Arsenal kept the pressure on the two Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League as they overwhelmed Birmingham at rainswept St Andrew's.
A Robin van Persie free-kick and Samir Nasri's 13th goal of the season put the visitors in control before an own goal from Roger Johnson added to City's misery.
The Gunners remain in third spot, two points adrift of United and City, after a sixth away success of the season.
Arsenal were worthy winners and carved out a host of gilt-edged opportunities. Skipper Cesc Fabregas pulled the strings in midfield and City struggled to cope with the runs of Van Persie and Nasri. Only poor finishing and a couple of fine saves from Ben Foster kept the scoreline respectable.
EPL Today
Saturday, January 1, 2011
West Ham 2-0 Wolverhampton
Freddie Sears put the seal on a sweet victory for West Ham as they climbed out of the relegation zone and sent Wolves crashing to the foot of the Premier League.
Winger Sears, a product of the club's academy and lifelong Hammers fan, struck from 15 yards in the 79th minute for his first goal since scoring on his debut in March 2008.
West Ham were already ahead by that stage, but they owed a debt of gratitude to Wolves' Ronald Zubar for their 51st-minute opener, the right-back letting the ball trickle in off his knee after Carlton Cole had taken an air shot.
Wolves had plenty of chances but Mick McCarthy's side, who won at Liverpool in midweek, could not find a way past Robert Green.
Winger Sears, a product of the club's academy and lifelong Hammers fan, struck from 15 yards in the 79th minute for his first goal since scoring on his debut in March 2008.
West Ham were already ahead by that stage, but they owed a debt of gratitude to Wolves' Ronald Zubar for their 51st-minute opener, the right-back letting the ball trickle in off his knee after Carlton Cole had taken an air shot.
Wolves had plenty of chances but Mick McCarthy's side, who won at Liverpool in midweek, could not find a way past Robert Green.
Tottenham 1-0 Fulham
Gareth Bale's lightning reflexes proved enough to extend Tottenham's perfect Christmas and send them back into the Premier League top four in a London derby with Fulham.
The winger reacted brilliantly to flick Rafael van der Vaart's free-kick strike past a wrong-footed Mark Schwarzer three minutes before half-time. Spurs missed plenty of chances to add to their lead but Michael Dawson also had to clear off his own line.
Otherwise, Fulham's lack of firepower once again cost them dear as they slipped to second bottom of the table, piling the pressure on manager Mark Hughes.
The build-up to the game was dominated by the news Spurs were trying to sign David Beckham on loan. And the home side set about demonstrating why manager Harry Redknapp was so keen to bring the former England captain to White Hart Lane.
The winger reacted brilliantly to flick Rafael van der Vaart's free-kick strike past a wrong-footed Mark Schwarzer three minutes before half-time. Spurs missed plenty of chances to add to their lead but Michael Dawson also had to clear off his own line.
Otherwise, Fulham's lack of firepower once again cost them dear as they slipped to second bottom of the table, piling the pressure on manager Mark Hughes.
The build-up to the game was dominated by the news Spurs were trying to sign David Beckham on loan. And the home side set about demonstrating why manager Harry Redknapp was so keen to bring the former England captain to White Hart Lane.
Sunderland 3-0 Blackburn
Darren Bent ended his personal goal drought as Sunderland bounced back from their horror show against Blackpool to defeat Blackburn 3-0.
The England striker glanced home a header eight minutes after Danny Welbeck's deflected 11th-minute shot had put the Black Cats in front to claim his 10th goal of the season and his first in six games.
Bent could easily have grabbed a second-half hat-trick and was guilty of a glaring 62nd-minute miss from just three yards, although former Sunderland striker El-Hadji Diouf had earlier contrived to fire over from even closer.
But substitute Asamoah Gyan sealed a victory which took Sunderland to 30 points for the season with a third at the death to provide the perfect antidote to their wastefulness against the Seasiders in front of a crowd of 36,242.
The England striker glanced home a header eight minutes after Danny Welbeck's deflected 11th-minute shot had put the Black Cats in front to claim his 10th goal of the season and his first in six games.
Bent could easily have grabbed a second-half hat-trick and was guilty of a glaring 62nd-minute miss from just three yards, although former Sunderland striker El-Hadji Diouf had earlier contrived to fire over from even closer.
