With only three weeks left in this year's Premier League, the dartboard and cameras headed to the Echo Arena in Liverpool. In week four Jenkins beat Webster 8-4, there was a sense of deja vu yesterday but Webster will be relieved that it wasn't 8-1 for the fourth week running. The first six legs did actually go with throw with the highlight being a 100 checkout from Jenkins in the fourth leg. But for some reason Webster didn't come out after the break, allowing Jenkins to get that crucial first break of throw went onto take a 7-2. Webster did win the tenth leg but Jenkins won the match 8-4 again.
Anderson and Taylor should have drawn their match in week four but Taylor just about prevailed 8-6. Yesterday though, Anderson didn't turn up and soon found himself 4-0 behind. The Scot did manage to play some decent darts as he managed a 105 checkout in the ninth leg which made him go onto win the tenth leg to make it 7-3. But Taylor was in that ominous position and won the match 8-3.
In week four, Van Barneveld thrashed Wade 8-2 but since then Wade has propelled himself up the table and this game witnessed the third draw of the league. After the first two legs went against throw, the following five then went with throw. Barney had the highlight with a 124 checkout in the fifth leg before going onto lead 4-3. the Dutchman extended his lead to 5-3 with a 121 checkout before Wade retaliated with a 125 in the ninth, that pushed Wade into winning the tenth to level the match at 5-5. The final four legs again all went with throw but wade secured the draw with a 138 checkout in the final leg.
Again in week four Lewis also thrashed Whitlock 8-6 but yesterday saw a much more crucial game between the two. Lewis took out a quick ton with two double tops before Whitlock retaliated with two 25s and a double top ninety checkout. But Lewis managed to pull away to 4-2 at the break. Whitlock came out quickest after the break and managed to level it at 4-4 before Lewis managed to win the match 8-6 with a 106 checkout in the thirteenth leg.
Taylor has been through to the semis for a while now and has extended his lead on 22 points. Anderson may have lost but, due to Van Barneveld's draw, the Scot is now also through to the semis on sixteen points with Barney two behind on fourteen. Lewis and Wade are locked together on eleven points with Whitlock on ten in the battle for fourth place. Jenkins has got himself closer to the pack on eight with Webster languishing and now guaranteed the wooden spoon on four points.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Deja Vu Wednesday
Like on Tuesday, yesterday saw a Champions League semi-final first leg and a rescheduled Premiership match. But both games had the same results as Tuesday's matches. Man United beat Schalke 2-0 away from home on Tuesday and yesterday it was Barcelona's turn at the Bernabeu in the latest El Classico.
Fireworks had began before the match had even kicked off with Mourinho playing mind games and unusually Pep Guardiola took the bait and ended swearing in his television interview. Unfortunately the game was much like the press conferences, two teams making snide remarks, although this resulted into a half-time bust up with Arbeloa upsetting Barca's sub keeper Jose Pinto who reacted and was sent off. However Real Madrid were then down to ten men just after the hour when Pepe went in high and with studs showing on Alves. Whether referee Wolfgang Stark was going to send him off before the Barca players surrounded is unknown but Pepe was shown red, Mourinho followed after showing his disgust to the decision. The deadlock was broken on 76 minutes with Messi tapping in a low cross from sub Afellay. Messi then finished off the match and possibly the tie with another spectacular solo goal three minutes from time.
Tuesday saw Stoke beat 3-0 at home, yesterday saw Fulham beat Bolton 3-0 at Craven Cottage. It's quite telling that in the last two games Sturridge has been missing, Bolton have lost 8-0 on aggregate. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead after fifteen minutes before doubling Fulham's lead three minutes into the second half. Brede Hangeland finished it off after 65 minutes to see Fulham move up to ninth, Bolton are four points ahead in eighth.
Fireworks had began before the match had even kicked off with Mourinho playing mind games and unusually Pep Guardiola took the bait and ended swearing in his television interview. Unfortunately the game was much like the press conferences, two teams making snide remarks, although this resulted into a half-time bust up with Arbeloa upsetting Barca's sub keeper Jose Pinto who reacted and was sent off. However Real Madrid were then down to ten men just after the hour when Pepe went in high and with studs showing on Alves. Whether referee Wolfgang Stark was going to send him off before the Barca players surrounded is unknown but Pepe was shown red, Mourinho followed after showing his disgust to the decision. The deadlock was broken on 76 minutes with Messi tapping in a low cross from sub Afellay. Messi then finished off the match and possibly the tie with another spectacular solo goal three minutes from time.
