Premier League round-up 28/2-1/3

2 March 09 by Tom Mallows

Two down, three to go!

While United were busy adding another trophy to their ever burgeoning trophy cabinet their Premier League title ambitions were helped by results elsewhere over the weekend.

Liverpool slipped to just their second defeat of the season but are now seven points behind United having played a game more. Xavi Alonso put the ball in his own net for the opener. Tuncay then converted to seal Middlesbrough’s first league win since November. Middlesbrough 2-0 Liverpool.

Chelsea were made to work hard for their win over Wigan at Stamford Bridge. Captain John Terry put Guus Hiddink’s side ahead with a spectacular scissor kick only for Oliver Kapo to slide in an equaliser. The game looked to be heading for a draw until Frank Lampard rose highest to head home deep in injury time. Chelsea 2-1 Wigan.

Arsenal were left frustrated again as they were held to a fourth consecutive goalless draw, this time against Fulham. Robin Van Persie had the best chance for the Gunners but Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. They are now six points behind fourth placed Aston Villa in the race for that final Champions League place. Arsenal 0-0 Fulham.

Villa could have opened up an eight point gap on the Gunners and looked set to do so when Petrov and Carew put them 2-0 up against Stoke with just 14 minutes to go. But an 88th minute Ryan Shawcross header gave the Potters hope before Glenn Whelan stunned Villa Park with a 90th minute equaliser. Aston Villa 2-2 Stoke.

Everton kept up with Villa and Arsenal in the race for fourth with a win over rock bottom West Brom. Tim Cahill was left unmarked at a free kick to head the Toffees in front in the first half. Louis Saha then doubled the lead with a sublime turn and finish on the edge of the area. Everton 2-0 West Brom.

Bolton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a narrow win over fellow strugglers Newcastle. Substitute Ricardo Gardner grabbed the goal a minute in the second half but the Trotters had to survive late spell of Newcastle pressure before they could claim the points. Bolton 1-0 Newcastle.

Blackburn moved out of the relegation zone with a win over Hull, who appear to be in freefall. Two goals in as many minutes from Stephen Warnock and Keith Andrews put Rovers in control. Dean Marney and Morten Gamst Pedersen then saw red before Ian Ashbee’s half volley set up a tense finish. Blackburn held on though for a vital win. Hull 1-2 Blackburn.

West Ham moved up to seventh with a win over Man City whose poor form away from Eastlands continued. The game looked to be heading for a draw before youngster Jack Collison headed home with 19 minutes to go to give the Hammers all three points. West Ham 1-0 Man City