{"id":30920,"date":"2012-12-24T12:49:02","date_gmt":"2012-12-24T10:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/?p=30920"},"modified":"2024-02-17T12:39:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T09:39:53","slug":"english-premier-league-game-week-18chelseas-christmas-show-swansea-stopped-united-report-all-matches-highlights-epl-news-video-30920","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/english-premier-league-game-week-18chelseas-christmas-show-swansea-stopped-united-report-all-matches-highlights-epl-news-video-30920\/","title":{"rendered":"English Premier League Game Week 18:Chelsea’s Christmas show, Swansea stopped United, report all matches highlights \/ EPL News Video"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/h1>\n

Chelsea blast against Aston Villa,Manchester United lost somewhere in Wales, Liverpool remembered is great team at last.<\/h1>\n

Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1:Swansea is a verry hard team at home<\/h2>\n

He claimed he had not heard of Michu before his summer move to Swansea, but Sir Alex Ferguson knows all about him now.<\/p>\n

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Michu continued his remarkable season with a 13th strike to cancel out Patrice Evra\u2019s 16th-minute headed goal.His close-range finish 13 minutes after Evra\u2019s opener meant Manchester United had to settle for their first Premier League draw of the campaign.And while it extended their lead at the top of the table to four points over Manchester City, Ferguson will not be happy with his side\u2019s carelessness in the second half.<\/p>\n

Twice in good positions, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Ashley Young combined but failed to strike the telling blow to leave the United boss flapping his arms on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

Michael Carrick and Van Persie also struck the Swansea woodwork, while Ashley Williams and Ben Davies produced courageous blocks as the visitors laid siege to Michel Vorm\u2019s goal.<\/p>\n

But, in truth, a point was fully deserved for Michael Laudrup\u2019s men, who highlighted their improvement from last season.<\/p>\n

Just over a year ago, then manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his players had shown United too much respect in a 1-0 home defeat.<\/p>\n

But Swansea raced out of the blocks this time. In the ninth minute, Kemy Agustien, making his first league start of the season, produced a sumptuous diagonal pass which exposed the returning Nemanja Vidic but Michu sliced horribly wide.<\/p>\n

Rooney had his first sight of goal in the 13th minute, when his deflected shot was neatly turned away by Vorm.<\/p>\n

Vorm, playing for the first time since October following a ruptured groin muscle, was called into action again two minutes later, diving to his left to save after a Michael Carrick pass sent Young clear.<\/p>\n

But there was little Vorm could do from Van Persie\u2019s resulting corner as Evra jumped between Williams and Davies to power home for his third goal of the season.<\/p>\n

Swansea responded well, Michu heading over from a Nathan Dyer cross. But they did equalise after 29 minutes. Agustien fed Wayne Routledge, who spotted Jonathan de Guzman, played onside by Vidic, unmarked on the edge of the area.<\/p>\n

The on-loan Dutchman saw his shot parried by David de Gea and Michu had the simple task of slotting the rebound into an empty net.<\/p>\n

United ended the half on top as Rooney fired a shot straight at Vorm.<\/p>\n

In the second half both sides had chances to claim the three points. Routledge forced De Gea into a near-post save when perhaps it was better to shoot across goal, before Van Persie clipped the top of the bar from Rooney\u2019s left-wing cross.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

With 15 minutes remaining the flashpoint came when Van Persie and Williams clashed on the edge of the penalty box.<\/p>\n

Dyer fouled Van Persie and Swansea centre-back Williams appeared to boot the ball at the striker\u2019s head from a few yards, sparking a melee involving more than a dozen players.<\/p>\n

Referee Michael Oliver booked both Van Persie and Williams in an attempt to ease the growing tension and seconds later Williams blocked Rooney\u2019s goalbound free-kick.<\/p>\n

That proved to be Rooney\u2019s final contribution before being replaced by Ryan Giggs, but United almost went ahead within seconds as Carrick\u2019s header from Van Persie\u2019s corner was superbly tipped on to the crossbar by Vorm.<\/p>\n

