Tim Cahill denied Liverpool top spot in the Premier League after the Everton player pounced four minutes from time as a thrilling Merseyside derby ended 1-1 at Anfield on Monday.
Steven Gerrard, captaining his club for the 250th time in his career, thought he had sent Rafa Benitez's side back to the summit after breaking the deadlock with a superb long-range finish in the 68th minute, the England international's 14th goal of the season. But Australian international Cahill had the last say as he pounced in the 86th minute after the Liverpool defence had failed to deal properly with a set-piece.
Everton's success this season has been built on a backs-to-the-wall, hard-to-beat mentality which has served them well in the absence of injured strikers Yakubu and Louis Saha. They arrived at Anfield boasting one of the best away records in the top-tier and, despite their lack of firepower, it took just 35 seconds for Moyes's side to show they were not at Anfield to make up the numbers as Victor Anichebe forced a full-stretch save from Jose Reina.
Benitez had outlined his intentions on the teamsheet by naming one of his most attacking sides of the season, Torres starting for the first time since November 26 alongside the recalled Robbie Keane. Yet it was Reina who continued to be the busier of the two keepers, the Spaniard kept on his toes by Cahill's 26th minute header following a dangerous cross by the industrious Anichebe.
Torres, with his injury problems behind him, was looking to become the first Reds player in the history of the club to net four in a row against Everton having scored his side's last three in Merseyside derbies. The Spanish striker went agonisingly close to achieving that feat after Sami Hyypia had carved open the visitors defence in the 28th minute soon after Torres had been felled by Steven Pienaar which earned Everton's South African midfielder a booking. Perhaps Torres was feeling rusty after his recent lay-off but his effort, to Everton's relief, shaved the outside of the post and the home side's best chance of the opening 45 minutes was gone.
Having started the half confidently, Everton were relieved to hear the half time whistle as Albert Riera dispatched a ferocious long range effort narrowly wide of Tim Howard's post two minutes before the break. Liverpool continued to probe the visitors defence at the break, Howard spilling Gerrard's 55th minute effort only for Sami Hyypia to smash the rebound high into the Kop. Everton began to visibly tire with Benitez's side winning a string of corners yet they were unable to force home an advantage from the set-pieces.
Torres went close again from just outside the area but Liverpool appeared to be heading for another night of frustration before Gerrard had the last say. Soon after Webb had waved away Everton claims for a penalty when Anichebe went down under a challenge by Martin Skrtel, Liverpool's second half pressure paid off when Gerrard let fly from 25-yards, Howard beaten by the ferocity of the effort. But Liverpool's celebrations were cut short as Cahill pounced to give Everton a deserved point.
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe silenced the jeers of the travelling Portsmouth fans after scoring a vital equaliser against his old club in a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane here Sunday.
The point moved Spurs off the bottom of the English Premier League table and out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, facing Pompey for the first time since his October switch to London, would have been disappointed after seeing his side miss a host of chances. Both teams stretched their winless league run to six games but remain firmly involved in the relegation dogfight.
Defoe, booed relentlessly by the Portsmouth fans, spurned a golden opportunity to put one over his old club but screwed his finish wide after being put in the clear by Pompey midfielder Sean Davis's wayward pass. Pompey's attacks were fleeting but they came close to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute after poor goalkeeping from Spurs's Heurelho Gomes. The Brazilian could only parry Glen Johnson's weak long-range shot but made amends by flicking the ball away when it appeared England striker Peter Crouch was certain to score.
The match continued at breakneck pace as the home team continued to press but they could not force the ball into the goal, Defoe the guilty party twice in quick succession. First he got in the way of Roman Pavlyuchenko's goalbound header and then Defoe, given a free-header himself, could only direct it at James although the ex-Liverpool keeper still had to pull off an acrobatic save. Gomes made up for his nervy start when he denied David Nugent but the England forward should have given him no chance after being sent clear by Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar. Spurs came close again shortly before the hour mark but James was again on top form to keep out Lennon's deflected effort.
The significance of the save was magnified a minute later when Nugent atoned for his earlier miss with his first Premier League goal for Pompey. French midfielder Armand Traore made a typically forceful run which was cut short by Corluka's tackle. The loose ball fell to Nugent on the edge of the penalty area and his low shot, aided by a slight deflection off Gareth Bale, gave Gomez no chance.
The visiting fans wasted no time in reminding Redknapp, who guided Pompey to the FA Cup last season, of the score. But their cheers were soon cut short when Defoe scored his first goal since returning to White Hart Lane. Midfielder Didier Zakora passed to Croatia playmaker Luka Modric and his lay-off found the former West Ham striker who planted a low left-foot shot beyond James's despairing dive. Spurs substitute Darren Bent had a glorious opportunity to win the game with 10 minutes left but directed his free header wide of the target.
West Ham United 3 - 1 Fulham
At Upton Park, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola left Bellamy out of his squad for the clash against Fulham after the former Liverpool star stormed out of training on Friday following the club's decision to deny him permission to speak to Tottenham.Bellamy is determined to leave the east London team and could seal a move to Manchester City instead later this week, but Zola and company won't need to shed too many tears judging by this emphatic victory. David Di Michele was drafted into the side as Bellamy's replacement and scored West Ham's opener before making their third goal for Carlton Cole.
Mark Noble's penalty had put the hosts 2-1 in front following Paul Konchesky's stunning equaliser for Fulham as the Hammers extended their unbeaten run to five matches and moved up to.
Full results;
January 17
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Newcastle United
Bolton 0 - 1 Manchester United
Chelsea 2 - 1 Stoke City
Manchester City 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Sunderland 1 - 2 Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Hull City 1 - 3 Arsenal
January 18
West Ham United 3 - 1 Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Bolton 0 - 1 Manchester United
Dimitar Berbatov's last-minute header sent Manchester United to the Barclays Premier League summit. It appeared the Red Devils would have to settle for a point despite keeping a record-equalling 10th clean sheet. But when Carlos Tevez broke free of the Bolton Wanderers defence, his cross was perfect for Berbatov, who finally broke Jussi Jaaskelainen's brave resistance.
