To use the old cliché, Manchester United are saving their best for last as the Premier League reaches its business end, but Chelsea and Arsenal are intent on taking the race for the title to the wire.On Saturday evening Sir Alex Ferguson demonstrated all of his been there and done that experience as United purred past Aston Villa 4-0 at Old Trafford in a manner which, at times, appeared to be a training ground exercise.The irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo reinforced his claims for World Footballer of the Year in 2008 as his deft back-heeled flick set United on their way before Carlos Tevez doubled the lead and Wayne Rooney found time to weigh in with a second half brace to allow the striker to bring to an end his six-match goalless run.
Meanwhile, Liverpool secured local bragging rights on Merseyside and sit in box seat in the race for the final UEFA Champions League place as they defeated neighbours Everton at Anfield.Popular opinion appears to suggest Liverpool have sewn up a fourth-placed finish as they came out on top in the Merseyside derby with a 1-0 win over Everton by a goal from Fernando Torres.Everton were never at the races and striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, for one, will have been grateful it was a short coach journey home across Stanley Park after the Nigerian's dilly-dallying on the edge box allowed a combination of Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt to set up Torres.
Earlier on Saturday, Arsenal's cliff edge-clinging title tilt gained an ever so feint leg up as they dug their fingers in to secure a 3-2 turnaround against Bolton.The Reebok Stadium has been far from a happy hunting ground for Arsene Wenger's men over recent years and as Matt Taylor fired their hosts into a two-goal first half lead the Gunners appeared to be heading for their sixth successive year without success at Bolton's home.However, Arsenal's youngsters proved that they never know when they are beaten as William Gallas struck, Robin van Persie converted from the penalty spot and Jlloyd Samuel haplessly deflected past his own goalkeeper in the final minute to plunge Bolton further into the relegation mire.The scintillating comeback becomes all the more impressive when it is remembered Arsenal were also forced to do so with 10 men after Abou Diaby was handed his marching orders after half-an-hour.
On Sunday Chelsea manager Avram Grant will have been quivering in the home dugout to almost the same frequency of the vibrations of the Stamford Bridge woodwork as the Blues rode their luck in a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.Ricardo Carvalho gave Chelsea a sixth minute lead, but Boro then almost reinforced their reputation as a 'big four' bogey team as the Teessiders rattled a combination of crossbar and post on three occasions.Were it not for the ongoing misfiring of Boro's record signing Afonso Alves, who struck the frame of the goal twice to accompany the so close yet so far effort of David Wheater, the head honchos at the Premier League may already be dressing their prized piece of silverware in United colours
The sob story of the weekend, though, was at Pride Park as the inevitable became reality as Derby's draw with Fulham - combined with Birmingham's victory over a plummeting Manchester City at St Andrews - condemned the Rams to relegation.Emanuel Villa gave Derby a 10th minute lead in a surprisingly entertaining encounter to spark hopes of the most unlikely of Great Escapes, but Diomansy Kamara and a Dean Leacock own goal handed Fulham the lead.Villa - who has been backed to shine by manager Paul Jewell - gave Derby a lifeline in the closing minutes, but it was not to be as the solitary point was not enough to save the Rams from the dreaded drop and also leaves Fulham looking anxiously downwards.
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan created flashbacks to the mid-nineties as his side rolled past Tottenham in style at White Hart Lane to spark memories of his first stint in the Magpies hot-seat.Tottenham continue to demonstrate that their season ended following their Carling Cup success in February as they capitulated 4-1 at home to Newcastle.The Magpies, though, appear to be fixed on finishing as strongly as Spurs are eager to throw in the towel as goals from Nicky Butt, Geremi, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins secured the points in North London.Darren Bent had put Spurs in front, but Keegan - who has now recorded two successive successes since breaking his duck upon his return to Tyneside - and Owen - who has netted three times in his last hat-trick of outings - will be wondering what all the previous panic was about.
Portsmouth could be forgiven for having one eye on their FA Cup future, but Harry Redknapp is having none of it as his side brushed aside Wigan 2-0 at Fratton Park.A double from Jermain Defoe handed Pompey the points to leave the South Coast outfit hot on the heels of fifth-placed Everton in the race to secure a place in the Uefa Cup via the league.
Birmingham - who had Franck Queudrue dismissed - not only snubbed out Derby's top-flight flame with a 3-1 win over City, but they also moved themselves four points clear of the drop zone.