Tuesday saw Stoke beat 3-0 at home, yesterday saw Fulham beat Bolton 3-0 at Craven Cottage. It's quite telling that in the last two games Sturridge has been missing, Bolton have lost 8-0 on aggregate. Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead after fifteen minutes before doubling Fulham's lead three minutes into the second half. Brede Hangeland finished it off after 65 minutes to see Fulham move up to ninth, Bolton are four points ahead in eighth.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Champions Win For United, Costly Win For Stoke
The Champions League semi-finals kicked-off yesterday with Schalke entertaining Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen. There were a few omens surrounding the game with United not having a great record against German sides and Rooney was famously sent off there in 2006, with a certain winking Ronaldo causing riots. But, surprisingly, the match turned out to be one of the most one-sided semi-finals ever. For sixty-six minutes, though, it was United versus Manuel Neuer who impressed throughout the game and boosted is already growing reputation of being one of the best up and coming keepers. In the first half United had countless chances with Rooney, Hernandez, Giggs and Fabio all missing great chances, mostly due to some fantastic saves by Neuer. But Schalke's surprising invisibility throughout the match made it far too easy for United and the English side finally broke Neuer's resistance after 67 minutes; Giggs scoring after being put through by Rooney, the Welshman became the oldest goalscorer in the Champions League and is still impressing at the age of 37. After waiting for one, two came at once with Rooney making it 2-0 two minutes later after being put through by Hernandez. Neuer has hinted at a move to Bayern Munich which would halt Fergie's attempts of buying him, but the good news is Van Der Sar may end up staying one more year despite announcing that he would retire at the end of the season.
Back in England there was also Premiership action as Stoke hosted Wolves in their game that would have took place the weekend before last except for Stoke's FA Cup semi-final win over Bolton. The momentum looks to have carried forward as Stoke seemed comfortable against the struggling Wolves; the opener came after just sixteen minute through Kenwyne Jones. Then Wolves were hit with a sucker punch with Shawcross making it 2-0 just before half-time, making Mick McCarthy's team-talk that much harder. The job was completed six minutes into the second half with Jermaine Pennant scoring the third, the bad news for Stoke though is that Matthew Etherington had to be substituted with a hamstring problem and looks like he'll miss the FA Cup final. Wolves remain nineteenth but still only a point from safety, Stoke have moved into ninth and looking to cement a top-half finish.
Back in England there was also Premiership action as Stoke hosted Wolves in their game that would have took place the weekend before last except for Stoke's FA Cup semi-final win over Bolton. The momentum looks to have carried forward as Stoke seemed comfortable against the struggling Wolves; the opener came after just sixteen minute through Kenwyne Jones. Then Wolves were hit with a sucker punch with Shawcross making it 2-0 just before half-time, making Mick McCarthy's team-talk that much harder. The job was completed six minutes into the second half with Jermaine Pennant scoring the third, the bad news for Stoke though is that Matthew Etherington had to be substituted with a hamstring problem and looks like he'll miss the FA Cup final. Wolves remain nineteenth but still only a point from safety, Stoke have moved into ninth and looking to cement a top-half finish.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Arsenal Out Of Title Race, City In Champions League
With eight games taking place on Saturday, Easter Sunday and Monday only witnessed one game apiece, although both games were crucial in different aspects. Super Sunday saw Bolton host Arsenal in a game Arsenal had to win to keep up with United and Chelsea who both won on Saturday, Bolton needed to bounce back after their crushing FA Cup semi-final defeat. The big influence for Bolton was the return of cup-tied Daniel Sturridge and it was he who broke the deadlock after 38 minutes. Arsenal failed to deal with a corner, Cahill headed it towards goal but Nasri stopped it from going in until Sturridge dived in to head home.
