English Premier League: Chelsea dismantle Swansea to stay top, Arsenal upset Manchester City

Diego Costa took his goal tally to 17 for the season while also adding a rare assist to his name. Costa could have had a first half hat trick when he was put through on goal, but the usually selfish Spaniard opted to selflessly pass the ball to Willian who’s shot rattled the crossbar.

“It was our worst performance of the season and it’s hard to explain a day like this. We’re all hurting”, bemoaned Garry Monk after his side’s lackluster display. This Swansea side are not known for leaking many goals as the team has been built on a strong defence. The loss of Bony’s movement upfront was clear for everyone to see and Monk must look to reinvest the proceeds from his sale toward a strong, powerful centre forward.

Jose Mourinho could not have asked for an easier victory as his side went five points clear at the top. They were able to rest on the ball in the second half with their thoughts turning to the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Arsenal show grit

Arsenal ended a long drought in Manchester by seeing off the champions 2-0 at the Etihad stadium on Sunday evening. The victory is a much needed confidence booster for Arsene Wenger’s side who have faced a lot of criticism of late for not being able to hold on to a lead.

Wenger’s master-plan was laid out to perfection and the team followed it to a tee. With Santi Cazorla at the heart of the strategy, the spanish playmaker put on his most impressive display in an Arsenal shirt since moving to the Emirates, scoring the first and creating the second goal.

The first half saw the Citizens holding onto the lion’s share of the possession, however, it was Arsenal who led at the break thanks to a rather fortuitous penalty in the 24th minute.

Despite possessing a plethora of world-class talent in the side, the champions looked tired and out of ideas throughout the contest and thoroughly deserved the defeat.

Victory brings Arsenal to within a point of fourth place Manchester United. The win will certainly provide some much needed confidence for the rest of the campaign as they work toward their 17th consecutive Champions League qualification.

For City however, this was a defeat not envisaged by Pellegrini. It is indisputable that Fernandinho and Fernando cannot command the midfield like Yaya Toure whose absence due to the African Cup of Nations has been evident. His side are now 5 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, who they face at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight – a game they cannot afford to lose.

Liverpool strikers finally come through

Liverpool are the current form side of the Premier League having won four and drawn two since defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in mid-December. Brendan Rodgers has finally managed to find a solution for his problems with a 3-4-3 formation that brings out the best of the players he has available.

Rodgers will be pleased with a third consecutive away clean sheet and also that his fringe strikers Borini and Lambert were on the scoresheet as the Anfield club eagerly anticipates Daniel Sturridge return to the squad after a long injury layoff.

Even the somewhat unpredictable Simon Mignolet, who has had his fair share of iffy moments throughout his Anfield career, commanded his area assuredly. The defense that has come under intense scrutiny looked more composed for a change.

The Reds were able to withstand a barrage of attacks by the Villains for a twenty minute period in the second half. The Liverpool of old  would have crumbled under the pressure, however there is a new found belief in this system and it seems to be creating more confidence as the season goes on.

The current run of form has seen the Reds creep back into contention for a top four spot, as they are now just 5 points behind of 4th place Manchester United. The return of Daniel Sturridge will feel like a new signing for the club and breathe confidence into the entire squad going into a set of difficult fixtures over the next month.