Deflections were the order of the day as Wigan and Stoke had to settle for a point apiece at the end of a lively 2-2 draw at the DW Stadium.
All the goals came in the first half, with Robert Huth getting the ball rolling with an 18th-minute free-kick that deflected in off Mohamed Diame in the wall.
If the Latics were cursing their luck, they got some of their own half an hour in as Danny Collins diverted Ben Watson's free-kick past his own goalkeeper.
A minute later, Matthew Etherington put Stoke back in front before Tom Cleverley levelled again five minutes before the break when his shot flew in off Rory Delap.
The result made it only one win in nine league games for Wigan, who will look back at a horror miss from Hendry Thomas as well as a late Charles N'Zogbia shot against the post as evidence they could well have claimed all three points.
EPL Today
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton
Carlos Tevez sealed Manchester City's victory with his 10th goal of the season to keep up the pressure on the Premier League leaders.
However the Argentina striker seemed ill at ease as Bolton's five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Tevez picked up his fifth booking of the campaign and will miss the match against West Ham on Saturday.
So too will Aleksander Kolarov who is also banned after being dismissed by referee Andre Marriner after picking two yellow cards.
Tevez ended the game giving manager Roberto Mancini an ear-bashing when he was replaced by James Milner in the final minute.
City should have won by more than one goal with both Mario Balotelli and David Silva seeing shots come back off the woodwork.
However the Argentina striker seemed ill at ease as Bolton's five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Tevez picked up his fifth booking of the campaign and will miss the match against West Ham on Saturday.
So too will Aleksander Kolarov who is also banned after being dismissed by referee Andre Marriner after picking two yellow cards.
Tevez ended the game giving manager Roberto Mancini an ear-bashing when he was replaced by James Milner in the final minute.
City should have won by more than one goal with both Mario Balotelli and David Silva seeing shots come back off the woodwork.
Blackburn 3-0 Wolverhampton
Morten Gamst Pedersen's set-piece magic helped Blackburn ease out of their Old Trafford hangover as they dumped Wolves to the bottom of the Premier League with a 3-0 win at Ewood Park.
Pedersen had a hand in goals for David Dunn and Ryan Nelsen which sandwiched a fine strike by Brett Emerton and consigned Rovers' 7-1 embarrassment against Manchester United to distant memory.
Norwegian Pedersen was too much for Wolves to cope with and boss Mick McCarthy must now try to lift a team who sunk below West Ham on goal difference after Nelsen hit Rovers' third.
McCarthy's men had started superbly, with Matt Jarvis bringing a first-minute save out of Paul Robinson and both Stephen Ward and Ronald Zubar rattling the woodwork.
Pedersen had a hand in goals for David Dunn and Ryan Nelsen which sandwiched a fine strike by Brett Emerton and consigned Rovers' 7-1 embarrassment against Manchester United to distant memory.
Norwegian Pedersen was too much for Wolves to cope with and boss Mick McCarthy must now try to lift a team who sunk below West Ham on goal difference after Nelsen hit Rovers' third.
McCarthy's men had started superbly, with Matt Jarvis bringing a first-minute save out of Paul Robinson and both Stephen Ward and Ronald Zubar rattling the woodwork.
Birmingham 1-1 Tottenham
Craig Gardner dented Tottenham's hopes of cementing a place in the Premier League top four with a late equaliser for Birmingham at St Andrew's.
Spurs had looked the better side in the opening period and deservedly took the lead through Sebastien Bassong's first goal for 16 months.
But Gardner salvaged a point for the Carling Cup semi-finalists 10 minutes from time with his fifth goal of the campaign.
The pace of Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale was always a threat to City and Jermain Defoe looked sharp in his first start since September.
Spurs had looked the better side in the opening period and deservedly took the lead through Sebastien Bassong's first goal for 16 months.
But Gardner salvaged a point for the Carling Cup semi-finalists 10 minutes from time with his fifth goal of the campaign.
The pace of Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale was always a threat to City and Jermain Defoe looked sharp in his first start since September.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Two magical goals from Samir Nasri rescued Arsenal as they survived another wasteful performance at the Emirates Stadium to move top of the Premier League.