After a sensational start to life in England, City boss Sven Goran Eriksson - who had only an Elano penalty to cheer - appears focused on assuring the English public he is not a managerial genius and on reminding of his days in the international hot-seat as the Blues well and truly run out of legs.
Sunderland also eased relegation worries as the Black Cats were grateful to a last minute strike from Andy Reid after Kenwyne Jones had cancelled out Freddie Ljungberg's opener.
And finally Blackburn and Reading, who had Marek Matejovsky red-carded, gave an excellent demonstration of two sides desperate to avoid defeat as they played out a goalless draw at the Madejski.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Game Week 31-Review
Manchester United were the biggest winners of Grand Slam Sunday as they moved five points clear at the top of the table with a controversial win over arch-rivals Liverpool.Goals from Wes Brown, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani helped United to a 3-0 success at Old Trafford, but the headlines were dominated by Javier Mascherano's sending off.Mascherano was handed a second yellow card for dissent towards referee Steve Bennett as the focus again shifted towards player respect to officials.
In the second instalment of Grand Slam Sunday Chelsea fired themselves back into title contention as they came from behind to beat faltering Arsenal.Bacary Sagna gave Arsenal the lead just before the hour mark with his first goal for the club as The Gunners threatened to end Chelsea's four-year unbeaten home record.However, Chelsea showed all their title credentials as they battled back with two quick-fire goals from Arsenal's nemesis Didier Drogba turning the game on its head.The win helped Chelsea leapfrog Arsenal into second place and leave them as United's closest challengers with seven games of the season remaining.
On Saturday, Kevin Keegan finally celebrated his first win as Newcastle boss following his return to Tyneside with a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Fulham.Mark Viduka put reports of a rift with Keegan behind him to open the scoring and Michael Owen made the game safe with a late second goal to lift the gloom at St James' Park and push Fulham closer to the relegation trapdoor.
Sunderland eased their relegation worries as they recorded their first win away from home this season with a shock 1-0 success at Aston Villa.Michael Chopra came off the bench to grab the winner for Sunderland and in the process score his first goal in open play in seven months.
Everton dropped two points in the race to finish fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Goodison Park.Yakubu Aiyegbeni continued his rich vein of form in front of goal with an early opener for Everton, but the home side could not build on their lead as Dean Ashton drew West Ham level with a towering second half header.
Blackburn boosted their European aspirations with a 3-1 win over Wigan in an eventful Lancashire derby at Ewood Park.Roque Santa Cruz gave Rovers an early lead only for Wigan to win a penalty when Emile Heskey was brought down in the box by Christopher Samba.To compound Rovers' woes Samba was sent off and Marlon King scored from the spot to net his first goal for Wigan.Jason Roberts came back to haunt his old club to restore Blackburn's lead on the stroke of half-time with a well-taken strike and Santa Cruz added a third just past the hour mark to leave Wigan nervously looking over their shoulders.There was still time for Wilson Palacios to see red for Wigan as both sides ended the game with ten men.
Andre Bikey was the unlikely hero for Reading as they secured a vital 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Birmingham City at the Madejski Stadium.The Cameroon defender opened the scoring with a header just past the half hour mark only for Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate to draw Birmingham level in the 64th minute with his first goal for the club.Bikey had the last word for Reading as he scored the winner 12 minutes from time with almost a carbon copy of his first strike to hand Steve Coppell's men their third victory in four games.
Substitutes were the order of the day at White Hart Lane as Darren Bent and Jamie O'Hara helped Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Portsmouth.Spurs boss Juande Ramos earned his money as his tactical changes in bringing on Bent and O'Hara turned the game in Tottenham's favour.Bent broke the deadlock ten minutes from time to see 100 goals notched up at White Hart Lane this season.A minute later Bent turned provider as he teed up O'Hara to score and end Portsmouth's stubborn resistance.
Tuncay proved to be the architect of Derby's downfall against Middlesbrough as the Turkish star scored the winner at The Riverside.The skilful forward, who scored the only goal in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, repeated the trick on Teesside with a fine individual goal.The win helped Middlesbrough move further clear at the wrong end of the table, while for beleaguered Derby it was their 23rd defeat of a miserable season.
Bolton remain third from bottom after being held to a goalless draw by Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium.The Trotters' old goalscoring problems were evident again as they struggled to break down a stubborn City defence.Both sides had chances to win it, but they could not find the crucial finishing touch to grab a winner.
