Premier League round-up 14-15 March

16 March 09 by Tom Mallows

The least said about Saturday’s result the better, so here is a review of the weekend’s other games in the Premier League:

Chelsea kept pace with United and Liverpool at the top with a narrow but ultimately comfortable 1-0 over Man City at Stamford Bridge. Michael Essien, on his return after six months out injured, scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute. They could have had more against a tired looking City side, whose poor away form continued, but in the end one was enough. Chelsea 1-0 Man City.

Arsenal finally found goal scoring form with a four goal rout against struggling Blackburn. Rovers defender Andrei Ooijer put the ball in his own net for the opener before Andriy Arshavin danced his way through the Blackburn defence for the second. Two late strikes from Emmanuel Eboue finished the game off and sent The Gunners back into the last Champions League spot. Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn.

Aston Villa’s faltering form continued as they slipped to a home defeat against Spurs. Jermaine Jenas gave the visitors an early lead before Villa dominated the rest of the half. It was Spurs though who would get the next goal when Darren Bent converted early in the second period. John Carew headed Villa back into the game with five minutes left but Harry Redknapp’s men held on for the win. Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs.

Everton moved to within four points of fourth place with a 3-1 win over Stoke. Brazilian striker Jo grabbed his third goal for the Blues after 18 minutes and defender Joleon Lescott doubled the lead five minutes later. Stoke got back into the game after the break when Ryan Shawcross rose unmarked from a corner to head past Howard. The Potters continued to press before Marouane Fellaini’s deflected effort made the points safe for the Toffees. Everton 3-1 Stoke.

Fulham had only scored three goals away from home all season but they got three in one game against Bolton at the Reebok. Andy O’Brien’s error gifted Andy Johnson the opener though Kevin Davies levelled things up in first half stoppage time. But second half goals from Simon Davies and Diomansy Kamara sealed the points for Roy Hodgson’s men. Bolton 1-3 Fulham.

In a relegation six pointer at the KC Stadium Hull and Newcastle had to make do with a point a piece which does neither side’s safety ambitions much good. Giovanni gave City the lead after just nine minutes but Magpies centre back Steven Taylor converted Nicky Butt’s cross seven minutes before half time to level things up. Obafemi Martins and Jonas Gutierrez both missed chances for Newcastle in the second half but in the end both sides had to settle for a point. Hull 1-1 Newcastle.

Another relegation clash, this time at the Riverside, also finished one a piece between Middlesbrough and Portsmouth. Peter Crouch volleyed Pompey in front in the first half as Middlesbrough’s poor form looked set to continue. But Marlon King’s injury time header rescued a point for Gareth Southgate’s men, though both sides remain in the relegation zone. Middlesbrough 1-1 Portsmouth.

Wigan’s excellent season continued with an impressive away win at Sunderland. Ben Watson put the Latics in front with his first goal for the club after just 12 minutes. Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made several good saves before Grant Leadbitter finally brought The Black Cats on level terms. However Wigan hit back when Charles N’Zogbia scored his first Latics goal, and what proved to be the winner, just before half time. Sunderland 1-2 Wigan.