United's first decent opportunity arrived after 35 minutes when Gary Neville fed a pass to Fletcher, who had galloped into the Bolton box. The Scotland midfielder cut a cross back to the near post where Ronaldo jumped but could only bounce a header at Jaaskelainen. Berbatov got on the end of another Fletcher cross, this time to the far post, but his header lacked power and Gardner hacked clear.
In between, Makakula looped a header towards the United goal that Van der Sar caught with ease. The Congolese front-man was giving Vidic a physical battering, which is not quite what Basham did to Berbatov at the other end but the United man still won a free-kick for his side. Ronaldo took it, forcing Jaaskelainen into an excellent save with a stinging low effort. Another excellent save from Jaaskelainen denied Anderson, who had let fly from 30 yards.
At the start of the second half, Matt Taylor took a blow on the back of the head that needed treatment although he was on the field again when Makukula slipped a pass to Davies, whose cross just dropped beyond Basham, who had wriggled free at the far post. Tevez played a neat pass to Carrick on the edge of the box but the England man looked to feed an even tighter ball through to Berbatov rather than going for goal himself and met with no reward.
Ronaldo has not been in top form recently but another stinging free-kick was too much for Jaaskelainen to hold and Makukula hooked clear. Another United attack floundered because of a poor Ronaldo pass and it was no surprise Ferguson introduced Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes 20 minutes from time. Ronaldo had yet another shot saved by Jaaskelainen. But just as it appeared Bolton would hold on for a point, Tevez broke free and pulled a cross back for Berbatov. The header was firm. And this time Jaaskelainen had no answer.
Chelsea 2 - 1 Stoke City
There was an even more dramatic late show at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea scored twice in the last two minutes to snatch a 2-1 win over Stoke.The Londoners had fallen behind on the hour mark after Rory Delap, demonstrating there is more to his game than his dangerous long throws, produced a classic striker's chipped finish to beat Petr Cech following a pass from new signing James Beattie. That goal game completely against the run of play and Chelsea's intense pressure finally told at the death as Juliano Belletti's 88th-minute strike and a stoppage time winner from Frank Lampard earned Luiz Felipe Scolari's side a morale-boosting victory.
Sunderland 1 - 2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa consolidated their grip on fourth place thanks to an 80th-minute penalty from Gareth Barry, which enabled Martin O'Neill's side to claim a scarcely-deserved 2-1 win at Sunderland. The Black Cats had been good value for their first-half lead, courtesy of Danny Collins's 10th-minute header from a Carlos Edwards free-kick.That was cancelled out in controversial circumstances on the hour mark when James Milner bundled Ashley Young's low cross over the line with Sunderland's defenders furiously protesting that the final contact had come off the winger's arm. Young was sent off soon afterwards for a two-footed lounge at Dean Whitehead but Villa went on to claim all three points after Paul McShane brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor right on the edge of the penalty area.
Hull City 1 - 3 Arsenal
Arsenal struck twice late on to see off battling Hull City and keep pace with the Barclays Premier League top four.Hull had looked set to frustrate the Gunners for the second time this season when Daniel Cousin cancelled out Emmanuel Adebayor's opener in the second half. But the KC Stadium visitors produced a strong finish and snatched victory with goals in the final nine minutes from Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bendtner.
Other results;
January 17
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Newcastle United
Bolton 0 - 1 Manchester United
Chelsea 2 - 1 Stoke City
Manchester City 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Sunderland 1 - 2 Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Hull City 1 - 3 Arsenal
January 18
West Ham United ? - ? Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur ? - ? Portsmouth
Wayne Rooney kept Manchester United on course for the English Premier League's top spot before being struck down by injury as the European and World champions secured a tense 1-0 win at home to Wigan.
United can now climb to the top of the table for the first time this season if they win at Bolton on Saturday after Rooney's first-minute goal sealed victory against former United centreback Steve Bruce's team. The win however came at a cost for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson who is set to be without Rooney for three weeks after the star striker limped off with a hamstring injury in just the seventh minute.
Although Wigan had arrived at Old Trafford in fine form, having won six of their last seven league games, their record against United was a sorry six defeats from six meetings in the Premier League, so the form book was certainly on the champions side as they attempted to edge to within two points of leaders Liverpool.
Sunday's 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford emphasised the growing confidence within United ranks, however, and the determination to put pressure on Liverpool was evident as Ferguson's team raced out of the traps at the start of the game. But even so, United's lightning start took the breath away as they opened the scoring inside the first minute when Rooney pounced on Ronaldo's cross from the right flank.
The United winger easily beat his marker on the edge of the penalty area and his cross into the six-yard box was missed by defender Paul Scharner, allowing Rooney to stroke the ball home from close range. It proved to be Rooney's last involvement in the game, though, with the England forward succumbing to injury just six minutes later.
Ferguson replaced Rooney with Carlos Tevez and the Argentinian forward whose future at the club is far from secure should have doubled United's lead after being teed up by John O'Shea midway through the first-half. O'Shea's header from Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland's clearance freed Tevez thirty yards from goal, but the former West Ham striker over-ran the ball after rounding the keeper and he could only aim his shot into the side-netting.
Manchester United 3 - 0 Chelsea
Manchester United's grip on the Premier League trophy tightened significantly on Sunday as Sir Alex Ferguson's side put Chelsea to the sword in front of a jubilant Old Trafford. Nemanja Vidic's header on the stroke of half-time was followed by second-half goals for Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as the champions ran out 3-0 winners in what had been billed as one of the season's pivotal encounters.
In terms of territory and possession, Chelsea's best spell was the opening half-hour, a period in which referee Howard Webb brandished four yellow cards yet was surprisingly lacking in intensity. Ashley Cole's domination of Cristiano Ronaldo in their personal battle helped to ensure United were equally uninspired until the approach of half-time finally prompted them into the phase of sustained pressure that was to yield their opening goal.
It began with Park Ji-Sung forcing John Terry into last-ditch block. The ensuing corner resulted in United appealing furiously for a penalty as Darren Fletcher's mishit shot appeared to strike Terry's outstretched arm just inside the box. There followed another corner, to which United applied what appeared to be a cleverly conceived training ground ploy with Rooney tapping the ball off the corner before walking away as if he had decided to leave it for someone else.