In the second instalment of Grand Slam Sunday Chelsea fired themselves back into title contention as they came from behind to beat faltering Arsenal.Bacary Sagna gave Arsenal the lead just before the hour mark with his first goal for the club as The Gunners threatened to end Chelsea's four-year unbeaten home record.However, Chelsea showed all their title credentials as they battled back with two quick-fire goals from Arsenal's nemesis Didier Drogba turning the game on its head.The win helped Chelsea leapfrog Arsenal into second place and leave them as United's closest challengers with seven games of the season remaining.
On Saturday, Kevin Keegan finally celebrated his first win as Newcastle boss following his return to Tyneside with a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Fulham.Mark Viduka put reports of a rift with Keegan behind him to open the scoring and Michael Owen made the game safe with a late second goal to lift the gloom at St James' Park and push Fulham closer to the relegation trapdoor.
Sunderland eased their relegation worries as they recorded their first win away from home this season with a shock 1-0 success at Aston Villa.Michael Chopra came off the bench to grab the winner for Sunderland and in the process score his first goal in open play in seven months.
Everton dropped two points in the race to finish fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Goodison Park.Yakubu Aiyegbeni continued his rich vein of form in front of goal with an early opener for Everton, but the home side could not build on their lead as Dean Ashton drew West Ham level with a towering second half header.
Blackburn boosted their European aspirations with a 3-1 win over Wigan in an eventful Lancashire derby at Ewood Park.Roque Santa Cruz gave Rovers an early lead only for Wigan to win a penalty when Emile Heskey was brought down in the box by Christopher Samba.To compound Rovers' woes Samba was sent off and Marlon King scored from the spot to net his first goal for Wigan.Jason Roberts came back to haunt his old club to restore Blackburn's lead on the stroke of half-time with a well-taken strike and Santa Cruz added a third just past the hour mark to leave Wigan nervously looking over their shoulders.There was still time for Wilson Palacios to see red for Wigan as both sides ended the game with ten men.
Andre Bikey was the unlikely hero for Reading as they secured a vital 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Birmingham City at the Madejski Stadium.The Cameroon defender opened the scoring with a header just past the half hour mark only for Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate to draw Birmingham level in the 64th minute with his first goal for the club.Bikey had the last word for Reading as he scored the winner 12 minutes from time with almost a carbon copy of his first strike to hand Steve Coppell's men their third victory in four games.
Substitutes were the order of the day at White Hart Lane as Darren Bent and Jamie O'Hara helped Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Portsmouth.Spurs boss Juande Ramos earned his money as his tactical changes in bringing on Bent and O'Hara turned the game in Tottenham's favour.Bent broke the deadlock ten minutes from time to see 100 goals notched up at White Hart Lane this season.A minute later Bent turned provider as he teed up O'Hara to score and end Portsmouth's stubborn resistance.
Tuncay proved to be the architect of Derby's downfall against Middlesbrough as the Turkish star scored the winner at The Riverside.The skilful forward, who scored the only goal in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, repeated the trick on Teesside with a fine individual goal.The win helped Middlesbrough move further clear at the wrong end of the table, while for beleaguered Derby it was their 23rd defeat of a miserable season.
Bolton remain third from bottom after being held to a goalless draw by Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium.The Trotters' old goalscoring problems were evident again as they struggled to break down a stubborn City defence.Both sides had chances to win it, but they could not find the crucial finishing touch to grab a winner.
Game Week 30- Review
Monday 17th March 2008
Birmingham City 1-1 Newcastle United
Wednesday 19th March 2008
Tottenham Hotspur 4-4 Chelsea
Manchester United 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Birmingham City 1-1 Newcastle United
Wednesday 19th March 2008
Tottenham Hotspur 4-4 Chelsea
Manchester United 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Game Week 29- Review
Manchester United moved ominously back to the top of the Premier League table after Arsenal failed to pick up maximum points for the fourth consecutive game.Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils made hard work of seeing off Derby 1-0 at Pride Park, and needed a late strike from Portuguese goal-machine Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure that they sat top of the table on Saturday night.The strike took the winger's tally for the season to 31 in all competitions and keeps him ahead of the chasing pack in the race for a well-deserved golden boot this season.
