Stoke v Everton 1-1

An eventful game for Shawcross, notching an assist, an OG and receiving a Glasgow kiss from Fellaini – who’ll be banned for a few. Shawcross’ assist was for Jones who kept Crouch out of the team.

Howard’s powers appear to be on the wane this season as he let in another soft goal. Naismith started with Mirallas again out with a hammy. Etherington continues on the flank in place of Kightly.

A draw was no surprise in this agricultural exchange.

Man Utd v Sunderland 3-1

DDG retained his spot while Rafael was rested. Jones and Smalling both started. Vidic came on for the last 20mins. Rooney and RVP with a goal apiece were excellent while Cleverley scored a beauty. Young was decent while we still wait for more from Valencia.

Sess rewarded those who were unable to trade him straight back out with another assist, this time for Campbell. Adam Johnson started but didn’t look fully fit.

Newcastle v Man City 1-3

Newcastle’s horrible form continues but it doesn’t stop Ba from banging them in. That’s 11 for the season now. It’s just as well because no-one else is doing anything of note. Ben Arfa missed again with injury and will miss the Xmas period.

Tevez was afforded a start at the expense of Balotelli who dropped out completely as he “needs to train more” according to Mancini. It was the first time since 17th November that Aguero and Tevez have started together. Kompany missed out while Nasri and Kolarov (Nasri’s replacement) went off with injury.

Aguero, Garcia and Yaya were City’s scorers with Nasri, Silva and Zabaleta the suppliers. Yaya and Silva were the standout performers.

Spurs v Swansea 1-0

Spurs excellent record with Dembele in the team continues. Vertonghen racked up a CS as well as a goal while Caulker dropped to the bench. Walker notched the assist. While Bale didn’t recover in time. Defoe is one yellow away from suspension before the New Year amnesty kicks in.

Michu was the lone front-man and again was Swansea’s main threat. Vorm isn’t yet ready for the first team.

West Brom v West Ham 0-0

West Brom stopped a run of three straight defeats in a game of little incident. Demel took his place again in West Ham’s backline.

Nolan (now on four yellows) and Long remain in a dry spell.

QPR v Fulham 2-1

“It was one of the all-time great performances” was how Arry saw Taarabt’s performance. Possibly a bit far-fetched but the boy is a genius when on his game and if Redknapp continues playing him “in the hole” then he will be the one to keep Rangers up. We’re waiting for consistency but if anyone can get the best out of him then it’s Redknapp. It’s unsure whether he’ll be going to the African Cup of Nations in January. Julio Cesar, Granero and Hoilett were all on the bench.

Fulham’s poor results and form continues. Richardson came back in for Kacaniklic while Riether came off injured. Berbatov remains incapable of hitting a cow’s arse with a banjo.

Norwich v Wigan 2-1

Hoolahan (1 goal & 1 assist) and Pilkington (1 goal) were the familiar names to lead Norwich to another victory. That’s 10 games unbeaten now. The only downside being an injury to Holt.

Stam continues to get a gig for Wigan while Maloney came off the bench to score. McCarthy was taken off injured. Al Habsi was excellent.

Liverpool v Aston Villa 1-3

Villa showed a masterclass in counter-attacking football with Benteke at the heart of it with two goals and an assist for Weimann. Gerrard scored Liverpool's goal with Johnson the supplier.

Contrary to reports Sterling wasn't rested while frustratingly for some Enrique was missing with his hammy. Downing again started while Suarez hasn't scored for 4. Fulham up next at Anfield.