Tempted to say ‘not very much’ due to the lack of action but, delving into the games that did beat what the tabloids call the ‘big-freeze’ this weekend, there were some interesting pointers to take away from the chilling action.
It’s not all lost for West Ham….yet
The team who is bottom at Christmas usually ends the season there and, while the Hammers (4/9f to be relegated) are adrift at the moment, their 1-1 draw against Blackburn shows the fighting spirit is there under embattled boss Avram Grant.
Scotty Parker remains the Hammers’ key man and his influence on the game on Saturday grew as it went on, as they deservedly managed to get a point off Rovers – no mean feat despite the mood in the home dressing room following Big Sam’s sudden departure.
If the Hammers can replicate their second-half form in the coming weeks, then safety could yet be within their grasp (West Ham to win at Fulham on Boxing Day – 5/2).
Craig Gordon is a fine goalkeeper
Despite an injury-disrupted start to life at Sunderland, the Scot proved – in one moment of genius – that the £9million man can yet become the world-class stopper many thought he was destined to be, when he joined in 2007 from Hearts.
His wonder-save has since been played down by Gordon, who insisted he has made better in the past. That’s a big claim such was the quality of the reaction stop from close-range to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight, but the goalie – with obviously sky-high standards – said afterwards it’s only “in his top five”.
Maybe he hadn’t seen it on TV at that point because, trust us Craig, it’s a belter!
Leeds are on a roll
A 2-0 win over leaders QPR (11/10 – Championship Outright) leaves the once-mighty Leeds United second in the Championship (12/1 to win it) and finely placed to mount a serious title charge in the second half of the season.
Simon Grayson’s side continue to look the part and the 30,000 who braved the sub-zero West Yorkshire temperatures (or maybe just got out of the Christmas shopping) on Saturday were well rewarded.
Max Gradel’s double means Leeds are now nine games unbeaten and means there is finally a real belief that they can finally get back into the big time.
Exeter have the best groundstaff there is!
Only one game survived in League One and Exeter (20/1 to be promoted) will have been well pleased they managed to get their clash at home to Sheffield Wednesday on, after a 5-1 mauling of the Owls.
The south west was one of the worst-hit areas in terms of snow over the weekend, but a mammoth effort from the Grecians (and plenty of eager local volunteers too, it has to be said) ensured they were able to beat the weather.
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