Weekend Review
Courtesy of a little ‘Brucie bonus’ in the form William Hill’s first goalscorer policy, what I perceived to be a minuscule loss this weekend was, in fact, a tidy win.
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal (Tip: Robin van Persie to score first +£25)
The bookmaker’s goalscorer market rules state: “Own goals do not count in pre-match first goalscorer betting. In the event of an own goal first goalscorer bets are not void but carry forward to the next goal.”
Therefore, despite Laurent Koscielny opening the scoring at Anfield on Saturday afternoon by slicing the ball past his own keeper, the second goal of the game, scored by Robin van Persie, was recognised by William Hill as the first. Winner.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Manchester United (Tip: Both teams to score +£6.15)
As a Spurs fan, I was disappointed by the result, but goals goals goals were promised and delivered. Ronseal.
Newcastle United 1-1 Sunderland (Tip: Newcastle to win -£10)
I predicted a home win and it could have been so but for an inspired display from Simon Mignolet, including superb use of gamesmanship in the build up to Demba Ba’s failed penalty kick. My side-note prediction of a Sunderland red card was proved correct though, as the Tyneside cauldron got the better of Stephane Sessegnon and then the ever-reliable Lee Cattermole.
Manchester City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (Tip: Manchester City to win [banker] +£8.33)
A genuine cruise for Roberto Mancini’s team, who are now just a win against Chelsea away from breaking the Premier League record for most consecutive home wins (currently 19 [joint with Manchester United]).
Good games
After the rollercoaster of the past fortnight, the Pie will be reducing its weekly output by 50%. A £50 banker, £10 Anorak’s bet, £10 bet on the Big Game and a £5 Longshot will still be featured. However, these tips will be delivered in two instalments throughout the week.
Pie at Half Time 