But substitute Asamoah Gyan sealed a victory which took Sunderland to 30 points for the season with a third at the death to provide the perfect antidote to their wastefulness against the Seasiders in front of a crowd of 36,242.
Stoke City 2-0 Everton
A Kenwyne Jones header and a freak Phil Jagielka own goal handed Stoke victory in a full-blooded Premier League clash against Everton.
Jones rose to power the ball past Tim Howard midway through the first half before Jagielka put through his own net for second time in successive appearances with 21 minutes remaining at the Britannia Stadium.
Everton enjoyed large spells of dominance as they looked to kickstart their stuttering season but spurned a number of good opportunities.
Talisman Tim Cahill, making his final appearance before departing for Asia Cup duty with Australia, went the closest when he headed wide soon after Jones' opener.
Jones rose to power the ball past Tim Howard midway through the first half before Jagielka put through his own net for second time in successive appearances with 21 minutes remaining at the Britannia Stadium.
Everton enjoyed large spells of dominance as they looked to kickstart their stuttering season but spurned a number of good opportunities.
Talisman Tim Cahill, making his final appearance before departing for Asia Cup duty with Australia, went the closest when he headed wide soon after Jones' opener.
Manchester City 1-0 Blackpool
Three stunning misses from Carlos Tevez almost proved costly as Manchester City narrowly edged out Blackpool 1-0 to stay level with neighbours United at the top of the Premier League.
Tevez missed a first-half penalty and then two sitters in the space of five minutes after the break, including an open goal as he fell after rounding the goalkeeper.
But all that came after Adam Johnson's 33rd-minute strike and City endured a nervous finish to take all three points.
Tevez returned to lead the City attack as a knee injury ruled out Mario Balotelli only four days after his hat-trick against Aston Villa, one of four changes manager Roberto Mancini made to the side that won 4-0.
Tevez missed a first-half penalty and then two sitters in the space of five minutes after the break, including an open goal as he fell after rounding the goalkeeper.
But all that came after Adam Johnson's 33rd-minute strike and City endured a nervous finish to take all three points.
Tevez returned to lead the City attack as a knee injury ruled out Mario Balotelli only four days after his hat-trick against Aston Villa, one of four changes manager Roberto Mancini made to the side that won 4-0.
Liverpool 2-1 Bolton
Liverpool earned manager Roy Hodgson some breathing space, but nothing more, with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bolton at Anfield.
With reports suggesting owners New England Sports Ventures are now actively seeking a replacement, the 63-year-old knows he is living on borrowed time after a woeful six months in charge.
When Kevin Davies headed in Matt Taylor's 43rd-minute free-kick things looked even worse for Hodgson, but a revitalised Torres volleyed home an equaliser before Cole tapped in his first league goal for the club he joined in the summer.
The result came as a welcome relief to Hodgson after back-to-back Premier League defeats, but it may only give the Reds boss a temporary stay of execution.
With reports suggesting owners New England Sports Ventures are now actively seeking a replacement, the 63-year-old knows he is living on borrowed time after a woeful six months in charge.
When Kevin Davies headed in Matt Taylor's 43rd-minute free-kick things looked even worse for Hodgson, but a revitalised Torres volleyed home an equaliser before Cole tapped in his first league goal for the club he joined in the summer.
The result came as a welcome relief to Hodgson after back-to-back Premier League defeats, but it may only give the Reds boss a temporary stay of execution.
Manchester United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Javier Hernandez once again became Manchester United's head-boy to seal a controversial victory over West Brom.
The little Mexican's eighth goal of the season, 15 minutes from time, sealed a second Premier League away win and kept United top of the table.
Yet it barely told the story of a controversial match, the majority of which the hosts will forever be convinced United should have played with 10 men.
In addition, Wayne Rooney ended his nine-month wait for a goal in open play, James Morrison levelled with a brilliant volley and Peter Odemwingie missed a second-half penalty after Gary Neville had inexplicably escaped conceding one before the break.
The little Mexican's eighth goal of the season, 15 minutes from time, sealed a second Premier League away win and kept United top of the table.
Yet it barely told the story of a controversial match, the majority of which the hosts will forever be convinced United should have played with 10 men.
