The two Premier League fixtures today were overshadowed by the sad news of Wales boss Gary Speed passing away at the age of just 42.
The game at the Liberty Stadium between Swansea City and Aston Villa finished 0-0.
The game was a low key affair that never really got going. Both sides would have been content to settle for a draw under the difficult circumstances.
Elsewhere Liverpool and Manchester City drew 1-1 at Anfield. The game was a close encounter and the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute. David Silva’s corner hit the Belgian defender on the shoulder and beat Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal.
The lead didn’t last long though as the home side equalised in the 33rd minute. Charlie Adam shot but his effort was going wide before Joleon Lescott stuck a leg out and diverted the ball passed his own keeper.
Manchester City were down to ten men in the 83rd minute. Substitute Mario Balotelli was give a second yellow card for a suspected elbow on defender Martin Skrtel. City then seem to settle for a point. Liverpool were denied a winner in the dying minutes as Joe Hart produced a superb save from a Andy Carroll header and saved the rebound from Luis Suarez.
Sad
The games took a backseat to the news of well-loved Wales manager Gary Speed taking his own life. His death was announced this morning he was just 42 years of age. The news has been met by disbelieve from everybody involved in football.
Appearance
The Welsh boss appeared on television laughing and joking yesterday morning. He didn’t seem depressed or have anything on his mind. It’s unclear on the motives of his apparent suicide but what is clear is that his death isn’t being considered as suspicious.
Record
Until recently Gary Speed held the record for the most appearances in the Premier League. He was the first player to have made 500 appearances in the Premier League. Speed also played 85 times for his national side.
Loved
Gary Speed seemed to be well liked by everybody and not just by fans of the clubs he had played for and managed. The crowds at the Liberty and Anfield showed the esteem he was held in by the fact that the fans observed a one minutes silence and applause.
Nobody seems to have a bad word to say about the former-Everton, Leeds and Newcastle man. That makes the circumstances even worse. He was regarded as a good professional and a really nice guy.
Promising
Gary Speed had made a good start to his managerial career with Wales. The Welsh international team was progressing well under Speed’s management and he was widely acknowledged as a good up and coming coach. Football has lost a top professional and a promising coach and by all accounts the world has lost a really good human being.
Condolences
I believe I speak for everybody at Soccernews when I say all our thoughts and condolences are with Gary’s friends and family. We hope you rest in peace Gary.
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