Then Giggs teed up Evra down the left flank and the Frenchman\u2019s cut-back found Van Persie, whose shot was smothered by Williams before Young\u2019s follow-up was blocked on the line by Davies.<\/p>\n

Swansea (4-4-2):<\/strong> Vorm 7; Tiendalli 6, Chico 8, Williams 8, Davies 7; Britton 7 (Ki 62, 6), Agustien 7 (Shechter 87), De Guzman 7 (Moore 70, 6) Dyer 6; Michu 7, Routledge 6. Booked: Chico, Williams. Goal: Michu 29.<\/p>\n

Manchester United (4-4-2):<\/strong> De Gea 7; Jones 5, Vidic 7, Evans 6, Evra 6; Valencia 6 (Hernandez 61, 6), Cleverley 6 (Scholes 85), Carrick 7, Young 6; Rooney 5 (Giggs 78, 6), Van Persie 7. Booked: Jones, Rooney, Van Persie, Scholes. Goal: Evra 16.<\/p>\n

Referee:<\/strong> M Oliver (Northumberland).<\/p>\n

Swansea City vs Manchester United match video\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n[media id=764 width=610 height=340]\n

Chelsea 8 Aston Villa 0:What blast by Frank Lampard breaks record<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Rafa Benitez \u00a0had insisted that Chelsea\u2019s title chances were still alive \u2013 on this evidence, he could well be right.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It was almost like the old days at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Remember when, under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea clinched the title in 2010, with a 7-1 win over Aston Villa, a 7-0 tonking of Stoke and then, on the final day, an 8-0 thrashing of Wigan.That all seems a long time ago now \u2013 another two managers have passed under the Bridge since then.But at this rate Chelsea fans are going to have to accept Rafa. Twenty five goals in their last six games, the semi-final of the League Cup reached and leaders Manchester United now firmly in their sights in the league.<\/p>\n

Granted, Chelsea are still 11 points behind United going into Boxing Day\u2019s trip to Norwich. But as they prepare for that game and the trip to Everton on January 30, then the visit of QPR on January 2, Benitez and his players can enjoy their turkey and Christmas pud tomorrow with the glow of a rekindled title challenge warming their parts.<\/p>\n

Villa were torn apart as David Luiz sparkled in his new midfield role and Frank Lampard showed just how important he should be to the club with another peerless display and, of course, a goal.<\/p>\n

The fans still churlishly sang the praises of Roberto Di Matteo, but there were no audible \u2018Rafa out\u2019 calls at Stamford Bridge yesterday. And none at all by the end.<\/p>\n

If he carries on like this he will be melting the hearts of even the most die-hard Robbie lovers.<\/p>\n

And the effect he has had on Fernando Torres has been little short of remarkable. The previously misfiring Spaniard has now scored seven goals in his last six games and looks a completely different player.<\/p>\n

It took Torres just three minutes to score against a Villa side unbeaten in their previous six games.<\/p>\n

Cesar Azpilicueta crossed and Torres rose to power a header into the top corner of the net.<\/p>\n

Villa\u2019s young side simply never recovered. Luiz, in his brilliant, erratic way, ran the show as Lampard coolly threaded killer passes alongside him.<\/p>\n

After Eden Hazard was brought down, Luiz superbly curled his free-kick over the Villa wall and past Brad Guzan.<\/p>\n

It was three before half-time as Villa\u2019s hapless defence failed to clear Juan Mata\u2019s corner. Gary Cahill\u2019s shot was well saved by the embattled Guzan but Branislav Ivanovic was there to nod home the rebound.<\/p>\n

And number four came when Mata found Lampard 30 yards out and the 34-year-old, as he has done so many times over the years, struck a glorious low volley into the corner for a superb goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSign him up\u201d sang the crowd, of a player who is now Chelsea\u2019s record top-flight goalscorer, but who they seem determined to discard. Minutes later he went off to a standing ovation.<\/p>\n