Sturridge then earned Bolton a penalty in the opening minute of the second half when he was brought after turning Djourou, Davies took it but it was weak and Szczesny was able to save it. Two minutes later Arsenal were level with a typical Arsenal goal which ended in Van Perise playing a one-two with Fabregas before placing it into the bottom corner. Arsenal had numerous chances to take the lead but were guilty of over-playing or lack of finishing, Nasri had the best chance but was saved by Jaaskelainen one-on-one before Cahill blocked the following acute angled shot. The winner was scored one minute from injury time when another corner found Tamir Cohen heading into the net, it was an emotional goal as Cohen's father had recently passed and he took his shirt off in dedication, but due to the stupidity of the FA Cohen then received a yellow card. Arsenal are now nine points behind United with four games remaining, the two meet next Sunday and if Arsenal lose they are mathematically out of the title race but are also now three points behind Chelsea. Bolton move to eighth and have a game in hand over Everton who are just a point ahead.
Monday Night Football was also staged in Lancashire as Blackburn played Manchester City. After Torres broke his Chelsea duck on Saturday, it was the turn of £27Million Edin Dzeko to break his Premiership duck scoring the only goal after 75 minutes. City are closer to clinching that Champions League spot as they are now four points ahead of Tottenham but they still have to meet in each other's game in hand, more worryingly for Arsenal is that City are only five points behind them with that all important game in hand.
Sturridge then earned Bolton a penalty in the opening minute of the second half when he was brought after turning Djourou, Davies took it but it was weak and Szczesny was able to save it. Two minutes later Arsenal were level with a typical Arsenal goal which ended in Van Perise playing a one-two with Fabregas before placing it into the bottom corner. Arsenal had numerous chances to take the lead but were guilty of over-playing or lack of finishing, Nasri had the best chance but was saved by Jaaskelainen one-on-one before Cahill blocked the following acute angled shot. The winner was scored one minute from injury time when another corner found Tamir Cohen heading into the net, it was an emotional goal as Cohen's father had recently passed and he took his shirt off in dedication, but due to the stupidity of the FA Cohen then received a yellow card. Arsenal are now nine points behind United with four games remaining, the two meet next Sunday and if Arsenal lose they are mathematically out of the title race but are also now three points behind Chelsea. Bolton move to eighth and have a game in hand over Everton who are just a point ahead.
Monday Night Football was also staged in Lancashire as Blackburn played Manchester City. After Torres broke his Chelsea duck on Saturday, it was the turn of £27Million Edin Dzeko to break his Premiership duck scoring the only goal after 75 minutes. City are closer to clinching that Champions League spot as they are now four points ahead of Tottenham but they still have to meet in each other's game in hand, more worryingly for Arsenal is that City are only five points behind them with that all important game in hand.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Barclay's Premiership: 23/4/11
The Premiership boasted eight games on yesterday's Easter Saturday. The lunch-time kick-off saw Manchester United host the in form Everton, however United hadn't gone three games without a goal since the end of the 06/07 season. It was all United throughout but they just couldn't find that killer pass and when they did Tim Howard was there to produce some great saves. Throughout the match Everton only really forced Van Der Sar into one major save from a deflected Rodwell shot, however they arguably could have had a penalty in the 71st minute when half-time substitute Anichebe went down under a Ferdinand challenge but the ball had already trickled to Van Der Sar. The only goal of the game came seven minutes from time when Valencia charged down a slow Distin clearance, the ball fell to Anderson who played it back out wide to Valencia, the Ecuadorian played a cross to the back post where Hernandez was waiting to score his nineteenth goal of his debut season. This meant United opened the gap to nine points with Chlesea playing in the evening and Arsenal playing today.
Tottenham missed the chance to overtake Man City in fourth place with City not playing till Monday. They were at home to West Brom and Roy Hodgson's side took the lead after five minutes through Peter Odemwingie. Pavlyuchenko equalised for Spurs after 27 minutes and Defoe made it 2-1 after 66. But West Brom earned themselves a point when substitute Simon Cox equalised nine minutes from time. Tottenham do close the gap to just one point on City whereas West Brom are twelfth but have now hit the 'magic' forty point mark.
