English Premier League Saturday: Manchester United’s Unbeaten Run Grinds To Halt Vs. Wolves

Two minutes after Tottenham Hotspur was granted a penalty by referee Mark Clattenburg, they have been granted another one. This time, Sam Ricketts fouled Aaron Lennon in the box, for which he was shown a yellow card. Once again, it’s interesting to note that Clattenburg, who has gotten a lot of criticism over the years for his...interesting big decisions has gotten yet another difficult decision correct.

Rafael van der Vaart stepped up to take the penalty kick and converted from the spot once again, but he was asked to re-take the penalty because of encroachment into the box by Spurs players. He stepped up to take the second one and missed badly to the left. Interestingly, there seemed to be significantly more encroachment on the second penalty, this time by Bolton players. Clattenburg didn’t see it that way, and the missed penalty stood. Despite a 1-0 lead and a fantastic start, an awkward silence fell over White Hart Lane with the fans wondering whether or not their team would end up regretting failing to take advantage of the gifts given to them by a shaky Bolton defense.

Bolton Wanderers are unfortunate to be 1-0 down against Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to a penalty kick converted by Rafael van der Vaart. Kevin Davies was the man who had the foul called on him, and it was a harsh call by referee Mark Clattenburg, but ultimately it appeared to be correct.

After a free kick, Vedran Corluka had a shot on goal blocked by Kevin Davies of Bolton. Though Davies did not move his arm towards the ball, the shot did get caught under the arm of Davies, and that handball prevented the ball from going into the back of the net. As the handball was not blatant, Davies was not sent off, but a penalty was granted nonetheless. Rafael van der Vaart stepped up and converted, and Spurs had a 1-0 lead after six minutes.

Manchester City (4-5-1): Hart; Boateng, K Toure, Kompany, Zabaleta; Kolarov, Barry, Milner, Y Toure, Silva; Tevez

Subs: Given, Lescott, Wright-Phillips, Viera, Razak, Dzeko, Jo.

The pressure Stoke put on Sunderland for the final 20 minutes was quite impressive. Sunderland seemed fine to sit back and allow Stoke to continuously send meaningful crosses and balls into the box. One such ball from Jermaine Pennant again resulted in a Huth score when the big central defender pushed forward and poked home from close range. The set piece which produced Stoke’s winner was quite similar to their second. Pennant swung a cross from the left side and Huth met the ball to score.

Stoke’s brilliant effort paid off in the form of three home points when they caught Sunderland sleeping from their dangerous set pieces. In all honesty, Sunderland deserved something out of the game. They passed well and took their chances but their inability to prevent Stoke from sending balls into their area was ultimately their downfall. The best side doesn’t always win, but the side who works the hardest always has a chance.

Also for Sunderland, both of their new signings - Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon - have been booked and will face a nervy last 30+ minutes of the match on a yellow.

Stephane Sessegnon has linked midfield and Asamoah Gyan up well for Sunderland as the Black Cats continue to pass and probe their way through attack. Stoke City’s direct approach continues to cause problems for Sunderland’s three central defenders which always makes the home side dangerous especially considering the current conditions. Now just a few moments until the half, we’re all level a one each at the Britannia.