English Premier League Week 12: Manchester Derby Ends Scoreless, Chelsea and Arsenal Win

A full slate of Wednesday fixtures in the English Premier League was highlighted by a defensive Manchester Derby, a solid win for Chelsea, and Arsenal holding serve against Wolves.

The Manchester Derby was an interesting tactical battle, with both defenses playing to the absolute best of their abilities in a 0-0 draw. Vincent Kompany was spectacular for Manchester City while his counterpart, Nemanja Vidic, was equally great for Manchester United. City played relatively negative football the whole way and were successful in their endeavor, keeping United from challenging Joe Hart with anything terribly difficult to save.

After the joyous celebrations of Delfouneso , Agbonlahor was forced to sit back down for a few minutes, but now the speedy Villa striker is on the pitch. Agbonlahor has missed the last five Premier League games with a groin injury, and was warmly welcomed back at Villa Park.

It was a just outcome for the Latics, who had a goal called back toward the end of the first half. Why that offside call on Rodallega was ultimately correct, it failed to cancel-out the fact Liverpool was the lesser side for the first half’s last 30 minutes.

With Rodallega’s goal, the scoresheet now reflects the match.

In Manchester, United early control of the match waned as the half went on, with City seeing as much of the play by half’s end. The rivals went to halftime scoreless, with Carlos Tévez’s mid-period direct kick coming closest to opening the scoring.

Although the Tangerines are continuing to press forward, they’re being closed down more easily by Villa now. The home side are also creating more opportunities, but are continually meeting an organized Blackpool defense. The Villa, having conceded two goals via the last play of the game, are certainly not ready to accept this match as an inevitable win.

We may not be able to cover all the matches live, but we can at least keep you up-to-date when goals happen. On Wednesday in the English Premier League, those goals started coming early.

Wigan has steadied after the goal but has still failed to meaningfully threaten the Reds. Now in the thirteenth minute, Liverpool’s still up one.

Of course, none of last year’s matches carried that implication. In each match, City was rebuked but was still able to walk away feeling there where (at least) United’s equals. Perhaps today’s match will replicate that, in which case we’ll be left anticipated the reverse at Old Trafford, vacillating between our desire for clarity and wanting another classic.

Throughout the match day, we’ll be providing live updated of the Manchester Derby as well as periodic news from the league’s other matches.