BPL Weekend Round-up (December 29-30)

Theo Walcott's three goals were the top story line this weekend in the Barclays Premier League. 

Here's some of the top story lines from this weekend in the BPL.

(Arsenal v. Newcastle) Theo Walcott's Day 

Arsenal beat Newcastle, 7-3 in a game that featured braces from Olivier Giroud and Demba Ba, as well as the first Premier League goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But the story of the game was fantastic performance of Theo Walcott. Walcott, playing at striker, had an incredible game. He scored three times, including this goal to grab the hat trick. Along with an assist, it was a fantastic man of the match performance Walcott put in. Walcott very publicly has been in a fickle contract situation with Arsenal all this season that hasn't made him the most popular man at the Emirates. It's safe to say that after his showing against Newcastle, most people are on board with keeping Walcott on Arsenal for years to come.

(Norwich v. Man City) Goals, A Red Card, and No Lack of Action

Man City and Norwich went back forth in a 7 goal thriller, that ended 4-3 for Man City. Edin Dzeko got the game underway early, scoring twice before even five minutes had passed to put City ahead. Norwich got a goal shortly afterwards. Controversy ensued shortly before halftime. Sébastien Bassong made a hard tackle on Samir Nasri, and Nasri responded by getting in Bassong's face, which earned him a red card. Despite being down a man for the entire second half, the defending Champions held on for a 4-3 win that was filled with goals. Despite the loss, Norwich has continued to prove they're a tough team to play. They have beaten Arsenal and Manchester United, and gave Chelsea and Man City both a run for their money in the past week.

(Aston Villa v. Wigan) Defense Needed, Badly

Aston Villa lost again, this time falling 3-0 to Wigan. After a big win at Anfield, beating Liverpool, 3-1, it's gone downhill quickly for Paul Lambert's squad. They first were embarrassingly beating 8-0 by Chelsea. It was followed up with Gareth Bale grabbing a hat trick as Tottenham dominated them 4-0, and now a 3-0 loss to Wigan. In the past three games, Villa has allowed 15 goals, while scoring a whopping zero. This bad run of form as put Villa on the verge of the relegation zone. They have 18 points, one away of 18th place Southampton. While no one doubts Villa has plenty of threats on attack from Christian Benteke and the like, their lack of defense could wind up hurting them big time as the season progresses.

(QPR v. Liverpool) How Bad Can They Get?

QPR lost their 12th game of the season, falling to Liverpool, 3-0. QPR stands alone at the bottom of the table, with 10 points, and only a single win. Another loss continues a nightmare season for QPR that has been massively disappointing. A decision must now be made by interim manager Harry Redknapp. Does he continue to spend in the winter in an attempt to attempt to keep QPR in the Premier League for another season? Or does he decide to stop spending, and try to straighten out his squad that's in clear disarray, despite it's wealth of talented players.