Chelsea's defence bought the bluff and switched off, allowing Ryan Giggs to pick up the ball and send in a chip that Cristiano Ronaldo headed in at the near post, only for the linesman to flag mistakenly that the corner had not been taken legitimately. It was an incident with almost limitless potential for debate but its impact was neutralised when United scored from the retaken corner. This time, Giggs sent the dead ball into the area, Berbatov flicked-on and Vidic's diving header squeezed past Cech at his back post.
Instead it was to be United who applied the killer blow, just after an hour had elapsed. Once again, Evra, revelling in his return from a four-match suspension imposed following his bust-up with a groundsman after the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, played a central role. Released by Ronaldo's backheel, the Frenchman whipped in a dipping cross that both Terry and Ashley Cole might have cleared before Rooney prodded it past Cech from close range. With Chelsea demoralised, Berbatov was able to add a third in the closing minutes, drifting between Michael Ballack and Terry to prod home Ronaldo's low cross from the left of the box.
Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
In the day's earlier game, Maynor Figueroa's stoppage-time header secured Wigan Athletic's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the JJB Stadium as they strengthened their grip on seventh place in the Premier League.Defeat was cruel on Spurs, who had to play the closing stages with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes unable to move freely because of a leg injury after using all their substitutes, and left the visitors in the bottom three.
It looked as if the Londoners, with Jermain Defoe making his second debut for the club after re-joining Spurs from Portsmouth, would salvage a draw. But with Gomes rooted to his line, unmarked Honduran left-back Figueroa headed in powerfully from a Ryan Taylor corner in the 91st minute to score his first goal for north-west side Wigan.
This win meant Wigan had taken 18 points out of a possible 21 from their last seven league matches. Spurs had the better of what chances there were in a goalless first-half although it was Wigan who finished the opening period the stronger and Gomes had to smother a close-range effort from Emile Heskey in the 39th minute.
Tottenham with Ledley King in a re-shaped defence looked to be seeing out a lively second-half where referee Andre Marriner booked several Wigan players. But Steve Bruce's men had the last laugh over Harry Redknapp's team when the Spurs defence failed to pick-up Figueroa.
Full results;
January 10
Aston Villa 2 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Everton 2 - 0 Hull City
Fulham ? - ? Blackburn Rovers (Postp.)
Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Sunderland
Newcastle U. 2 - 2 West Ham United
Portsmouth ? - ? Manchester City (Postp.)
Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool
January 11
Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United 3 - 0 Chelsea
Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool
Premier League leaders Liverpool could only grind out a 0-0 draw at struggling Stoke City on Saturday, missing the chance to open a six-point gap at the top.
Manager Rafael Benitez launched a verbal volley at Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson on Friday but his team were tame by comparison and apart from two late Steven Gerrard efforts that hit the woodwork the visitors were second best. Chelsea, in second, can move within a point of the lead if they beat the champions at Old Trafford.
Stoke, now out of the relegation zone, were the better side in the first half. Long-throw specialist Rory Delap smashed one shot against the crossbar while Ryan Shawcross had a goal ruled out. Benitez started with strikers Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane on the bench while Gerrard, playing a more advanced role, struggled to make an impact.
Dave Kitson went close for Stoke in the second half when he headed a Delap throw-in over the bar and Glenn Whelan shaved the post with a fierce free kick. Liverpool came alive once Torres was introduced and Gerrard could have snatched victory. First he swerved a free kick on to the bar and then he found the outside of the post with an angled shot in the dying seconds.
Aston Villa 2 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa edged a narrow win over West Bromwich Albion to climb above Manchester United into third spot in the Barclays Premier League.Curtis Davies headed the opening goal against his old club. Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed the second but it went down as an own goal as his cross-shot went in off Baggies goalkeeper Scott Carson who was on loan at Villa last season. James Morrison pulled one back early in the second half to set up a tense finale but it proved merely scant consolation.
Villa are now unbeaten in nine league matches, from which they have taken 21 points, and there is a momentum about the team which suggests they could clinch a Champions League spot.
Arsenal 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to fire a late winner as Arsenal finally ended Bolton Wanderers''s stubborn resistance at Emirates Stadium.The Gunners had dominated possession, but failed to unlock the visitors, who put 10 men behind the ball. However, just when time looked to be running out, Bendtner arrived at the far post to volley in a first goal since November and renew hopes Arsene Wenger's men can force their way back into the race for the Barclays Premier League title.
Following Aston Villa's win over West Bromwich Albion, the Gunners were again playing catch-up on the top four, but moved level on points with Manchester United who host Chelsea tomorrow and already have two matches in hand.
Other results;
January 10
Aston Villa 2 - 1 West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Everton 2 - 0 Hull City
Fulham ? - ? Blackburn Rovers (Postp.)
Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Sunderland
Newcastle U. 2 - 2 West Ham United
Portsmouth ? - ? Manchester City (Postp.)
Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool
January 11
Wigan Athletic ? - ? Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United ? - ? Chelsea
Aston Villa leapfrogged Arsenal into fourth place as an own-goal by Kamil Zayatte gifted them a 1-0 victory over Hull City in the last Premier League match of the year.
Zayatte turned his attempted clearance from Ashley Young's cross past goalkeeper Boaz Myhill to extend Villa's unbeaten sequence to eight, while Hull must be staring anxiously at the bottom three as they have only won once in their last 11 games. They looked to be on course to salvage a point in time added on when referee Steve Bennett awarded them a penalty for handball but after consulting with a linesman he correctly rescinded his decision as former Real Madrid target Young had not handled the ball, though he did raise his arm as the ball went over the bar.
His Hull counterpart Phil Brown - who had been so infuriated by the abject display of his players in the first-half against Manchester City last Friday when they were losing 4-0 at half-time he gave them their half-time talk on the pitch - accepted that his side had stepped up to the plate. fifa
Dimitar Berbatov drifted through 69 minutes of Manchester United's home game with Middlesbrough on Monday before scoring the only goal to keep the champions in touch with the Premier League leaders.
The Bulgarian striker appeared an uninterested observer for much of a freezing night at Old Trafford, but when the visiting defence failed to properly clear a Michael Carrick cross he was well placed near the penalty spot to steer it back past Ross Turnbull for the decisive goal.