The France star's jaw-dropping composure was in stark contrast to that of his team-mates, who almost threw away another three points in front of their own fans.
Nasri put them ahead early on but a sickening clash of heads between Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci allowed Diomansy Kamara to equalise before Nasri netted a glorious winner.
With Manchester United's match postponed due to the big freeze and Chelsea held by Everton, the victory sent Arsenal a point clear at the summit.
The France star's jaw-dropping composure was in stark contrast to that of his team-mates, who almost threw away another three points in front of their own fans.
Nasri put them ahead early on but a sickening clash of heads between Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci allowed Diomansy Kamara to equalise before Nasri netted a glorious winner.
With Manchester United's match postponed due to the big freeze and Chelsea held by Everton, the victory sent Arsenal a point clear at the summit.
Chelsea 1-1Everton
Chelsea's shocking mid-season slump continued after a late equaliser from Everton substitute Jermaine Beckford robbed them of the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League.
Didier Drogba's 41st minute penalty looked to have earned Chelsea all three points but Beckford headed a shock leveller four minutes from time.
The result left Chelsea with just one win in their last six league games and is sure to pile more pressure on under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton almost shocked Chelsea in the opening few seconds when Louis Saha's shot from 20-yards forced Petr Cech into a fine save at his near post. Moments later Leighton Baines fired high over the bar with Chelsea still struggling to get to grips with the high-octane opening from the visitors.
Didier Drogba's 41st minute penalty looked to have earned Chelsea all three points but Beckford headed a shock leveller four minutes from time.
The result left Chelsea with just one win in their last six league games and is sure to pile more pressure on under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton almost shocked Chelsea in the opening few seconds when Louis Saha's shot from 20-yards forced Petr Cech into a fine save at his near post. Moments later Leighton Baines fired high over the bar with Chelsea still struggling to get to grips with the high-octane opening from the visitors.
News and Notes
- Blackpool and Manchester United will not play today after the field being ruled unplayable after yesterday's inspection. It is not yet determind when the game will be replayed.
- Tim Howard will be making his 200th start for Everton in today's clash versus Chelsea. It is his 122th straight EPL start for the American.
- There is good news for the Blues with John Terry and Michael Essien both returning to the side.
- In a bizarre piece of team news, Spurs include TWO substitute goalkeepers on the bench in Carlo Cudicini and Stipe Pletikosa.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Point secures Reds passage
Liverpool secured top spot in Group K of the Europa League with a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest in Romania but required a helping hand from their rivals after a howler from goalkeeper Jose Reina.
Milan Jovanovic's first-half header was cancelled out when the Reds captain on the night allowed Eder Bonfim's effort to escape his grasp and creep over the line.
A point would have been enough to put Roy Hodgson's side through but Utrecht's 3-3 draw with Napoli ensured they could not be caught at the top of the table with a match still to play.
The Reds boss put his faith in fringe players and reserves having travelled to Romania without eight first-teamers, only three of whom were injured, and he was rewarded by the likes of Jovanovic and Babel.
Milan Jovanovic's first-half header was cancelled out when the Reds captain on the night allowed Eder Bonfim's effort to escape his grasp and creep over the line.
A point would have been enough to put Roy Hodgson's side through but Utrecht's 3-3 draw with Napoli ensured they could not be caught at the top of the table with a match still to play.
The Reds boss put his faith in fringe players and reserves having travelled to Romania without eight first-teamers, only three of whom were injured, and he was rewarded by the likes of Jovanovic and Babel.
Injury crisis chages opinion on American Jonathan Spector
ESPNsoccernet understands West Ham are now considering offering Jonathan Spector a new deal after his impressive performance in central midfield against Manchester United.
West Ham had originally planned to allow Spector, 24, to move on during the January window, with Bundesliga side Cologne having shown interest in his services. The USA international is in the final year of his contract.
However, an injury crisis saw Avram Grant utilise the defender in midfield against Manchester United in their Carling Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, and Spector scored twice in a 4-0 win.
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West Ham had originally planned to allow Spector, 24, to move on during the January window, with Bundesliga side Cologne having shown interest in his services. The USA international is in the final year of his contract.
