and is now displaying the talent he showed in his first season at Liverpool, before the dreadful injuries he suffered knocked him off course.

More on the bad luck front, has seen Liverpool without Daniel Agger for most of the season, with a broken Metatarsal. Alonso as well has been out for a number of months with this injury.

I'd like to see Arsenal without Gallas, and or Fabregas/ Flamini for most of the season and see where they end up in the Premier League. At least Chelsea are still in the race despite being without Carvalho and Terry for chunks of the season.

I've just thought of another - what about the diabolical free-kick given against Liverpool last season away to Bolton. Pepe Reina came racing out the box, never hand-balled in a million years, yet Bolton were given a free-kick and promptly scored.

Arsene Wenger winds me up when he calls Liverpool lucky!!! Yes maybe we got luck in not conceding a penalty when Kuyt was pulled down, but the other one was a 50/50 call - as much given as not. As for the injury to Flamini, give me break! Thats football Arsene!

Lucky Liverpool - no more than anyone else!!!

Manchester United vs Arsenal: Ronaldo scores again

Ronaldo ice-cool as Arsenal wilt in the heat of Premier League battle

Manchester United stormed to a six point lead in the Premier League, as they defeated Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Arsenal again showed themselves as not having the mettle to withstand the heat of battle, as they again failed to hold onto a winning position in a crucial game. After gaining the lead through Adebayor, somewhat controversially as he appeared to use his hand, they again conceded a penalty. This time Gallas was at fault, handling inside the area, to give Ronaldo the chance to level the scores. Despite having to take the penalty twice, Ronaldo remained ice-cool to slot home with some aplomb.

Arsenal's season finally collapsed after 72 minutes, when Michael Carrick stepped up to curl a superb free-kick into the top right hand corner of Lehmann's net.

Manchester United vs Arsenal had started with Arsenal showing no signs of a hangover from the midweek defeat to Liverpool, however by the end it was again all too much for the North London side, as Manchester United overpowered their rivals and won all too comfortably. Back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger!

Liverpool vs Arsenal Champions League

Liverpool vs Arsenal the trilogy concludes in the Champions League

Liverpool entertain Arsenal in the champions league in the final game of the mother of all Battle of Britain ,Super Sunday trilogies, or whatever Sky want to call it!

Rafa Benitez is again expected to tinker with his side, with Peter Crouch fully expecting to be on the bench, despite an outstanding performance and goal against Arsenal at the weekend. Benitez's lack of use of Crouch really does beggar belief! He is a 20 goal a season man, who teams can find unplayable, and is technically very skilful. How Kuyt and Voronin have so often been preferred is really unbelievable, and has cost Liverpool vital ground, whatever Benitez says.

Back to the Arsenal game and Liverpool are likely to bring back Torres, Mascherano, Kuyt, and Gerrard at the expense of Crouch, Pliesse, Benayoun, and Pennant. Arsenal meanwhile are likely to start with Hleb and Adebayor as they seek to snatch the required away goal to at least take the tie to penalties. If they score, they would probably be confident of getting the second to snatch the tie.

This Liverpool and Arsenal battle really does hinge on the first goal. If Liverpool get it, Arsenal are as good as out, as they won't get three. While an Arsenal opener really does put them right back in it and will really rattle Liverpool.

Footy Focus prediction: Liverpool to just edge Arsenal out of the Champions League!

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Part 2 Premier League

Its Arsenal vs Liverpool Part 2, in the Premier League

Back to the Emirates we go for Arsenal vs Liverpool, this time in the Premier League. Liverpool find themselves not for the first time, in a game they can afford to lose as they chase European glory and fourth spot in the Premier League.

I find this really frustrating as a Liverpool fan. Oh to be in Arsenals position, fighting for the title and European glory. Yes it's tougher but it's what it's all about - it says it all that this is a bigger game for Arsenal than Liverpool.

Adebayor is likely to feature for the Arsenal despite having an ankle knock. Meanwhile Rafa Benitez is for the first time in a number of games, set to rotate his Liverpool side. Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard and maybe Hyppia are all set to be rested, with the likes of Finnan, Pennant, and Benayoun all pressing for a start. Maybe even Peter Crouch, Liverpool's forgotten man may get a game!

My preferred line-up, given Tuesdays game coming up would be: Reina, Finnan, Skrtel, Hyppia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Alonso, Lucas, Pennant, Crouch. Benayoun could play the link between midfield and attack, with Aurelio and Pennant the wingers. Radical - yes but a much more balanced teams than what Rafa often serves up.

