Fulham continued to recreate their own version of The Great Escape, Reading's Premier League future remains in jeopardy while Manchester United and Chelsea remain locked together at the top of the table.Roy Hodgson's Fulham climbed out of the drop zone as they inflicted defeat on relegation-threatened Birmingham City on Saturday at Craven Cottage.Brian McBride and Eric Nevland were on target for the home side as they secured back-to-back wins for the first time this campaign and leave Alex McLeish's Birmingham staring demotion in the face.
Reading continued to suffer the distress of second-season syndrome as Steve Coppell's men slipped into the relegation places with a 1-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur.Robbie Keane struck the only goal of the game on 16 minutes, with The Royals' only consolation being that they face already-doomed Derby County in their final encounter of the season - a win, though, still might not be enough to avoid the dreaded drop.
At the right end of the table, 10-man Manchester United smashed a poor West Ham United side 4-1 to leave the Red Devils needing victory over Wigan Athletic on the last day to seal their 10th Premier League trophy.The unremitting Cristiano Ronaldo took his season's tally to a staggering 40 as he fired a first-half brace, before Carlos Tevez hit a stunner against his former club, only for Dean Ashton to hand The Hammers a lifeline with a marvellous overhead kick.Nani was then dismissed for a daft head-butt on Lucas Neil, sparking pleas from the visiting fans for a memorable comeback. It never materialised, though, and Michael Carrick sealed the success after further slack defending from Alan Curbishley's men.
United's title tilt will go down to the wire after Chelsea kept pace at the top with a 2-0 victory away at Newcastle.The Blues were not at their best on Tyneside but did enough to ensure that they remain in the hunt for a third top flight crown in four years.Michael Ballack headed the visitors in front after an hour at St James' Park, before Florent Malouda sealed the points with a well taken low drive eight minutes from time.
Bolton are on the brink of survival after their 2-0 triumph over already-safe Sunderland at the Reebok Stadium.El-Hadji Diouf, who looks set to leave the club in the summer, opened the scoring just before the break with Daryl Murphy putting into his own net to secure the three points for Gary Megson's team - who boast a superior goal difference over their relegation rivals.
Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough sealed their top-flight status as they claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth at The Riverside.Southgate's decision to recall Chris Riggott from his loan spell at Stoke paid dividends as the defender opened the scoring before Tuncay wrapped up the triumph.
Wigan secured their Premier League safety and appeared to scupper Aston Villa's hopes of a fifth placed berth as Steve Bruce's side triumphed 2-0.Antonio Valencia was the hero for The Latics, firing a brace to ensure Bruce can now focus on rebuilding his side for another term in the top flight.Villa's loss at the JJB Stadium presented Everton with a golden opportunity to wrap up the sought-after fifth position, which would guarantee them a spot in next season's Uefa Cup.
David Moyes' side looked set for their point as they defended admirably against Arsenal on Sunday; however, on 77 minutes, Nicklas Bendtner rose to head past Tim Howard, meaning The Toffees must now avoid defeat in their final game of the campaign against Newcastle.
Paul Jewell's Derby County officially became the worst team in Premier League history after their 28th defeat of the season at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.Kenny Miller's 19th minute opener only awoke Rovers from their slumber as a Roque Santa Cruz brace and a goal from Jason Roberts completed the turnaround for Mark Hughes' men.
In the weekend's final game, Sven Goran Eriksson's reportedly slim chances of holding onto his job at Manchester City were not helped as his men slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.Fernando Torres took his to his impressive debut-season tally to 23 league goals, netting on 58 minutes in what was a largely uneventful fixture.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Game Week 36- Review
The Premier League title race promises to be one of the most exciting climaxes in years after
Chelsea beat The Red Devils 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to move level on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the table.It was so nearly United's day with Wayne Rooney capitalising on a mistake by Chelsea's backline to level matters on 57 minutes, cancelling out Michael Ballack's pinpoint header at the end of the first half in the process.However, Chelsea bagged the win they needed in controversial circumstances in the closing stages when Ballack smashed home a late penalty after Michael Carrick was adjudged to have handled in the area.
At one stage on Saturday Fulham were relegated as they trailed 2-0 at Manchester City, while Birmingham were in control against Liverpool with an identical score.However, The Cottagers did something they have only done once in the Premier League. Win back-to-back away games following a remarkable 3-2 success.Roy Hodgson was only looking for his troops to win the second half after City opened the scoring through Stephen Ireland and Benjani, but they did more than that as goals from Diomansy Kamara and Danny Murphy brought Fulham back on level terms.Although City looked more like winning it at the death, the visitors broke and Kamara netted an injury-time winner with a fine left-footed strike to maintain Fulham's hopes of avoiding the drop.
Elsewhere, Birmingham will be kicking themselves after being held to a 2-2 draw against a weakened Liverpool outfit.Although The Reds were without the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, it was an ex-Blue who dented the club's hopes of avoiding the drop.Alex McLeish's side were cruising courtesy of efforts from Mikael Forssell and Sebastian Larsson, but Jermaine Pennant turned things around. Pennant set up Peter Crouch's goal before Yossi Benayoun snatched a share of the spoils.
Reading and Bolton remain a point clear of Birmingham after points away from home at Wigan and Spurs respectively. The Royals' trip to Wigan was a largely forgettable affair, although Steve Coppell was happy with the point at The JJB.Bolton looked at one stage like winning their third straight game after Stelios Giannakopoulos opened the scoring from close range, but Steed Malbranque's cool finish earned the Carling Cup winners a point at White Hart Lane.
Sunderland have guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next term following a thrilling 3-2 success over North East rivals Middlesbrough.Tuncay fired Boro ahead early on, although The Black Cats responded through Danny Higginbotham and Michael Chopra to take a 2-1 lead.Afonso Alves' neat finish looked to have given the visitors a point but Emanuel Pogatetz's last-gasp own goal gave Sunderland the win to leave Gareth Southgate's side still needing points to save themselves.
West Ham squandered a two-goal lead at home to Newcastle United as they were held 2-2 at Upton Park.Mark Noble and Dean Ashton put The Hammers in firm control against the in-form Magpies, but goals before half-time from Obafemi Martins, who always scores against West Ham, and Geremi secured a point.
The goals kept coming on Sunday as Everton twice led against Aston Villa before eventually being held to a 2-2 draw in what proved to be an exciting affair at Goodison Park.Goals from Phil Neville and Joseph Yobo put The Toffees in front, but Martin O'Neill's side would not lie down and claimed a point thanks to equalisers from Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew.
Portsmouth's impending FA Cup final appearance is proving an unwanted distraction for Harry Redknapp after his side suffered their second straight defeat after going down 1-0 at home to Blackburn.The game burst into life following a dour opening 45 minutes, but Pompey's huffing and puffing failed to trouble Brad Friedel to any great length. Roque Santa Cruz ensured the visiting side left Fratton Park with all three points with a well-taken 74th minute effort.
Chelsea beat The Red Devils 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to move level on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the table.It was so nearly United's day with Wayne Rooney capitalising on a mistake by Chelsea's backline to level matters on 57 minutes, cancelling out Michael Ballack's pinpoint header at the end of the first half in the process.However, Chelsea bagged the win they needed in controversial circumstances in the closing stages when Ballack smashed home a late penalty after Michael Carrick was adjudged to have handled in the area.
At one stage on Saturday Fulham were relegated as they trailed 2-0 at Manchester City, while Birmingham were in control against Liverpool with an identical score.However, The Cottagers did something they have only done once in the Premier League. Win back-to-back away games following a remarkable 3-2 success.Roy Hodgson was only looking for his troops to win the second half after City opened the scoring through Stephen Ireland and Benjani, but they did more than that as goals from Diomansy Kamara and Danny Murphy brought Fulham back on level terms.Although City looked more like winning it at the death, the visitors broke and Kamara netted an injury-time winner with a fine left-footed strike to maintain Fulham's hopes of avoiding the drop.