Arsenal, who had started the weekend in top spot, dropped back into second after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.The Gunners have seen a five-point lead at the summit ebb away in recent weeks and look a completely different side to the one which started the season so brightly and has progressed so magnificently through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.Jeremie Aliadiere, who departed Emirates Stadium in the summer, took full advantage of some uncharacteristically slack Arsenal defending to fire Boro in front and silence the home crowd.Arsene Wenger's men then toiled away to no avail for the best part of an hour before Kolo Toure finally found a breakthrough with a powerful header four minutes from time.
Chelsea ensured that they remain very much in the title reckoning with a third straight victory, and Liverpool cemented their position in the UEFA Champions League places with hard-fought win at home to Reading.Inspirational club captain John Terry ended a 19-month wait for a top-flight goal when he grabbed the winner after just 10 minutes and helped move the Blues to within three points of the leaders.
Champions League glory represents Liverpool's only chance of claiming some silverware this season, but with fourth place in the league still up for grabs they ground out a much-needed 2-1 win at home to Reading.A Marek Matejovsky thunderbolt shook Anfield and gave the visitors an early lead, but a rare strike from Javier Mascherano and a 20th top-flight goal of the season from the irrepressible Fernando Torres saw the Reds fight back and take the points.
The Upton Park conveyor belt of talent produced another young star on Saturday, when 18-year old Freddie Sears followed in the footsteps of the likes of Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand by becoming an instant West Ham hero.The forward stepped off the bench to snatch an 81st-minute winner in a 2-1 win for the Hammers over Blackburn, after Dean Ashton had earlier cancelled out a Roque Santa Cruz opener.
With only a fifth place finish or an FA Cup triumph now good enough to guarantee European football for next season, Portsmouth gave their hopes of snatching the final spot away from Everton a huge boost with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Fratton Park.Jermain Defoe lobbed home the first, in front of the watching Fabio Capello, before a Nigel Reo-Coker own goal ended the game as a contest seven minutes before the break.
Despite the late drama, Pompey are now just six points off a Uefa Cup spot after David Moyes' Toffees crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat away at lowly Fulham on Sunday.Brian McBride notched his first goal since returning from a long-term injury and proved just how much the Cottagers have missed his physical presence in his absence this season.Everton appeared to be suffering a hangover from their heroic, but ultimately unsuccessful, European tie with Fiorentina in midweek and struggled to break down a stubborn Fulham side.
Another struggling side who were able to ease their relegation fears this weekend were Wigan after they secured the bragging rights in a feisty Lancashire derby against Bolton.Latics playmaker Jason Koumas saw red just five minutes into the contest for a rash challenge on Gary Cahill, but Steve Bruce's side dug deep and got their reward on 34 minutes when England front man Emile Heskey crashed home the only goal of the game.The win moves Wigan up into the relative safety of mid-table, while the Trotters remain marooned in the bottom three, one point adrift of safety.
The final game of the weekend saw Manchester City record their first league win at the City of Manchester Stadium in 2008 as they came from behind to see off Tottenham 2-1.Robbie Keane broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark, but Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha, with his first goal for the club, gave City the points.Sven Goran-Eriksson's men would appear to be too far adrift of the top five to make a realistic bid for a European place, while Spurs seem destined to finish in mid-table and will already have half an eye on next season.
Arsenal, who had started the weekend in top spot, dropped back into second after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.The Gunners have seen a five-point lead at the summit ebb away in recent weeks and look a completely different side to the one which started the season so brightly and has progressed so magnificently through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.Jeremie Aliadiere, who departed Emirates Stadium in the summer, took full advantage of some uncharacteristically slack Arsenal defending to fire Boro in front and silence the home crowd.Arsene Wenger's men then toiled away to no avail for the best part of an hour before Kolo Toure finally found a breakthrough with a powerful header four minutes from time.
Chelsea ensured that they remain very much in the title reckoning with a third straight victory, and Liverpool cemented their position in the UEFA Champions League places with hard-fought win at home to Reading.Inspirational club captain John Terry ended a 19-month wait for a top-flight goal when he grabbed the winner after just 10 minutes and helped move the Blues to within three points of the leaders.
Champions League glory represents Liverpool's only chance of claiming some silverware this season, but with fourth place in the league still up for grabs they ground out a much-needed 2-1 win at home to Reading.A Marek Matejovsky thunderbolt shook Anfield and gave the visitors an early lead, but a rare strike from Javier Mascherano and a 20th top-flight goal of the season from the irrepressible Fernando Torres saw the Reds fight back and take the points.
