WEEKEND UPDATE: Nigerians in the English Premier League

By Arinze Ude QPR 0-0 NORWICH CITY Nedum Onuoha injured himself in QPR’s warm-up before the game and was replaced by Fabio, who’s on loan from Manchester United, in the starting line up. Norwich City keeper, David Bunn was the man of the match, saving a penalty from Adel Taarabt to earn a point for his side.   READING 2-1 SUNDERLAND Hope Akpan put in another mesmeric performance for the Royals in their win over their opponents from the North East. Striker, Jimmy Kebe scored on either side of Craig Gardner’s penalty to give Reading the maximum points.   NEWCASTLE 3-2 CHELSEA Chelsea lost yet another match in the EPL without John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses. Demba Ba’s return to St. James Park ended abruptly when he broke his nose following an atrocious challenge from ex-Newcastle team mate, Fabricio Coloccini. New signing, Moussa Sissoko was the hero for the Magpies, bagging a brace in the game. Jonas Gutierrez, Juan Mata and Frank Lampard also scored in this game for Newcastle and Chelsea respectively.   EVERTON 3-3 ASTON VILLA Victor Anichebe was handed a start by his manager, David Moyes for Villa’s visit. The Nigerian striker repaid Moyes for his faith in him when he equalised for the Toffees in the first half after Christian Benteke had given Villa the lead. Nigerian-born English striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor put Villa in front again before Christian Benteke scored his second to make it three. Marouane Felliani scored a second half brace to salvage a point for Everton.   WEST BROM 0-1 TOTTENHAM Osaze Odemwingie missed the Spurs game because he was sent home by West Brom after his frustrating and failed attempt to force a transfer to EPL strugglers, Queens Park Rangers on transfer deadline day. Belgian striker, Romelu Lukaku deputised for the Nigerian but made way in the second half for Liam Ridgewell after their left back, Goran Popov who started the game was sent off for a challenge on Spurs full back, Kyle Walker. Gareth Bale produced a thunderbolt of a shot to give his side all important three points.