In addition, Wayne Rooney ended his nine-month wait for a goal in open play, James Morrison levelled with a brilliant volley and Peter Odemwingie missed a second-half penalty after Gary Neville had inexplicably escaped conceding one before the break.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tottenham Interested in Beckham
By ESPNsoccernet staff
Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in bringing David Beckham on loan to Tottenham, although he admitted the midfielder's wages could be a possible stumbling block to the move.
In what was a U-turn from his recent denials of interest in Beckham, Redknapp revealed he would ask chairman Daniel Levy to persuade Los Angeles Galaxy to lend the 35-year-old to Spurs until the Major League Soccer season begins in March. Beckham has spent the last two MLS close seasons on loan at AC Milan, partly in a bid to extend his England career.
Reports suggest he is eyeing a similar move to Europe this winter and that Premier League sides are queuing up to bring him home. Spurs have now jumped right to the front of the line, with Redknapp revealing he would attempt to bring him back to the club where it all began - before Manchester United even - for the world's most famous player.
Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in bringing David Beckham on loan to Tottenham, although he admitted the midfielder's wages could be a possible stumbling block to the move.
In what was a U-turn from his recent denials of interest in Beckham, Redknapp revealed he would ask chairman Daniel Levy to persuade Los Angeles Galaxy to lend the 35-year-old to Spurs until the Major League Soccer season begins in March. Beckham has spent the last two MLS close seasons on loan at AC Milan, partly in a bid to extend his England career.
Reports suggest he is eyeing a similar move to Europe this winter and that Premier League sides are queuing up to bring him home. Spurs have now jumped right to the front of the line, with Redknapp revealing he would attempt to bring him back to the club where it all began - before Manchester United even - for the world's most famous player.
Furgueson: Five Horse Race for the Title
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League title race is a five-horse affair and that it could take as little as 82 points to become champions.
Not since Manchester United completed the last of their first hat-trick of championships a decade ago has any team finished top with so few points. On that occasion, 80 proved enough to see off Arsenal by a 10-point margin.
In more recent years, 90 points has been the aim, United and Arsenal reaching that figure once each in the past decade, and Chelsea breaking through the barrier twice under Jose Mourinho.
Now, instead of the bar being raised, rungs are being whipped away from the bottom, not just by title contenders Manchester City and Tottenham, but progressive outfits such as Sunderland, Bolton and West Brom, whom United visit on Saturday. All three have collected points from clubs expected to do far better, which is why Ferguson feels sights have to be trained somewhat lower this term.
Not since Manchester United completed the last of their first hat-trick of championships a decade ago has any team finished top with so few points. On that occasion, 80 proved enough to see off Arsenal by a 10-point margin.
In more recent years, 90 points has been the aim, United and Arsenal reaching that figure once each in the past decade, and Chelsea breaking through the barrier twice under Jose Mourinho.
Now, instead of the bar being raised, rungs are being whipped away from the bottom, not just by title contenders Manchester City and Tottenham, but progressive outfits such as Sunderland, Bolton and West Brom, whom United visit on Saturday. All three have collected points from clubs expected to do far better, which is why Ferguson feels sights have to be trained somewhat lower this term.
Guzan to Hull for a month
Associated Press
HULL, England -- American goalkeeper Brad Guzan has joined the second-tier English team Hull on a one-month loan.
Guzan is under contract to the Premier League club Aston Villa but has been unable to oust fellow American Brad Friedel from the starting lineup.
Guzan could debut for Hull in a League Championship match against Leicester on Saturday.
Guzan joined Villa from Chivas USA in August 2008. His only Premier League appearance came as a 64th-minute substitute against Liverpool in March 2009.
Guzan entered after Friedel had been sent off for allowing a penalty kick to be called. Liverpool beat Guzan on the kick to complete a 5-0 victory.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
HULL, England -- American goalkeeper Brad Guzan has joined the second-tier English team Hull on a one-month loan.
Guzan is under contract to the Premier League club Aston Villa but has been unable to oust fellow American Brad Friedel from the starting lineup.
Guzan could debut for Hull in a League Championship match against Leicester on Saturday.
Guzan joined Villa from Chivas USA in August 2008. His only Premier League appearance came as a 64th-minute substitute against Liverpool in March 2009.