However, an injury crisis saw Avram Grant utilise the defender in midfield against Manchester United in their Carling Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, and Spector scored twice in a 4-0 win.
Mark Schwarzer agrees to stay
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has signed a new contract until the end of the 2011-12 season, the club have confirmed.
Schwarzer, who would be available on a free at the end of the season, handed in a transfer request in August to try and force through a move to Arsenal but no deal materialised.
The 38-year-old Australian, who joined the Cottagers from Middlesbrough in 2008, has now agreed a new deal that contains the option of a one-year extension.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes said: "He was obviously very flattered by the interest [by Arsenal]. We're delighted that he's decided to stay here and we can move forward now."
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Schwarzer, who would be available on a free at the end of the season, handed in a transfer request in August to try and force through a move to Arsenal but no deal materialised.
The 38-year-old Australian, who joined the Cottagers from Middlesbrough in 2008, has now agreed a new deal that contains the option of a one-year extension.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes said: "He was obviously very flattered by the interest [by Arsenal]. We're delighted that he's decided to stay here and we can move forward now."
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Manchester City's Super Mario sends them to the next round
Mario Balotelli scored a brace to help Manchester City claim a place in the next stage of the Europa League with a 3-0 win over Salzburg.
And they emphasised their credentials in the process as the double was completed against the Austrian champions, meaning City qualified for the last 32 in February with a game to spare.
Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, who arrived in the summer for £24million, scored either side of half-time with Adam Johnson also finding the target.
It was almost like a training session for City given their possession and they should have been more than one goal to the good at the interval.
And they emphasised their credentials in the process as the double was completed against the Austrian champions, meaning City qualified for the last 32 in February with a game to spare.
Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, who arrived in the summer for £24million, scored either side of half-time with Adam Johnson also finding the target.
It was almost like a training session for City given their possession and they should have been more than one goal to the good at the interval.
Ispwich Town spoils the party for West Brom 1-0
Under-fire Roy Keane guided npower Championship side Ipswich into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with a 1-0 win over top-flight West Brom in front of only a 11,300 crowd at Portman Road.
The former Manchester United midfielder has endured a difficult relationship with Town supporters following a dire run of form which saw them slip to 16th in the npower Championship following Sunday's 4-1 defeat to East Anglia rivals Norwich.
However, Keane's battling team - hit by injuries and unavailable loan players - secured their place in the last four through a second-half penalty from Grant Leadbitter.
West Brom made nine changes for the trip to a freezing Suffolk, with youngster James Hurst, 18, making his debut at right-back, as defender Marek Cech and midfielder Graham Dorrans were the only survivors from the 4-1 Barclays Premier League win at Everton.
The former Manchester United midfielder has endured a difficult relationship with Town supporters following a dire run of form which saw them slip to 16th in the npower Championship following Sunday's 4-1 defeat to East Anglia rivals Norwich.
However, Keane's battling team - hit by injuries and unavailable loan players - secured their place in the last four through a second-half penalty from Grant Leadbitter.
West Brom made nine changes for the trip to a freezing Suffolk, with youngster James Hurst, 18, making his debut at right-back, as defender Marek Cech and midfielder Graham Dorrans were the only survivors from the 4-1 Barclays Premier League win at Everton.
Birmingham advances in game marred by fan violence.
Nikola Zigic put Birmingham through to their first Carling Cup semi-final for nine years with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in a hard-fought derby marred by ugly scenes at the end.
Thousands of Blues fans charged towards the Villa supporters and dozens of missiles and some flares were thrown before order was restored and City can expect to face Football Association action.
Zigic's deflected shot five minutes from time settled the tie after Gabriel Agbonlahor had cancelled out Sebastian Larsson's early penalty, as Villa were unable to deny City their first win over their local rivals for five-and-a-half years.
Thousands of Blues fans charged towards the Villa supporters and dozens of missiles and some flares were thrown before order was restored and City can expect to face Football Association action.
Zigic's deflected shot five minutes from time settled the tie after Gabriel Agbonlahor had cancelled out Sebastian Larsson's early penalty, as Villa were unable to deny City their first win over their local rivals for five-and-a-half years.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Arsenal joins West Ham in the Carling Cup Semi-finals
Arsenal moved into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with victory over Wigan at a freezing Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners missed several good chances before they took the lead on the stroke of half-time through an own goal from Latics skipper Antolin Alcaraz.
