Premier League: Wrapping Up Another Thrilling Weekend

If one needed more proof as to why the Premier League is the best in the world, one need look no further than the events that unfolded this weekend.

We're all still catching our breaths, as 27 goals were scored on both Saturday and Sunday, more than La Liga, Ligue 1 and even the Bundesliga, a league notorious for unexpected results (though less than Serie A, but the Italians had more games).

Let's look back at Game Week 26's results. 

Chelsea relieved some pressure on manager Andres Villas-Boas as they came away with a solid 3-0 win against Bolton. David Luiz had a particularly good game at the Bridge, and the Brazilian once again showed his attacking instinct as he knocked in his fourth goal for the Blues, almost scoring again minutes later. At this rate Luiz will overtake Fernando Torres as the Blues' third-choice striker.

AVB's old guard of Lampard and Drogba then finished the game off for Chelsea, with Lampard's cross finding Drogba as the Ivorian headed Chelsea's second into Bogdan's net. Lampard then added Chelsea's third, as he directed in Mata's cross.

It was a much-anticipated win for the Blues, who had gone five games without winning. Once again, AVB had to rely on Chelsea's old guard to get the three points. 

To the dismay of Sir Alex Ferguson, Man City found no problems against a very poor Blackburn that showed no signs of resistance. Once the game kicked off, there was really only going to be one team in the match, as Man City dominated the entire 90 minutes.

Balotelli coolly knocked in City's first, courtesy of a Kolarov cross. The Italian took off his shirt to reveal another message yet again, this time however his quote seemed more meaningful as he declared his love for his girlfriend.

Business as usual for City as Aguero and Dzeko would later add to the Citizens tally, plunging Blackburn into further trouble. Ferguson will likely be wondering why a different Blackburn team had showed up at Old Trafford back on New Year's eve.

However, Man United didn't drop points either. The Red Devils edged out a sticky encounter against Norwich City. A rare headed goal by Paul Scholes gave United the early lead, however, Ferguson's men failed to capitalize on this and their defense struggled, to say the least, as some brilliant goalkeeping by de Gea kept United in the game with the Spaniard continuing his remarkable improvement.

However, de Gea is still human, and Norwich equalized with 10 minutes remaining, Graham Holt smashing his left foot drive into the top corner. United had to dig deep, and they did with Ryan Giggs sealing the win with a stunning run, the 38-year-old Welshman getting on the end of an Ashley Young cross. It was a picture- perfect ending for Giggs and United, with the veteran playing in his record 900th appearance for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. One can only hope that he just continue to go on. 

Arguably, all eyes this weekend were fixed on the Emirates Stadium, with struggling Arsenal taking on high-flying North London rivals Tottenham. This fixture, be it at White Heart Lane or the Emirates never fails to disappoint, and on Sunday yet again a stunning North London derby ensued.

Spurs took a two-goal lead over the home team with the new Saha-Adebayor strike linking up well, with both strikers knocking in goals. It was a gritty start, but Tottenham looked to be headed for a valuable win. Arsenal, however, didn't give up. Wenger's men came back, with greater force as Van Persie spearheaded an attack on Friedel's goal.

The goal came in emphatic fashion with Sagna knocking in a Walcott cross, just seconds after Van Persie had hit the post. After that, Arsenal's momentum never gave way. Van Persie then equalised, with yet another perfect finish just before halftime.

Spurs gave up and soon later, Thomas Rosicky put Arsenal ahead, reacting quickly to knock in Sagna's cross. Walcott was having a gem of a game, and the young England winger knocked two goals in three minutes to give Arsenal an unassailable lead.

The Emirates erupted in Gunners cheers as Spurs completed their collapse. Talismanic midfielder Scott Parker only made things worse for Redknapp's side after he was sent off for fouling Thomas Vermaelen. It was a disappointing day for Redknapp's side, which looked so in control at the start of the game. Spurs must now begin to look over the shoulders as a charging Arsenal begins chase. 

In other results, Wolves came back from two goals to draw with Newcastle in their first game under new boss Terry Connor. It was a harsh result for Newcastle, and Pardews' hope for European football next season was dealt another blow.

West Brom continued their fantastic form of last week to thrash Sunderland 4-0 in the Baggies' first home win since November. Swansea lost to Stoke 2-0 in odd fashion, with Tony Pulis' men winning with only 27-percent possession in a counter-attacking strategy. Better safe than sorry, I guess.

Fulham then beat QPR, and Aston Villa completed yet another dull 0-0 draw, this time against demoralized Wigan. 

Results in Full:

Arsenal 5-2 Spurs

Norwich 1-2 Man Utd

Stoke 2-0 Swansea

Chelsea 3-0 Bolton

QPR 0-1 Fulham

Newcastle 2-2 Wolves

Wigan 0-0 Aston Villa

West Brom 4-0 Sunderland

Man City 3-0 Blackburn