Premier League, Week 29: Liverpool sink error-prone Tottenham Hotspur

The second half featured some generally poor football from both sides, though it was played at a frantic pace. The intensity of the match was not matched by the quality of the forwards, as poor finishing led both sides to go scoreless in the second half, which worked out just fine for Aston Villa.

The equaliser seemed to spur the Rs on, who battered Sunderland for the remainder of the half. Remy continued to be a dangerous presence, and immediately gained a few chances as, despite the relative artlessness of their pressure, a woeful lack of composure from the Sunderland defence left them struggling to clear their lines. The Frenchman ought to have made it 2-1, but hit a volley from 8 yards well over the bar after good work from Ji-Sung Park.

Nonetheless, Sunderland were all over the shop, although the Rs were unable to force another goal for half-time. Remy’s miss looked costly as the teams came out for the second half, with Sunderland much-improved having used the time to regroup and looking more likely to bag the second, although a typical lack of creativity was on show as they struggled to create much in the way of clear chances.

The Swans pushed forward in an attempt to draw level, but despite having more or less half an hour to get themselves into the game they couldn’t manage the equaliser. That wasn’t entirely their fault -- they had a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside in the 87th minute when Roland Lamah saw the ball bounce back to him off a Baggies defender and slotted into the back of the net.

That would prove to be the last major action of the match. If Swansea feel aggrieved, they’re well within their rights.