In what was the most surprising result of the Premiership weekend, Bolton managed to defeat Manchester United thanks to a solitary strike by Nicolas Anelka early in the game. Nobody was expecting this, but it is these kind of upsets that make the Premiership so exciting and unpredictable.

United were very poor in the first half. Bolton's golden moment came as early as the 11th minute. Gerard Pique (playing in place of Vidic) left Anelka unmarked from a Campo free-kick, leaving him free to score an easy goal. Even after that, it was Bolton who looked more likely to score. The most interesting thing in first half was the continued scuffles between Patrice Evra and Kevin Davies. Davies was lucky to be still on the pitch come half-time. Ferguson let the referee know this (in his typical style) which resulted in him being sent off to the stands. In the second half, United improved considerably. The substitution of Anderson for Pique near the hour mark (Hargreaves switched to right back) revitalised United and from then onwards, They completely dominated the game. First Jaaskelainen saved a Hargreaves free-kick, and then Tevez missed a gilt-edged chance to score from Evra's cross.Had Tevez scored at this point,United would have probably gone on to win the game.And when Hargreaves missed a chance to score from a free-kick late in the game,it was all over for United.

To be honest,each and everyone of United's players looked below par except Hargreaves.He looks a great player and he is now showing why Man utd were so eager to sign him.But still,I think United deserved to get a point out of this game.

The main reason behind United's defeat was Ronaldo's absence.Without United did not look the same side.This result shows just how much United rely on Rooney and Ronaldo.Their presence in the team is necessary if United want to win any silverware this season.Fortunately,both are on the brink of returning to the first-team.The international break also contributed to United's loss.Although not many of United's players took part in the internationals,but still,the break disrupts the team's rhythm.Moreover,the refereeing standard was poor in the match and many decisions went against United.As I have said before,Davies should have been sent off in the first half.

From Bolton's point of view, it was a great result. This could mark the turning point of their season, and the Bolton fans must be optimistic that they could now avoid relegation.

For United, it is necessary that they do not dwell on this defeat. United can't afford anymore slip-ups if they are to remain in touch with Arsenal at the top of the table. Let's see if they can bounce back in the Champions league against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.


The following are the results of the rest of EPL matches.In brackets are the scorelines I predicted.In total,I got EIGHT out of TEN results correct.

Newcastle 0-3 Liverpool (1-1)

Arsenal 2-0 Wigan (4-0)

Derby 0-2 Chelsea (0-3)

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham (2-2)


Everton 7-1 Sunderland (2-0)

Boro 0-3 Villa (1-2)

Man City 2-1 Reading (2-0)

Fulham 2-2 Blackburn (2-2)

Birmingham 0-2 Portsmouth (1-2)

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