United began the game ten points behind Liverpool, albeit with three games in hand, and though they made most of the running in the first half they were short of spark. Cristiano Ronaldo had several half-chances but sent them either wide or straight at the keeper, while centre back Nemanja Vidic headed wide from a corner.
Middlesbrough, who had not won in their previous seven games as they slid towards the relegation zone, got a little more adventurous after the break, with Afonso Alves and Tuncay Sanli both going close. United also had plenty of shots, but they were generally tame and the Old Trafford fans were getting edgy, as well as cold.
They were warmed 21 minutes from time, however, when Berbatov cracked the winner from 12 metres.
"He's a marvellous player," Ferguson said of his summer signing from Tottenham Hotspur. "He's taken the goal very well at a crucial moment. At that stage you start to get concerned." fifa
Manchester United 1 - 0 Middlesbrough Highlights
Newcastle United 1 - 5 Liverpool
Liverpool maintained their grip on first place the Premier League table with a 5-1 win against a toothless Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday.
Reds captain Steven Gerrard scored twice, and had had it not been for Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, the hosts could have been on the wrong end of a double-figure disaster after being completely outclassed. The Reds grabbed a three-point advantage over Chelsea.
It was Gerrard who broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when he drilled Yossi Benayoun's pass in off the post. Given had no opportunity to reprise his heroics and the Irishman was stranded again five minutes later when defender Sami Hyypia was given the freedom of the Newcastle penalty area to head home Gerrard's corner. These were torrid times for Newcastle but Canada international defender David Edgar reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time by heading in Danny Guthrie's corner kick.
Liverpool's third goal, five minutes after the restart, had an element of luck about it, with referee Mark Halsey failing to spot Lucas's handball. But Dutch international Ryan Babel tapped in from five yards despite being surrounded by several Newcastle players. Gerrard grabbed his second from Lucas's astute through ball in the 66th minute. When substitute Xabi Alonso wrapped things up with a well taken penalty 13 minutes from time with Gerrard off the field, after his fellow replacement David Ngog had been brought down by Edgar, Liverpool could celebrate heading into 2009 on top of the Premier League.
Fulham 2 - 2 Chelsea
Clint Dempsey's last-gasp equaliser dented Chelsea's English Premier League title hopes as hosts Fulham came back to earn a 2-2 draw in an exciting west London derby at Craven Cottage on Sunday.After hitting the opener, the United States international headed in his second goal of the game in the 89th minute to cancel out two Frank Lampard strikes and leave Chelsea three points behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Newcastle 5-1.
Midfielder Dempsey put the Cottagers ahead in the 10th minute, capitalising on some sloppy defending. Lampard levelled in the 50th minute following a Fulham defensive blunder and the England international scored what looked to be a winning free-kick in the 72nd minute. Dempsey,however, nodded a goal from a corner two minutes from time.
William Gallas' goal nine minutes from time enabled Arsenal to reclaim fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.The victory saw the Gunners move ahead of Aston Villa, who do not play until Tuesday, on goals scored, although they remain ten points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The win also ended a run of three successive drawn games that had also seen captain Cesc Fabregas ruled out until March by injury. Portsmouth, managed by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams, frustrated Arsenal for long periods but had no answer to Gallas' 81st-minute header.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made three changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Villa on Boxing Day. Alex Song missed out through injury but Robin van Persie and Kolo Toure found themselves on the bench as Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor returned, with the latter having served a one-match ban following his sending off in last week's 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Adams also made changes following his side's 4-1 defeat at home to West Ham. Papa Bouba Diop and David Nugent came in for Glen Little and Jermain Defoe, the former Spurs striker, who were named as substitutes. fifa
Current results;
Newcastle United 1 - 5 Liverpool
Arsenal 1 - 0 Portsmouth
Bolton Wanderers 0 - 1 Wigan Athletic
Everton 3 - 0 Sunderland
Fulham 2 - 2 Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion 2 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 2 - 1 Stoke City
Blackburn Rovers 2 - 2 Manchester City
.......
Manchester United ? - ? Middlesbrough
Hull City ? - ? Aston Villa
Premier League leaders Liverpool were still looking down on their rivals after a 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers during today's Boxing Day programme.
Albert Riera volleyed Liverpool into a sixth-minute lead at Anfield when he got on the end of a Steven Gerrard corner. Liverpool captain Gerrard also played a key role in making it 2-0, the England midfielder's pass to Robbie Keane the prelude to a powerful shot. Keane then took his personal tally to three goals in two games when he turned in a Yossi Benayoun cross.
Chelsea, who had briefly gone top after an early kick-off victory, remained a point behind in second place after beating basement club West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
First-half goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard sent Chelsea on their way to a comfortable victory. It was the Ivorian's second goal of the season and his first in the Barclays Premier League this term.
Reigning champions Manchester United, in their first domestic match since winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, stayed seven points off top spot, with two games in hand, after winning 1-0 away to Stoke City.
United had to wait until seven minutes from time for their goal at the Britannia Stadium. It was only after Stoke right-back Andy Wilkinson was sent off for a second bookable offence that Carlos Tevez scored for United. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said victory left his side well-placed to maintain their title-bid.
But it was a frustrating day for the other member of the 'big four' as Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead in stoppage-time in a 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa, the Midlanders retaining their place amongst the leading quartet.Villa hit the woodwork three times in the first half only for Arsenal to open the scoring through Brazil midfielder Denilson in the day's late kick-off. The visitors were 2-0 up at Villa Park nine minutes after half-time when a brilliant exchange of passes between Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue ended with the France midfielder beating Brad Friedel. Villa, however, grabbed a lifeline when England midfielder Gareth Barry scored a 65th minute penalty after Gabriel Agbonlahor was brought down by William Gallas. Arsenal, not for the first time this season, could not see out the game with Villa's Zat Knight scoring in stoppage time.
Earlier, Manchester City moved out of the bottom three with a spectacular 5-1 win over Hull City. Two-goals apiece from Felipe Caicedo and Robinho at Eastlands helped Manchester City end a run of six games without a win in all competitions. Caicedo put City ahead in the 15th minute when he turned in Stephen Ireland's cross. The Ecuadorian had his and City's second 12 minutes later, with Ireland again the provider. Ireland also laid on City's third, releasing Robinho. The Brazil forward made it 4-0 in the 36th minute with a picture-book goal after a superb cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips. Craig Fagan pulled one back for Hull before Ireland got the goal his play deserved eight minutes from time.