Elsewhere, Birmingham will be kicking themselves after being held to a 2-2 draw against a weakened Liverpool outfit.Although The Reds were without the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, it was an ex-Blue who dented the club's hopes of avoiding the drop.Alex McLeish's side were cruising courtesy of efforts from Mikael Forssell and Sebastian Larsson, but Jermaine Pennant turned things around. Pennant set up Peter Crouch's goal before Yossi Benayoun snatched a share of the spoils.
Reading and Bolton remain a point clear of Birmingham after points away from home at Wigan and Spurs respectively. The Royals' trip to Wigan was a largely forgettable affair, although Steve Coppell was happy with the point at The JJB.Bolton looked at one stage like winning their third straight game after Stelios Giannakopoulos opened the scoring from close range, but Steed Malbranque's cool finish earned the Carling Cup winners a point at White Hart Lane.
Sunderland have guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next term following a thrilling 3-2 success over North East rivals Middlesbrough.Tuncay fired Boro ahead early on, although The Black Cats responded through Danny Higginbotham and Michael Chopra to take a 2-1 lead.Afonso Alves' neat finish looked to have given the visitors a point but Emanuel Pogatetz's last-gasp own goal gave Sunderland the win to leave Gareth Southgate's side still needing points to save themselves.
West Ham squandered a two-goal lead at home to Newcastle United as they were held 2-2 at Upton Park.Mark Noble and Dean Ashton put The Hammers in firm control against the in-form Magpies, but goals before half-time from Obafemi Martins, who always scores against West Ham, and Geremi secured a point.
The goals kept coming on Sunday as Everton twice led against Aston Villa before eventually being held to a 2-2 draw in what proved to be an exciting affair at Goodison Park.Goals from Phil Neville and Joseph Yobo put The Toffees in front, but Martin O'Neill's side would not lie down and claimed a point thanks to equalisers from Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew.
Portsmouth's impending FA Cup final appearance is proving an unwanted distraction for Harry Redknapp after his side suffered their second straight defeat after going down 1-0 at home to Blackburn.The game burst into life following a dour opening 45 minutes, but Pompey's huffing and puffing failed to trouble Brad Friedel to any great length. Roque Santa Cruz ensured the visiting side left Fratton Park with all three points with a well-taken 74th minute effort.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Game Week 35- Review
Sir Alex Ferguson's men, once again, demonstrated their never-say-die attitude as Carlos Tevez struck at the death to deny Blackburn at Ewood Park, leaving United three points clear of second-placed Chelsea with three games remaining.Roque Santa Cruz had put the home side ahead in the 21st minute only for the Argentine, who has proved to be a sound acquisition following a number of key goals this season, to head past goalkeeper Brad Friedel with just two minutes left on the clock.Manchester United's late point at Blackburn Rovers could yet prove decisive in the race for the Premier League title.
Back-to-back wins for Bolton saw Gary Megson's men climb from the murky depths of the drop zone, as they moved to 16th on goal difference.Gavin McCann struck the only goal of the game in the success over Boro, to hand The Trotters a one-point cushion over relegation-threatened Birmingham City; however it seems there is much to unfold in the demotion battle before the season concludes.
Birmingham endured a torrid afternoon on Sunday as they went down 5-1 to bitter rivals Aston Villa in the Second City derby, with John Carew and Ashley Young both bagging braces before Gabriel Agbonlahor rubbed gritty salt into Blues' open wounds.Mikael Forssell did his best to restore some pride as he fired a 67th minute goal; however Alex McLeish's men now look in peril, while Martin O'Neill's side rose to an impressive sixth.
Fulham are left staring relegation in the face following their 2-0 loss against a second-string Liverpool side at Craven Cottage.Reds boss Rafa Benitez rotated, with Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in mind, but it made little difference as Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch netted to leave The Cottagers five points from safety.
Arsenal secured just their second win in nine league fixtures at Reading's expense as Arsene Wenger's men enjoyed a leisurely stroll at The Emirates, claiming a 2-0 victory over Steve Coppell's team.Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva fired in first-half goals for The Gunners, meaning Reading hover perilously close to the relegation zone after their third consecutive loss.
Sunderland's top-flight fate remains anything but certain after Newcastle prevailed following a first-half double from Michael Owen at St James' Park.Owen's strikes, his fifth and sixth goals in seven games, secured a comfortable triumph for The Magpies as they guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next season, while The Black Cats are perched five points from danger.
Manchester City kept their faint hopes for a European berth alive with a 3-1 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, in what turned out to be a frenetic encounter at Eastlands.Darius Vassell, Martin Petrov and Benjani were all on target for the home side as Pompey, who had Hermann Hreidarsson dismissed, slipped to seventh with City now three points behind sixth-placed Villa.
Wigan Athletic edged ever closer to safety after their 1-1 stalemate with mid-table Tottenham Hotspur at the JJB Stadium.Dimitar Berbatov handed Juande Ramos' Spurs an early lead, but Emile Heskey struck his second vital leveller in six days to claim a point that sees The Latics in a comfortable 13th position.
Derby County suffered their 26th defeat of the season as they battled in vain against West Ham United at Upton Park.Bobby Zamora opened the scoring for The Hammers before Tyrone Mears restored parity with an excellent strike; however the home side stole the points with Carlton Cole firing home in the 77th minute.
Back-to-back wins for Bolton saw Gary Megson's men climb from the murky depths of the drop zone, as they moved to 16th on goal difference.Gavin McCann struck the only goal of the game in the success over Boro, to hand The Trotters a one-point cushion over relegation-threatened Birmingham City; however it seems there is much to unfold in the demotion battle before the season concludes.
Birmingham endured a torrid afternoon on Sunday as they went down 5-1 to bitter rivals Aston Villa in the Second City derby, with John Carew and Ashley Young both bagging braces before Gabriel Agbonlahor rubbed gritty salt into Blues' open wounds.Mikael Forssell did his best to restore some pride as he fired a 67th minute goal; however Alex McLeish's men now look in peril, while Martin O'Neill's side rose to an impressive sixth.
Fulham are left staring relegation in the face following their 2-0 loss against a second-string Liverpool side at Craven Cottage.Reds boss Rafa Benitez rotated, with Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in mind, but it made little difference as Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch netted to leave The Cottagers five points from safety.
Arsenal secured just their second win in nine league fixtures at Reading's expense as Arsene Wenger's men enjoyed a leisurely stroll at The Emirates, claiming a 2-0 victory over Steve Coppell's team.Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva fired in first-half goals for The Gunners, meaning Reading hover perilously close to the relegation zone after their third consecutive loss.
Sunderland's top-flight fate remains anything but certain after Newcastle prevailed following a first-half double from Michael Owen at St James' Park.Owen's strikes, his fifth and sixth goals in seven games, secured a comfortable triumph for The Magpies as they guaranteed they will be playing Premier League football next season, while The Black Cats are perched five points from danger.
Manchester City kept their faint hopes for a European berth alive with a 3-1 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, in what turned out to be a frenetic encounter at Eastlands.Darius Vassell, Martin Petrov and Benjani were all on target for the home side as Pompey, who had Hermann Hreidarsson dismissed, slipped to seventh with City now three points behind sixth-placed Villa.
Wigan Athletic edged ever closer to safety after their 1-1 stalemate with mid-table Tottenham Hotspur at the JJB Stadium.Dimitar Berbatov handed Juande Ramos' Spurs an early lead, but Emile Heskey struck his second vital leveller in six days to claim a point that sees The Latics in a comfortable 13th position.
