Weekend Thoughts

Just a look at some of the random observations from this weekends games.

• In the interests of disclosure - I am one of those very sad muppets who look at the the referees lists week in and week out and have a strong opinion about them all. Martin Atkinson has come in for some stick this season, but nothing could prepare me for the yellow card he dished out to Reading left-back Nicky Shorey on Saturday. The England international threw the ball from a throw-in against his team-mates back and went to cross the ball. It was completely planned and is perfectly valid. Referee Atkinson thought not however and blew up and gave Wigan a free kick before taking Shorey's name. Total and utter lunacy.

• Fulham were 700/1 at one point on Saturday to beat Manchester City on Betfair. At least one lucky punter took the odds as well - the layer must be absolutely gutted!

• People wonder why Martin O'Neill was so highly thought of but yesterday's comeback said everything. He boldly changed formation and was rewarded with an equaliser. Then when Everton took the lead again, the heads never dropped and Villa scored from their next possession. Martin O'Neill's teams work hard and never give up - that is what England need but once again they passed up on him - Villa fans should count themselves extremely lucky.

• David James' consecutive streak in Premiership games ended at the weekend. The Portsmouth goalkeeper hadn't missed a league game since January '04 before Sunday. However a grade one calf strain kept him out of the game but he should return in time for the FA Cup Final.

• Both the relegation and Title issues are going to down down to the final day in the season. Just how great is that? Sky will show three live games on the final day of the season whilst Setanta will also show one. It's going to be fantastic television at both ends of the table.