Week 3 Review

We are constantly reminded by a friend of ours that the Premier League is a ‘late goals league’ and Boxing Day was no exception. This phenomenon will undoubtedly play havoc with the success or otherwise of our pundits’ picks every week. When you’re down on your luck, it feels like all the late goals go against you, and when you’re on a roll those last minute strikes inevitably go in your favour.
 
THTP and I both fancied Fulham to eek out a home win against Southampton yesterday and things were on track until the 85th minute when Chris Baird’s outstretched arm ruined it by giving Rickie Lambert the chance to level from the spot. At the same time at Goodison Park, Everton had played themselves into a commanding two goal lead against Wigan, thereby putting my Asian Handicap in a winning position, only for an almighty defensive mix up to allow Arouna Kone to halve the deficit. Disappointing for me but well done to THTP who predicted an Everton win and over 2.5 goals.
 
I’m sure late goals will continue to snatch losses from the jaws of profit (and visa versa) but they’re part of what makes the Premier League one of the best and most exciting leagues in the world.
 
Elsewhere, Dr Zoidberg was looking for an entertaining afternoon on his sofa with plenty of goals to cheer and he correctly predicted at least 4 goals at Villa Park and Old Trafford. Meanwhile, THTP successfully picked a tight game between Sunderland and Man City, and scored a good Championship double with wins for Cardiff and Middlesborough, but he had to wrestle with the mixed emotions of a rare Ipswich away win.
 
Finally, for the first time, we ventured out into the fields of horse racing and darts. THTP’s darts picks didn’t let him down on Thursday evening, with Raymond van Barneveld looking in imperious form. While at Kempton on Boxing Day I was pleased and relieved that Long Run found a final burst of energy to take a thrilling King George VI Chase to add some much needed points to this week’s tally.