Derby County suffered their 26th defeat of the season as they battled in vain against West Ham United at Upton Park.Bobby Zamora opened the scoring for The Hammers before Tyrone Mears restored parity with an excellent strike; however the home side stole the points with Carlton Cole firing home in the 77th minute.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Game Week 34- Review
Arsenal's stumble at Old Trafford on Sunday has allowed Chelsea and Manchester United to open up a commanding lead, and it looks as though a Stamford Bridge showdown on 26th April could now decide the destiny of the top flight crown.
Liverpool would appear to have sewn up fourth spot after they brushed past Blackburn and their nearest challengers, Everton, could only manage a point at struggling Birmingham.
But while the picture at the top of the table may be becoming slightly clearer, the dogfight at the bottom continues to provide enthralling entertainment.
With hapless Derby's fate already confirmed, Bolton and Fulham did their hopes of beating the drop a world of good with vital victories over West Ham and Reading respectively.
Manchester City's slim hopes of securing European football for next season were kept alive with a controversial victory at Sunderland, while elsewhere Tottenham and Middlesbrough and Portsmouth and Newcastle all had to settle for a point apiece.
Arsenal arrived at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday full of hope, but left after an epic encounter with their tails firmly between their legs.Previous heavyweight encounters between the Premier League's big guns have not always lived up top their pre-match billing, but no-one at Old Trafford would have been asking for their money back after an end-to-end game packed with excitement.The Gunners, aware that they stood on the brink of another trophyless season, took the game to United from the off and could have been cruising at the interval were it not for their inept finishing in front of goal.They did take the lead shortly after half-time when Emmanuel Adebayor profited from a breakdown in communication among the Red Devils' defence to bundle home with his arm.William Gallas inexplicably handled Michael Carrick's hopeful hook into the box allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the tie level with a coolly dispatched twice-taken penalty.Both sides then continued to press forward in search of a winner, and it was the hosts who ultimately snatched all three points when Owen Hargreaves curled a sublime 72nd free-kick past a statuesque Jens Lehmann to send Old Trafford into delirium.
Earlier in the day, Liverpool took another step closer to clinching Champions League football for next season when they brushed past Blackburn 3-1 at Anfield.It took an hour for Steven Gerrard to give the Reds the lead, but in all fairness Rafa Benitez's side had looked comfortable throughout.With eight minutes remaining Spanish superstar Fernando Torres grabbed his 30th goal of a remarkable first season in England before Andrei Voronin wrapped up the points in injury-time.There was still time for Roque Santa Cruz to smash an impressive volley past Pepe Reina, but Rovers were finished long before then and it proved to be no more than scant consolation.
Free-scoring centre-half Joleon Lescott gave the visitors the lead after 78 minutes at St Andrews only to see the Blues' new hero, Argentinean wonderkid Mauro Zarate, stroke home a fine 20-yard free-kick with just seven minutes remaining.David Moyes' side remain in pole position to claim a Uefa Cup spot for next season after the disappointing draw, while Alex McLeish's Birmingham will be nervously looking over their shoulder as their cushion on the bottom three has been cut to just two points.
The Blues' anxiety levels have risen as a result of crucial victories for fellow strugglers Bolton and Fulham.The Cottagers had appeared doomed heading into the weekend but made a mockery of their current position as they comfortably outplayed Reading at the Madejski.It has come as no surprise that Roy Hodgson's side have turned the corner since their skipper Brian McBride returned from a long-term injury, and it was the American who put them on their way to a 2-0 victory this time around.His 24th minute opener helped to ease the tension among the travelling support, but they would have been pulling their hair out in frustration for the remainder of the afternoon as Fulham peppered the frame of Marcus Hahnemann's goal without forcing a further breakthrough.They need not have worried though as in second-half injury-time Eric Nevland stepped off the bench to drill a low effort past the over-worked Royals keeper to secure the win.
Kevin Davies grabbed the only goal of the game two minutes into the second-half, but the talismanic front man also picked up a 10th booking of the season ruling him out of half of the Trotters' remaining four games.
Sunderland should have done enough to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom, but will feel disappointed to have dropped all three points in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
The Stadium of Light encounter appeared to be heading for a dour goalless draw until a late flurry of activity woke the locals from their slumber.
The major talking point of the game occurred with 79 minutes on the clock when City striker Daniel Sturridge appeared to trip over his own feet, only to find referee Mike Riley pointing to the spot once he had dusted himself down.
Brazilian playmaker Elano duly converted the contentious spot kick and appeared to have secured the points for Sven Goran Eriksson's men.
However, just three minutes later Black Cats skipper Dean Whitehead hammered home a spectacular volley to pull the scores level.
The game was not finished yet though as a third goal in just eight minutes arrived when Darius Vassell scuffed in a late winner.
While the win keeps City dreaming of Europe, one side most definitely still in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place is Aston Villa after their recent resurgence continued at Pride Park.
Martin O'Neill's side put six past doomed Derby, as the Rams remain on track to top off a miserable season by claiming the title of the worst team in Premier League history.
Ashley Young, John Carew, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood all breached Derby's non-existent defence, with Bulgarian international Petrov's 40-yard lob representing the pick of the bunch.
Newcastle have hit a purple patch of late, led by their in-form three pronged attack, but were unable to trouble the scorers at Fratton Park.
A relatively uneventful goalless draw saw few chances of real note, with a point blank save from Portsmouth keeper David James to deny Michael Owen the closest either side came to finding a breakthrough.
The final game this weekend pitted Tottenham and Middlesbrough, two sides with nothing to play for, together at White Hart Lane.
The hosts dominated throughout the first-half and took a deserved lead after 27 minutes when Jonathan Grounds suffered the indignity of diverting an Aaron Lennon volley past his own keeper.
Boro rallied after the break though and snatched an equaliser when Stewart Downing's ambitious 30-yard effort flicked off the head of Jermaine Jenas and past a stranded Radek Cerny.
Afonso Alves should have ensured that Garteh Southgate's men headed back to Teesside with a maximum points haul, but he slotted a late effort agonisingly wide of the post.
Liverpool would appear to have sewn up fourth spot after they brushed past Blackburn and their nearest challengers, Everton, could only manage a point at struggling Birmingham.
But while the picture at the top of the table may be becoming slightly clearer, the dogfight at the bottom continues to provide enthralling entertainment.
With hapless Derby's fate already confirmed, Bolton and Fulham did their hopes of beating the drop a world of good with vital victories over West Ham and Reading respectively.
Manchester City's slim hopes of securing European football for next season were kept alive with a controversial victory at Sunderland, while elsewhere Tottenham and Middlesbrough and Portsmouth and Newcastle all had to settle for a point apiece.
Arsenal arrived at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday full of hope, but left after an epic encounter with their tails firmly between their legs.Previous heavyweight encounters between the Premier League's big guns have not always lived up top their pre-match billing, but no-one at Old Trafford would have been asking for their money back after an end-to-end game packed with excitement.The Gunners, aware that they stood on the brink of another trophyless season, took the game to United from the off and could have been cruising at the interval were it not for their inept finishing in front of goal.They did take the lead shortly after half-time when Emmanuel Adebayor profited from a breakdown in communication among the Red Devils' defence to bundle home with his arm.William Gallas inexplicably handled Michael Carrick's hopeful hook into the box allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the tie level with a coolly dispatched twice-taken penalty.Both sides then continued to press forward in search of a winner, and it was the hosts who ultimately snatched all three points when Owen Hargreaves curled a sublime 72nd free-kick past a statuesque Jens Lehmann to send Old Trafford into delirium.
Earlier in the day, Liverpool took another step closer to clinching Champions League football for next season when they brushed past Blackburn 3-1 at Anfield.It took an hour for Steven Gerrard to give the Reds the lead, but in all fairness Rafa Benitez's side had looked comfortable throughout.With eight minutes remaining Spanish superstar Fernando Torres grabbed his 30th goal of a remarkable first season in England before Andrei Voronin wrapped up the points in injury-time.There was still time for Roque Santa Cruz to smash an impressive volley past Pepe Reina, but Rovers were finished long before then and it proved to be no more than scant consolation.