Guzan entered after Friedel had been sent off for allowing a penalty kick to be called. Liverpool beat Guzan on the kick to complete a 5-0 victory.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wolverhampton 1-0 Liverpool
Liverpool's lack of match practice cost them dearly as they lost an eighth Barclays Premier League match of the season and bottom side Wolves picked up their first three-point haul since last March with a 1-0 win.
Snowy weather had forced the postponements of games against Fulham and Blackpool, meaning the Reds had not played in the league for 18 days.
That showed as they lacked invention and energy - even with the return of Steven Gerrard from six weeks out - but the visitors did have that spark and ended a run of six successive defeats away from home thanks to Stephen Ward's first Premier League goal.
The last time Wolves won at Anfield was 27 years ago next month when Steve Mardenborough scored the only goal of his Wanderers career.
Snowy weather had forced the postponements of games against Fulham and Blackpool, meaning the Reds had not played in the league for 18 days.
That showed as they lacked invention and energy - even with the return of Steven Gerrard from six weeks out - but the visitors did have that spark and ended a run of six successive defeats away from home thanks to Stephen Ward's first Premier League goal.
The last time Wolves won at Anfield was 27 years ago next month when Steve Mardenborough scored the only goal of his Wanderers career.
Wigan 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal let 10-man Wigan off the hook as a late own-goal earned the Latics a 2-2 draw and prevented the Gunners joining the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League.
It was not the disaster of last season, when Arsenal collapsed from 2-0 up to lose 3-2, but manager Arsene Wenger - who had gambled on eight changes from the side which beat Chelsea - will feel easy points were dropped in the tightest of title races.
The Gunners led 2-1, with Charles N'Zogbia having been sent off for Wigan, only for the home side to level thanks to an own goal from Sebastian Squillaci.
Ben Watson's penalty had given the home side a deserved lead, but Arsenal replied to take the lead at the break through Andrei Arshavin's brilliant scissor-kick and Nicklas Bendtner's calm finish.
It was not the disaster of last season, when Arsenal collapsed from 2-0 up to lose 3-2, but manager Arsene Wenger - who had gambled on eight changes from the side which beat Chelsea - will feel easy points were dropped in the tightest of title races.
The Gunners led 2-1, with Charles N'Zogbia having been sent off for Wigan, only for the home side to level thanks to an own goal from Sebastian Squillaci.
Ben Watson's penalty had given the home side a deserved lead, but Arsenal replied to take the lead at the break through Andrei Arshavin's brilliant scissor-kick and Nicklas Bendtner's calm finish.
Chelsea 1-0 Bolton
It was ugly, scrappy and lucky, but Chelsea will not care one jot as they ended their worst Barclays Premier League run for more than a decade by beating Bolton 1-0.
Florent Malouda scored his first league goal for more than two months to send the faltering champions back into the top four and ease the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Didier Drogba also hit the post but was forced to clear off the line as Bolton had more than enough chances to snatch a point.
Chelsea's first league win in seven lifted them back to within four points of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Florent Malouda scored his first league goal for more than two months to send the faltering champions back into the top four and ease the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Didier Drogba also hit the post but was forced to clear off the line as Bolton had more than enough chances to snatch a point.
Chelsea's first league win in seven lifted them back to within four points of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Birmingham 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United are set to end 2010 on top of the Barclays Premier League despite Lee Bowyer's late leveller for Birmingham at St Andrew's.
Dimitar Berbatov had followed his double in the Boxing Day win over Sunderland with what looked another decisive contribution to take his tally for the campaign to 15 goals.
But Bowyer, who had scored the winner against Chelsea last month, equalised to lift Birmingham out of the bottom three.
United's point enabled them to move ahead of Manchester City on goal difference - they also have two games in hand - and nudge seven points clear of champions Chelsea.
They are now unbeaten in 23 league games and have lost only two of 36 Premier League matches during the calendar year.
Dimitar Berbatov had followed his double in the Boxing Day win over Sunderland with what looked another decisive contribution to take his tally for the campaign to 15 goals.
But Bowyer, who had scored the winner against Chelsea last month, equalised to lift Birmingham out of the bottom three.
United's point enabled them to move ahead of Manchester City on goal difference - they also have two games in hand - and nudge seven points clear of champions Chelsea.
They are now unbeaten in 23 league games and have lost only two of 36 Premier League matches during the calendar year.
