Premier League, Week 26: So much for Liverpool’s resurgence

Down 2-0, five minutes of injury time suddenly looked very short indeed, and Liverpool had no hope of recovering as they saw their previously out-of-form visitors leapfrog them in the table.

From then on, the hosts rather easily contained their guests’ rather feeble pressure -- there was nothing that looked remotely like last season’s last-minute meltdown to cut off the points -- and the match ended 2-0. The win takes United 12 points ahead of second place City and 16 up on Chelsea. The Premier League race is more or less over.

Not for the first time, Lambert found himself free on the left wing. His cross, however, was low, slow and to nobody in particular, but Barry, under zero pressure from anyone, calmly sidefooted the delivery into the bottom corner, leaving Hart so flummoxed he didn’t even try to bother saving it.

The visitors were never really able to reestablish control of the match, and they certainly didn’t look as though they’d get the three goals needed for a win. They didn’t even manage one. Bizarre.

It became obvious early in the second half that nothing but a 35-yard wonder strike or a defender slipping on a banana peel was going to produce a goal in the match. Both teams defended well and were reluctant to commit men forward, content with a draw.

It was Huth who ended up giving the hosts a deserved lead, powering a 67th minute Glen Whelan corner in off the underside of the crossbar. Then Cameron Jerome struck, turning superbly and smashing past Federici at the near post to give Stoke a 2-0 lead with ten minutes left.

Going in to today’s match, Michu hadn’t scored in six matches. Unfortunately for Queen Park Rangers, he really likes scoring against them. The Spanish striker scored twice, giving him four against QPR this season, as the Swans rolled to a 4-1 victory. QPR remains at the bottom of the league as things continue to go from bad to worse for Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp’s double halftime switch paid immediate dividends for QPR.

The decision to move Cazorla wide was paying off not just in goals, but also in interplay, as Arsenal produced one of their best passing displays of the season. They almost had a second when more intricate possession play set up Theo Walcott with a sight of goal outside the area, but his shot drifted wide. Just before half-time, the Gunners wasted another chance however, Ramsey hitting Mignolet from eight yards as the away jubilance over their display began to turn to worry over their missed opportunities.

A slow start and a couple of defensive lapses put the result in doubt for Chelsea on Saturday, but they were excellent in front of goal and took their chances well to record a comfortable 4-1 win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Wilshere was out for 14 months for Arsenal after his most recent injury, and while this one does not look anywhere near as severe, it will be a worry for the Gunners.

The rest of the half was much the same as what had gone before and what would come after - end-to-end counter-attacking, and Gareth Bale looking unstoppable. The Welshman had two more good runs before the half ended, but could not find a teammate with either of his crosses, while Michael Dawson was also called into action to deny Yohan Cabaye’s fierce drive with a desperate block.

They will have a difficult test, however, in overcoming a Southampton side who have looked impressive under new manager Mauricio Pocchettino, although the Saints have so far been unable to turn their good play into a victory. More clinical performances and better defending will be key for them if they are to avoid the drop, which could be helped by the return of Adam Lallana and the introduction of January signing Vegard Forren.

Southampton injuries and suspensions

Sunderland injuries and suspensions

Arsenal injuries and suspensions

The Togolese forward has not displayed his best form this season, but his absence at the Africa Cup of Nations was problematic for Spurs, who are understaffed up front and failed to bring in a striker during the January transfer window. Although there are question marks over Adebayor’s fitness, Andre-Villas Boas has stated he will be ready for the game, and it presents a fine opportunity for him to establish himself in the Tottenham side.

Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions

Wigan, conversely, are in desperate need of something to give them a boost and kick off a good run of form as the relegation battle heats up - with all their rivals playing well, they can’t afford to leave it too much longer.

Chelsea injuries and suspensions

Carrow Road; Saturday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET

If there’s a loser here they could very nominally be in a relegation battle. That’s about it so far as narratives go, though. Sorry about this and like 90% of other Premier League games, everyone :(

Pick: Draw, 2-2

Liberty Stadium; Saturday, 15:00 GMT/10:00 AM ET

When do we get to stop pretending like QPR has actually gotten appreciably better? Also, when do we get to stop acting like this season is a surprise? Also also, when can we agree that Harry Redknapp does not have some kind of magic relegation-avoidance juice that he sips upon ever so covertly once every few years?

(Watch QPR win now that all of this has been said.)

Pick: Swansea, 2-0