Free-scoring centre-half Joleon Lescott gave the visitors the lead after 78 minutes at St Andrews only to see the Blues' new hero, Argentinean wonderkid Mauro Zarate, stroke home a fine 20-yard free-kick with just seven minutes remaining.David Moyes' side remain in pole position to claim a Uefa Cup spot for next season after the disappointing draw, while Alex McLeish's Birmingham will be nervously looking over their shoulder as their cushion on the bottom three has been cut to just two points.
The Blues' anxiety levels have risen as a result of crucial victories for fellow strugglers Bolton and Fulham.The Cottagers had appeared doomed heading into the weekend but made a mockery of their current position as they comfortably outplayed Reading at the Madejski.It has come as no surprise that Roy Hodgson's side have turned the corner since their skipper Brian McBride returned from a long-term injury, and it was the American who put them on their way to a 2-0 victory this time around.His 24th minute opener helped to ease the tension among the travelling support, but they would have been pulling their hair out in frustration for the remainder of the afternoon as Fulham peppered the frame of Marcus Hahnemann's goal without forcing a further breakthrough.They need not have worried though as in second-half injury-time Eric Nevland stepped off the bench to drill a low effort past the over-worked Royals keeper to secure the win.
Kevin Davies grabbed the only goal of the game two minutes into the second-half, but the talismanic front man also picked up a 10th booking of the season ruling him out of half of the Trotters' remaining four games.
Sunderland should have done enough to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom, but will feel disappointed to have dropped all three points in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
The Stadium of Light encounter appeared to be heading for a dour goalless draw until a late flurry of activity woke the locals from their slumber.
The major talking point of the game occurred with 79 minutes on the clock when City striker Daniel Sturridge appeared to trip over his own feet, only to find referee Mike Riley pointing to the spot once he had dusted himself down.
Brazilian playmaker Elano duly converted the contentious spot kick and appeared to have secured the points for Sven Goran Eriksson's men.
However, just three minutes later Black Cats skipper Dean Whitehead hammered home a spectacular volley to pull the scores level.
The game was not finished yet though as a third goal in just eight minutes arrived when Darius Vassell scuffed in a late winner.
While the win keeps City dreaming of Europe, one side most definitely still in the hunt for a Uefa Cup place is Aston Villa after their recent resurgence continued at Pride Park.
Martin O'Neill's side put six past doomed Derby, as the Rams remain on track to top off a miserable season by claiming the title of the worst team in Premier League history.
Ashley Young, John Carew, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood all breached Derby's non-existent defence, with Bulgarian international Petrov's 40-yard lob representing the pick of the bunch.
Newcastle have hit a purple patch of late, led by their in-form three pronged attack, but were unable to trouble the scorers at Fratton Park.
A relatively uneventful goalless draw saw few chances of real note, with a point blank save from Portsmouth keeper David James to deny Michael Owen the closest either side came to finding a breakthrough.
The final game this weekend pitted Tottenham and Middlesbrough, two sides with nothing to play for, together at White Hart Lane.
The hosts dominated throughout the first-half and took a deserved lead after 27 minutes when Jonathan Grounds suffered the indignity of diverting an Aaron Lennon volley past his own keeper.
Boro rallied after the break though and snatched an equaliser when Stewart Downing's ambitious 30-yard effort flicked off the head of Jermaine Jenas and past a stranded Radek Cerny.
Afonso Alves should have ensured that Garteh Southgate's men headed back to Teesside with a maximum points haul, but he slotted a late effort agonisingly wide of the post.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Game Week 32-Review
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Game Week 26-Review
One story has dominated the headlines, or more specifically the pictures, this weekend. The sight of Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva's left foot at right angles to the rest of his leg was a frightening reminder of how a top-flight career can instantly be thrown into jeopardy by an over-zealous challenge.
There has been much debate over Birmingham defender Martin Taylor clash with the Croatian striker, but while it seems that there was little malice in the tackle, it will be Taylor who will ultimately have to live with the guilt if the injury forces Eduardo into early retirement.
While the St Andrews clash will forever be remembered for Eduardo's injury, the game itself was an entertaining affair which eventually resulted in Arsenal throwing away two vital points in their race for the title after a 2-2 draw.James McFadden put Birmingham in front with a well executed free-kick, before Theo Walcott became the first Englishman to score for Arsenal in over a year when he grabbed a brace to give the Gunners the advantage.With time running out Gael Clichy's comedy defending allowed McFadden to level things up from the spot and saw team-mate William Gallas throw the sort of temper tantrum many three-year olds would have been proud of.
With Arsenal unexpectedly slipping up in the West Midlands, Manchester United took their chance to close the gap to three points when they inflicted yet more misery on Kevin Keegan and his hapless Newcastle side.Ronaldo and co. cruised to a 5-1 victory at St James's park in a game which at times was less competitive than the fabled men against boys.The Portuguese ace helped himself to another two goals to take his tally for the season to 29 and was ably supported by a brace from Wayne Rooney and last-minute strike from Louis Saha.
Liverpool continue to make hard work of claiming a top four spot and needed a scintillating hat-trick from Spanish hit man Fernando Torres in order to claim all three points in a 3-2 home win against Middlesbrough.The baby-faced striker provided the spark for the Reds, but speculation is likely to continue over the future of boss Rafa Benitez after another inept display by his struggling defensive unit.
Portsmouth are up to seventh in the Premier League after a Jermain Defoe penalty gave them a 1-0 win against Sunderland at Fratton Park.Harry Redknapp's side now sit on the cusp of the European places and will be confident of gatecrashing the top six come the end of the season.
West Ham are not out of the European picture just yet and kept their faint hopes alive with a contentious 1-0 win away at Fulham.The Cottagers will feel hard done by after goalscorer Nolberto Solano first appeared to kick their keeper Antti Niemi in the face as the pair challenged for the ball, before then calmly knocking the winner into the back of the net with his elbow.
Derby continued their pursuit of the 'worst team in Premier League history' crown after yet another defeat, this time at the JJB.Paul Jewell returned to Wigan for the first time since walking away from the club at the end of last season, but his Rams side capitulated once more and slumped to a dismal 2-0 defeat.Paul Scharner and Antonio Valencia got the goals which moved the Latics towards the dizzy heights of mid-table.
The Royals succumbed to their eighth consecutive defeat on Sunday when they went down 2-1 to Aston Villa at the Madejski Stadium.Ashley Young and Marlon Harewood kept up Villa's charge towards a UEFA Champions League spot, while Steve Coppell must be grateful that he has no hair left to pull out after another dismal display by his charges.
The final game of the weekend was a feisty Lancashire derby at Ewood Park which saw Blackburn comprehensively gain local bragging rights after an impressive 4-1 victory over Bolton.Benni McCarthy kept his cool on two occasions to bag a brace of spot-kicks, while David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen completed the scoring for Rovers.Kevin Davies had pulled the Trotters level at the start of the second-half, but Mark Hughes' side proved to be far too strong in the end.
There has been much debate over Birmingham defender Martin Taylor clash with the Croatian striker, but while it seems that there was little malice in the tackle, it will be Taylor who will ultimately have to live with the guilt if the injury forces Eduardo into early retirement.
While the St Andrews clash will forever be remembered for Eduardo's injury, the game itself was an entertaining affair which eventually resulted in Arsenal throwing away two vital points in their race for the title after a 2-2 draw.James McFadden put Birmingham in front with a well executed free-kick, before Theo Walcott became the first Englishman to score for Arsenal in over a year when he grabbed a brace to give the Gunners the advantage.With time running out Gael Clichy's comedy defending allowed McFadden to level things up from the spot and saw team-mate William Gallas throw the sort of temper tantrum many three-year olds would have been proud of.