Footy Focus prediction: I'd love Liverpool to surprise everyone by going out performing well, and winning, but I can't see past Arsenal. Arsenal need it that much more. This is a Saturday lunchtime game. with Arsenal and Liverpool being broadcast around the globe by SKY.

Champions League: Arsenal vs Liverpool

It's Beauty & the Beast as Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Champions League

Wednesday is the first of three Arsenal vs Liverpool games, with the two-legged Champions League tie, being sandwiched by a Premier League game at the Emirates.

Both teams are in mixed form, though it has to be said, Liverpool are playing better than Arsenal at the moment, and of course they are the Champions League specialists. Liverpool will be relieved Javier Mascherano is available to play, and he will even be rested, after being suspended for the game against Everton.

Liverpool will go for the same team they've been playing in the last ten games or so, with Benitez following his pattern of tinkering with the team early in the season, until his rivals are out of sight, then stumbling on a winning formula for a late charge and some glory nights in Europe! They could have achieved so much more!

Arsenal meanwhile, are in a bit of a crisis. Make no mistake, they were lucky to get the win at Bolton, and were woeful for the first hour. Adebayor has stopped scoring, Fabregas has gone missing as has Hleb, while Van Persie may have returned, he is not firing on all cylinders after a long time out.

Liverpool will take on Arsenal with the hope of keeping it tight, and play on the counter attack, with the likes of Torres, Babel and Gerrard, expected to do the damage and swing this Champions League tie their way. Arsenal, meanwhile will be happy as long as they don't concede at home.

Wenger believes that in the Champions League, teams that don't score away, find themselves under huge pressure in the home leg. However he does concede that the support for Liverpool at Anfield does have an impact, particularly in the Champions League.

Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Champions League is soooooooo difficult to call, but overall we think Liverpool will edge Arsenal out, and take the semi-final place.

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Make or break for Grant and Wenger in a Stamford Bridge six-pointer

It's the mother of all weekends in the Premier League as the top four face-off in the battle for the Premier League title.

At Stamford Bridge its a true six-pointer for the stumbling title-chasers Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea shared an astonishing 4-4 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, despite being 3-1 ahead. Avram Grants team again folded in a high pressure situation. In games against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United they've failed to win. Also in the League Cup final against Spurs and again last night in a must win game, if they had Premier League aspirations, they also failed.

Grant made substitutions which instead of turning the game their way, turned it away from them at crucial times. Leading 3-2, after winning 3-1, he tried to close the game out by bringing on Costa as a sweeper. Instead, Chelsea lost their shape and Tottenham equalised. Again leading 4-3 after Joe Cole scored a superb goal, he brought on Ballack, Chelsea got caught cold, and that was it at 4-4. It said it all that Berbatov, who was excellent throughout, almost grabbed all three points at the death. As Rafa Benitez says, its all in the details.

Arsenal meanwhile, are on a run of draws, and the AC Milan game apart, have struggled for form and their goalscoring touch of late. Wenger knows this must be rapidly put right as the business end of the season is not the time to fade away. Now of all time Arsenal must find the free-flowing football which has earned them so many admirers this season.

Footy Focus can't help thinking rotation man, Rafa Benitez has a point but not the squad to do it! Liverpool are looking in fine fettle as the season comes to an end, while Chelsea and Arsenal are stumbling to the finish line!

Champions League Draw Fix - More Intrigue

More mystery as a post turns up on Yahoo answers predicting the draw

The Champions League draw fix mystery took a further turn last night, with the forum where the prediction was orginally made, pointing out that on Yahoo answers someone claimed to have been told that the English clubs would avoid each other except one of them would get Liverpool. Read the post here: Yahoo answers Champions League draw

The original post that started the mystery can be found here at: Liverpool Echo forum

It's strange that the FA, and the clubs themselves have been silent on the affair. Even UEFA have only made one comment from a fairly low ranking individual. They obviously don't want to give the story any currency by making comment. But the lack of comments equally raises questions, especially as it's more a wall of silence than anything else!

It all sounds so incredulous, yet the evidence is actually quite compelling. Also given that the fixing of matches is hardly unknown, it is not beyond the realms of fantasy that it was fixed. Given the huge amounts of money involved, the Asian betting syndicates, the Russian mafia, and the preponderance of brown envelopes undoubtedly still being passed between sheepskin jacket clad men, it's no wonder people are suspicous!

Footy Focus view - it stinks!!

Champions League Draw

Draw of death for the English clubs as Arsenal take on Liverpool

The quarter-final draw for the Champions League is:

Arsenal v Liverpool
Roma v Man United

Schalke v Barcelona

Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Arsenal and Liverpool have arguably got the hardest draw, having to face each other. Also what makes it worse for the Premier League teams is that the winners face the victors of Fenerbahce and Chelsea. All in all, not a good draw for the Premier League boys.