The scoring carried on without him, however, as substitute Lucas Piazon fed Ramires and the Brazilian rammed his shot through Guzan\u2019s legs for the fifth goal.<\/p>\n

On came another Brazilian in the shape of Oscar and, when he was brought down in the area by a clumsy challenge from Chris Herd, he stepped up to slot home the penalty himself.<\/p>\n

Hazard had been brilliant all match but had little reward, until he exchanged passes with Victor Moses, beat two men and fired home from an angle for goal number seven.<\/p>\n

And it could have been even worse for Villa.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

Piazon was then felled in the area, but the young Brazilian saw his penalty well saved by Guzan.<\/p>\n

The respite did not last long though, as Mata found Ramires galloping down the right and he cracked his drive into the top corner.<\/p>\n

It was Villa\u2019s heaviest-ever defeat in any competition.<\/p>\n

But after a confusing and upsetting winter, suddenly there are Yuletide smiles around Stamford Bridge again.<\/p>\n

Even for Rafa.<\/p>\n

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):<\/strong> Cech 7; Azpilicueta 7, Ivanovic 7, Cahill 7, Cole 7; Luiz 7, Lampard 7 (Ramires 61, 6); Moses 7, Mata 7 (Piazon 74, 6), Hazard 8; Torres 7 (Oscar 67, 6). Goals: Torres 3, Luiz 29, Ivanovic 34, Lampard 58, Ramires 75, 90, Oscar 79 pen, Hazard 83.<\/p>\n

ASTON VILLA (3-5-2):<\/strong> Guzan 6; Herd 5, Clark 5, Baker 5; Lowton 6, Westwood 5 (Ireland 56, 6), Bannon 6, Holmann 5 (Bowery 79, 6), Lichaj 6 (Bennett 56, 6); Benteke 6, Weimann 5.<\/p>\n

Referee:<\/strong> P Dowd (Staffordshire)<\/p>\n

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Match Video<\/strong><\/p>\n[media id=766 width=610 height=340]\n

Liverpool 4 Fulham 0:Great goals at Anfield Stewart Downing shining again<\/h4>\n

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Given the complexity of Stewart Downing\u2019s relationship with Brendan Rodgers, it is doubtful whether Dr Steve Peters, the psychologist hired by Liverpool to work with all members of staff, has any room left in his diary.<\/p>\n

The gushing praise ringing in the ears of England winger Downing after he conjured his first Premier League assist \u2013 and followed it with his first league goal some 18 months after his move to Anfield from Aston Villa \u2013 hints at a happy ending.<\/p>\n

If it has merely taken time for the Liverpool manager to work out Downing and the player, in turn, to realise what was in danger of slipping through his fingers if he quit, then his contribution in the 4-0 win over a feeble Fulham side ahead of the opening of the January window could not have been better timed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a kick up the a***,\u201d said Downing of the tete-a-tete at the start of November, when Rodgers held open the exit door for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought, \u2018I have to go for it\u2019. I had nothing to lose. After we had that conversation it looked as though I would be on my way in January, so basically I had to play well to get a new club.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never wanted to leave Liverpool. I was a bit surprised when he said I could leave. He was pleased with me at the start, but then things changed very quickly and I was told I could go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know who makes that decision, but one minute I was told I was doing well and the next I was told I could go, so it was a bit confusing. If he wants me to stay now that just shows how quickly things can change in football.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reality is that it would be a surprise if this story simply ends there.<\/p>\n

It can be viewed as one of Rodgers\u2019 strengths that he is prepared to change his mind on players, as has been the case with Jose Enrique, who was blackballed at the same time as Downing, but who is also now back in vogue.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, it could be construed as a weakness on the manager\u2019s part that he did not back himself to eke out improvement earlier and sought instead to usher in change. As an aside, no Rodgers\u2019 signings started this match, although he could claim to have believed in Suso where others did not.<\/p>\n

Yet Downing, 28, unlike Enrique, will see Liverpool\u2019s buys in January directly challenge him, with Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince having been lined up and the key is how he is judged from here on in.<\/p>\n

