Both Manchester United and Wayne Rooney put their European troubles behind them at Old Trafford as the striker scored twice in an impressive 4-1 win over Wolves. And the result reflected a day in which most of the games went according to form: Liverpool beating QPR, Robin van Persie winning a match for Arsenal, Michel Vorm saving a penalty to keep a clean sheet and Bolton again losing. The only surprises were Newcastle being completely overturned at Norwich and Wigan claiming a crucial win at West Brom.
For United, though, the result will feel just as important after the disappointment of going out of the Champions League in midweek. And, overall, this was a much more impressive display, with Nani, Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Rooney all sparkling. Nani struck first with a fine low shot from outside the box before setting up Rooney for his first league goal in nine games. Although Steven Fletcher kept up his own scoring form with a shock response just after half-time, Nani restored United’s lead with a tap-in from Valencia before Rooney rounded off the scoring with a fine volley.
It wasn’t quite as good as Robin van Persie’s, however. He illustrated exceptional technique to direct Alexandre Song’s lofted pass past Tim Howard to give Arsenal a 1-0 win over Everton. Arsene Wenger’s side, however, were perhaps a touch fortunate as, despite playing well, David Moyes withdrew Louis Saha for Sylvain Distin shortly before the goal and thereby completely ceded the initiative.
It was an odd game at Anfield in that sense. For the most part, Liverpool completely dominated and could have had an avalanche of goals. They only got one, however, through Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan scored his first league goal since 1 October by heading home Charlie Adam’s cross. And, as a result of failing to convert their dominance, Kenny Dalglish’s side had to endure a nervy finish against a spirited QPR.
Liverpool’s bete noir on Monday night, Clint Dempsey, didn’t have such a good day as he diverted a Scott Sinclar shot into his own net and had a penalty saved by Vorm as Swansea beat Fulham 2-0. Danny Graham later killed off the game.
Newcastle, meanwhile, really felt the loss of winning form and – more importantly – their first-choice defence as they surrendered 4-2 to Norwich despite Demba Ba bagging a brace. Danny Simpson scored an own goal to open the scoring before Grant Holt got two and Steve Morison hit the other.
At the bottom, it was another day of big changes. Wigan claimed a superb win away to West Brom thanks to the brilliance of Victor Moses. He equalised Steven Reid’s supreme free-kick before being felled for Gomez to strike the winning penalty.
That result meant Bolton sank to the very bottom of the table as they again lost, this time 2-1 at home to Aston Villa. Marc Albrighton and Stilian Petrov struck before Ivan Klasnic claimed a consolation.
