Watford played Hull in the first Premier League round of fixtures. Oumar Niasse got sent off in the 25th minute for a high foot which Hull are now appealing against. However, in the grand scheme of the game, it didn’t matter. Markovic opened the scoreline by poking the ball in after his header struck the crossbar before Clucas scored a wonderful volley from the edge of the box – which he controlled beautifully; Gomes had no chance of saving it. The win has brought Hull a big chance of staying up and they just have to hope that they can carry on their winning form.
In the FA Cup, Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-2 at Wembley. Costa and Hazard didn’t start the game which was a surprise for Chelsea fans, but after five minutes, Conte’s change proved to be the correct decision as Hazard’s replacement, Willian, hit a free kick out of Lloris’ reach to score the first goal of the game. Tottenham reacted with Kane’s expert header; his 4th FA Cup goal of the season. Chelsea hit back with Willian’s penalty; his second goal of the day before Spurs equalised through Alli’s top corner shot which he scored from Eriksen’s exceptional through ball. You could feel the nerves around Wembley as the score was level, but Hazard’s moment of magic brought life back into the stadium. The ball was headed out of the back and fell to Hazard, who had come on as a substitute. He smashed the ball into the low corner and Spurs’ hearts fell. Matic added to scoreline with a long range top corner shot which was one of the best FA Cup goals this season and gave Spurs no hope of coming back. It was a great game and I hope for a fixture as exciting as this one in the final.
Also in the FA Cup, Arsenal played Manchester City. City started the game brightly and Cech had to tip Silva’s header over the bar. The Blues also had a legitimate goal ruled out after the linesman deemed Sane’s cross to have breached the field of play. The cross resulted in Sterling’s goal, but replays have shown that the ball stayed in play and it was the wrong decision to disallow the goal. Aguero got the first goal of the match after taking a heavy touch and then slotting it past Cech and City were on their way to victory. However, Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain fired a dangerous cross which Monreal met with a low driven shot. No goals followed in normal time, so extra-time was played. Cech’s finger-tip save kept Toure’s shot out, Fernandinho hit the crossbar and Welbeck went just wide and the atmosphere was hotting up. Arsenal had a free-kick which ended up at Sanchez’s feet, who controlled and then scored winner. Arsenal fans went mad as they secured a place in the FA Cup final.
Lastly, Crystal Palace took on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool went ahead through Coutinho’s low free kick, which went over the wall and dipped into the low bottom corner leaving Hennessey with no chance. It was a true moment of magic from the talented Brazilian. Then, Cabaye’s cross fell into the path of Benteke who smashed the ball into the roof of the net and left Liverpool wondering how they let the in-form striker unguarded in the box, his favourite position to be in to gobble up chances. Then, in the 74th minute, Benteke found himself with another chance. Palace’s corner made its way untouched to the Belgium striker who once again haunted his former club, and, like the first goal, didn’t celebrate. Palace have gone up into 12th and are definitely clear of relegation now.