Full results;
Stoke City 0 - 1 Manchester United
Chelsea 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion
Portsmouth 1 - 4 West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Fulham
Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City 5 - 1 Hull City
Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Everton
Sunderland 0 - 0 Blackburn Rovers
Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 Newcastle United
Aston Villa 2 - 2 Arsenal
Ten-man Chelsea failed to go top of the English Premier League, after being held to a goalless draw away to Everton in a match in which their captain, John Terry, was sent off.
This result at Goodison Park moved Chelsea to within a point of leaders Liverpool - Everton's city rivals - and ended a run of 11 straight away league wins for the Blues. Chelsea played 55 minutes of the game a man down, after England skipper Terry received a straight red card from referee Phil Dowd for a late and dangerous tackle on Everton midfielder Leon Osman.
But, despite the centre-half's dismissal ten minutes before half-time, Everton - without a recognised striker because of injury - could not score, even though they came close, and the draw left them seventh in the table. fifa
See the highlight;
Full results;
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Stoke City
Bolton Wonderers 2 - 1 Portsmouth
Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Hull City 1 - 4 Sunderland
West Ham United 0 - 1 Aston Villa
.......
West Bromwich 2 - 1 Manchester C.
Newcastle United 2 - 1 Tottenham H.
Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool
.......
Everton 0 - 0 Chelsea
Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool
Leaders Liverpool stayed eight points clear of Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title after the two sides fought out an epic 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal, reduced to ten men after 62 minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off for a second yellow card after raising an elbow to Alvaro Arbeloa, continued to cause Liverpool problems throughout. But in the end, the league leaders were well worth the point that keeps them ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table. Robin van Persie put Arsenal ahead with an excellently-taken goal after 24 minutes, before Robbie Keane, who has struggled to find his form for Liverpool since his move from Arsenal's arch-rivals Tottenham in the off-season, equalised three minutes before half-time.
Although Adebayor's controversial red card gave Liverpool the numerical supreriority, they were forced to defend resolutely to thwart Arsenal in the second half. The result left Liverpool top with 39 points from 18 matches, two more than Chelsea who play Everton on Monday.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was forced to stay at home and watch the match on television following surgery for kidney stones, leaving his assistant Sammy Lee in charge of the side. However, he would have been pleased with the way his men started the match, despite the absences of striker Fernando Torres (hamstring) and Javier Mascherano (flu).
Newcastle United 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Damien Duff came off the bench to fire Newcastle United to a last-minute victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he combined superbly with fellow substitute Mark Viduka before beating goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Spurs midfielder Luka Modric cancelled out Charles N'Zogbia's 11th-minute opener 17 minutes later, but it was Duff who had the final say.
N'Zogbia managed to reach Given's clearance before Assou-Ekotto, and although the defender recovered to hold him up, the midfielder turned smartly to fire right-footed past Gomes. However, the visitors were back on terms a minute later when Dawson's strong challenge on Ameobi saw him lift the ball over the top to Modric, and as the home defence hesitated with Pavlyuchenko working his way back from an offside position, the Croatian ran in unopposed to beat Given.
Duff, who had replaced Enrique two played a superb one-two with Viduka and slid a left-foot shot past Gomes to snatch an invaluable win in the final minute of normal time.
West Bromwich 2 - 1 Manchester C.
Roman Bednar's injury-time header earned bottom-placed West Bromwich Albion their first win in 11 matches - and increased the pressure on Manchester City manager Mark Hughes.
Luke Moore's first goal for the Baggies had given them the lead before City substitute Felipe Caicedo levelled six minutes from time - only for Bednar to have the final say. fifa
Current results;
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Stoke City
Bolton Wonderers 2 - 1 Portsmouth
Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Hull City 1 - 4 Sunderland
West Ham United 0 - 1 Aston Villa
.......
West Bromwich 2 - 1 Manchester City
Newcastle United 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool
.......
Everton ? - ? Chelsea
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Stoke City
South Africa striker Benni McCarthy scored twice as Blackburn Rovers began life under new manager Sam Allardyce with a 3-0 win at home over Stoke City on Saturday.
The victory was only Rovers's fourth in 18 English Premier League matches and came three days after former Bolton and Newcastle boss Allardyce replaced the sacked Paul Ince. Despite a win, which ended a run of six straight defeats, Rovers remained in the relegation zone.
McCarthy put Rovers ahead at Ewood Park with a ninth-minute penalty after Ibrahima Sonko fouled Morten Gamst Pedersen. Jason Roberts added a second after Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross diverted a cross from Brett Emerton into the striker's path. McCarthy, on his 100th appearance for Rovers, made it 3-0 before the half-hour mark after being played in by forward Roberts.
West Ham United 0 - 1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa moved into the top three of the Barclays Premier League after a slice of good fortune for James Milner earned them victory over West Ham United.
The winner at Upton Park came in the 78th minute after Milner's cross deflected in off Lucas Neill, with three points allowing Martin O'Neill's men to overtake Manchester United in the table. It may be one for the dubious goals panel, but it mattered little to Milner in a week where Fabio Capello suggested he would be the next Villa youngster to get an England call-up. O'Neill's young English players have given Villa fans real hope of breaking into the top four - but an American veteran in goal is also playing his part. Brad Friedel produced a string of saves to keep the scores level when the Hammers threatened through Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole.
West Ham remained fourth from bottom although the Londoners will drop into the relegation places if fellow strugglers Manchester City do not lose away to basement club West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola named an unchanged starting line-up following last week's 1-1 draw at the Italian's former club, Chelsea. Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, reverted to a more familiar line-up after seeing a shadow side lose 3-1 at Hamburg in midweek in a UEFA Cup game where nothing but pride had been at stake.
Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard showed the west London club what they would be missing if he is allowed to leave by scoring the opening goal in his side's 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Bullard is trying to negotiate an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of next season. But talks have reached a stalemate and Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson hinted on Friday that could lead to the player being sold before he loses value. But judging Bullard's inspirational performance at Craven Cottage, it would be a foolhardy move to let him leave.