West Ham 1-1 Everton
West Ham blew the chance to haul themselves out of the Premier League drop zone as Everton claimed a deserved 1-1 draw at Upton Park.
The Hammers, who had climbed off the foot of the table thanks to Sunday's victory at Fulham, took the lead when Tony Hibbert diverted Radoslav Kovac's tame overhead kick into his own net.
The visitors hit back three minutes before half-time through Seamus Coleman before Carlton Cole wasted a glorious opportunity to win it for the home side.
After ending their 27-game wait for an away win in the league two days earlier, the Hammers were looking for back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time this season.
The Hammers, who had climbed off the foot of the table thanks to Sunday's victory at Fulham, took the lead when Tony Hibbert diverted Radoslav Kovac's tame overhead kick into his own net.
The visitors hit back three minutes before half-time through Seamus Coleman before Carlton Cole wasted a glorious opportunity to win it for the home side.
After ending their 27-game wait for an away win in the league two days earlier, the Hammers were looking for back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time this season.
Blackburn 3-1 West Brom
Nikola Kalinic scored twice and was sent off as Blackburn won for the first time under new manager Steve Kean - 3-1 at West Brom.
Kalinic twice gave Rovers the lead at The Hawthorns before being dismissed for a poor challenge on Paul Scharner shortly after Mame Biram Diouf added a third.
The Baggies had been level midway through an eventful Barclays Premier League encounter after Jerome Thomas cancelled out Kalinic's first goal, but later on their misery was compounded when Gabriel Tamas was also sent off.
Until his red card, the afternoon had looked like being one of Kalinic's best in a Rovers shirt since being signed by Sam Allardyce last year.
Kalinic twice gave Rovers the lead at The Hawthorns before being dismissed for a poor challenge on Paul Scharner shortly after Mame Biram Diouf added a third.
The Baggies had been level midway through an eventful Barclays Premier League encounter after Jerome Thomas cancelled out Kalinic's first goal, but later on their misery was compounded when Gabriel Tamas was also sent off.
Until his red card, the afternoon had looked like being one of Kalinic's best in a Rovers shirt since being signed by Sam Allardyce last year.
Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle
Gareth Bale's tenth goal of the season ensured that ten-man Tottenham leap-frogged Chelsea into fourth place after a hard-fought and ill-tempered battle with Newcastle at White Hart Lane.
Bale's electric pace allowed him to beat Steve Taylor down the left before unleashing a powerful drive that beat Tim Krul after Aaron Lennon put the hosts ahead just before the hour.
Spurs ended the match with 10 men for the second time in two days after Younes Kaboul was dismissed for forcing his head onto Cheik Tiote's in what was an otherwise feisty encounter that produced six bookings.
The hosts, who had Roman Pavlyuchenko up front in place of the suspended Jermain Defoe, started brightly and Lennon registered the first shot on target after firing a low drive at Krul two minutes in.
Bale's electric pace allowed him to beat Steve Taylor down the left before unleashing a powerful drive that beat Tim Krul after Aaron Lennon put the hosts ahead just before the hour.
Spurs ended the match with 10 men for the second time in two days after Younes Kaboul was dismissed for forcing his head onto Cheik Tiote's in what was an otherwise feisty encounter that produced six bookings.
The hosts, who had Roman Pavlyuchenko up front in place of the suspended Jermain Defoe, started brightly and Lennon registered the first shot on target after firing a low drive at Krul two minutes in.
Blackpool 2-0 Sunderland
DJ Campbell returned to haunt Steve Bruce as Blackpool claimed a 2-0 win to become just the second team to win a Barclays Premier League game at the Stadium of Light in 2010.
Bruce had given Campbell his first chance in the Premier League during his time as Birmingham boss, but saw his former charge produce a 52nd-minute volley and a late second goal which handed the Seasiders their fifth league win on the road this season.
However, the Black Cats had only themselves to blame as they squandered a series of chances in front of a bumper holiday crowd of 42,892 on the way to a fifth defeat of the campaign and their first on home soil.
Bruce had given Campbell his first chance in the Premier League during his time as Birmingham boss, but saw his former charge produce a 52nd-minute volley and a late second goal which handed the Seasiders their fifth league win on the road this season.
However, the Black Cats had only themselves to blame as they squandered a series of chances in front of a bumper holiday crowd of 42,892 on the way to a fifth defeat of the campaign and their first on home soil.
