That was an interesting week

Last weekend Liverpool beat Chelsea and Newcastle United beat Arsenal, what is significant about that you wonder. Well in the summer, when we weren't despondent about a World Cup anti climax, people were not giving much hope to Newcastle whilst Liverpool were having many other troubles to think about League position but the appointment of Roy Hodgson was giving a new hope. Well thirteen games into the season, Newcastle have, despite the off field issues, put some people in their places. A win at Arsenal which to be honest is not an easy task has showed they can take it to the opposition. Liverpool on the other hand have just been abysmal, the Chelsea victory possibly raised some hope but going to Wigan and getting a draw which should have been a win and then a pitiful display against Stoke away, shows that Roy Hodgson is not fit to be a manager of Liverpool FC. Not to mention the really bizarre opinions of Liverpool performances which have been different to everyone else.

As a Liverpool fan I'm bemused. Roy Hodgson is seemingly a nice guy and his record shows how he can do well taking small clubs far, but Liverpool FC has standards, it believes in success and playing well. Notably the last manager whose name was Roy and managed Liverpool was also a nice guy but his Liverpool managerial career came to a brief end. The same can only be with Roy Hodgson.

Chelsea continue to command the Premier League and despite last weeks minor hiccup, they look certain to retain the title. Ancelotti continues to make sure that in the League Stamford Bridge is a fortress. A 100% home record with 17 scored and no goals conceded, is making the Bridge an uncomfortable place to go. Chelsea might look less away from home, but 10 out of 18 points is nothing to be sniffed at.

They say always be wary of Manchester United, but this season regardless of injuries etc, they just don't look like winning the title. Yes people will point out that they are unbeaten in the league, but the United of old would never have more draws than wins in the league. Their away form is proving interesting, 9 points from 21 is hardly title winning material. The last time they drew more than six games was in the 98/99 season when they drew 9 ALL season. They have drawn 6 already and its not even Christmas.

Arsenal, they are intriguing, people are worried about them in some areas, but isn't it always the same every season, Arsenal go a bit wobbly then pull it off. They are still within striking distance. I have to say I do have a soft spot for Arsenal, naturally they are too big a rival to have support them as a second team but whenever they play I do love to watch them. Who can forget this http://bit.ly/b7YbfF Sorry to all my Newcastle supporting friends, but even you must admire the genius of this.

Man City have proved everyone wrong. Everyone wrong in that they'd be doing well this season. It just goes to show that money doesn't buy you success. You spend as much as you like, but if the players dont perform or gel, it counts for nothing. It maybe likely that Mancini finds himself joining Mark Hughes in the Dire Straits (Money For Nothing....)

Bolton Wanderers find themselves in the dizzy heights of fifth spot. Owen Coyle has certainly made them a tough team to beat. They certainly don't find it difficult to score away from home either. They have scored 11 goals, the same amount as Man Utd and Chelsea although they seem to be just as leaky away from home. That said they have only conceded one more away from home than United.

Tottenham seem to be going from one extreme to the other. One week they are playing out their skins the next they are all over the place. It's good to see them doing well in the Champions League group stages, but I fear that inconsistency could prove costly in the knock out stages where there are no second chances. Consistency is what will see them maintain their Champions League charge and Gareth Bale darting down the left wing.

In the Championship Cardiff City have moved into pole position after a 4-2 win away at Scunthorpe. A run of 1 win and 6 draws for QPR has seen their early charge come to a halt and with Swansea in with a chance of closing the gap on the London club, it will have the hoops looking firmly over their shoulder. The one thing with the Championship is that it's difficult to predict. Who would have thought Bristol City would beat Swansea. If I was a betting man, I wouldnt be betting on the Championship.