With Arsenal unexpectedly slipping up in the West Midlands, Manchester United took their chance to close the gap to three points when they inflicted yet more misery on Kevin Keegan and his hapless Newcastle side.Ronaldo and co. cruised to a 5-1 victory at St James's park in a game which at times was less competitive than the fabled men against boys.The Portuguese ace helped himself to another two goals to take his tally for the season to 29 and was ably supported by a brace from Wayne Rooney and last-minute strike from Louis Saha.
Liverpool continue to make hard work of claiming a top four spot and needed a scintillating hat-trick from Spanish hit man Fernando Torres in order to claim all three points in a 3-2 home win against Middlesbrough.The baby-faced striker provided the spark for the Reds, but speculation is likely to continue over the future of boss Rafa Benitez after another inept display by his struggling defensive unit.
Portsmouth are up to seventh in the Premier League after a Jermain Defoe penalty gave them a 1-0 win against Sunderland at Fratton Park.Harry Redknapp's side now sit on the cusp of the European places and will be confident of gatecrashing the top six come the end of the season.
West Ham are not out of the European picture just yet and kept their faint hopes alive with a contentious 1-0 win away at Fulham.The Cottagers will feel hard done by after goalscorer Nolberto Solano first appeared to kick their keeper Antti Niemi in the face as the pair challenged for the ball, before then calmly knocking the winner into the back of the net with his elbow.
Derby continued their pursuit of the 'worst team in Premier League history' crown after yet another defeat, this time at the JJB.Paul Jewell returned to Wigan for the first time since walking away from the club at the end of last season, but his Rams side capitulated once more and slumped to a dismal 2-0 defeat.Paul Scharner and Antonio Valencia got the goals which moved the Latics towards the dizzy heights of mid-table.
The Royals succumbed to their eighth consecutive defeat on Sunday when they went down 2-1 to Aston Villa at the Madejski Stadium.Ashley Young and Marlon Harewood kept up Villa's charge towards a UEFA Champions League spot, while Steve Coppell must be grateful that he has no hair left to pull out after another dismal display by his charges.
The final game of the weekend was a feisty Lancashire derby at Ewood Park which saw Blackburn comprehensively gain local bragging rights after an impressive 4-1 victory over Bolton.Benni McCarthy kept his cool on two occasions to bag a brace of spot-kicks, while David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen completed the scoring for Rovers.Kevin Davies had pulled the Trotters level at the start of the second-half, but Mark Hughes' side proved to be far too strong in the end.
Game Week 25-Review
Saturday 9th February 2008
Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle United
Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Portsmouth
Everton 1-0 Reading
Sunderland 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Derby County 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City
Middlesbrough 1-0 Fulham
Sunday 10th February 2008
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle United
Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Portsmouth
Everton 1-0 Reading
Sunderland 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Derby County 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City
Middlesbrough 1-0 Fulham
Sunday 10th February 2008
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Barclays Premier League Transfers
A review of all the transfers to and from Barclays Premier League clubs during the January transfer window.
Arsenal
IN: Luke Freeman (Gillingham, undisclosed)
OUT: Matthew Connolly (Queens Park Rangers, undisclosed), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth, undisclosed), Mark Randall (Burnley, loan), Kieran Gibbs (Norwich City, loan)
Aston Villa
IN: Wayne Routledge (Tottenham Hotspur, £1.25million)
OUT: Chris Herd (Port Vale, loan), Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers, undisclosed)
Birmingham City
IN: David Murphy (Hibernian, £1.5million); James McFadden (Everton £5million) , Mauro Zarate (Al-Sadd, loan)
OUT: Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United, £150,000), Sam Oji (released), Rowan Vine (Queens Park Rangers, undisclosed), Wilson Palacios (loan expired), Olivier Tebily (released) , Neil Danns (Crystal Palace, £600,000) , Mathew Sadler (Watford, £750,000)
Blackburn Rovers
OUT: Robbie Savage (Derby County, £1.5million) , Peter Enckelman (Cardiff City, loan), Paul Gallagher (Stoke City, loan)
Bolton Wanderers
IN: Tamir Cohen (Maccabi Netanya, undisclosed), Gretar Steinsson (AZ Alkmaar, £3.5million), Matthew Taylor (Portsmouth, undisclosed), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa, undisclosed), Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton,loan)
OUT: Gary Speed (Sheffield United, loan); Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea, £15million), Gerald Cid (Nice, undisclosed), Christian Wilhelmsson (Nantes, loan cancelled), Lubomir Michalik (Leeds United, undisclosed),
Chelsea
IN: Nicolas Anelka (Bolton Wanderers, £15million), Branislav Ivanovic (Lokomotiv Moscow, £9million), Franco Di Santo (Audax Italiano La Florida SADP, undisclosed)
Derby County
IN: Danny Mills (Manchester City, loan), Emanuel Villa (UAG Tecos, £2million), Laurent Robert (unattached, free transfer), Robbie Savage (Blackburn Rovers £1.5million), Hossam Ghaly (Tottenham Hotspur, loan), Mile Sterjovski (Genclerbirligi OFTAS, undisclosed), Roy Carroll (Glasgow Rangers, undisclosed), Alan Stubbs (Everton, free)
OUT: Steve Howard (Leicester City, undisclosed), Mo Camara (Norwich City, loan), Andy Griffin (Stoke City, £300,000), Matt Oakley (Leicester City, £500,000), Jonathan Macken (Barnsley, undisclosed), Stephen Bywater (Ipswich Town, loan), Lewin Nyatanga (Barnsley, loan)
Everton
IN: Manuel Fernandes (Valencia, loan), Dan Gosling (Plymouth Argyle, undisclosed), Anthony Gardner (Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
OUT: Lukas Jutkiewicz (Plymouth Argyle, loan); James McFadden (Birmingham City £5million), Patrick Boyle (Crewe Alexandra, loan) , Alan Stubbs (Derby County, free)
Fulham
IN: Brede Hangeland (FC Copenhagen, undisclosed), Leon Andreasen (Werder Bremen, undisclosed), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards, undisclosed), Erik Nevland (FC Groningen, undisclosed), Jari Litmanen (Malmo FF, undisclosed), Toni Kallio (Young Boys Berne, undisclosed), Paul Stalteri (Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
OUT: Collins John (Watford, loan), Lee Cook (Charlton Athletic, loan), Steven Davis (Glasgow Rangers, loan), Tony Warner (Barnsley, loan)
Liverpool
IN: Martin Skrtel (Zenit St Petersburg, £6.5m)
OUT: Jack Hobbs (Scunthorpe United, loan), Mohamed Sissoko (Juventus, undisclosed), Lee Peltier (Yeovil Town, undisclosed)
Manchester City
IN: Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk , loan), Filippo Mancini (Inter Milan, loan), Felipe Caicedo (Basel, undisclosed), Benjani (Portsmouth, £3.87million)
OUT: Danny Mills (Derby County, loan), Marc Laird (Millwall, undisclosed), Ched Evans (Norwich City, loan), Matthew Mills (Doncaster Rovers, loan), Rolando Bianchi (Lazio, loan), Georgios Samaras (Celtic, loan), Ousmane Dabo (Lazio, undisclosed), Ishmael Miller (West Bromwich Albion, undisclosed), Paul Dickov (Blackpool, loan)
Manchester United
OUT: Jonny Evans (Sunderland, loan), Lee Martin (Sheffield United, loan), Phil Bardsley (Sunderland, £2million), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City, £1million)
Middlesbrough
IN: Afonso Alves (Heerenveen, undisclosed)
OUT: Andrew Davies (Southampton, undisclosed), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur, £7million), Ben Hutchinson (Celtic, undisclosed)
Newcastle United
IN: Ben Tozer (Swindon, undisclosed), Tamas Kadar (Zalaegerszegi, £900,000), Fabio Zamblera (Atalanta, undisclosed)
OUT: Tim Krul (Falkirk, loan extension), David Rozehnal (Lazio, loan)
Portsmouth
IN: Danijel Subotic (Basel, undisclosed), Lassana Diarra (Arsenal, undisclosed), Lucien Aubey (Lens, loan), Milan Baros (Lyon, loan), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
OUT: Matthew Taylor (Bolton Wanderers, undisclosed), Djimi Traore (Rennes, loan), Benjani (Manchester City, £3.87million)
Reading
IN: Marek Matejovsky (Mlada Boleslav, undisclosed), Radoslav Vasilev (Slavia Sofia, undisclosed), Jimmy Kebe (Lens, undisclosed)
OUT: John Halls (Crystal Palace, loan), Simon Cox (Swindon Town, undisclosed)
Sunderland
