In a season which has already seen many horrific injuries, several football commentators have been asking- is the art of tackling dead? After the dirtiest world cup final ever in the summer and already two broken legs this Premier League season it would certainly seem so.
There were wins all away from home for the top four sides in the division last time out. The biggest win was for Norwich. The canaries piled more misery on Bristol city with a 3-0 victory at Ashton gate. Simeon Jackson scored either side of half time and Wes Hoolahan scored a penalty between the two. This leaves Bristol City at the foot of the Table with only six points. Cardiff stayed second after a 2-1 win over Barnsley. Goals from Bellamy and Olofinjana were enough for the win.
In their second South coast derby in succession, Bournemouth scored a controversial penalty in the dying minutes to snatch a draw with fellow high flyers Brighton. With just an hour gone, Bournemouth’s Michael Symes was actually lucky to still be on the field at all- the striker appeared to clatter Tommy Elphick in the face with an outstretched elbow, only for the referee to somewhat bizarrely award just a yellow card.
Arles and Avignon are each famous for one thing: Vincent Van Gogh and a song about a bridge respectively. By next spring, both places will have another more dubious honour – they will have given their names to the team with the worst ever record in top-flight French football.
Tranmere Rovers put an end to Brighton’s three game winning streak, with a late deflected equaliser from Aaron Cresswell settling matters at Prenton Park. Brighton took the lead in the first half through Glenn Murray, but failed to convert a number of chances as their lead at the top was cut to just two points.