Premier League round-up 8/9 February

8 February 09 by Christopher Hurley

United continued their great run of form with another three points at West Ham to regain top spot from in what Ferguson expects to be a real title race.

Liverpool briefly took top spot in the table by beating Portsmouth 3 – 2 at Fratton Park thanks to late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Liverpool looked to be sinking to their second defeat of the season, and possibly out of the title race at 2 – 1 down with just 10 minutes to go but Torres’ last gasp winner keeps them within touching distance of the Champions who still have a game in hand. Portsmouth 2 – 3 Liverpool.

Chelsea continued their run of poor form with a scoreless draw at home to Hull City. As expected, Hull started the game with defence in mind and Chelsea dominated proceedings. Once again however, Chelsea’s attack faltered and struggled to create much. Hull had a great chance to nick the game in the second half but Dean Marney was unable to take advantage of the time he was afford in the Chelsea area. Chelsea 0 – 0 Hull.

Arsenal were up against it on their trip to North London rivals Tottenham after losing Emmanuel Adebayor to injury and Emmanuel Eboue to a red card inside the first 40 minutes of the match – and both within the space of a minute. The Gunners dug deep to hang on a take a point which leaves them fifth in the table – 12 points adrift of the leaders having played a game more. Tottenham 0 – 0 Arsenal.

Aston Villa don’t seem happy being part of the “big four” and pushed their way into the top three thanks to an impressive 2 – 0 victory away to Blackburn. Sam Allardyce was still unbeaten as Rovers’ boss prior to kick off but that record was never going to last for long and Villa should probably have handed the new boss his first hammering let alone his first defeat. Milner and Agbonlahor grabbed the goals for Villa whilst new signing Emile Heskey had a goal ruled out and could have scored a few more to boot. Blackburn 0 – 2 Aston Villa.

Newcastle picked up a vital win in the absence of sick manager Joe Kinnear away to West Brom. Duff, Lovenkrands and Taylor all scoring in the first half to see off the Baggies. Duff put the visitors ahead in the second minute before Marc-Antoine Fortune levelled the match 2 minutes later. Lovenkrands gave Newcastle the lead once more just 10 minutes in and Taylor extended the lead just before the break. West Brom pulled one back though Fortune’s second of the game but a comeback never materialised leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table. West Brom 2 – 3 Newcastle.

Both Wigan and Fulham stayed in the top half of the Premier League table after playing out a goalless draw at the JJB. Wigan were hampered with injury problems and were forced to make all three substitutions in the first half. Neither team did enough to warrant a win. Wigan 0 – 0 Fulham.

Everton took the three points when Bolton visited Goodison Park and were good for their 3 – 0 win. New loan signing Jo scored twice, once from the spot and Arteta also scored from the spot to give the three points to the home team. Everton 3 – 0 Bolton.

Sunderland took a big three points from fellow relegation battlers Stoke in what could prove crucial come the end of the campaign. Sunderland left it late but goals from Kenwyne Jones and David Healy sealed the win after Matthew Etherington saw red in the 65th minute after kicking Danny Collins. Sunderland 2 – 0 Stoke.

Middlesbrough continued their terrible form; this time away to City. New boy Craig Bellamy got the only goal of the game after 50 minutes to leave Southgate’s side second from bottom on goal difference only. Manchester City 1 – 0 Middlesbrough.