He will not thread a pass like the one which allowed Steven Gerrard to add to Martin Skrtel\u2019s opener or batter a finish beyond Mark Schwarzer from 18 yards before Luis Suarez completed his regular stroll. That does not mean he cannot have an impact.<\/p>\n

Gerrard, the game\u2019s best player who dazzled with an astute range of passing, is an example of that with his efforts under-appreciated all season by the fans, largely because his displays have not been capped by the goal he scored here.<\/p>\n

\u201cI find it incredible he can have had any criticism at all \u2013 it is ridiculous,\u201d said Rodgers.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom seeing him every day working and seeing him playing in the games, it\u2019s incredible. He may not be getting the goals he did five or six years ago, but that doesn\u2019t stop you influencing the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

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It was Gerrard\u2019s goal that brought breathing space and left Fulham in disarray. Manager Martin Jol had no answers other than to point to the absence of key men such as Bryan Ruiz, Steve Sidwell and Damien Duff and damning Kieran Richardson and Giorgos Karagounis.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need mobility, you need legs, you need aggressive players. We have to be better than we were here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Rodgers will have recognised the relentless pressing, incisive passing, clever movement, flurry of goals and grit to back up all the guile as his vision for Liverpool.<\/p>\n

Downing will hope to remain a part of it.<\/p>\n

Liverpool (4-3-2-1):<\/strong> Reina 7; Johnson 8, Skrtel 8, Agger 7, Enrique 8; Gerrard 9, Lucas 7 (Carragher 83), Downing 8; Shelvey 7 (Allen 74, 6), Suso 6 (Sterling 71, 6); Suarez 8. Booked: Johnson. Goals: Skrtel 8, Gerrard 36, Downing 52, Suarez 90.<\/p>\n

Fulham (4-5-1):<\/strong> Schwarzer 6; Riether 6, Hughes 6, Hangeland 6, Riise 6; Dejagah 5, Baird 5, Karagounis 5, Richardson 5 (Frei 54, 6), Kacaniklic 5 (Rodallega 4, 5 6); Berbatov 5. Booked: Dejagah, Karagounis.<\/p>\n

Referee:<\/strong> M Clattenburg (Tyne and Wear).<\/p>\n

Liverpool vs Fulham Match Video:<\/strong><\/p>\n[media id=765 width=610 height=340]\n

Barclays Premier League game week 18 other Results<\/h5>\n

Wigan Athletic 0 – 1 Arsenal<\/p>\n

Manchester City 1 – 0 Reading<\/p>\n

Southampton 0 – 1 Sunderland<\/p>\n

Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 0 Stoke City<\/p>\n

West Bromwich Albion 2 – 1 Norwich City<\/p>\n

West Ham United 1 – 2 Everton<\/p>\n

Newcastle United 1 – 0 Queens Park Rangers<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chelsea blast against Aston Villa,Manchester United lsot somewhere in Wales, Liverpool remembered is great team at last.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":702,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135,80,63,17,1,118,14],"tags":[7320,41947,401,41943,41939,6628,41937,41936,33121,6713,11876,6928,41944,41946,2225,41938,41945,32564,11056,11352,1068,1929],"class_list":["post-30920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-football","category-breaking-news","category-daily","category-europe","category-general","category-hot","category-world","tag-anfield","tag-barclays-premier-league-game-week-18-other-results","tag-chelsea","tag-chelsea-8-aston-villa-0","tag-chelsea-blast","tag-chelsea-vs-aston-villa","tag-christmas-show","tag-english-premier-league-game-week-18","tag-epl","tag-frank-lampard","tag-highlights","tag-liverpool","tag-liverpool-4-fulham-0","tag-liverpool-vs-fulham","tag-manchester-united","tag-report-all-matches","tag-stewart-downing","tag-swansea","tag-torres","tag-united","tag-video","tag-wales"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30920","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/702"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30920"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30920\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79017,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30920\/revisions\/79017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nationalturk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}