Weekend Wrap-Up

Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal

(HT: Daily Mail)

Unlucky for Blackpool. As has been the case for nearly all of their games this year, Blackpool provided a sumptuous hangover cure early Sunday Morning. And once again, they didn't get the result their endeavor deserved. The three goals for Arsenal were three of the easiest finishes you'll see all year, but an incident early in the second half had big implications for the remainder of the game. Jens Lehmann, making his first start since returning to Arsenal brought him back in, destroyed DJ Campbell. Campbell certainly had a clear goalscoring opportunity, and a red card was certainly the fair outcome. Lee Mason played advantage, as the ball fell nicely to Gary Taylor-Fletcher who finished with aplomb. There's nothing wrong with playing advantage there, but Lee Mason needed to go back and administer the red card to Lehmann. Making things more interesting, Arsenal did not have a goalkeeper on the bench (technically, Almunia was on the bench, but he was injured in the warmup). Had Lehmann been sent off, Blackpool would have found themselves a goal down, a man up, and facing a team with Sebastien Squillaci between the sticks. Ian Holloway had every right to be upset. I really hope this team stays up. They are a delight.

Manchester United 2-0 Fulham

Maybe they don't need Rooney. Goal for Berbatov, Goal for Valencia, and it wasn't ever uncomfy. Brief ten point lead before Arsenal knocked off Blackpool. They're up 7 as of now. They get a break from league action this weekend with the FA Cup Semi. By their next league game (Tuesday the 19th at Newcastle), they could have just a four point lead. So it's not over yet, but it's getting that way.

Celtic 1-0 St Mirren

(HT: saintmirren.net)

Late goal snatches away hopes of a draw. Same old story. Except this time, John Potter had an open goal 6 feet out and managed to hit wide in injury time. It's hard to blame him, because the defense were so well organized and so hard working for the entire game, but, John, please score that. Come on. Next up for St Mirren, a visit to Rangers. Hamilton lost on Sunday, so their 12-point safety cushion is still intact. 7 points gained by St Mirren or dropped by Hamilton needed to make it official.

Liverpool v Manchester City

Great time-wasting affair this afternoon. It's a 3pm kickoff on the East Coast, so empty your inbox early. This'll be Liverpool's first game since LeBron took a minority stake. Tune in, and enjoy!