The midweek Premier League fixtures provided plenty of goals and plenty of drama as six of the ten games ended in a draw. Manchester United moved seven points clear at the top of the table after a come from behind win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Jay Rodriguez put the Saints ahead early on but Wayne Rooney equalised within five minutes and wrapped up the points before the half hour mark. The United defence had to withstand a strong push from Southampton but they held firm to stretch further clear of their rivals Manchester City.
The champions were held to a scoreless draw away to Queens Park Rangers as Harry Redknapp's men continue to fight for survival. The Rangers defence was incredible throughout led by the veteran Ryan Nelson, who was playing what is expected to be his last game as he moves to a managerial role in the US. Julio Cesar was the obvious man of the match as he denied City on numerous occasions, including a spectacular save to deny Gareth Barry.
Wigan gained another point to aid their attempt to avoid the drop when they came from two goals down to grab a draw at Stoke City. Ryan Shawcross had put the Potters ahead and Peter Crouch doubles the lead shortly after the break. Two goals in ten minutes from James McArthur and Franco di Santo brought the Latics level. Both sides pushed for the winner but there were to be no more goals and the two teams had to settle for a point each.
Aston Villa's woes continued as they lost at home to Newcastle. Christian Benteke, the only bright light from a miserable season, brought them back into the game with a penalty but the damage was done in the first half as Newcastle went two goals in front through Papiss Demba Cisse and a sweet strike from Yohann Cabaye. It was a much needed win for the Toon Army but a step closer to the drop for Villa who must surely buy in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Swansea and Sunderland played out a dire goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. In a battle of two mid table teams chances were few and far between and neither side were able to make a break through. Fulham got back on track with a 3-1 win over West Ham at Craven Cottage to move them above the Hammers in the table. Everton moved within a point of fourth place after beating West Brom by two goals to one at Goodison Park. Two goals from Leighton Baines were enough for the Toffees as West Brom struggled to threaten for much of the game.
Tottenham left the door open for Everton as they had to settle for a draw away to Norwich. Wes Hoolahan had put the Canaries in front but ten minutes from time Gareth Bale earned Spurs a share of the spoils. Arsenal and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in a game riddled with mistakes. Liverpool went ahead through a scrappy goal from Luis Suarez and when Jordan Henderson tapped home a rebound it looked like Liverpool were on their way to all three points. Arsenal were the better side in this game and showed great resolve to get back into the game. Olivier Giroud nodded home the impressive Jack Wilshere's free kick and Theo Walcott scored with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Rafa Benitez' nightmare spell in charge of Chelsea continued as they let a two goal lead slip late on against Reading. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard had put the Blues two ahead but Reading continued to fight until the end and they got their reward late on. Substitute Adam Le Fondre scored in the 86th minute and again in the 94th minute to earn his side a point and pile the pressure on Benitez.
We learned quite a lot over the past few days as teams try to make a late season push. United look in control of the title race as they continue to pick up the points and City continue to struggle. Reading and QPR are showing good form in recent weeks as they try to move away from the relegation zone. Harry Redknapp has done a great job with Rangers and they are now unbeaten in four. Chelsea are in serious decline and I still feel it's because of the management. Benitez will always try to not lose a game before trying to win it and with the attacking options he has at the Bridge that is a crazy attitude. Under Di Matteo I think the Blues would be challenging for the title but now it looks like they could be dragged into the battle four the Champions League places. I wonder do the club look across London at Spurs and wish they still had AVB in charge? To draw with Brentford and then make just three changes to go away to Reading made no sense to me. They were so poor on Sunday surely there were more players in line for the bench.
How about Swansea City? Michael Laudrupp has done a great job there and they are unbeaten in six league games and have a cup final to look forward to next month. Everton are in line for a Champions League spot and it would be just reward for the work David Moyes has done there with such little resources. Has the French influence helped turn the tide at Newcastle? They looked much better last night against Villa and they will be hoping to make a charge into the top half in the remaining months.
Finally, it may not have been a classic El Classico but a young defender certainly left his mark on the biggest rivalry in football. Raphaele Varane gave an outstanding display in the Madrid defence as he helped Real keep out the threat of Leo Messi and he even popped up to score the equaliser late on. A 1-1 draw leaves the game finely poised ahead of the second leg.