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City
Fulham moved out of the Premier League relegation zone thanks to Chris Baird's early brace in a 2-0 win at Stoke.
Baird, who had never scored for the Cottagers before, struck twice from outside the area in the opening 10 minutes to lift some of the pressure on his manager Mark Hughes.
The Northern Ireland international was an unlikely goalscorer to seal an unlikely result, as the London outfit recorded their first away win in the league in 27 attempts.
The Potters would have gone into the game feeling confident having already beaten Fulham three times in 2010, but it was the visitors who found themselves ahead after only four minutes.
Baird, who had never scored for the Cottagers before, struck twice from outside the area in the opening 10 minutes to lift some of the pressure on his manager Mark Hughes.
The Northern Ireland international was an unlikely goalscorer to seal an unlikely result, as the London outfit recorded their first away win in the league in 27 attempts.
The Potters would have gone into the game feeling confident having already beaten Fulham three times in 2010, but it was the visitors who found themselves ahead after only four minutes.
Manchester City 4-0 Aston Villa
Mario Balotelli hit the headlines for all the right reasons as his first Manchester City hat-trick helped the Blues to a 4-0 win against Aston Villa and top spot in the Premier League.
With Carlos Tevez rested, the 20-year-old strode confidently onto centre-stage, exhibiting audacious self-belief to score two penalties, either side of a three-yard tap-in which took his City tally to an impressive eight goals in 11 appearances.
On a dank Manchester day, the half-time whistle brought jubilation for the home fans, who were already certain of their fate and total despair for the visiting contingent. Three wins from 13 matches for Gerard Houllier prior to this debacle could partly be explained away by the chronic injury-list the Frenchman has had to contend with.
With Carlos Tevez rested, the 20-year-old strode confidently onto centre-stage, exhibiting audacious self-belief to score two penalties, either side of a three-yard tap-in which took his City tally to an impressive eight goals in 11 appearances.
On a dank Manchester day, the half-time whistle brought jubilation for the home fans, who were already certain of their fate and total despair for the visiting contingent. Three wins from 13 matches for Gerard Houllier prior to this debacle could partly be explained away by the chronic injury-list the Frenchman has had to contend with.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Important Time of the Season
This past sunday started the roughest part of the schedule with every team having 4 games scheduled from the 26th of December till January 5.
I will not be posting a table until the 6th due to massive changes that will happen in the next week.
I will not be posting a table until the 6th due to massive changes that will happen in the next week.
Tottenham 2-1 Aston Villa
Tottenham's talismanic midfielder Rafael van der Vaart ensured manager Harry Redknapp maintained his hoodoo over Aston Villa.
Despite a 27th-minute straight red card for Jermain Defoe, the Dutch midfielder scored either side of that to take his tally to double figures for the season, with Spurs unbeaten in each of the eight games in which he has scored.
Although Marc Albrighton pulled one back eight minutes from time, it was not enough to spare the home side, with Redknapp unbeaten in his last 10 Barclays Premier League games as a manager against Villa.
From the opening minute the suggestion was this was going to be an entertaining affair, as has often been the case between these two teams of late, and so it proved.
Despite a 27th-minute straight red card for Jermain Defoe, the Dutch midfielder scored either side of that to take his tally to double figures for the season, with Spurs unbeaten in each of the eight games in which he has scored.
Although Marc Albrighton pulled one back eight minutes from time, it was not enough to spare the home side, with Redknapp unbeaten in his last 10 Barclays Premier League games as a manager against Villa.
From the opening minute the suggestion was this was going to be an entertaining affair, as has often been the case between these two teams of late, and so it proved.
Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
A Dimitar Berbatov double extended Manchester United's unbeaten run to 17 games and consolidated their position at the Barclays Premier League summit as Sunderland were brushed aside 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Victory provided United with a healthy advantage over Arsenal and Chelsea, who meet at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, and nearest challengers Manchester City, who have played two games more.
And while Wayne Rooney's wait for a goal in open play goes on, Berbatov continues to fill the void superbly.
The much-criticised Bulgarian is now on 13 for the season, although his second did require a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand after he had provided United with a fourth-minute opener in a one-sided contest.