The Upton Park conveyor belt of talent produced another young star on Saturday, when 18-year old Freddie Sears followed in the footsteps of the likes of Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand by becoming an instant West Ham hero.The forward stepped off the bench to snatch an 81st-minute winner in a 2-1 win for the Hammers over Blackburn, after Dean Ashton had earlier cancelled out a Roque Santa Cruz opener.
With only a fifth place finish or an FA Cup triumph now good enough to guarantee European football for next season, Portsmouth gave their hopes of snatching the final spot away from Everton a huge boost with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Fratton Park.Jermain Defoe lobbed home the first, in front of the watching Fabio Capello, before a Nigel Reo-Coker own goal ended the game as a contest seven minutes before the break.
Despite the late drama, Pompey are now just six points off a Uefa Cup spot after David Moyes' Toffees crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat away at lowly Fulham on Sunday.Brian McBride notched his first goal since returning from a long-term injury and proved just how much the Cottagers have missed his physical presence in his absence this season.Everton appeared to be suffering a hangover from their heroic, but ultimately unsuccessful, European tie with Fiorentina in midweek and struggled to break down a stubborn Fulham side.
Another struggling side who were able to ease their relegation fears this weekend were Wigan after they secured the bragging rights in a feisty Lancashire derby against Bolton.Latics playmaker Jason Koumas saw red just five minutes into the contest for a rash challenge on Gary Cahill, but Steve Bruce's side dug deep and got their reward on 34 minutes when England front man Emile Heskey crashed home the only goal of the game.The win moves Wigan up into the relative safety of mid-table, while the Trotters remain marooned in the bottom three, one point adrift of safety.
The final game of the weekend saw Manchester City record their first league win at the City of Manchester Stadium in 2008 as they came from behind to see off Tottenham 2-1.Robbie Keane broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark, but Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha, with his first goal for the club, gave City the points.Sven Goran-Eriksson's men would appear to be too far adrift of the top five to make a realistic bid for a European place, while Spurs seem destined to finish in mid-table and will already have half an eye on next season.
Game Week 28-Review
Saturday 8th March 2008
Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham
Reading 2-0 Manchester City
Sunday 9th March 2008
Sunderland 0-1 Everton
Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 12th March 2008
Portsmouth 4-2 Birmingham City
Aston Villa 1-1 Middlesbrough
Chelsea 6-1 Derby County
Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham
Reading 2-0 Manchester City
Sunday 9th March 2008
Sunderland 0-1 Everton
Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 12th March 2008
Portsmouth 4-2 Birmingham City
Aston Villa 1-1 Middlesbrough
Chelsea 6-1 Derby County
Monday, March 3, 2008
Game Week 27- Review
The Gunners have allowed a five-point lead at the summit to be whittled away in the space of eight days and they came within seconds of being knocked off the summit.Philippe Senderos' own goal in the first half looked set to give Villa all three points before Bendtner struck with almost the last kick of the game.After dropping two points in last weekend's emotional draw at Birmingham where Eduardo da Silva suffered a badly broken leg, Arsene Wenger's men continue to falter in their pursuit of the title.Gabriel Agbonlahor's stock continues to rise after he earned a yard of space against William Gallas before firing a low cross into the six-yard box which the hapless Senderos could only turn into his own net in the 27th minute.With time rapidly running out, Bendtner pounced to fire home from close range after Emmanuel Adebayor had headed a deep cross back across the box.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men were simply too good for sorry Fulham, cruising to a routine Craven Cottage victory with efforts from Owen Hargreaves, Ji-sung Park and a Simon Davies own goal.Manchester United roared to within a point of the Premier League leaders as hapless Fulham were pushed closer to the relegation trapdoor at Craven Cottage.Hargreaves curled a delightful free-kick from the edge of the box over the Fulham wall and beyond a helpless Antti Niemi for the opener in the 15th minute.And an incisive passing move featuring Carlos Tevez, Nani and Paul Scholes ended with Park heading home the former England man's cross just before the interval.The hapless Davies then poked the ball beyond Niemi for United's third as the Wales international attempted to clear John O'Shea's cut-back from the line.
Chelsea shook off the disappointment of their Carling Cup defeat as they roared to victory over London rivals West Ham, despite the harsh dismissal of Frank Lampard on his return to Upton Park.Chelsea brushed aside talk of a crisis at Stamford Bridge as a clinical opening 22 minutes left West Ham out of sight.Lampard opened the scoring from the spot (17) after Anton Ferdinand had brought down Salomon Kalou, before two of Grant's Carling Cup rejects proved a point to their manager in the best possible way.
