Four talking points from the Premier League game week 21

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.

Yet another tumultuous, excruciating and nerve wracking Premier League action is a foregone conclusion. Arsenal went back to the top after beating Aston Villa last night. Liverpool’s 5-3 win against Stoke at the Britannia was certainly the pick of the games as Manchester United also returned back to winning ways. Chelsea too produced a matured a controlled performance to win by a 2-0 margin against Hull at the KC Stadium while Everton too continued their bright run in the form while Southampton too won against West Brom as Manchester City chalked out a hard fought 2-0 win at the Sports Direct Arena. Here are the four talking points from this week’s Premier League action.

1. Referring decisions yet again under the scanner

Cheick Tiote

Tiote’s brilliant strike from outside the penalty box was incorrectly ruled out for offside as Newcastle were clearly denied an equaliser. It looked legitimate as the midfielder rocketed in a strike from 25-yards after City failed to clear a corner. Unfortunately for the home side, the linesman thought otherwise albeit his interpretation that Yohan Cabaye was interfering play from an offside position. This brings referring decisions yet under scanner while Alan Pardew inexplicably launched a full mouth tirade to his opposite number Manuel Pellegrini. The Magpies manager later apologized, but it goes to show there is a thin line between atrocious and crossing the line.

2. Age catching up with Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard

As this game week demonstrated, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole, both 33 and loyal servants of the English game are surely past their sell by date. The Chelsea left back provided nothing of great substance in the left flank and was constantly harassed by El Mohamedy’s pacy bursts and darts into the right flank. Gerrard too inexplicably played in a much deeper role. One thing is for sure, gone are the days where we will get to see those pile drivers and long range sharp shooters which almost tore apart the net at times. Goalkeepers would be relaxing and thanking their stars!

3. Gareth Barry still has a England future and have Saints regained their stability:

Gareth Barry

While Gerard Deulofeu now injured, but not before leaving a mark in the Premier League fraternity, Roberto Martinez continues to work wonders with his limited resources, with Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry playing the major roles. The English International can still dream to wear his national colours next year in Brazil. On the other hand, Southampton too regained their defensive stability and solidity at the back to carve out a narrow win against West Brom. Mauricio Pochettino has done a remarkable job this campaign, and I for one would be very surprised if the Saints fail to finish outside top 8.

4. Not everything is Puncheon:

Crystal Palace squandered a glorious opportunity to take the lead at the White Hart Lane as Jason Puncheon missed his spot kick. Later into the night, Puncheon launched a tweet tirade against his former QPR boss Neil Warnock which caused mayhem. Warnock said to Guardian, “Everything else is banter and opinions and as a man I will live with that which is fine but I will not live with his opinion. In his later tweets he’s made comments that I know nothing about and if it’s been suggested that I’ve done anything untoward I want to confirm that I most certainly have not. I notice that Jason has removed the tweets, but the matter has been addressed now with him directly on my behalf.” Just goes to how everyone is punching over!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and not reflective of the website as a whole.