Manchester United go to Roma for the first leg, and will be quietly confident of seeing them of over the two legs, while Chelsea will consider Fenerbahce eminently beatable over two legs.

Liverpool and Arsenal now face three massive games in a week against each other, with a Premier League game at the Emirates stadium being sandwiched by the Champions League games on 22 and 29th of April. It will be the mother of all battle of Britains!!!

Foot focus prediction - Liverpool to sneak the Champions League tie, but Arsenal to beat them in the Premier League!

Uefa Champions League: AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal

Cesc just fab as Arsenal dump out holders AC Milan

Cesc Fabregas and his teammates turned in a masterful performance, to dump holders AC Milan out of the UEFA Champions league last night. Milan simply couldn't cope with Arsenal's passing and movement as they instantly took the game to their opponents. Arsenal effectively won the tie the moment Cesc Fabregas's long shot on 84 minutes hit the back of the net, which left them requiring two goals to get through to the last eight. Late on, Adebayor added to AC Milan's misery slotting Theo Walcott's right-wing cross to complete a historic 2-0 win at San Siro.

"Everybody is happy, we've all got smiles on our faces," said Adebayor "We knew it was going to be very hard but we had a lot of belief and knew that we could do something special at the San Siro - the temple of football."

Arsenal became the first English side to beat Milan at the San Siro and the history of this was not lost on Adebayor. He said: "We have become a part of the new chapter we are trying to begin in the history of this club, so we very happy about that. Not long ago everyone was saying that we'd blown it in the league and that we would lose to Milan, but after this result everyone has got their confidence back."

Fabregas was simply outstanding and gave the complete performance. Hleb and Flamini were also superb, and Gallas gave a commanding captains performance. What was astonishing about this game was that Arsenal simply battered Milan!

You really do have to salute Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. They've been building to this season for a couple of years, and are a model for other clubs in building without spending what are relatively massive amounts. Well done!!

Fabregas wants Barcelona's Eto'o

Arsenal's Fabregas on planet fluff as he wishes for Barcelona's Eto'o

Barcelona will not be happy to hear Cesc Fabregas's latest words of wisdom. He has urged Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to try and land Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o.

"If I was asked which one player I would like to see at Arsenal, it would be Samuel Eto'o," Cesc told the Daily Telegraph.

"Eto'o is a phenomenal striker, he's ambitious, he runs, he works for the team, he scores well and he's a real winner. I would love to have him on my team."

Barcelona are sure to rebuff any attempt to land their crown jewel, and its doubtful if Arsenal could afford the fee and wages required.

Arsenal vs Manchester United

Vidic vs Adebayor the key battle for Arsenal in the big show-down

The Serbian brick wall and the Togo roller coaster are set for a show-down in the biggest game of the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford on Saturday, as Manchester United entertain Arsenal.

Manchester United's ultra mean defender Nemanja Vidic has the job of stopping Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor, who is in blistering form and is aiming at scoring in 10 consecutive matches in the Saturday evening cup showdown.

Adebayor is big, strong and powerful with great heading ability, but he's also technically excellent and is very quick. Vidic though is a no-nonsense defender, who is also no slouch. It will make for a fascinating game - we can't wait!

Footy focus prediction? Manchester United to shade this one and ruin the Arsenal treble dream.

Premier League News - Results

Arsenal march on, Manchester United rescue a point and Chelsea falter

It was a day of draws in the Premier League as four of the eight games ended in stalemate. At the top, Premier League title-holders Manchester United, rescued a point at Tottenham thanks to a late, late goal from Carlos Tevez. Chelsea were also held to a draw at Portsmouth, with new boys Defoe and Anelka netting. While this was going on, Arsenal continued their seemingly relentless march, with a superb 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Over at Ewood Park, two of the teams chasing the Premier League fourth spot, Blackburn and Everton, played out a scoreless draw. This allowed Liverpool to move up into fifth position, as they eventually overcome Sunderland 3-0 at Anfield. Peter Crouch, given a rare start netted on 57 minutes, with Fernando Torres adding a second, and Steven Gerrard converting a penalty on 89 minutes to wrap up the points.

In the Premier League basement, Birmingham and Derby played out a 1-1 draw, which is no good to either side at this time of the season. Wigan meanwhile had a priceless 1-0 home win against West Ham. Of the other basement teams, Bolton had a great result away to Reading, winning 2-0. Nolan and Helguson the scorers.