IN: Jonny Evans (Manchester United, loan), Jean-Yves M'Voto (Paris Saint-Germain, undisclosed), Phil Bardsley (Manchester United, £2million), Rade Prica (Aalborg, £2million), Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic, £4million)
OUT: Stanislav Varga (Burnley, loan), Andrew Cole (Burnley, loan), Greg Halford (Charlton, loan)
Tottenham Hotspur
IN: Chris Gunter (Cardiff City, undisclosed), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough, £7million)), Alan Hutton (Glasgow Rangers, £8million), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, undisclosed)
OUT: Ben Alnwick (Leicester City, loan), Philip Ifil (Colchester United, undisclosed), Hossam Ghaly (Derby County, loan), Wayne Routledge (Aston Villa, £1.25million), Paul Stalteri (Fulham, loan), Anthony Gardner (Everton, loan), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth, loan)
West Ham United
OUT: Hogan Ephraim (Queens Park Rangers, undisclosed), Christian Dailly (Glasgow Rangers, loan)
Wigan Athletic
IN: Wilson Palacios (Deportivo Olimpia, undisclosed), Maynor Figueroa (Deportivo Olimpia, loan), Antonio Valencia (Villarreal, undisclosed), Erik Edman (Rennes, £500,000), Marlon King (Watford, undisclosed), Erik Hagen (Zenit St Petersburg, loan)
OUT: Fitz Hall (Queens Park Rangers, undisclosed), Denny Landzaat (Feyenoord, £1million)
Game Week 24- Review
Arsenal are back in pole position as Emmanuel Adebayor continued his stunning streak in front of goal with a brace in the 3-1 victory over Manchester City at Eastlands.The Togolese striker has now scored 11 times in his last eight games, and also provided a towering assist for Eduardo da Silva's acrobatic volley.
Sir Alex Ferguson had warned his Manchester United side that they could not afford another defeat if they were to retain the title, but they came within seconds of leaving White Hart Lane with nothing.Tottenham dominated for much of the match and took a deserved lead when Dimitar Berbatov slotted home from close range after Edwin van der Sar had parried Aaron Lennon's low cross into his path.But United refused to buckle and an intense spell of pressure over the closing stages finally told in the last seconds of the game as Carlos Tevez sneaked in front of Michael Dawson to apply the finishing touch to Nani's corner.Cue manic celebrations from the entire United side, but they have still slipped two points behind the Gunners at the Premier League summit.
Chelsea are now six points adrift as Jermain Defoe proved an immediate point following his deadline day departure from Spurs with a goal on his debut to earn Portsmouth a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.Nicolas Anelka has settled immediately into the Blues' starting XI and was on target again for Avram Grant's men, with his impending partnership with Didier Drogba an enthralling prospect.
The battle against relegation is even more tightly packed, with only nine points between second from bottom Fulham and Newcastle, who are up in 12th.Jimmy Bullard's late free-kick earned the Cottagers their first victory under Roy Hodgson, denting Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League dreams in the process.Given Bullard's long road back to full fitness after suffering an horrific knee injury against Newcastle in September 2006, few would begrudge his exuberant celebrations, which included a hug for referee Chris Foy at the final whistle.
Emanuel Villa grabbed a late equaliser for Derby as they snatched a point at Birmingham, which will do far more to damage Blues' survival hopes than boost those of Paul Jewell's side.Villa has stated he wants to follow in the footsteps of Carlos Tevez, whose goals helped West Ham beat the drop last term, but with so much ground to make up and games running out fast, it is a forlorn hope.
Reading's freefall towards the relegation places gained more unwanted momentum as Bolton claimed their first away victory of the season at the Madejski Stadium.Steve Coppell's men have lost six successive matches and are leaking goals at a rate which puts them on a par with Derby.
Wigan were the other big winners of the weekend at the wrong end of the table, climbing out of the bottom three thanks to Kevin Kilbane's solitary strike against lacklustre West Ham at The JJB Stadium.
Sunderland's miserable form on the road, they have taken just two points from the 39 on offer, could well be their undoing come May, and they were brushed aside 3-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.Rafa Benitez's men were far from their best, but gained the upper hand after a turgid first half with goals from Peter Crouch, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
David Moyes was left seething on the sidelines at Ewood Park as the Toffees were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn Rovers.Andy Johnson had what looked to be a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out for a debatable offside call, Everton were denied what they felt was a penalty for a foul on Johnson and David Dunn, who later cleared off the line, escaped a red card when a deliberate handball went unpunished.
And on Tyneside, the much-feted return of 'Messiah' Kevin Keegan continues to flounder, although Newcastle at least managed to get on the scoresheet for the first time in his four games at the helm as they drew 1-1 with local rivals Middlesbrough.
Sir Alex Ferguson had warned his Manchester United side that they could not afford another defeat if they were to retain the title, but they came within seconds of leaving White Hart Lane with nothing.Tottenham dominated for much of the match and took a deserved lead when Dimitar Berbatov slotted home from close range after Edwin van der Sar had parried Aaron Lennon's low cross into his path.But United refused to buckle and an intense spell of pressure over the closing stages finally told in the last seconds of the game as Carlos Tevez sneaked in front of Michael Dawson to apply the finishing touch to Nani's corner.Cue manic celebrations from the entire United side, but they have still slipped two points behind the Gunners at the Premier League summit.
Chelsea are now six points adrift as Jermain Defoe proved an immediate point following his deadline day departure from Spurs with a goal on his debut to earn Portsmouth a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.Nicolas Anelka has settled immediately into the Blues' starting XI and was on target again for Avram Grant's men, with his impending partnership with Didier Drogba an enthralling prospect.
The battle against relegation is even more tightly packed, with only nine points between second from bottom Fulham and Newcastle, who are up in 12th.Jimmy Bullard's late free-kick earned the Cottagers their first victory under Roy Hodgson, denting Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League dreams in the process.Given Bullard's long road back to full fitness after suffering an horrific knee injury against Newcastle in September 2006, few would begrudge his exuberant celebrations, which included a hug for referee Chris Foy at the final whistle.
Emanuel Villa grabbed a late equaliser for Derby as they snatched a point at Birmingham, which will do far more to damage Blues' survival hopes than boost those of Paul Jewell's side.Villa has stated he wants to follow in the footsteps of Carlos Tevez, whose goals helped West Ham beat the drop last term, but with so much ground to make up and games running out fast, it is a forlorn hope.
Reading's freefall towards the relegation places gained more unwanted momentum as Bolton claimed their first away victory of the season at the Madejski Stadium.Steve Coppell's men have lost six successive matches and are leaking goals at a rate which puts them on a par with Derby.
Wigan were the other big winners of the weekend at the wrong end of the table, climbing out of the bottom three thanks to Kevin Kilbane's solitary strike against lacklustre West Ham at The JJB Stadium.
Sunderland's miserable form on the road, they have taken just two points from the 39 on offer, could well be their undoing come May, and they were brushed aside 3-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.Rafa Benitez's men were far from their best, but gained the upper hand after a turgid first half with goals from Peter Crouch, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
David Moyes was left seething on the sidelines at Ewood Park as the Toffees were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn Rovers.Andy Johnson had what looked to be a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out for a debatable offside call, Everton were denied what they felt was a penalty for a foul on Johnson and David Dunn, who later cleared off the line, escaped a red card when a deliberate handball went unpunished.
