weekend review

What a difference a day, or in this case a week, makes. Last Monday, Arsenal fans were awakening to a miserable grey sky that matched their mood following humiliating defeat in the Carling Cup final. This week however, Gunners fans will be looking at the bright blue sunshine full of optimism as the season's end draws ever closer. Despite a toothless display against Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday, Arsenal are now within touching distance of Man Utd after Sir Alex's boys were sent packing from Anfield with their tails between their legs. Liverpool have been re-energised under the management of Dalglish and their new sense of purpose saw them deservedly beat a United team left short at the back after Vidic's needless red card at Stamford Bridge the week before. United will be desperate to ensure they don't slip up again in the coming weeks before travelling to the Emirates on May 1st for what is shaping up to be a winner takes all showdown.

Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta finally found the sort of form that has made him such a legend on Merseyside as Everton dispensed of Newcastle. The barcodes were devoid of creativity without Joey Barton and in truth never really threatened to retake the lead they surrendered so easily in the first half. West Ham showed they wont be going down without a fight by hammering Stoke, Wolves took full advantage of Tottenham's generosity at the back in a hard earned draw, Birmingham paid a price for their undoubtedly boozy celebrations after last week's cup win and allowed West Brom to take 3 vital points from St Andrews, and Bolton strengthened their case for a Europa League spot with a win against visiting Aston Villa.

Final word goes to Nani for this hilarious attempt to get Carragher sent off after a typically thuggish challenge from the Huyton lad. I love the way he limps over to the ref to show off his injury and then throws himself to the floor... as if this melodramatic act will do anything except make him look like an idiot. Terrible tackle, worse reaction. Good job he didn't gift Liverpool a decisive second goal to complete a miserable afternoon for the lad...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WnHJJRGrtM