Chelsea with a record win against Villa is moving up to third in the Premier League. ManUnited lost two points and will lead the Premier League by 4 points over Christmas.
Swansea 1:1 Manchester United
ManUnited suffered a disappointing draw against Swansea. Swansea keeper Michel Vorm returned after an 8 week injury and was tested straight from the beginning by Rooney. Evra scored a header after the resulting Robin van Persie corner and put United in front. However, the weaknesses in the United defence were exposed when Swansea equalized only 15 minutes later. Michu scored a loose ball after a blocked De Guzman shot. Both teams created numerous chances in the following minutes, but failed to convert them. One of the most controvertial incidents of the game was when Willams tried to clear the ball and hit the grounded Van Persie on the head. Van Persie claimed that he deliberately kick the ball at him and angrily squared up to the defender. However, referee Oliver booked both players and the game went on. Van Persie hit the crossbar in the following minutes and team-mate Michael Carrick also had a header tipped against the woodwork. A great game finished with a disappointing draw. ManUnited is now 4 points ahead of Manchester City and will play Newcastle on December 26th. Swansea has now 24 points and is just ahead of Fulham and West Ham. Swansea will play neighbour Reading on December 26th.
Chelsea 8:0 Aston Villa
Villa travelled to London unbeaten in the last six matches. However, the 41,000 supporters at the Stamford Bridge saw a much improved performance of Chelsea. Torres scored after just 3 minute after he scored a after found the top corner with a beautiful header. Lampard and Luiz dominated the midfield and Villa hardly created any chances. Luiz extended the lead in the 29th minute with a dipping 25-yard free-kick. Ivanovic scored the 3rd even before half-time after a great Cahill shot. Villa got completely destroyed and Chelsea continued in the second half. Lampard made his 500th Premier League start and he proved how valuable he is for the Chelsea. He scored the 4th goal in the 58th minute with a brilliant shot from 25 yards. Lampard’s goal was followed by two strikes from substitute Ramires (75th and 90th), Oscar who scored a penalty in the 79th minute and Hazard with a great solo run through the Villa defence in the 83rd minute. Chelsea completely destroyed Villa and moved up to third in the Premier League. It was also the first time seven players from one team have scored in a match. Chelsea will travel to Norwich on December 26th and Villa will face Tottenham at home.