Arsenal are now back on top of the Premier League on 60 points, Manchester United in second on 58, and Chelsea back in third on 54. Its certainly going to go to the wire, with Manchester United and Arsenal going head to head, to the end of the season. Those in the dreaded Premier League drop places are still Birmingham, Fulham and Derby.

Premier League Preview

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Owen Hargreaves and Gary Neville are definitely out for the Premier League holders, while managerless Newcastle are considering playing Oberfami Martins if he is allowed back from Nigeria's training camp. Also missing are Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi who are all away on international duty.Footy Focus prediction - do we have to!! If ever there was a foregone conclusion, this is it. Manchester United win to pile more misery on a season to forget for mangerless Newcastle.

Middlesbrough vs Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will welcome back Daniel Agger after a long lay-off with a metatarsal injury. Also rested or previously injured Arbeloa, Gerrard, Reina, Gerrard and Torres will all return in what is (as they all are these days) a must win game for Premier League wannabes' Liverpool. For 'Boro Gary O'Neil and George Boateng return, but sick-note Jonathan Woodgate and Sanli look likely to miss out. Footy Focus prediction - Liverpool win.

Everton vs Manchester City

Everton have lost three key players, with Yobo, Yakubu and Pienaar all away at the African Cup of Nations. On the plus side midfielder Mikel Arteta returns after suspension. Manchester City are hoping Elano is fit to take the place of Nery Castillo who will be rested. Defiinitely out it Michael Johnson with an abdominal strain. Footy Focus prediciton - score draw.

Arsenal vs Birmingham City

For Premier League leaders Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos set to return after injury, while much talked about and unsettled keeper Jens Lehmann is on the bench. Robin van Persie is again out, this time with flu, while Arsenal are another cup affected by the African Nations Cup with Eboue, Song and Toure all away. For Birmingham Martin Taylor will return, while Damien Johnson is going to play with a protective mask, only two weeks after suffering a slight skull fracture. Kapo will also play having recovered from injury. Footy Focus prediction - Arsenal win.

Premier League News - Race for the 2008 title

Same old, same old in the New Year race for the Premier League

As we turn from '07 to '08, its the same old story at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal and Manchester United are locked in a toe to toe battle for the Premier League, with Chelsea breathing down their necks, and Liverpool the perennial wall-flowers, are sitting back in fourth spot.

Arsenal regained top spot with a great 4-1 win at Everton, though it has to be said the scoreline didn't really reflect the game itself. You just get the feeling that Arsenal are beginning to feel the strain a bit, and may soon run into problems. Their injury list is mounting and they will lose players to the Africans cup. Premier League placing prediction? An agonising 2nd spot.

Manchester United go into 2008 really looking as the team everyone else will have to beat. Their form has been outstanding after a relatively slow start, and they have stormed back into contention. With few major injury worries, no players at the African nations cup, and the team in great form, they are looking in a great position to grab a commanding lead at the top. Premier League placing prediction? Champions again.

It's hard to characterise the football Chelsea are playing under Avram Grant. They were very pragmatic under Mourinho, but sometimes lacked a 'plan b' when things didn't go to plan. Under Grant they are playing better but not particularly flamboyant football. They've got some major injury worries, which combined with losing players to the Africans Cup will cause them some major problems. The loss of Terry and Drogba in particular is a huge blow. Premier League placing prediction? Squeezed out of it to fourth spot.

rivals and Rafael Benitez's penchant for weird and wonderful team selections in the name of rotation. You just get the sense with Liverpool that they haven't quite got enough to propel themselves into that top two and really challenge. Defensively they are fine, but offensivelyLiverpool, despite appearing to have one of their strongest squads for years have not yet quite clicked into gear. Two things are conspiring against them - their inability to take points off their, Torres and Gerrard apart they haven't got that extra bit of quality that world class players give. As Rafa is always saying, it's small details! Premier League placing prediction? An improved points total but stuck in third.

It's looking a happy New Year for Manchester United

Hypia out for Liverpool, as Wenger and Grant feel the strain.

Its certainly becoming a happy new year for Sir Alex Ferguson. Not only have Manchester United recovered from their slow start to the Premier League, to storm to the top of the table, but he will have been cheered by the news that their nearest rivals are starting to show the strain as we rapidly enter the business end of the season.

Arsenal not only faltered at Portsmouth, they didn't perform. Arsene Wengers criticism of Portsmouth was out of order. Portsmouth played the same formation and arguably created the better chances. Arsenal simply didn't create enough to win and Harry Redknapps point that they weren't there to let Arsenal open them up was spot on. It doesn't get any easier for Arsenal - next they go to Everton.

