Festive frolics – Premier League Round up 28/12/2008

29 December 08 by Tom Mallows

After the long journey to Japan and a bruising trip to Stoke, United’s players were probably grateful for the extra day they had to prepare for their clash with Middlesbrough. Many of them will have no doubt checked in on how their Premier League title rivals fared in another action packed day of festive football action.

League leaders Liverpool got things off to a flying start. In truth they could have been three or four up in the opening 20 minutes had it not been for some goalkeeping heroics by Shay Given – a player Newcastle must keep hold of if they want to ensure survival this season. Gerrard and Hyypia gave the Merseysiders a 2-1 lead at the break and in the second period they broke loose. Goals from Babel, Gerrard and Alonso giving Rafa Benitez’s side a convincing win. Newcastle 1 – 5 Liverpool.

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams had an unhappy return to his old club as his Portsmouth side went down 1-0 at the Emirates. William Gallas got the decisive goal nine minutes from time to move his side back into the top four and inflict a 4th straight defeat on Adams and Pompey. Arsenal 1 – 0 Portsmouth.

Chelsea’s bid to keep pace with Liverpool stalled as Fulham’s impressive home form continued. A Frank Lampard double cancelled out Clint Dempsey’s first half opener and it looked like that would be enough for Big Phil’s side until Dempsey popped up again in the 89th minute to rescue a point for the Cottagers. Fulham 2 – 2 Chelsea.

Man City came from two goals down to rescue a point against Blackburn. Benni McCarthy had given Sam Allardyce’s side the lead in first half stoppage time. Jason Roberts then appeared to have secured all three points for Rovers when he nodded home with just six minutes remaining. City hit back however through Daniel Sturridge and then, in the 94th minute, Robinho to steal a point. Blackburn 2 – 2 Man City.

Everton’s upturn in form continued with a comfortable win over Sunderland to ruin Ricky Sbragia’s first game as permanent Black Cats manager. Mikel Arteta opening the scoring with a superb swerving free kick after 10 minutes. The Spaniard doubled Everton’s lead 17 minutes later, his initial free kick was blocked by the Sunderland wall but he fired the rebound in low and a deflection helped see it past keeper Martin Fulop. The win was confirmed seven minutes from time when youngster Dan Gosling scored his first goal in only his second appearance for the Toffees. Everton 3 – 0 Sunderland.

Wigan made it two wins out of two over the festive period with a hard earned victory over Gary Megson’s Bolton. Egyptian Amir Zaki – who is linked with a move away from the JJB in January – coolly converted from the penalty spot after Andy O’Brien had fouled Henri Camara. Wigan’s fifth win in six moved them into seventh place in the Premier League table. In this form anyone thinking of a football bet could be tempted to back the Latics to steal a European place come the end of the season. Bolton 0 – 1 Wigan.

West Brom briefly lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a win over 10-man Tottenham. Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw red for a stamp on Gianni Zuiverloon after 34 minutes but for long periods it looked as though West Brom would not take advantage of their numerical superiority. They eventually broke the deadlock on 83 minutes when Roman Bednar struck for the second home game in succession. The win was confirmed in injury time through substitute Craig Beattie. West Brom 2 -0 Spurs.

West Ham’s mini revival continued but they had to come from behind to beat 10-man Stoke. Abdoulaye Faye gave the Potters the lead and it remained that way for nearly 50 minutes until the game turned on its head within a few seconds. Firstly Carlton Cole brought the Hammers level. Then, as Stoke were about to kick off, Ricardo Fuller appeared to hit out at his own captain Andy Griffin. The referee had no option but to show the red card to Fuller and leave the visitors up against it for the rest of the game. They looked to have held out until Diego Tristan deflected Carton Cole’s shot into the net with just two minutes to go. West Ham 2 – 1 Stoke City.