Premier League, Week 25: Liverpool draw Manchester City in a thriller

Tottenham Hotspur gained a valuable win over West Bromwich Albion thanks to Gareth Bale’s strike and a red card for Goran Popov, although an injury to Jermain Defoe will mar the victory.

After the second half, Spurs looked to resume as they had been playing, but then came the turning point. Goran Popov and Kyle Walker tussled for a loose ball before having an argument, at the end of which Popov appeared to spit at Walker. Although hardly of a Voller-on-Rijkaard standard, it was by the letter of the law a red card, and Popov was duly dismissed to leave West Brom staring down the barrel.

Southampton pulled off a huge win against Wigan Athletic to pull further clear of the drop zone and leave their relegation rivals in real danger.

Steven Davis was introduced for the injured Gaston Ramirez at half-time for Southampton, and it appeared to do the visitors good as the Northern Irishman made good use of his ability to control the tempo of a game. After some more measured play, the Saints had their equaliser twenty minutes into the half, Jack Cork showing some good skill and awareness to work space on the right flank before Rickie Lambert used his physical presence to bundle home a header from close range.

The Frenchman netted the winner in the 90th minute, involving himself in both the build-up and the finish. He found Davide Santon with a nice pass down the left flank, then surged forward and picked up the return ball before hitting a low 20-yard shot by Cech to win all three points for his side.

On the whole, it looks like QPR should be able to manage at least a point from this one. That’s something you wouldn’t really have imagined saying when Harry Redknapp was in charge.

In doubt: Jamie Mackie (tonsilitis)