Premier League football was back today after the exodus during the international break, and it really did return with a bang.
There were at least three contenders for goal of the season, and none of those include the stunning strikes by Arsenal players at the Emirates earlier in the day.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Results
Arsenal 4 – 1 Liverpool
Swansea 3 – 1 Hull
West Brom 1 – 4 QPR
Leicester 2 – 1 West Ham
Man United 3 – 1 Aston Villa
Everton 1 – 0 Southampton
Chelsea 2 – 1 Stoke
Shock of the day
QPR, who before today had won just one game on their travels all season, led by three goals to nil at half-time at the Hawthorns. Goals from Eduardo Vargas, Charlie Austin, and a delightful lob from Bobby Zamora meant that Chris Ramsay gave a half-time talk the likes of which he’s probably never given to these QPR players.
3 – Queens Park Rangers are 3+ goals up at half-time in the Premier League for the first time since February 1995 (v Newcastle). Rampant.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 4, 2015
A late Joey Barton goal added to Rangers’ delight and everyone else’s shock. Can Rangers ensure their Premier League safety? It could go down to the final day when they play Leicester, who may also still be scrapping for their lives. Life at the bottom of the table is getting very interesting.
Timely triumph of the day
Leicester pulled a win out of their hats against West Ham to give themselves some hope at the bottom of the table. A late goal from substitute Andy King steered them to a 2-1 home victory.
The Foxes raced into a 12th-minute lead through Esteban Cambiasso’s fine strike and were awarded a penalty three minutes later when Carl Jenkinson brought down Leonardo Ulloa, but David Nugent’s spot-kick was saved by Adrian.
But the hosts made off with a vital three points in the end thanks to King’s scrappy finish with four minutes of normal time remaining.
On the rare occasion that I miss MOTD there are always goals all over place. Even Leicester won for crying out loud!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 4, 2015
The result – Leicester’s first win in nine league games and only their fifth of the campaign – saw Pearson’s basement boys cut the gap between themselves and safety to four points, with eight more matches to play.
Most worried manager of the day
Hull remain three points above the relegation zone but they will be casting nervous glances at the Burnley and Sunderland games on Sunday, and appear to have a tricky seven-game sequence to end their season.
Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal all have to visit the KC Stadium while Hull’s remaining away games include trips to Southampton and Tottenham. A win today would’ve reduced the pressure on Steve Bruce’s shoulders, but it wasn’t to be.
Most delighted fans of the day
Could it have been anyone else?
Goal of the day
Charlie Adam's stunning 60-yard goal from his own half vs. Chelsea. Goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/BAj80x4wdk
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 4, 2015
Charlie Adam. His own half. Stamford Bridge.
Some say it was better than Beckham’s. Some say he’s been trolling us with long distance misses this whole time. The only thing we know for sure is that it was absolutely outrageous, and worth watching Match Of The Day for alone.
Other goal of the day
We saw some amazing goals today, so we’re not ashamed of flagging up at least two of them.
Wayne Rooney’s strike against Villa could be a contender for goal of the month, or even goal of the season. The England captain touched down substitute Angel di Maria’s cross with his left foot, and then made a sharp turn before smashing the ball home first time with his right.
It was his 14th – and best – goal of the season for the club. Its importance cannot be underestimated either. The victory means United moved ahead of Manchester City into third in the Premier League.
An honourable mention goes to Bobby Zamora for his lob against West Brom.
Fan of the day
This bloke was at the Everton game in Speedos, a swimming cap, and goggles. We’re not sure what his message was though. Something about the state of modern football? Only swimmers should be diving? Or maybe that’s just his regular attire.
Either way, credit to him for walking into a football stadium in basically just pants.
Quote of the day
Brendan Rodgers was all about honesty after his side were rolled over by Arsenal.
“I very much doubt we will be in the top four now come the end of the season. There’s too much ground to make up – that’s the realistic view from me.
“Now, we must really focus on the FA Cup and that has got to be very, very important for us.”
Watch out Blackburn, Liverpool’s trip to Ewood Park on Wednesday just got a little bit more important.
Source: SNAPPA
