With a jam-packed football schedule over Christmas and New Year in the English Premier League it was time for the big boys to assert their authority over the smaller sides. Or was it... [GALLO/GETTY]
Published On 5 Jan 20125 Jan 2012
Following draws with Wigan and Tottenham, the pressure was on Chelsea to deliver against nearby London rivals Fulham. However, the first shock of the festive period saw Fulham hold Andre-Villas Boas(***) team to a 1-1 draw on Boxing Day that increased the pressure on the new manager [GALLO/GETTY]
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After a phenomenal start to the season few would have predicted anything other than a Man City win against a struggling West Brom side. However, City(***)s stars including Sergio Aguero (pictured) failed to deliver and could only manage a goalless draw. With Man United thumping Wigan 5-0 this drew the Manchester teams level on Boxing Day [GALLO/GETTY]
There was another unlikely draw in the game between Arsenal and Wolves. Despite Gervinho putting the Gunners ahead after only eight minutes, Steven Fletcher scored an equaliser (pictured) in the 38th minute. It was a result that Arsenal fans would not have been expecting at the Emirates and a crucial point for Wolves who had a terrible away record - losing six on the trot before this result [EPA]
Draws were bad, defeat was even worse for Andre Villas-Boas(***) Chelsea side. After taking the lead, the Blues crumbled to a surprising 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa that left Chelsea with three points from their last four games. It was not the sort of form that would keep Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich happy over the festive period [AFP]
And the shocks kept on coming. Yes they did! New Year(***)s Eve delivered a huge upset with Manchester United succumbing 3-2 to relegation plagued Blackburn. On Alex Ferguson(***)s 70th birthday, United blew the opportunity of topping the English Premier League at the start of the New Year. The Red Devils would need another unlikely result to prevent City from moving three points ahead... [GALLO/GETTY]
However, the New Year started with a new shock! Ferguson got his 70th birthday present a day late when City rivals were beaten by Sunderland. In injury time, Sunderland(***)s Ji Dong-Won (L) stunned City breaking through the defence to doll out an incredible 1-0 loss to league leaders (it was City(***)s second defeat of the season). The Manchester sides were level at the top, united by points and united by surprising results [AFP]
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Another day, another upset. This time one involving a dramatic injury time decider at Craven Cottage. Arsenal dropped out of the top four as they let Fulham come from behind to record a remarkable 2-1 victory. Here Bobby Zamora (L) celebrates scoring the winner with the impressive Bryan Ruiz. Few would have predicted the result but it was just one surprise in a long line of surprises that began on Boxing Day [EPA]
There is no sign of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson retiring, but Old Trafford administrators will be keeping a watchful eye on Guardiola, who could be signed up before enjoying a few years out of the game and then returning on Ferguson(***)s retirement. There might be competition from Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho who many believe to be interested in the job [GETTY]