Chelsea also slipped up, this time to Aston Villa at home. It was an extraordinary game, with the Chav's down 2-0 in 15 minutes. The game see-sawed throughout with Carvalho, Ashley Cole and Zat Knight all dismissed. Aston Villa were well worth the point. Avram Grant now has to marshall his meagre resources to push on for the title - he is now without Terry, Drogba, Makelele, Florent Malouda, Cudicini and now Lampard (all injured), with Cole, Carvalho and Essien all now suspended. Its' Newcastle at Stamford Bridge next for Chelsea.

Liverpool also have major injury problems. Not only are Daniel Agger and Jermaine Pennant still missing, and Xabi Alonso slowly getting back to fitness, but Sami Hypia has an ankle injury that makes him doubtful for the tough trip to Manchester City. This potentially leaves Liverpool with only one senior centre-half (Jamie Carragher). On the performance at Derby it appears the major thing stopping Liverpool from challenging for the title is Rafa Benitez himself. He put out one of his unbalanced, disjointed selections, and but for the intervention of Steven Gerrard, Liverpool would be dead and buried in the title race. I predict they will be shortly.

All in all I really can't see past Manchester United for the title. Each of their rivals has some fault that you think will lead to dropped points, but Manchester United are now looking and playing like a side that could go a long, long time unbeaten.

Premier League - Manchester United take top spot

Arsenal, Chelsea falter as Manchester United take top spot

Arsenal missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League, with a hard fought draw at Portsmouth. To be honest it was a game of few chances and despite Arsenal dominating the second half Portsmouth were worth the point, with the 'Arse creating few chances. Portsmouth stuck doggedly to the tactic of a five man midfield, with Kanu alone up front and deservedly got a point in the fifth nil-nil at Fratton Park this season.

Premier League title holders Manchester United, ominously took top spot with an expected 4-0 win at Sunderland. Rooney, Saha (2) and Ronaldo were the scorers. Tevez, Giggs and Anderson were all rested, but their absence was immaterial as Ronaldo and Rooney in particular began to dominate. The second half seemed to fade out as United were content with strolling to three points and Sunderland appeared satisfied they weren't embarassed too much further.

Chelsea were held to a 4-4 draw by Aston Villa, in what was the Premier League game of the season to date at Stamford Bridge. Villa had knight sent off on 45 minutes but still managed to net twice in the second half, including a 91st minute penalty by Gareth Barry that salvaged them a point. And all this was after Villa gaining a 2-0 lead. Seems the absence of Terry is starting to show at the 'Bridge.

Footy Focus can't see past a two horse race for the title. Arsenal and Manchester United seem set to go toe to toe for the remainder of the season. Liverpool just don't quite have enough quality, while Chelsea are missing Terry and Drogba and are set to lose key players to the African Nations cup.

Premier League Preview - Big Four Boxing Day Clashes

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all passed their first test of the busy Premier League Christmas period. Arsenal managed to see off Tottenham, Manchester United defeated Everton thanks to a moment of madness from Steven Pienaar after Everton had battled well, Chelsea got a great result at Blackburn and Liverpool comfortably saw off Portsmouth. Elsewhere the surprise package of the season Manchester City drew at Aston Villa.

For the boxing day games, Premier League leaders Arsenal have on paper the hardest test facing a trip to Portsmouth, who will be all out to get a good result after that collapse at Liverpool. Arsenal will be missing Eboue, Walcott and Van Persie. Footy Focus prediction - score draw.

Liverpool go to Derby knowing they simply have to keep winning to have any chance of being in the title shake-down. It really is a game they should win if they have any pretence of being title challengers. Reports are Rafael Benitez will shuffle his pack with Voronin, Lucas, Babel and Aurelio amongst the likely incomers. Footy focus prediction - comfortable Liverpool win.

Premier League title-holders Manchester United go to Sunderland, for what is also on paper a relatively easy game. Roy Keane's side will give their all and fight to the death but I really can't see past a comfortable Manchester United win. For me they are still the team to beat and are looking very, very mean at the moment. Footy Focus prediction - a slightly bruising but comfortable win for Sir Alex's men.

Chelsea face a potentially tricky home game to Villa, especially given the extent of their injury problems. Drogba and Terry are longer term casualties, with now possibly Cech also out. Chelsea have to take great credit for the results they've been getting despite missing two of their main players, and their absence has to show at some stage. It won't be tomorrow though, with a Footy Focus prediction of a narrow home win.

I note Sir Alex see's the race for the Premier League as a four horse race. I think he's right about three of them but until Liverpool start taking points off their rivals they ain't gonna be in there at the death.