Bullard opened the scoring just before half-time and goals after the break from Danny Murphy, who slotted home a penalty, and American midfielder Clint Dempsey secured a sixth home win of the season to move Fulham up to eighth in the Premier League. Middlesbrough have gone six matches without a win and the spectre of a relegation battle is hanging over Gareth Southgate's team.
Current results;
Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Stoke City
Bolton Wonderers 2 - 1 Portsmouth
Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough
Hull City 1 - 4 Sunderland
West Ham United 0 - 1 Aston Villa
.......
West Bromwich ? - ? Manchester C.
Newcastle United ? - ? Tottenham H.
Arsenal ? - ? Liverpool
.......
Everton ? - ? Chelsea
Chelsea 1 - 1 West Ham
Gianfranco Zola stopped his old club Chelsea from returning to the top of the English Premier League as his West Ham side claimed a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
On his return to Chelsea, where the former Italy striker holds legendary status, the fledgling manager's Hammers team gained a well-earned point in a fiercely contested London derby. The result meant Chelsea remain second in the Premier League table, one point behind Liverpool, while West Ham's struggle to pull away from the relegation zone was helped by a useful point gained away from home. Wales striker Craig Bellamy gave the visitors a 33rd-minute lead with a well-taken strike but France forward Nicolas Anelka rescued a point for Chelsea in the 51st minute with his 100th Premier League goal.
Despite substitute Didier Drogba scoring the winner in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Romania's CFR Cluj that put them into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Scolari kept the Côte d'Ivoire forward on the bench with Anelka remaining as the sole striker. Frank Lampard came in for Salomon Kalou in the only change to the Blues line-up. Zola was given a warm welcome back to Stamford Bridge by the home fans, and the Sardinian's exit from the tunnel was delayed by several warm exchanges with Blues backroom staff.
Both sides struggled to create goalscoring opportunities and convert corners into dangerous chances. But fired-up forward Bellamy broke the deadlock with a well-taken strike in the 33rd minute. Parker took Herita Ilunga's throw-in, rounded right-back Jose Boswinga as he charged into the penalty box. He cut the ball back for Bellamy, who chested it down and blasted a shot low inside goalkeeper Petr Cech's near post.
Anelka missed a good chance just before the interval, blasting a bobbling ball wide when presented with a good chance to hit the target. Scolari had seen enough and replaced the booked Ballack with Drogba at half-time to sharpen up Chelsea's attack. But within six minutes Anelka reminded Scolari of his shooting skills with a well-taken goal. After smart passing among the Chelsea ranks, Drogba laid the ball off to Lampard outside the penalty box and the former Hammer clipped it over the visitors' back line for Anelka. The France striker took a half-volley in his stride, hitting it down into the turf and beyond goalkeeper Robert Green's dive for the equaliser.
MEANWHILE, Michael Owen celebrated his 29th birthday by putting Newcastle United on their way to a vital victory at Portsmouth that lifted the Magpies out of the relegation zone.
The striker executed a fine chip in the 52nd minute of an entertaining match at Fratton Park, before Obafemi Martins and Danny Guthrie sealed Newcastle's first league win in five attempts and their first away triumph this season. fifa
Full results;
Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal
Aston Villa 4 - 2 Bolton W.
Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull City
Manchester City 0 - 1 Everton
Stoke City 0 - 0 Fulham
Sunderland 4 - 0 West Bromwich
Wigan Athletic 3 - 0 Blackburn Rovers
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Manchester United
.......
Portsmouth 0 - 3 Newcastle United
Chelsea 1 - 1 West Ham United
Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull City
Liverpool struggled to their third successive home league draw as Barclays Premier League new boys Hull City produced another stunning away performance.
The Tigers had already won at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and scored three in a narrow defeat at Manchester United. And if not for Steven Gerrard they might well have ended Liverpool's season-long unbeaten home record. Hull City were two ahead through Paul McShane and a Jamie Carragher own goal before Gerrard scored twice in eight minutes, taking his tally for the season to 11.
And although Hull were put under instant pressure, they soon started to confront Liverpool all over the pitch and it was no surprise when Hull City took the lead after 12 minutes. A Geovanni free-kick on the right sailed right across the box and was knocked back into the danger area by Marlon King, where McShane rose to head into the top corner.
Hull were full of pace, drive and desire and after 22 minutes they scored again. After switching the play from left to right, via King's long ball, Mendy went past Dossena once more and pulled the ball back into the six-yard box, where Carragher turned it high into his own net.
Just a minute later however, Liverpool pulled one back. Kuyt surged down the right and fired in a low cross which fell for Gerrard to clip home from six yards. And in what was now a tremendous match, Liverpool were level after 32 minutes, again through Gerrard. Carragher's cross was headed down by Kuyt for Benayoun to hook on, giving Gerrard a 10-yarder for the equaliser.
See the highlight;
Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal
Former Arsenal player Jeremie Aliadiere delivered another blow to Arsenal's fading Barclays Premier League title hopes by securing a point for Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.Aliadiere pounced in the 35th minute with a fine glancing header from a Tuncay Sanli cross after Emmanuel Adebayor had headed the visitors into a 17th-minute lead. The Gunners grabbed the lead when Adebayor stooped to meet Fabregas' set-piece in front of goal and sent a low header past Turnbull.
But former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere drew the home side level in the 28th minute with a superb glancing header from Tuncay's driven cross from the right which gave Almunia no chance.
Boro started well in the second half with a clever dummy by Huth leading to a long ball forward which proved just too strong for Tuncay. Boro could have gone ahead in the second half when Manuel Almunia made a fine save to deny Stewart Downing, while at the other end Robin van Persie sprang clear but shot across the face of goal.
See the highlight;
Aston Villa 4 - 2 Bolton Wanderers
Gabriel Agbonlahor took his goal tally for the season into double figures as Aston Villa climbed above Arsenal into fourth place in the Barclays Premier League with this resounding victory.Agbonlahor netted twice as Martin O'Neill's side took advantage of the Gunners being held at Middlesbrough in the lunch-time kick-off to move a point clear. Victory extended Villa's unbeaten league run to five matches but this was only their second home top flight win since September.
