Chelsea’s Poor Form Continues As Arsenal Top The Premier League
Chelsea’s poor form in the Premier League continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against a determined Everton side. Captain John Terry returned to the side after injury, but he could not inspire the team to a much needed victory. Didier Drogba scored a penalty for Chelsea after Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard had fouled Nicolas Anelka, many of the home fans believing he should have been sent off. Everton fought back in the second half and Jermaine Beckford headed an equaliser four minutes from time, Chelsea have now only won one of their last six league games.
With Manchester United’ s game at Blackpool postponed due to a frozen pitch, Arsenal took full advantage and moved to the top of the Premier League with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Fulham, the game was turned by two great goals from Samir Nasri, while Arsenal were again guilty of over elaboration and wastefulness in front of goal,.
After a tense week at Manchester City, things looked more harmonious on the pitch as they beat Bolton 1-0, with Carlos Tevez scoring the goal after just four minutes. City could and probably should have scored more goals. The game wasn’t without drama as Aleksandar Kolarov was sent off for the home side and when Tevez was substituted towards the end of the game he confronted manager Roberto Mancini on the touchline.
Birmingham are a formidable side at home, but Tottenham will feel they wasted a golden opportunity after conceding a late goal, as they drew 1-1. Gareth Bale was again in outstanding form and he set up Sebastien Bassong to give Spurs a 1-0 lead, only for Craig Gardner to equaliser for Birmingham in the 82nd minute.
An entertaining game at Wigan saw them draw 2-2 with Stoke, with all the goals in the first half, as the home side bounced back twice after falling behind to the visitors.
Blackburn, who had lost 7-1 at Manchester United last week, put their nightmare behind them as they beat Wolves 3-0, although the score line was probably flattering to the home side, who’s goalkeeper Paul Robison produced some fine saves to prevent Wolves from scoring.
West Bromwich Albion continued their fine form with a 3-1 home of Newcastle, who have subsequently sacked their manager Chris Houghton, the directors feel that the club needs a manager with more experience. Houghton had successfully led the club back to the Premier League and they are currently 11th in the table.
Sunderland ended West Ham United’s mini revival, with a 1-0 victory, which sees them re-take the unenviable 20th place in the league table. West Ham’s performance was encouraging as both teams had enough chances to win the match.
Gérard Houllier’s return to Anfield on Monday ended in disappointment as his Aston Villa side slumped to a 3-0 defeat. Liverpool without Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres, were never troubled by Villa, although Houllier was given a warm welcome back by the Liverpool faithful, after his managerial departure in 2004.