Joe Cole was the first to make his mark, with a sublime low half-volley from the edge of the area from Anelka's pull-back giving Robert Green no chance at all.Lampard turned provider as he crossed with the outside of his foot to Michael Ballack, who like Cole did not make it into the Wembley starting XI, to drive a crisp half-volley beyond a bemused Green.England international Lampard then saw red on his return to Upton Park, harshly dismissed by referee Peter Walton after pushing Boa Morte with the Hammers forward equally as guilty but escaping any punishment as the pair tangled on the turf.John Terry produced an astonishing clearance after the break as he got back to somehow hook Carlton Cole's lob off the line from under his own crossbar, before Ashley Cole fired home from a tight angle after Green had saved Joe Cole's shot.
But Spurs were unable to follow-up their Wembley triumph as they were brought crashing back down to earth with a 4-1 defeat at Birmingham as Mikael Forssell grabbed a hat-trick.A clinical hat-trick from Forssell secured three vital points in Birmingham's battle against relegation as they took advantage of a lacklustre display from Carling Cup winners Tottenham.
Juande Ramos may be regretting his decision to give his squad two days off to celebrate their Wembley triumph, as they were second best against a driven Blues team.Forssell headed home an early opener from close range after James McFadden had drilled Liam Ridgewell's knock-down back across the six-yard box.Sebastian Larsson (55) then curled home an excellent free-kick before Pascal Chimbonda's attempted clearance forced Paul Robinson into a smart save with Forssell pouncing on the loose ball soon after.And the Finn completed his treble in fine style nine minutes from time as he was set up by McFadden to dink the ball beyond Robinson with Jermaine Jenas' late reply mere consolation.
Manchester City have lost ground in the race for a UEFA Champions League place after being held to a goalless draw at home by Wigan.Manchester City's dip in form continued after being held to a goalless draw at The City of Manchester Stadium by relegation-threatened Wigan.
City had the better of the proceedings, although in truth Chris Kirkland in the Latics goal was never seriously tested and not enough for Sven-Goran Eriksson's liking.Wigan finished the stronger of the sides and only a fine save from Joe Hart denied Wilson Palacios his first goal for the club and a winner for Wigan.
A last-gasp goal from Matt Derbyshire heaped further pressure on Kevin Keegan as Newcastle were frustrated at St James' Park by an impressive goalkeeping display from Blackburn's Brad Friedel before being hit on the break.Matt Derbyshire struck in the last minute as Blackburn pushed sorry Newcastle to just three points above the drop zone.A combination of poor home finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Brad Friedel left the Magpies frustrated at St James' Park as Michael Owen squandered two good opportunities to break the deadlock.And a swift Rovers counter-attack in the closing stages saw David Bentley break and square to Derbyshire behind a non-existant home defence with the young striker coolly slotting home.
James Harper grabbed a late winner as Reading finally ended their miserable run of eight Premier League defeats as they claimed three vital points from their trip to the Riverside to face Middlesbrough.Reading remain in the bottom three despite ending their dismal run of eight successive defeats with a late victory against Middlesbrough at the Riverside.Kevin Doyle had an effort ruled out in the first half as Howard Webb ruled Mark Schwarzer had been fouled, while Afonso Alves was unable to provide any Brazilian brilliance for Boro on his home league debut.
And it was left to James Harper to snatch the headlines as he slotted home in the 90th minute to the delight of Steve Coppell.
Sunderland claimed only their third point of the season on their travels after their clash with Derby at Pride Park ended all square.Derby finally reached double figures in their points tally for the season with a home stalemate against Sunderland.Michael Chopra thought he had scored in the first period only to be denied by the linesman's flag as Roy Keane's side claimed only their third point on the road this term.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men were simply too good for sorry Fulham, cruising to a routine Craven Cottage victory with efforts from Owen Hargreaves, Ji-sung Park and a Simon Davies own goal.Manchester United roared to within a point of the Premier League leaders as hapless Fulham were pushed closer to the relegation trapdoor at Craven Cottage.Hargreaves curled a delightful free-kick from the edge of the box over the Fulham wall and beyond a helpless Antti Niemi for the opener in the 15th minute.And an incisive passing move featuring Carlos Tevez, Nani and Paul Scholes ended with Park heading home the former England man's cross just before the interval.The hapless Davies then poked the ball beyond Niemi for United's third as the Wales international attempted to clear John O'Shea's cut-back from the line.