After 18 minutes Bolton stunned the home fans by going ahead through Elmander's fifth goal of the season. Kevin Davies did well to supply a low cross from near the by-line and Elmander's back heel at the near post was enough to beat Brad Friedel even though he got some of his body to the ball.
But in the 24th minute a superb finish by Agbonlahor brought them back on level terms. Laursen played a long ball forward from deep in his own half and in one movement Agbonlahor wriggled away from Andy O'Brien and volleyed past Jussi Jaaskelainen from 12 yards out. Then five minutes before half-time an own goal from Kevin Davies put Villa ahead. The Bolton striker was under pressure from Laursen when trying to deal with a Barry left-wing cross and only succeeded in heading into his own net.
Villa started the second half on the offensive and Curtis Davies missed a good chance to extend their lead. Young was finding an increasing amount of room on the left flank as Villa started to dominate and he set up the third goal for Agbonlahor after 67 minutes. Young managed to get in his cross despite the attention of two defenders - and Agbonlahor did the rest with a close range header.
Then with 12 minutes left Agbonlahor turned goal provider, setting up Young whose low shot took a slight deflection off Cahill before flying past Jaaskelainen into the corner of the net. Kevin Davies headed a late consolation goal for Bolton from a Steinsson cross.
See the highlight;
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Manchester United
Heurelho Gomes left White Hart Lane a hero as his last-minute save denied Manchester United a vital win at Tottenham Hotspur.And as United desperately searched for a winner to ensure they left for Club World Cup duty in happy mood, the Brazilian produced a fingertip save to turn away a Ryan Giggs free-kick that was going to creep in. It left the Red Devils rueing their failure to take advantage of second-half superiority and opened the door for Chelsea to surge clear in the Barclays Premier League title race by beating West Ham United on Sunday.
Dimitar Berbatov will have been particularly disappointed at his failure to make an impact, which just gave the Spurs fans - so used to losing this fixture - more reason to cheer. Sir Alex Ferguson predicted a hostile reception for the old Tottenham favourite and the Spurs fans obliged with a stream of boos and jeers that began when Berbatov emerged for the warm-up and continued throughout the match.
With Arsenal and Liverpool failing to win earlier on, United had been presented with a perfect opportunity to stamp their presence on the title picture before heading to Japan.
See the highlight;
Current results;
Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal
Aston Villa 4 - 2 Bolton W.
Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull City
Manchester City 0 - 1 Everton
Stoke City 0 - 0 Fulham
Sunderland 4 - 0 West Bromwich
Wigan Athletic 3 - 0 Blackburn Rovers
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Manchester United
.......
Portsmouth ? - ? Newcastle United
Chelsea ? - ? West Ham United
premierleague.com
Tottenham pulled clear of the Premier League's relegation zone with a 2-0 win at London rivals West Ham on Monday.
A header from captain Ledley King midway through the second half and a last-minute 25-yard strike from substitute Jamie O'Hara settled a disappointing derby and lifted Harry Redknapp's revitalised side three points clear of the bottom three, leapfrogging both Newcastle and West Ham in the process. Tottenham were strengthened by the return of Luka Modric, who had been sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury. But the Croatia midfielder's rustiness saw a golden opportunity go begging within two minutes, after Aaron Lennon got clear of Lucas Neill to break into the Hammmers box. Lennon's cross found David Bentley, who teed up Modric, but the playmaker's tame shot never threatened to beat West Ham's on-form goalkeeper Robert Green.
West Ham had the better of the early exchanges with Craig Bellamy looking lively, and the home side thought they had taken the lead after 22 minutes when Jermaine Jenas inadvertently knocked the Welsh forward's corner past Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes. The goal was disallowed, however, as the referee had spotted a push from Neill on Jenas. Despite West Ham's dominance, it was Tottenham who came closest to breaking the deadlock with two near misses just before the interval. First, Bentley caught a Neill clearance sweetly on the half-volley to force Green into the kind of save that will do his England prospects no harm whatsover. Then, with Spurs sensing a breakthrough, a low cross from Lennon evaded the Hammers' back four. Roman Pavlyuchenko managed to reach it at the far post but, at full stretch, the Russian striker could only divert the ball against the upright.
Pavlyuchenko made way for Darren Bent ten minutes into the second half, and the substitute should have put Spurs ahead at the end of a slick move involving Modric, Jenas and Lennon but screwed his shot wide after going past James Collins in the box. Didier Zokora then saw his strike blocked as Tottenham began to turn the screw, and the pressure paid off in the 68th minute.
Lennon's cross was perfectly measured, and King outjumped the Hammers back four to send a header beyond Green. That appeared to have settled the contest, but the visitors were able to add to their score as their hosts pressed frantically for an equalizer right at the end.
Having survived a goalmouth scramble at the other end, Spurs broke straight down the pitch and O'Hara unleashed a memorable strike to put the contest beyond doubt. fifa
Full results;
Fulham 1 - 1 Manchester City
Arsenal 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Blackburn 1 - 3 Liverpool
Bolton 0 - 2 Chelsea
Hull City 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
Newcastle United 2 - 2 Stoke City
Manchester United 1 - 0 Sunderland
.......
West Bromwich 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Everton 2 - 3 Aston Villa
.......
West Ham 0 - 2 Tottenham
West Bromvich 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Peter Crouch's second-half equaliser denied West Bromwich Albion their first win in nine matches and keeps Tony Mowbray's side rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.
The England striker smashed home his ninth goal of the campaign to earn a point for Portsmouth on the day owner Alexandre Gaydamak confirmed the south coast club was up for sale.
Jonathan Greening had given the Baggies a deserved half-time lead as Pompey looked to be suffering a hangover from their mid-week UEFA Cup defeat in Wolfsburg which confirmed their exit from the competition. The Baggies captain was an influential figure in the hole behind Ishmael Miller. But, as against Wigan Athletic last weekend, Albion failed to make their superiority count and an improved showing after the break from the visitors earned a deserved share of the spoils.
Albion are a point adrift of Blackburn Rovers at the foot of the table, and to make matters worse striker Miller was carried off late in the second half with a serious-looking leg injury after an accidental clash with Portsmouth 'keeper David James.