Aston Villa drop to eleventh on goal difference with a draw at home to Stoke. Gary McAllister took charge of Villa with manager Houllier in hospital after suffering more heart problems. Stoke had no sympathy however and took the lead through Kenwyne Jones after twenty minutes. Darren Bent equalised for Villa two minutes before half-time to seal a draw that sees Stoke in fourteenth, just two points behind Villa who are on 41.
There was also a 1-1 draw at Molineux where Wolves played Fulham. Steven Flecther gave Wolves the lead after 22 minutes but Fulham equalised through Andy Johnson ten minutes from time. Wolves move up to 33 points but have a game in hand over Blackpool who sit seventeenth and just a point ahead. Fulham move level with Stoke on 39 points.
1-1 was the average scoreline as Bloomfield Road also witnessed this draw. Visitors Newcastle took the lead after seventeen minutes with Peter Lovenkrands breaking the deadlock. DJ Campbell equalised for Blackpool after 32 minutes to seal a draw which lifts them out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Newcastle are ninth on goal difference with 41 points.
Half-time at the Stadium of Light saw Sunderland and Wigan goalless, no-one would have believed you if you'd have said there would be six goals in the second half. Well that's what happened with Wigan breaking the deadlock seven minutes after the restart through Diame. Gyan equalised three minutes later but had to go off soon after with a hamstring injury. Despite playing without any strikers, Sunderland took the lead with Jordan Henderson proving why people are scouting him after 66 minutes. Sessegnon then made it 3-1 after 73 minutes after he was bundled over by Alcaraz before converting the following spot-kick. Henderson made it 4-1 with his second four minutes later. Wigan pulled one back with a collector's item, Franco Di Santo scored only his second goal in 66 games in injury time (plus he's supposed to be a striker!). The win sees Sunderland move up to tenth on goal difference while Wigan slip back into the relegation zone on goal difference.
The thrashing of the day came at Anfield where Liverpool hosted Birmingham. Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool ahead after just seven minutes before Kuyt added a second after 23 minutes. However Birmingham were hit by a bigger blow when Foster had to come off six minutes before half-time Colin Doyle replaced him and didn't cover himself in any glory. Liverpool went three up with Rodriguez getting his second after 66 minutes, the Argentine then scored his hat-trick seven minutes later after Doyle spilt the initial shot. The rout was wrapped up by Joe Cole four minutes from the end although Doyle should have saved it at his near post. Liverpool edge to within four of Man City who have two games in hand, Birmingham edge closer to the relegation zone in fifteenth but only four points from safety.
The evening kick-off saw Chelsea take on West Ham at Stamford Bridge where the rain started making the pitch a bit water logged. West Ham had some great chances but didn't take them which allowed Chelsea to make a scoreline that flattered them somewhat. Lampard gave Chelsea the lead a minute before half-time after some poor defending. Chelsea have waited since January but finally Fernando Torres broke his duck coming off the bench, a run into the box was halted as the ball got stuck in the water but he was quickest to react, turning and smashing the ball past Rob Green six minutes from time. Chelsea made it 3-0 in injury time when a miss-placed Torres pass actually found the on-running Malouda who put the ball home. Chelsea close the gap on United to six whereas West Ham are still two points from safety at the bottom of the league.
Tottenham missed the chance to overtake Man City in fourth place with City not playing till Monday. They were at home to West Brom and Roy Hodgson's side took the lead after five minutes through Peter Odemwingie. Pavlyuchenko equalised for Spurs after 27 minutes and Defoe made it 2-1 after 66. But West Brom earned themselves a point when substitute Simon Cox equalised nine minutes from time. Tottenham do close the gap to just one point on City whereas West Brom are twelfth but have now hit the 'magic' forty point mark.
Aston Villa drop to eleventh on goal difference with a draw at home to Stoke. Gary McAllister took charge of Villa with manager Houllier in hospital after suffering more heart problems. Stoke had no sympathy however and took the lead through Kenwyne Jones after twenty minutes. Darren Bent equalised for Villa two minutes before half-time to seal a draw that sees Stoke in fourteenth, just two points behind Villa who are on 41.
There was also a 1-1 draw at Molineux where Wolves played Fulham. Steven Flecther gave Wolves the lead after 22 minutes but Fulham equalised through Andy Johnson ten minutes from time. Wolves move up to 33 points but have a game in hand over Blackpool who sit seventeenth and just a point ahead. Fulham move level with Stoke on 39 points.