Victory provided United with a healthy advantage over Arsenal and Chelsea, who meet at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, and nearest challengers Manchester City, who have played two games more.
And while Wayne Rooney's wait for a goal in open play goes on, Berbatov continues to fill the void superbly.
The much-criticised Bulgarian is now on 13 for the season, although his second did require a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand after he had provided United with a fourth-minute opener in a one-sided contest.
Stoke City 2-0 Blackburn
Steve Kean's coronation as new Blackburn boss turned sour at Ewood Park as goals from Robert Huth and Marc Wilson saw Stoke snap their run of three Barclays Premier League games without a win.
Huth opened the scoring with a powerful 51st-minute header from a Matthew Etherington corner and Wilson wrapped up the points by knocking home the simplest of chances in injury time.
And Kean will know it could have been much worse for his side with Etherington missing an early sitter and Kenwyne Jones forcing a wonder save out of Paul Robinson late on.
For all the new Rovers' owners heady predictions, the defeat made it clear that Kean's more immediate concern is sorting out the future of unsettled stars like defender Christopher Samba.
Huth opened the scoring with a powerful 51st-minute header from a Matthew Etherington corner and Wilson wrapped up the points by knocking home the simplest of chances in injury time.
And Kean will know it could have been much worse for his side with Etherington missing an early sitter and Kenwyne Jones forcing a wonder save out of Paul Robinson late on.
For all the new Rovers' owners heady predictions, the defeat made it clear that Kean's more immediate concern is sorting out the future of unsettled stars like defender Christopher Samba.
Bolton 2-0 West Brom
Goals from Matt Taylor and Johan Elmander gave Bolton a Boxing Day victory over a West Brom side who were made to pay for failing to take their chances.
The Baggies had by far the better of the chances in both halves, with Peter Odemwingie squandering three great opportunities and Chris Brunt heading against a post.
But they simply could not find the net and, after Taylor gave Wanderers the lead with his first goal of the season in the 40th minute, Elmander made the points safe four minutes from time.
Defences were certainly on top in the early stages and it took until the 16th minute for the first shot of the match, Graham Dorrans firing straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.
The Baggies had by far the better of the chances in both halves, with Peter Odemwingie squandering three great opportunities and Chris Brunt heading against a post.
But they simply could not find the net and, after Taylor gave Wanderers the lead with his first goal of the season in the 40th minute, Elmander made the points safe four minutes from time.
Defences were certainly on top in the early stages and it took until the 16th minute for the first shot of the match, Graham Dorrans firing straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Wigan 2-1 Wolverhampton
Wigan moved out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone after taking all three points from their basement battle with Wolves at Molineux.
Hugo Rodallega gave the Latics the lead in the ninth minute when he volleyed past Wayne Hennessey and the Colombian striker then turned provider just over 10 minutes later, feeding the ball to Tom Cleverley, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
Wanderers, who had two penalty appeals turned down before the interval, pulled one back through substitute Steven Fletcher late on but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Wigan held out to secure a precious victory.
The pressure surrounding the game had been increased by West Ham's 3-1 triumph at Fulham earlier in the day, which took Avram Grant's side off the bottom of the table.
Hugo Rodallega gave the Latics the lead in the ninth minute when he volleyed past Wayne Hennessey and the Colombian striker then turned provider just over 10 minutes later, feeding the ball to Tom Cleverley, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
Wanderers, who had two penalty appeals turned down before the interval, pulled one back through substitute Steven Fletcher late on but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Wigan held out to secure a precious victory.
The pressure surrounding the game had been increased by West Ham's 3-1 triumph at Fulham earlier in the day, which took Avram Grant's side off the bottom of the table.
Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle
Carlos Tevez fired Manchester City back into the Barclays Premier League title race as his side killed off a spirited Newcastle fightback to win 3-1.
The Argentinian, whose differences with the club have been resolved, put the Magpies to the sword in a blistering opening to the game, setting up Gareth Barry's opener with just 72 seconds gone and then helping himself to a second in the fifth minute.
Then, after Andy Carroll had dragged Alan Pardew's men back into the game with a 72nd-minute header - his 11th goal of the season - Tevez ended Newcastle's hopes when his 81st-minute effort ended up in the back of the net with the help of two deflections.