Wigan lost Victor Moses to a suspected broken wrist and Nicklas Bendtner's close-range effort on 67 minutes kept Arsene Wenger's men on the road to Wembley.
Earlier, Bendtner - recalled to the starting XI alongside Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott - missed a great chance to take an early lead when Bendtner failed to connect with his free header at the far post from Van Persie's deep free-kick.
Wigan tried to knock the ball around crispy as Moses darted down the left and cut back inside to the Arsenal penalty area before drilling a low shot into the side netting.
The Gunners missed several good chances before they took the lead on the stroke of half-time through an own goal from Latics skipper Antolin Alcaraz.
Wigan lost Victor Moses to a suspected broken wrist and Nicklas Bendtner's close-range effort on 67 minutes kept Arsene Wenger's men on the road to Wembley.
Earlier, Bendtner - recalled to the starting XI alongside Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott - missed a great chance to take an early lead when Bendtner failed to connect with his free header at the far post from Van Persie's deep free-kick.
Wigan tried to knock the ball around crispy as Moses darted down the left and cut back inside to the Arsenal penalty area before drilling a low shot into the side netting.
Carling Cup holders bounced from tourney.
West Ham dumped holders Manchester United out of the Carling Cup with a stunning victory inspired by Jonathan Spector's first goals in English football.
Spector had never scored during his six seasons in the Premier League but tonight the USA defender struck twice to begin a rout that sent Hammers fans delirious.
Further damage was done by Carlton Cole after the interval with the England marksman pouncing twice to bring feeble United crashing back down to earth after their 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn.
Spector and Cole were brilliantly supported by Victor Obinna with the Nigerian forward, on loan from Inter Milan, having a hand in each goal.
Spector had never scored during his six seasons in the Premier League but tonight the USA defender struck twice to begin a rout that sent Hammers fans delirious.
Further damage was done by Carlton Cole after the interval with the England marksman pouncing twice to bring feeble United crashing back down to earth after their 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn.
Spector and Cole were brilliantly supported by Victor Obinna with the Nigerian forward, on loan from Inter Milan, having a hand in each goal.
Europa League Manchester City Preview
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes the month of December could go a long way to defining his side's season.
The Italian's side host Austrian outfit Salzburg at Eastlands tomorrow with a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League in sight.
It is the start of a hectic schedule for a club anxious to compete in the Champions League next season.
The Italian's side host Austrian outfit Salzburg at Eastlands tomorrow with a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League in sight.
It is the start of a hectic schedule for a club anxious to compete in the Champions League next season.
Carling Cup Action
11/30/2010-- Arsenal plays host to Wigan and West Ham plays host to Manchester United.
- Wigan Athletic @ Arsenal
- Manchester United @ West Ham United
- Aston Villa @ Birmingham
- West Bromwich Albion @ Ipswich Town
Monday, November 29, 2010
ESPN Team of the week
For the first time in Premier League history all 20 teams found the net this weekend, and given the bumper crop of netbusters, we make no apologies for including nine players who scored in our Team of the Week. Of course, the goal glut was bad news for the top flight's custodians, as no-one managed a clean sheet.
New Leader in the Clubhouse
After another disappointing weekend for Chelsea, hated rival Manchester United has taken over the pole position in the table. The top 5 are starting to pull away ever so slightly as the only team within 5 points of the top 5 is Bolton who are 2 points out.
Right now the top 5 looks like this:
Right now the top 5 looks like this:
- Manchester United 31 points
- Chelsea 29 points
- Arsenal 29 points
- Manchester City 26 points
- Tottenham 25 points
Van Der Vaart out for a month.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could be set for a month on the sidelines after he tore his hamstring muscle against Liverpool.
Van der Vaart has been one of the Premier League's best players so far this season, but has struggled with injury niggles since his move to Spurs from Real Madrid this summer. The Dutchman lasted just 12 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 win at White Hart Lane and manager Harry Redknapp believes his exploits at the 2010 World Cup may have had an impact on the midfielder's fitness.
