The Premier League weekend got underway in explosive fashion with a North London derby that will be particularly fondly remembered by Spurs fans. Elsewhere, big wins for Bolton and Stoke and three more points for Blackpool continued to show that (almost) anyone can beat (almost) anyone in the top flight.
Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal missed out on the chance to go top by throwing away all three points at home to local rivals Spurs. The Gunners were 2-0 up after Samir Nasri took advantage of hesitation by Heurelho Gomes and Marouane Chamakh was sharpest in the box for Andriy Arshavin’s low cross in the 27th minute. Gareth Bale got one back for Spurs after great work from sub Jermain Defoe and Rafael van der Vaart, and from then on it was all Spurs - at least in front of goal. Cesc Fabregas stupidly handled the Dutchman’s free kick and he clipped in the penalty to equalise. Van der Vaart’s free kick was glanced in by Younes Kaboul to complete the comeback.
Birmingham City 1-0 Chelsea
There was also an upset as Chelsea lost for the third time in four Premier League games. Sebastian Larsson’s cross from deep found Cameron Jerome, who nodded down to allow an unmarked Lee Bowyer to score what turned out to the the winner. Chelsea had a number of good chances but City goalkeeper Ben Foster put in an excellent performance, saving well several times from Didier Drogba in the first half. The Ivorian also hit the woodwork before the break. Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty for Roger Johnson’s challenge on Ramires, but it would have been a very harsh award.
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Unlike the Emirates, Bloomfield Road saw a 2-0 half time lead that secured three points for the home team. Luke Varney’s wonderful volley made it 1-0 after just three minutes, and Marlon Harewood’s scruffy second was celebrated in style but Marcus Hahnemann looked to have been fouled by Varney before the ball reached the former Villa and West Ham striker. Kevin Doyle’s late header proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
It’s never dull when either of these two are in action and it certainly wasn’t disappointing when both were: Bolton thumped Newcastle 5-1 at the Reebok. Former Trotter Kevin Nolan’s bizarre handball gave Bolton a penalty, which Kevin Davies rolled into the corner. It was 2-0 at half time thanks to Chung-Yong Lee’s opportunistic finish. Newcastle failed to clear after Matt Taylor hit the crossbar and will be disappointed to concede in those circumstances.
In-form Johan Elmander made it 3-0 after rounding the goalkeeper and Andy Carroll pulled one back for the Magpies, but it was Bolton who finished strongly. Elmander embarrassed Fabricio Coloccini to grab his second and the Argentine defender was sent off four minutes later for a shocking elbow on the Swedish striker. Davies was fouled in the box by Jose Enrique and made it five with his second penalty of the day. Bolton moved up into fourth.
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Patrice Evra attacked the far post to head in United’s first goal to send the home side in 1-0 up at half time. Antolin Alcaraz was dismissed in the second half thanks to a first half scything down of Gabriel Obertan and a ridiculous lunge on Darren Fletcher, and two minutes later a horrendous tackle on Rafael earned a red card for Hugo Rodallega. The Brazilian full back’s cross was met by Javier Hernandez for the second goal on an afternoon when another substitute, Wayne Rooney, returned to the field for United to a mixed reaction. In my mind’s eye I’ll picture those cheering him wearing yellow and green scarves over this season’s replica shirt.
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City
Stoke went to the Hawthorns and, like Bolton, were helped towards victory by two penalties. Scott Carson was adjudged to have fouled Kenwyne Jones and Matthew Etherington fired in the first spot kick. The second came late on when Simon Cox pushed over Dean Whitehead and Jon Walters put his penalty into the same corner. He got a second in the last minute, beating Carson at the second attempt to put the finishing touches on an impressive win for Stoke.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham went to Anfield without Scott Parker and it showed as Liverpool raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half. Without Steven Gerrard, Liverpool seemed to play that first 45 minutes with a little more freedom and they got their reward. Glen Johnson flashed in the opener and Danny Gabbidon’s handball gave Dirk Kuyt the chance to score from the spot, which he did comfortably. Maxi Rodriguez’s header put the result beyond doubt and Liverpool moved into the top half.
Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Aston Villa
A disappointing visit to Ewood Park for Aston Villa, who went down 2-0 in the sixth meeting of these two in 2010. Morten Gamst Pedersen got both goals, his first swinging in through a flapping Brad Friedel and his second turned in from another set piece that was badly defended. Villa hit the bar and might have had a penalty, but ultimately were punished for a poor performance.
Fulham 1-4 Manchester City
A thumping win at the Cottage saw City climb back up the table. Carlos Tevez bagged the first for Roberto Mancini’s side and Pablo Zabaleta’s rocket doubled their lead. Yaya Toure got the third, sliding the ball home after Tevez played him through on goal before half time. Zabaleta’s shot was dinked over Mark Schwarzer by Tevez for 4-0 but hopes of a clean sheet evaporated when Zoltan Gera’s effort deflected home to give Fulham a consolation.
Sunderland v Everton
Monday’s game sees Everton head to the Stadium of Light to take on a Sunderland side who impressed last weekend by taking Chelsea apart. The visitors were beaten by Arsenal in their previous Premier League fixture and are just one point above the relegation zone.
Top Five Players: Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur), William Gallas (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Johan Elmander (Bolton Wanderers), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
How about Spurs? Well fought and spirited win.