See the highlight;
Everton 2 - 3 Aston Villa
Ashley Young's winner deep into injury time took Aston Villa back into fifth place in the Barclays Premier League.Steve Sidwell had given Villa the lead after just 31 seconds, only for Joleon Lescott to put Everton level by the break. Phil Jagielka's shocking backpass gave Young the chance to put Villa ahead again, before Lescott's injury time equaliser looked to have given Everton a point.
But 60 seconds later, Young broke clear to guide home the winner and leave Everton shattered. With Ayegbeni Yakubu, Louis Saha and James Vaughan all out injured, Everton manager David Moyes predictably opted for youngster Victor Anichebe up front, the only change from the starting line-up in last weekend's win at Tottenham Hotspur.
But Moyes was forced into naming three more youngsters on the bench, such is the limitations in his squad. Lukas Jutkiewicz, Dan Gosling and John Paul Kissock coming in, with veteran Andy van der Meyde also getting a rare place on the bench.
Current results;
Fulham 1 - 1 Manchester City
Arsenal 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Blackburn 1 - 3 Liverpool
Bolton 0 - 2 Chelsea
Hull City 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
Newcastle United 2 - 2 Stoke City
Manchester United 1 - 0 Sunderland
.......
West Bromwich 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Everton 2 - 3 Aston Villa
.......
West Ham ? - ? Tottenham
Fulham 1 - 0 Man City
Jimmy Bullard scored his first league goal of the season to earn Fulham a point at home to Manchester City and extend their unbeaten run to five matches.
With England manager Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Bullard smashed home in the 27th minute to cancel out Benjani Mwaruwari's early header. Midfielder Clint Dempsey and striker Bobby Zamora both missed good chances to seal a win for Fulham, although goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved well from City's Pablo Zabaleta late on.
Arsenal 1 - 0 Wigan
Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed the winner against Wigan Athletic as Arsenal earned the battling victory they wanted to prove they are Barclays Premier League title contenders.
Adebayor, making his second start after returning from an ankle injury, struck in the 16th minute at the Emirates Stadium and was denied further goals by Chris Kirkland and the woodwork.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger saw Sam
ir Nasri limp off after a robust challenge from Wilson Palacios but could reflect on three points to build on last Sunday's win over Chelsea. How Arsenal would respond after defeating Luiz Felipe Scolari's men was seen as a true test of their title credentials, as the victory over Manchester United was followed up with defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Wigan were hardly in poor form either, after going unbeaten in their previous five league matches. In fact, their only defeat in the last month was against Wenger's youngsters in the Carling Cup.
Blackburn 1 - 3 Liverpool
Yossi Benayoun's superb solo effort helped to keep Liverpool on top of the Barclays Premier League at Ewood Park.
The Israel midfielder latched on to a fine ball over the top from Dirk Kuyt in the 79th minute. There was still work to be done but he skipped past Stephen Warnock before rifling a shot into the corner for his team's second. That effectively sealed an important victory for Liverpool after Xabi Alonso had opened the scoring 11 minutes earlier.
Roque Santa Cruz got a consolation goal in the 86th minute only for Steven Gerrard to have the last word in stoppage-time. Blackburn Rovers have now failed to win in 10 league matches yet there was little to choose between the sides in the first half, despite the vast difference in league positions.
Bolton 0 - 2 Chelsea
Nicolas Anelka struck the 99th goal of his Premier League career to help Chelsea to a place in the record books.
On his old Bolton Wanderers stamping ground 11 months after a £15m move, a diving header from Anelka gave the Blues an 11th consecutive away win in the league, with eight this season. Deco's sumptuous scissor-kick 12 minutes later sealed the victory as Chelsea eclipsed the mark set 48 years ago by Bill Nicholson's Tottenham Hotspur side.
With leaders Liverpool winning at Blackburn Rovers, the win keeps perfect-on-the-road Chelsea hot on the heels of the Merseyside club at the top of the table. Despite Chelsea's frightening away record coming into this match, and their dominance over Bolton as they have now won their last six at the Reebok Stadium without conceding a goal, the home side came into the match on a roll themselves with four wins in five matches.
Hull City 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
Hull City produced a dramatic late comeback to snatch victory over 10-man Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium.
Boro looked on course for their first Barclays Premier League win in four matches when Tuncay Sanli flicked his side ahead 11 minutes from time. Yet Hull responded immediately with Bernard Mendy's drive hitting a post and rebounding in off Ross Turnbull and Marlon King scoring a penalty after David Wheater was sent off. Wheater had brought down the dangerous Geovanni in the area and referee Steve Tanner had no hesitation in showing the red card.
Newcastle United 2 - 2 Stoke City
Even Michael Owen's return to goalscoring form could not bring Newcastle United a victory as former Magpie Abdoulaye Faye snatched a point for Stoke City.
Owen struck twice inside the opening 24 minutes to give his side the perfect platform at St James' Park. Mamady Sidibe pulled one back on the hour and Faye levelled in injury time as a late onslaught finally paid dividends in front of a largely devastated crowd of 47,422.
Manchester United 1 - 0 Sunderland
Nemanja Vidic broke Sunderland hearts with a last-gasp winner for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Three days after Roy Keane's shock exit as manager, it seemed the Black Cats would record a suitable epitaph for his time in charge as they mounted a brave rearguard action. With Marton Fulop and Dean Whitehead outstanding, Sunderland reached the final minute with their goal still intact.
But, as they have done so often, and as Sunderland have found to their cost before, United still came up with a killer blow. With virtually their final attack, Carrick went for goal. His long-range effort struck Carlos Edwards and smashed onto a post. Finally, Fulop was helpless and as the ball rolled across his penalty area, up stepped Vidic, who tapped into an empty net.
See the highlight;
Current results;
Fulham 1 - 1 Manchester City
Arsenal 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Blackburn 1 - 3 Liverpool
Bolton 0 - 2 Chelsea
Hull City 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
Newcastle United 2 - 2 Stoke City
Manchester United 1 - 0 Sunderland
.......
West Bromwich ? - ? Portsmouth
Everton ? - ? Aston Villa
.......
West Ham ? - ? Tottenham
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