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Van der Vaart has been one of the Premier League's best players so far this season, but has struggled with injury niggles since his move to Spurs from Real Madrid this summer. The Dutchman lasted just 12 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 win at White Hart Lane and manager Harry Redknapp believes his exploits at the 2010 World Cup may have had an impact on the midfielder's fitness.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Clicking on ADs and commenting and other maintenance. Plus, WAG of the week.
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Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
Salomon Kalou spared Chelsea's blushes as the champions had to come from behind to claim a point at Newcastle.
The Ivory Coast international fired home the equaliser in first-half injury time to prevent his side slipping to a third successive league defeat for the first time in 11 years.
Andy Carroll had given the Magpies a sixth-minute lead when he capitalised on an error by Alex, and although the Londoners enjoyed the better of the game, they defended resolutely enough to deserve their point in front of a crowd of 46,469.
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Andy Carroll had given the Magpies a sixth-minute lead when he capitalised on an error by Alex, and although the Londoners enjoyed the better of the game, they defended resolutely enough to deserve their point in front of a crowd of 46,469.
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
Aaron Lennon scored deep into stoppage-time as Tottenham completed another amazing comeback to beat Liverpool and stay in the Barclays Premier League title hunt.
An incident-packed game looked certain to end in a 1-1 draw after Martin Skrtel netted at both ends and substitute Jermain Defoe also missed a penalty.
Several other clear-cut chances went begging for both sides before Lennon became the hero to move Spurs to within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City and back to six of the summit.
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An incident-packed game looked certain to end in a 1-1 draw after Martin Skrtel netted at both ends and substitute Jermain Defoe also missed a penalty.
Several other clear-cut chances went begging for both sides before Lennon became the hero to move Spurs to within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City and back to six of the summit.
Wolverhampton 3-2 Sunderland
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's late strike sealed a precious 3-2 victory for Wolves against Sunderland in a dramatic encounter at Molineux.
Kevin Foley's goal five minutes into the second half had put Wanderers 1-0 up before efforts from Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck put the visitors in the driving seat.
Stephen Hunt drew things level, though, and Ebanks-Blake netted at the death to hand Mick McCarthy's side three much-needed points.
Although they remain in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, 19th-placed Wolves cut the gap between themselves and safety to three points and will take confidence from halting their recent four-match losing run in satisfying style.
Kevin Foley's goal five minutes into the second half had put Wanderers 1-0 up before efforts from Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck put the visitors in the driving seat.
Stephen Hunt drew things level, though, and Ebanks-Blake netted at the death to hand Mick McCarthy's side three much-needed points.
Although they remain in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, 19th-placed Wolves cut the gap between themselves and safety to three points and will take confidence from halting their recent four-match losing run in satisfying style.
West Ham 3-1 Wigan
Barclays Premier League basement club West Ham gave themselves a much-needed boost with a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Wigan at Upton Park.
The match had been billed by the West Ham board as the "save our season game'', although manager Avram Grant maintained that was more aimed at supporters to get behind the team than a shot across his bows.
Nevertheless, there was more than a sense of relief around the Boleyn Ground at the final whistle, with the Irons securing a first win since the end of September following goals from Valon Behrami, Victor Obinna and Scott Parker.
However, the Irons - now within three points of safety, but still bottom after Wolves' late winner against Sunderland - had keeper Robert Green to thank for saving a penalty from substitute Mauro Boselli just after the hour which could have set up a nervous finish, although Tom Cleverley netted a consolation on 85 minutes.
The match had been billed by the West Ham board as the "save our season game'', although manager Avram Grant maintained that was more aimed at supporters to get behind the team than a shot across his bows.
Nevertheless, there was more than a sense of relief around the Boleyn Ground at the final whistle, with the Irons securing a first win since the end of September following goals from Valon Behrami, Victor Obinna and Scott Parker.
However, the Irons - now within three points of safety, but still bottom after Wolves' late winner against Sunderland - had keeper Robert Green to thank for saving a penalty from substitute Mauro Boselli just after the hour which could have set up a nervous finish, although Tom Cleverley netted a consolation on 85 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Matthew Etherington emphasised Stoke's never-say-die attitude with a stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium.