And on Tyneside, the much-feted return of 'Messiah' Kevin Keegan continues to flounder, although Newcastle at least managed to get on the scoresheet for the first time in his four games at the helm as they drew 1-1 with local rivals Middlesbrough.
Game Week 23- Review
Tuesday 29th January 2008
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Fulham
Middlesbrough 1-0 Wigan Athletic
Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham City
Wednesday 30th January 2008
Everton 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
Chelsea 1-0 Reading
Derby County 1-1 Manchester City
Manchester United 2-0 Portsmouth
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United
Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Fulham
Middlesbrough 1-0 Wigan Athletic
Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham City
Wednesday 30th January 2008
Everton 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
Chelsea 1-0 Reading
Derby County 1-1 Manchester City
Manchester United 2-0 Portsmouth
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Game Week 22- Review
Arsenal failed to cash in on an Emmanuel Adebayor penalty as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal dominated the early stages but could find no way past the Blues until Stephen Kelly was adjudged by referee Phil Dowd to have fouled Eduardo in the box in the 21st minute - and Adebayor slotted in the resulting spot-kick.The Gunners could not hold their lead, though, Garry O'Connor's header from a corner levelling the match only three minutes after the break.
Manchester United beat manager-less Newcastle United 6-0 at Old Trafford ,and and taking advantage of the surprise slip up of Arsenal,to move top of the Barclays Premier League . Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick, Carlos Tevez scored a brace and Rio Ferdinand got a goal at the end in the convincing victory. Alan Smith was sent of for protesting is the last minute of injury time.
Bolton Wanderers suffered a crushing late defeat at home to Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers. Despite captain Kevin Nolan's impressive first-half opener, Christopher Samba headed an equaliser within 10 minutes of the break before Jason Roberts powered forward to hit a 90th-minute winner in front of a crowd of 18,315.
Two goals from Kieran Richardson boosted Sunderland's Barclays Premier League survival hopes. Portsmouth enjoyed the better of the early stages but fell behind in the 33rd minute to Richardson's first goal. He produced a cool finish after fine battling work from Kenwyne Jones, who kept the ball in play before cutting it back into the England midfielder's path. The lead was doubled just before the break with another excellent finish from Richardson, who raced into the box and fired a shot beyond David James.
Juliano Belletti provided Chelsea with the impetus they needed at home to Tottenham Hotspur - with an outstanding strike after 19 minutes as the third-placed Blues won 2-0. Avram Grant's men made sure when the in-form Shaun Wright-Phillips scored a second goal in the 80th minute.
Liverpool dropped two more costly points at the Riverside Stadium, where a scrappy 26th-minute goal from George Boateng gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead.Stewart Downing then hit the post for the hosts in the second half, but the Reds rescued a draw when Fernando Torres' right-footed drive from 25 yards flew into the top corner 19 minutes from time.
Simon Davies got struggling Fulham off to a flying start in pursuit of an elusive away win, with a goal direct from a free-kick to put the Cottagers 1-0 up at West Ham United after just eight minutes.But Roy Hodgson's team could not see the job through, Dean Ashton equalising shortly before the half-hour and Anton Ferdinand giving the Hammers the points in the 69th minute.
Manchester City are another team who have found it relatively tough away from home for much of this season - and sure enough they lost 1-0 at Everton.The winner came from the predictable source of a Mikel Arteta corner, Joleon Lescott hitting the target with a 31st-minute header on the end of the Spanish winger's delivery as Everton finished the day level on points with Liverpool.
Aston Villa were indebted to John Carew, who struck in the 22nd minute to set them on their way to a 3-1 victory at home to Reading - and then made sure with his second goal in the 88th.Martin Laursen doubled the lead soon afterwards with a 55th-minute header from a corner, and James Harper's 90th-minute strike for the visitors was mere consolation.
New-look Derby County had an opportunity to vindicate some of Paul Jewell's transfer-window signings.But none of the bottom club's players managed to get on the scoresheet in a 1-0 defeat at home to their new manager's old club Wigan Athletic.The Rams were reduced to 10 men when Claude Davis was sent off midway through the second half for a second bookable offence - and Antoine Sibierski administered the telling blow with the winner eight minutes from time.
Manchester United beat manager-less Newcastle United 6-0 at Old Trafford ,and and taking advantage of the surprise slip up of Arsenal,to move top of the Barclays Premier League . Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick, Carlos Tevez scored a brace and Rio Ferdinand got a goal at the end in the convincing victory. Alan Smith was sent of for protesting is the last minute of injury time.
Bolton Wanderers suffered a crushing late defeat at home to Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers. Despite captain Kevin Nolan's impressive first-half opener, Christopher Samba headed an equaliser within 10 minutes of the break before Jason Roberts powered forward to hit a 90th-minute winner in front of a crowd of 18,315.
Two goals from Kieran Richardson boosted Sunderland's Barclays Premier League survival hopes. Portsmouth enjoyed the better of the early stages but fell behind in the 33rd minute to Richardson's first goal. He produced a cool finish after fine battling work from Kenwyne Jones, who kept the ball in play before cutting it back into the England midfielder's path. The lead was doubled just before the break with another excellent finish from Richardson, who raced into the box and fired a shot beyond David James.
Juliano Belletti provided Chelsea with the impetus they needed at home to Tottenham Hotspur - with an outstanding strike after 19 minutes as the third-placed Blues won 2-0. Avram Grant's men made sure when the in-form Shaun Wright-Phillips scored a second goal in the 80th minute.
Liverpool dropped two more costly points at the Riverside Stadium, where a scrappy 26th-minute goal from George Boateng gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead.Stewart Downing then hit the post for the hosts in the second half, but the Reds rescued a draw when Fernando Torres' right-footed drive from 25 yards flew into the top corner 19 minutes from time.
Simon Davies got struggling Fulham off to a flying start in pursuit of an elusive away win, with a goal direct from a free-kick to put the Cottagers 1-0 up at West Ham United after just eight minutes.But Roy Hodgson's team could not see the job through, Dean Ashton equalising shortly before the half-hour and Anton Ferdinand giving the Hammers the points in the 69th minute.
Manchester City are another team who have found it relatively tough away from home for much of this season - and sure enough they lost 1-0 at Everton.The winner came from the predictable source of a Mikel Arteta corner, Joleon Lescott hitting the target with a 31st-minute header on the end of the Spanish winger's delivery as Everton finished the day level on points with Liverpool.
Aston Villa were indebted to John Carew, who struck in the 22nd minute to set them on their way to a 3-1 victory at home to Reading - and then made sure with his second goal in the 88th.Martin Laursen doubled the lead soon afterwards with a 55th-minute header from a corner, and James Harper's 90th-minute strike for the visitors was mere consolation.
New-look Derby County had an opportunity to vindicate some of Paul Jewell's transfer-window signings.But none of the bottom club's players managed to get on the scoresheet in a 1-0 defeat at home to their new manager's old club Wigan Athletic.The Rams were reduced to 10 men when Claude Davis was sent off midway through the second half for a second bookable offence - and Antoine Sibierski administered the telling blow with the winner eight minutes from time.
Big Sam Sacked by Magpies
Newcastle United have parted company with manager Sam Allardyce after coming to a "mutual agreement".
A statement on the club's official website read: "This decision has been reached by mutual agreement.
Newcastle United Chairman Chris Mort said: "Mike and I would like to place on record our thanks for Sam's efforts and wish him well for the future.A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate."
Sam Allardyce said: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the Club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future."
