Premier League Round 23: Man City falls

In the early morning of February 1, while the Red Devils easily defeated Stoke City 2-0, the top team Man City unexpectedly fell 0-1 on Everton's field. With this result, the Red Devils officially caught up with Man City after 23 rounds with the same 54 points.

At Goodison Park, Man City had a rather disappointing performance, especially in attack. In this match, Man City completely dominated and created many scoring opportunities but in an unlucky day, and with bad luck, Man City could not penetrate the home team's net.

On the contrary, with only two chances, Everton scored a goal, although it was a lucky goal. In the 60th minute, from a quick counter-attack, the ball went to Donovan. In a favorable position, Donovan did not shoot but passed the ball back to Gibson from the second line who rushed up and fired a powerful shot. The ball lightly touched midfielder Barry and changed direction, leaving goalkeeper Joe Hart helpless, putting Everton ahead 1-0.

Everton were not only lucky in scoring, but also in a series of other situations. In the 36th minute, from a central attack, Nasri escaped and fired a dangerous cannon shot from a distance of more than 25m, leaving goalkeeper Howard helpless. But luck was on the home team's side when the ball hit the crossbar.

The disappointment of coach Mancini and his team after losing to Everton - Photo: AP

The ball bounced back, Aguero rushed in to shoot the rebound but once again luck was on Everton's side when the ball found the right foot of goalkeeper Howard.

In the second half, luck continued to be on Everton's side when the ball once again went over the crossbar after Nasri's close-range shot in the 70th minute.

Not only lucky, Everton also received help from the referees. In the 75th minute, from a move up the left wing, Kolarov crossed the ball into the middle, the ball bounced off Phil Neville's hand but the referee still let the match continue, despite the fierce protests of the Man City players.

If the referee had pointed to the penalty spot, Man City would not have gone home empty-handed. But that's football, and Man City should blame themselves for wasting so many chances rather than blaming luck and the referee for not being on their side in this match.

With this defeat, Man City was caught up by their neighbor MU on the rankings (with 54 points). In the match taking place at the same time, MU easily defeated Stoke City 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Chicharito and Berbatov.

Both goals for the Red Devils were scored from the penalty spot. The Mexican striker opened the scoring for MU in the 38th minute after Park Ji-sung was fouled by defender Wilkinson in the penalty area. And veteran Berbatov was the one who sealed the 2-0 victory for MU in the 53rd minute with a successful penalty kick after Valencia was fouled by Walters.

Elsewhere, Tottenham solidified their third place with a 3-1 home win over bottom side Wigan.

Tottenham's three goals were scored by the duo Gareth Bale (29', 64') and Luka Modric (34'). Wigan's consolation goal was scored by McArthur in the 81st minute.

Chelsea were more disappointing when they only got one point away to their junior Swansea (1-1 draw). Both goals in this match were scored by Swansea players.

Midfielder Sinclair opened the scoring for Swansea in the 39th minute with a powerful strike from inside the box, while defender Taylor scored an own goal from Bosingwa in the third minute of stoppage time to help Chelsea avoid defeat.

Liverpool also returned to the race for a Champions League ticket with a 3-0 win at Wolverhampton. All three of Liverpool's goals were scored in the second half by Carroll (minute 52), Bellamy (61') and Kuyt (78').
With this victory, Liverpool rose to 5th place with 38 points and is now only 4 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

According to Tuoi Tre