The result was the perfect antidote to Monday's night's 2-1 defeat at Everton, although City were made to fight all the way by a Magpies side which, having seemingly thrown the points away barely before they had broken sweat, threatened to emerge with something to show for their efforts in front of a crowd of 51,635.
The Argentinian, whose differences with the club have been resolved, put the Magpies to the sword in a blistering opening to the game, setting up Gareth Barry's opener with just 72 seconds gone and then helping himself to a second in the fifth minute.
Then, after Andy Carroll had dragged Alan Pardew's men back into the game with a 72nd-minute header - his 11th goal of the season - Tevez ended Newcastle's hopes when his 81st-minute effort ended up in the back of the net with the help of two deflections.
The result was the perfect antidote to Monday's night's 2-1 defeat at Everton, although City were made to fight all the way by a Magpies side which, having seemingly thrown the points away barely before they had broken sweat, threatened to emerge with something to show for their efforts in front of a crowd of 51,635.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
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Blackpool and Everton home games postponed
Blackpool's game against Liverpool on Boxing Day has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. And Everton's home match against Birmingham City has also been called off.
Blackpool do not have undersoil heating at Bloomfield Road and despite covering the pitch the surface is not playable. The inspection was due to take place at midday but was brought forward due to overnight temperatures. The game has already been rearranged for Wednesday, January 12 at 8pm.
The game at Goodison Park was postponed due to a frozen water supply. A statement on Everton's website read: "Due to the adverse weather conditions in Liverpool overnight the stadium is not in a fit condition to stage a Premier League football match, one of which would have attracted an almost capacity attendance.
"There are several miles of frozen pipes, many of which burst during the course of Christmas Day night.
"Our stadium and safety teams worked 'round the clock but due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions - and in the interests of safety and hygiene we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the game.
"A new date for the fixture will be announced as soon as possible."
The early Premier League kick-off between Fulham and West Ham United definitely goes ahead.
Wolves' game against Wigan ill also go ahead despite similar water problems. A statement on the club's website read: "Staff have been working around the clock on making sure the stands and surrounding areas are cleared of snow and gritted to try and ensure fans are able to enjoy the traditions of enjoying a football match on Boxing Day.
Blackpool do not have undersoil heating at Bloomfield Road and despite covering the pitch the surface is not playable. The inspection was due to take place at midday but was brought forward due to overnight temperatures. The game has already been rearranged for Wednesday, January 12 at 8pm.
The game at Goodison Park was postponed due to a frozen water supply. A statement on Everton's website read: "Due to the adverse weather conditions in Liverpool overnight the stadium is not in a fit condition to stage a Premier League football match, one of which would have attracted an almost capacity attendance.
"There are several miles of frozen pipes, many of which burst during the course of Christmas Day night.
"Our stadium and safety teams worked 'round the clock but due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions - and in the interests of safety and hygiene we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the game.
"A new date for the fixture will be announced as soon as possible."
The early Premier League kick-off between Fulham and West Ham United definitely goes ahead.
Wolves' game against Wigan ill also go ahead despite similar water problems. A statement on the club's website read: "Staff have been working around the clock on making sure the stands and surrounding areas are cleared of snow and gritted to try and ensure fans are able to enjoy the traditions of enjoying a football match on Boxing Day.
West Ham 3-1 Fulham
West Ham signalled their intent to become only the second club to stay up after being bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day by ending their 27-game wait for an away win this afternoon.
Carlton Cole was gifted a Boxing Day double as the Hammers came from behind to stun Fulham at Craven Cottage and temporarily haul themselves off the foot of the table.
Cole netted twice after being inadvertently played in by Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes at a chilly Craven Cottage, easing the pressure on manager Avram Grant.
The heat is now well and truly on opposite number Mark Hughes, whose side threw away namesake Aaron's first goal for more than six years, with Frederic Piquionne also on the scoresheet for the Hammers.
Carlton Cole was gifted a Boxing Day double as the Hammers came from behind to stun Fulham at Craven Cottage and temporarily haul themselves off the foot of the table.
Cole netted twice after being inadvertently played in by Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes at a chilly Craven Cottage, easing the pressure on manager Avram Grant.
The heat is now well and truly on opposite number Mark Hughes, whose side threw away namesake Aaron's first goal for more than six years, with Frederic Piquionne also on the scoresheet for the Hammers.
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