LSTD League 2016/17 Week 14 Results

Wolverhampton 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal continue on their good run with a new-look Ronaldo-less side that just about managed to make it over the finish line against a Wolves side that gave as good as they got.

The midfield duo of Cazorla and Schweinsteiger used every last drop of their collective experience to keep the game open in the midfield against a packed and talented Arsenal side but ageing legs can only withstand the force for so long. On the opposite side of the pitch, Marchisio gave another top quality performance that freed the likes of James and Silva to move forward in search of a way to open up a tough Wolves defence and they managed it through a beautifully weighted lofted through ball on to the boot of Higuain, who volleyed home a pearler.
Wolves have grounds to feel hard done by in this one as they gave enough to warrant a share of the spoils.

Scorer(s): Higuain (David Silva)
MotM: Marchisio



Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
It had to come at some point, I'm sure LSTD will be saying to his team after this result and it comes as little surprise that it would be against a Newcastle side buoyed by their heroic efforts to steal a point from a fantastic Stoke side.

Both sides lined up to get the utmost out of their respective line ups and the teams found themselves very well matched in every department. Unfortunately for the Reds, their home support could not inspire them to maintain their unbeaten run.

On paper, everything seemed set for Liverpool but Newcastle's defence mostly nullified the dangers of their opposition's attacking trio and the attacking presence of Luis Suarez is one that no team can afford to underestimate.

Scorer(s): Aubameyang (Carrasco); Mane (Pjanic), Suarez (Ozil)
MotM: Godin



Chelsea 1-0 Manchester Utd
Manchester Utd have been improving steadily from their terrible start to the season and they came in to this game with plenty of confidence following their strong performance in the previous round. They traveled to the home of the defending champions who are having a less than stellar season by their standards but with all the quality in the world to turn that around.

Man Utd threw themselves at Chelsea from the off and fought tooth and nail for every ball, giving everything they had and forcing Chelsea to be on the top of their game.

Utd's performance worked for much of the game, and their valiant approach will have won them many plaudits against such strong opposition but, eventually, the class of the champions showed itself in the form of a moment of magic from Neymar. In a move similar to Ronaldinho in the 2002 world cup, the Brazilian looped a long free kick over the outstretched arms of the City keeper and nestled in the far corner. Peach of a goal.

Scorer(s): Neymar
MotM: Verratti



Hull City 2-2 Birmingham City
A strong contender for game of the week, both teams were itching to flex their offensive muscle and what followed was a game where both teams threw caution to the wind and attacked with vigour. End to end football and plenty of chances meant that the game could have gone either way though, somewhat conveniently, it ended in a tie.

Both teams have capable defences but both attacks were on the top of their game and it told with 4 goals being scored and, perhaps, that total should have been higher.

Scorer(s): Gnabry (Dahoud), Geis ; Vardy (Nolito), Vardy (Rashford)
MotM: Vardy



Manchester City 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Two teams at the bottom end of the table cancelled each other out at the Etihad, with City's improving squad managing to hold fast against a Spurs side with far more quality than their points tally would suggest.

Spurs dominated the midfield, with the partnership of Matic and Kante breaking up everything City tried but the final ball was lacking from their usually dangerous front line, giving City the point they needed.

Scorer(s):
MotM: Kante



Leicester City 1-2 Aston Villa
A very important early season clash threw up the biggest shock of the week as Villa's faltering form was turned around in rather fortuitous fashion. Leicester set up perfectly and dominated much of the early proceedings with their dynamic attack cutting open Villa's defence and securing an early lead.
They appeared to be well on their way to securing all 3 points until Toni Kroos was judged, rather innocuously, to have connected with his elbow to Toure's temple. Kroos saw red and Reus converted the resulting free kick.

From there, the game opened up more as Villa sensed blood but Leicester stood firm, with Ramos in particular playing like a man possessed, and had plenty of chances of their own.

Ultimately, the game was decided as a long ball from Xhaka found Robben in a favourable position and he cut inside, finishing in the way only he can.

Scorer(s): Hazard (Kroos); Reus, Robben (Xhaka)
MotM: Ramos
Red Card: Kroos