Roberto Mancini's high-fliers looked set for all three points thanks to a marvellous goal from Micah Richards in the 81st minute.
But Stoke refused to lie down and Etherington took advantage of a clever back-heel from Tuncay to ensure his side got a share of the spoils.
City found themselves under pressure for long spells in the first half and must have been delighted to go in at the break on level terms.
Roberto Mancini's high-fliers looked set for all three points thanks to a marvellous goal from Micah Richards in the 81st minute.
But Stoke refused to lie down and Etherington took advantage of a clever back-heel from Tuncay to ensure his side got a share of the spoils.
City found themselves under pressure for long spells in the first half and must have been delighted to go in at the break on level terms.
Fulham 1-1 Birmingham
A second-half equaliser from Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey robbed Birmingham of their first away win of the season as both sides remained perilously close to the relegation zone in the Premier League.
City had enjoyed an interval lead thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Sebastian Larsson but Fulham salvaged a point through Dempsey's 53rd-minute header.
Fulham are still one place above the relegation zone and they are now without a win in their last five league games.
The Cottagers should have taken the lead in the fourth minute but a goalbound shot by Aaron Hughes was cleared off the line by Keith Fahey.
City had enjoyed an interval lead thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Sebastian Larsson but Fulham salvaged a point through Dempsey's 53rd-minute header.
Fulham are still one place above the relegation zone and they are now without a win in their last five league games.
The Cottagers should have taken the lead in the fourth minute but a goalbound shot by Aaron Hughes was cleared off the line by Keith Fahey.
West Bromwich 4-1 Everton
West Brom struck twice in each half to end their Premier League slump with a convincing 4-1 win in an eventful encounter at Everton.
Paul Scharner and Chris Brunt put the Baggies into a 2-0 lead at Goodison Park before Everton's top goalscorer Tim Cahill pulled one back.
Everton's hopes of a fightback were dashed as Mikel Arteta was sent off for stamping and Somen Tchoyi and Youssouf Mulumbu, with aid of a Sylvain Distin deflection, finished them off.
Remarkably Mulumbu was then sent off himself for two bookings, the first for celebrating in the crowd and then for a bad tackle on Steven Pienaar.
Paul Scharner and Chris Brunt put the Baggies into a 2-0 lead at Goodison Park before Everton's top goalscorer Tim Cahill pulled one back.
Everton's hopes of a fightback were dashed as Mikel Arteta was sent off for stamping and Somen Tchoyi and Youssouf Mulumbu, with aid of a Sylvain Distin deflection, finished them off.
Remarkably Mulumbu was then sent off himself for two bookings, the first for celebrating in the crowd and then for a bad tackle on Steven Pienaar.
Bolton 2-2 Blackpool
Bolton's famous battling qualities were on full show in the home draw against Blackpool as they dug deep to come from 2-0 down late on to salvage a point.
The hero was Mark Davies, who would not have been in the side had it not been for Stuart Holden's thigh injury, who fired home in the 89th minute to round off a glorious team move and snatch what seemed an unlikely result with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitute Martin Petrov had pulled one back for Wanderers in the 76th minute.
The hero was Mark Davies, who would not have been in the side had it not been for Stuart Holden's thigh injury, who fired home in the 89th minute to round off a glorious team move and snatch what seemed an unlikely result with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitute Martin Petrov had pulled one back for Wanderers in the 76th minute.
Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn
Dimitar Berbatov joined an elite group of Premier League sharpshooters with a five-star performance as Manchester United demolished Blackburn 7-1 at Old Trafford.
Since the new league was formed in 1992, only Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe have scored five in a single game.
Berbatov joined that band on Saturday, scoring twice before half-time, then three more times after the break as United finally rid themselves of the shackles that have halted their progress this season.
It took the Bulgarian to 12 goals for the season and completed United's first seven-goal haul since the Champions League thrashing of Roma three years ago.
Since the new league was formed in 1992, only Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe have scored five in a single game.
Berbatov joined that band on Saturday, scoring twice before half-time, then three more times after the break as United finally rid themselves of the shackles that have halted their progress this season.
It took the Bulgarian to 12 goals for the season and completed United's first seven-goal haul since the Champions League thrashing of Roma three years ago.
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