1-1 was the average scoreline as Bloomfield Road also witnessed this draw. Visitors Newcastle took the lead after seventeen minutes with Peter Lovenkrands breaking the deadlock. DJ Campbell equalised for Blackpool after 32 minutes to seal a draw which lifts them out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Newcastle are ninth on goal difference with 41 points.
Half-time at the Stadium of Light saw Sunderland and Wigan goalless, no-one would have believed you if you'd have said there would be six goals in the second half. Well that's what happened with Wigan breaking the deadlock seven minutes after the restart through Diame. Gyan equalised three minutes later but had to go off soon after with a hamstring injury. Despite playing without any strikers, Sunderland took the lead with Jordan Henderson proving why people are scouting him after 66 minutes. Sessegnon then made it 3-1 after 73 minutes after he was bundled over by Alcaraz before converting the following spot-kick. Henderson made it 4-1 with his second four minutes later. Wigan pulled one back with a collector's item, Franco Di Santo scored only his second goal in 66 games in injury time (plus he's supposed to be a striker!). The win sees Sunderland move up to tenth on goal difference while Wigan slip back into the relegation zone on goal difference.
The thrashing of the day came at Anfield where Liverpool hosted Birmingham. Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool ahead after just seven minutes before Kuyt added a second after 23 minutes. However Birmingham were hit by a bigger blow when Foster had to come off six minutes before half-time Colin Doyle replaced him and didn't cover himself in any glory. Liverpool went three up with Rodriguez getting his second after 66 minutes, the Argentine then scored his hat-trick seven minutes later after Doyle spilt the initial shot. The rout was wrapped up by Joe Cole four minutes from the end although Doyle should have saved it at his near post. Liverpool edge to within four of Man City who have two games in hand, Birmingham edge closer to the relegation zone in fifteenth but only four points from safety.
The evening kick-off saw Chelsea take on West Ham at Stamford Bridge where the rain started making the pitch a bit water logged. West Ham had some great chances but didn't take them which allowed Chelsea to make a scoreline that flattered them somewhat. Lampard gave Chelsea the lead a minute before half-time after some poor defending. Chelsea have waited since January but finally Fernando Torres broke his duck coming off the bench, a run into the box was halted as the ball got stuck in the water but he was quickest to react, turning and smashing the ball past Rob Green six minutes from time. Chelsea made it 3-0 in injury time when a miss-placed Torres pass actually found the on-running Malouda who put the ball home. Chelsea close the gap on United to six whereas West Ham are still two points from safety at the bottom of the league.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Premier League Darts: Week Eleven
The eleventh week of Premier League Darts was hosted at the NIA in Birmingham. The fixtures were the rematches of the opening week and a lot has changed since then. Webster beat Wade 8-3 at the O2 but since then Wade has surged to sixth whereas Webster has been thrashed for the last six weeks. Again Webster unfortunately didn't turn up and the aggressive Wade made sure it was another thrashing. Wade kicked off with a 120 checkout followed by a 110, he then made it 6-0 with a 170 checkout. Webster avoided the whitewash with the seventh leg but Wade went onto win 8-1.
It was tight match between Jenkins and Van Barneveld at the O2 with Jenkins winning 8-6, but it was tighter at the NIA. After losing the first leg, Barney made it 3-1 before Jenkins took out a 105 in the seventh to make it 4-3. Jenkins then fought back to 5-5 until Barney took out a 106 to restore a one leg lead. But again Jenkins wasn't to be denied and managed to earn himself a draw, the second of the league and Jenkins has been involved in both of them.
The third match was a record breaker between Whitlock and Anderson, Anderson won 8-5 in the O2 and there was a sense of deja vu here. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, Whitlock soon found himself 4-3 behind. Anderson made it 5-3 with a 104 checkout but Whitlock won alternate legs until Anderson was the eventual 8-5 winner. Anderson managed eleven 180s which eclipses Barney's record of nine that he achieved against Colin Lloyd in a single match. Between the two players they managed a total of sixteen 180s which is also the highest in any single match.