First Team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for Saturday's game at Manchester United.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Game Week 21- Review
Eduardo da Silva struck inside the opening minute as Arsenal cruised past West Ham 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to maintain their two-point lead at the summit of the Barclays Premier League. Arsenal doubled their advantage after 18 minutes as Emmanuel Adebayor squeezed home from an acute angle after heading Gael Clichy's long ball past the onrushing Green.
Liverpool's Barclays Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow as Wigan Athletic claimed an unlikely 1-1 draw at Anfield. After wasting a number of chances in the opening period Rafael Benitez's side finally broke the deadlock four minutes into the second period as Fernando Torres slid home to finish Steve Finnan's inviting cross for his 16th goal of the season.Liverpool were made to pay for their inability to kill off the match, though, as Titus Bramble fired home a loose ball from the edge of the penalty area after 79 minutes.
Carlos Tevez's sublime goal was enough to see off the challenge of Birmingham City and ensure Manchester United remain within striking distance of the Gunners with a 1-0 win. The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock after 10 minutes as Tevez's header crashed back off the post before Cristiano Ronaldo - partnering the Argentinian in attack - saw a long-range volley dip over Maik Taylor's crossbar. United's new-look strikeforce combined to devastating effect for the decisive goal after 25 minutes, though, as Tevez latched on to Ronaldo's audacious backheel to coolly slot past Taylor.
Elano added to his already burgeoning reputation with a goal of genuine class seven minutes before the break to put Manchester City ahead. The Brazilian started the move on the edge of Newcastle United's penalty area with a deft backheel before latching onto Darius Vassell's lay-off to steer the ball past Shay Given into the bottom left corner. City netted their second with 14 minutes remaining when Gelson Fernandes lashed home from just inside the area after Kelvin Etuhu's neat lay-off.
It was a tale of two penalties at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers recorded a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Roy Keane's side wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead five minutes after the break as captain Dean Whitehead missed from the spot. Daryl Murphy was bundled to the ground following a challenge from Christopher Samba but Whitehead's spot-kick was easily kept out by Brad Friedel.The Black Cats were made to pay the ultimate price for their profligacy as Benni McCarthy lashed home from the spot just five minutes later after Samba's volley had crashed against Danny Higginbotham's raised arm. Sunderland's hopes of finding a way back into the match were all but ended with 20 minutes remaining when Dwight Yorke was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Derby County remain rooted to the bottom of the table and 10 points away from safety after Stelios Giannakopoulos scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time for Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. The Greece international latched on to a long clearance from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. He chipped the ball over Lewis Price and headed into an empty net to leave Derby stunned.
New Fulham boss Roy Hodgson endured a losing start to his Cottagers reign as Chelsea overcame a lifeless first half to edge their west London rivals 2-1. Danny Murphy blasted Fulham ahead with a 10th-minute penalty, a lead that deservedly remained intact until the interval. But Chelsea clicked into gear after the break with a Salomon Kalou header and disputed Michael Ballack penalty securing the three points.
Portsmouth recorded their seventh win in eight away games as they eased past 10-man Reading 2-0. The Royals got off to a disastrous start with defender Ibrahima Sonko receiving his marching orders after just three minutes for bringing down Benjani Mwaruwari in the penalty area. Niko Kranjcar failed to take advantage, though, as his spot-kick crashed back off the upright. But after nine minutes Sol Campbell prodded into an empty net after Marcus Hahnemann had dropped Sulley Muntari's inswinging free-kick. They added a second after 65 minutes as John Utaka outpaced Nicky Shorey to latch on to Muntari's long ball and slot past the exposed Hahnemann.
Everton bounced back from their home defeat by Arsenal with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough. Andy Johnson broke the deadlock after 67 minutes with an angled drive past Mark Schwarzer before James McFadden sealed the win with a cool finish five minutes later.
Martin Laursen atoned for a first half miss by scoring a late winner for Aston Villa to maintain their push for a European place. The Danish international had shot over from close range with the goal at his mercy before fellow defender Olof Mellberg broke the deadlock in the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham four minutes before the interval. Jermaine Defoe looked to have rescued a point for Spurs when he volleyed home after 79 minutes in only his second league start of the season - but Laursen had the final say with his fifth goal of the campaign.
Liverpool's Barclays Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow as Wigan Athletic claimed an unlikely 1-1 draw at Anfield. After wasting a number of chances in the opening period Rafael Benitez's side finally broke the deadlock four minutes into the second period as Fernando Torres slid home to finish Steve Finnan's inviting cross for his 16th goal of the season.Liverpool were made to pay for their inability to kill off the match, though, as Titus Bramble fired home a loose ball from the edge of the penalty area after 79 minutes.
Carlos Tevez's sublime goal was enough to see off the challenge of Birmingham City and ensure Manchester United remain within striking distance of the Gunners with a 1-0 win. The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock after 10 minutes as Tevez's header crashed back off the post before Cristiano Ronaldo - partnering the Argentinian in attack - saw a long-range volley dip over Maik Taylor's crossbar. United's new-look strikeforce combined to devastating effect for the decisive goal after 25 minutes, though, as Tevez latched on to Ronaldo's audacious backheel to coolly slot past Taylor.
Elano added to his already burgeoning reputation with a goal of genuine class seven minutes before the break to put Manchester City ahead. The Brazilian started the move on the edge of Newcastle United's penalty area with a deft backheel before latching onto Darius Vassell's lay-off to steer the ball past Shay Given into the bottom left corner. City netted their second with 14 minutes remaining when Gelson Fernandes lashed home from just inside the area after Kelvin Etuhu's neat lay-off.
It was a tale of two penalties at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers recorded a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Roy Keane's side wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead five minutes after the break as captain Dean Whitehead missed from the spot. Daryl Murphy was bundled to the ground following a challenge from Christopher Samba but Whitehead's spot-kick was easily kept out by Brad Friedel.The Black Cats were made to pay the ultimate price for their profligacy as Benni McCarthy lashed home from the spot just five minutes later after Samba's volley had crashed against Danny Higginbotham's raised arm. Sunderland's hopes of finding a way back into the match were all but ended with 20 minutes remaining when Dwight Yorke was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Derby County remain rooted to the bottom of the table and 10 points away from safety after Stelios Giannakopoulos scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time for Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. The Greece international latched on to a long clearance from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. He chipped the ball over Lewis Price and headed into an empty net to leave Derby stunned.
New Fulham boss Roy Hodgson endured a losing start to his Cottagers reign as Chelsea overcame a lifeless first half to edge their west London rivals 2-1. Danny Murphy blasted Fulham ahead with a 10th-minute penalty, a lead that deservedly remained intact until the interval. But Chelsea clicked into gear after the break with a Salomon Kalou header and disputed Michael Ballack penalty securing the three points.
Portsmouth recorded their seventh win in eight away games as they eased past 10-man Reading 2-0. The Royals got off to a disastrous start with defender Ibrahima Sonko receiving his marching orders after just three minutes for bringing down Benjani Mwaruwari in the penalty area. Niko Kranjcar failed to take advantage, though, as his spot-kick crashed back off the upright. But after nine minutes Sol Campbell prodded into an empty net after Marcus Hahnemann had dropped Sulley Muntari's inswinging free-kick. They added a second after 65 minutes as John Utaka outpaced Nicky Shorey to latch on to Muntari's long ball and slot past the exposed Hahnemann.
Everton bounced back from their home defeat by Arsenal with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough. Andy Johnson broke the deadlock after 67 minutes with an angled drive past Mark Schwarzer before James McFadden sealed the win with a cool finish five minutes later.
Martin Laursen atoned for a first half miss by scoring a late winner for Aston Villa to maintain their push for a European place. The Danish international had shot over from close range with the goal at his mercy before fellow defender Olof Mellberg broke the deadlock in the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham four minutes before the interval. Jermaine Defoe looked to have rescued a point for Spurs when he volleyed home after 79 minutes in only his second league start of the season - but Laursen had the final say with his fifth goal of the campaign.
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