Premier League round-up 31/1 – 1/2/09

2 February 09 by Tom Mallows

While United were busy winning again and setting records in the process there were a number of other Premier League matches going on at the weekend…

Liverpool and Chelsea looked set to be heading for a goalless draw until the 89th minute when Fernando Torres nipped in to steal the points. The Spaniard confirmed the win with his second in the fourth minute of stoppage time while Frank Lampard saw red for the Blues on the hour for a high tackle on Alonso. Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea.

Arsenal again failed to make up ground on the top four with a frustrating goalless draw against in form West Ham. Despite having most of the possession they were unable to break down a stubborn Hammers defence who are now eight games unbeaten. Arsenal 0-0 West Ham.

Aston Villa missed out on the chance to go second after drawing at home to Wigan. It was the visitors, who have European ambitions of their own, who had the better of the play early on. But Villa came into it in the second half and bombarded the Wigan goal only to see last ditch tackles; goal-line clearances and the post deny them a crucial victory. Aston Villa 0-0 Wigan.

Bolton eventually came out on top against Spurs in a pulsating game at the Reebok. Goals from Sebastian Puygrenier and Kevin Davies put the Trotters 2-0 up but a quick fire Darren Bent brace got Spurs back on terms. Kevin Davies then pounced late on give Bolton all three points. Bolton 3-2 Spurs.

Fulham’s excellent home form continued with a comfortable win over struggling Portsmouth. Poor Pompey defending let in Andy Johnson for the opener after 14 minutes. Second half Substitute Erik Nevland grabbed two goals to seal the win before David Nugent headed home a consolation late on. Fulham 3-1 Portsmouth.

Hull and West Brom shared four goals in an entertaining game at the KC Stadium. The Tigers were twice in front through Bernard Mendy and Craig Fagan. But goals from Jay Simpson and Chris Brunt gave The Baggies a vital point. Hull 2-2 West Brom.

Middlesbrough and Blackburn are both struggling at the wrong end of the table and it showed as they played out a frustrating goalless draw. There were more bookings than chances, though Jason Roberts did force Boro keeper Brad Jones into two smart saves late on. Middlesbrough 0-0 Blackburn.

Stoke upset the football odds to grab a vital against a Man City side who again failed to perform on the road. Stoke were reduced to ten men in the first half when Rory Delap saw red for kicking out at Shaun Wright-Phillips. It didn’t seem to affect them though as they took the lead in first half stoppage time when new signing James Beattie headed home his second goal in as many games. City failed to get a shot on target as Stoke held on for a massive win. Stoke 1-0 Man City.

A tight and tense Tyne-Wear derby ended all square at St James’ Park. Djibril Cisse put the Black Cats in front in the first half. But the Magpies were awarded a controversial penalty after 69 minutes when Steven Taylor was clipped by Steed Malbranque. Shola Ameobi converted the spot kick to rescue a point for Joe Kinnear’s men but they stay embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle. Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland.