Just some mid-week action wrapped up for you on SWU, two fantastic derbys (North London and the Italian derby) and many more results. Also, expect a change in the layout of the blog soon, it should look clearer and more professional with a new template.
Tottenham Hotspur - Arsenal
Tottenham finally win an extremely important North London derby against Arsenal at White Heart Lane, being a bit of a Spurs fan myself, I was glad to see them pull off a deserved win over the Gooners. The scoring started in the 10th minute when Almunia punched a ball right to the young starter Rose, giving the boy a chance to viciously volley the ball past Almunia. The second came from Gareth Bale right after halftime, a routine finish for the man whose had a terrible time these past couple of years. Bendtner got a consolation goal for Arsenal, a simple tap in after all of Gomes' heroics to stave off a returning Van Persie. Arsenal had plenty possession, but Tottenham were solid and made sure to not concede anything to the Gunners.
Inter Milan - Juventus
Inter Milan had few problems taking care of Juventus at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, when Sissoko was sent off, Juventus had to go all defensive, and were still unable to hold off Inter. But the goals arrived late, Eto'o wasted two sure goal opportunities, and Diego Milito was left unmarked at the back post, only to header the ball wide. Maicon grabbed the first goal, he picked the ball up after a corner from outside the box, juggled it quickly and sublimely volleyed it past Buffon, a sure contender for goal of the season. Eto'o also grabbed a goal late on, tapping it past Buffon making sure that the nerazzurri got an important win over Juventus in the derby d'Italia.
In Spain, both of the top two won, Real Madrid came back against Almeria from a goal down partially thanks to an amazing goal from Cristiano Ronaldo; the Portuguese man wove through the Almeria defense before a brilliant stepover to mesmerize a defender followed by a great left foot finish, a true solo effort (check the goal out and highlights of La Liga at Livin La Liga). Barcelona kept their three point lead after a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna, although Messi had a quiet game, his teammates didn't, Bojan, Pedro and a rocket volley by Yaya Toure led to a comfortable win for the Catalans. The relegation battle is heating up in La Liga after all three at the bottom nabbed wins (leaving the situation exactly the same it was before), currently Deportivo Xerez are bottom with 26 points, then Valladolid with 28 followed by Tenerife at 29.
In England, three other midweek matches were played (not including the North London derby), Wigan and Portsmouth drew 0-0, a result which helps drag down Wigan only 5 points away from the relegation fight. Aston Villa and Everton drew 2-2, Tim Cahill grabbing a brace as the little Australian continues to elude defenders this season, but Jagielka gave Villa the draw after scoring an unfortunate own goal in the 90th minute of the match. Chelsea solidify their position at the top of the table after winning 1-0 against Bolton, Anelka grabbed the only goal, and although the blues weren't convincing they got the win.
What do you think of the midweek action? What will happen this weekend? Comment below!