Chelsea shook off the disappointment of their Carling Cup defeat as they roared to victory over London rivals West Ham, despite the harsh dismissal of Frank Lampard on his return to Upton Park.Chelsea brushed aside talk of a crisis at Stamford Bridge as a clinical opening 22 minutes left West Ham out of sight.Lampard opened the scoring from the spot (17) after Anton Ferdinand had brought down Salomon Kalou, before two of Grant's Carling Cup rejects proved a point to their manager in the best possible way.
Joe Cole was the first to make his mark, with a sublime low half-volley from the edge of the area from Anelka's pull-back giving Robert Green no chance at all.Lampard turned provider as he crossed with the outside of his foot to Michael Ballack, who like Cole did not make it into the Wembley starting XI, to drive a crisp half-volley beyond a bemused Green.England international Lampard then saw red on his return to Upton Park, harshly dismissed by referee Peter Walton after pushing Boa Morte with the Hammers forward equally as guilty but escaping any punishment as the pair tangled on the turf.John Terry produced an astonishing clearance after the break as he got back to somehow hook Carlton Cole's lob off the line from under his own crossbar, before Ashley Cole fired home from a tight angle after Green had saved Joe Cole's shot.
But Spurs were unable to follow-up their Wembley triumph as they were brought crashing back down to earth with a 4-1 defeat at Birmingham as Mikael Forssell grabbed a hat-trick.A clinical hat-trick from Forssell secured three vital points in Birmingham's battle against relegation as they took advantage of a lacklustre display from Carling Cup winners Tottenham.
Juande Ramos may be regretting his decision to give his squad two days off to celebrate their Wembley triumph, as they were second best against a driven Blues team.Forssell headed home an early opener from close range after James McFadden had drilled Liam Ridgewell's knock-down back across the six-yard box.Sebastian Larsson (55) then curled home an excellent free-kick before Pascal Chimbonda's attempted clearance forced Paul Robinson into a smart save with Forssell pouncing on the loose ball soon after.And the Finn completed his treble in fine style nine minutes from time as he was set up by McFadden to dink the ball beyond Robinson with Jermaine Jenas' late reply mere consolation.
Manchester City have lost ground in the race for a UEFA Champions League place after being held to a goalless draw at home by Wigan.Manchester City's dip in form continued after being held to a goalless draw at The City of Manchester Stadium by relegation-threatened Wigan.
City had the better of the proceedings, although in truth Chris Kirkland in the Latics goal was never seriously tested and not enough for Sven-Goran Eriksson's liking.Wigan finished the stronger of the sides and only a fine save from Joe Hart denied Wilson Palacios his first goal for the club and a winner for Wigan.
A last-gasp goal from Matt Derbyshire heaped further pressure on Kevin Keegan as Newcastle were frustrated at St James' Park by an impressive goalkeeping display from Blackburn's Brad Friedel before being hit on the break.Matt Derbyshire struck in the last minute as Blackburn pushed sorry Newcastle to just three points above the drop zone.A combination of poor home finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Brad Friedel left the Magpies frustrated at St James' Park as Michael Owen squandered two good opportunities to break the deadlock.And a swift Rovers counter-attack in the closing stages saw David Bentley break and square to Derbyshire behind a non-existant home defence with the young striker coolly slotting home.
James Harper grabbed a late winner as Reading finally ended their miserable run of eight Premier League defeats as they claimed three vital points from their trip to the Riverside to face Middlesbrough.Reading remain in the bottom three despite ending their dismal run of eight successive defeats with a late victory against Middlesbrough at the Riverside.Kevin Doyle had an effort ruled out in the first half as Howard Webb ruled Mark Schwarzer had been fouled, while Afonso Alves was unable to provide any Brazilian brilliance for Boro on his home league debut.
And it was left to James Harper to snatch the headlines as he slotted home in the 90th minute to the delight of Steve Coppell.
Sunderland claimed only their third point of the season on their travels after their clash with Derby at Pride Park ended all square.Derby finally reached double figures in their points tally for the season with a home stalemate against Sunderland.Michael Chopra thought he had scored in the first period only to be denied by the linesman's flag as Roy Keane's side claimed only their third point on the road this term.
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