Phil Taylor was 8-1 by the newly crowned World Champion, Adrian Lewis, at the O2 but yesterday saw Taylor not get full revenge but some retribution. Taylor stormed into a 3-0 lead with a 139 checkout in the second leg. Lewis tried to reply but found himself 6-2 down before Taylor checked out with a bulls-eye in the ninth to make it 7-2. Lewis managed to prolong the inevitable but only for Taylor to check-out 130 in the eleventh to win 8-3.
Taylor is already through but moves up to twenty points. Anderson is also pretty much there with sixteen points. Barney should be safe with thirteen but he still has to wary with Whitlock and Wade on ten and Lewis on nine. Jenkins manages to move further from the bottom with six points leaving Webster down on four.
It was tight match between Jenkins and Van Barneveld at the O2 with Jenkins winning 8-6, but it was tighter at the NIA. After losing the first leg, Barney made it 3-1 before Jenkins took out a 105 in the seventh to make it 4-3. Jenkins then fought back to 5-5 until Barney took out a 106 to restore a one leg lead. But again Jenkins wasn't to be denied and managed to earn himself a draw, the second of the league and Jenkins has been involved in both of them.
The third match was a record breaker between Whitlock and Anderson, Anderson won 8-5 in the O2 and there was a sense of deja vu here. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, Whitlock soon found himself 4-3 behind. Anderson made it 5-3 with a 104 checkout but Whitlock won alternate legs until Anderson was the eventual 8-5 winner. Anderson managed eleven 180s which eclipses Barney's record of nine that he achieved against Colin Lloyd in a single match. Between the two players they managed a total of sixteen 180s which is also the highest in any single match.
Phil Taylor was 8-1 by the newly crowned World Champion, Adrian Lewis, at the O2 but yesterday saw Taylor not get full revenge but some retribution. Taylor stormed into a 3-0 lead with a 139 checkout in the second leg. Lewis tried to reply but found himself 6-2 down before Taylor checked out with a bulls-eye in the ninth to make it 7-2. Lewis managed to prolong the inevitable but only for Taylor to check-out 130 in the eleventh to win 8-3.
Taylor is already through but moves up to twenty points. Anderson is also pretty much there with sixteen points. Barney should be safe with thirteen but he still has to wary with Whitlock and Wade on ten and Lewis on nine. Jenkins manages to move further from the bottom with six points leaving Webster down on four.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
United Stumble, Chelsea Level With Arsenal
There were three mid-week games this week with the top three teams all involved. Tuesday saw Manchester United travel to St. James' to face Newcastle in the fixture that was due to take place last weekend, but Manchester United were involved in the FA Cup semi-finals, which they lost. Questions were asked whether United would suffer an FA Cup hangover but the answer was almost a no within two minutes; Carrick finding a beautiful cross-field ball to the returning Rooney, Rooney then laid the ball across the box where Hernandez was waiting four yards out to tap it in, but Krul bravely saved Hernandez's shot and Newcastle escaped. From there Newcastle grew in confidence and were all over Man United but just couldn't find the breakthrough. The second half saw Man United start better but just couldn't break Newcastle down, the first bit of controversy came just before the hour mark when Lovenkrands went down in the box; he dribbled through two defenders before Anderson stuck out a leg, the ball moved as if Anderson had kicked it away but it was actually Lovenkrands before slight contact was made. Referee Kevin Friend said play on but Newcastle arguably had a case. The second bit of controversy came in injury time when Hernandez went down in the box after Danny Simpson left his leg out, this time there seemed to be less if any contact and Hernandez was booked for simulation. The game therefore finished goalless moving Newcastle to ninth on goal difference.
Wednesday's games were the reschedulements due to the League Cup final. Arsenal had a chance to close the gap on United away to Tottenham. It turned out to be a thriller with Arsenal breaking the deadlock after five minutes with Walcott scoring. However the lead lasted only two minutes when Van der Vaart equalised. Arsenal then re-took the lead after twelve minutes with Nasri getting the goal before Van Perise made it 3-1 five minutes before half-time. Earlier on this season Arsenal lead 2-0 at half-time before losing 3-2 and Huddlestone pulled a goal back just before half-time to make it 3-2 here. The sixth goal was a penalty when Szczesny brought down Lennon, Van Der Vaart stepped up and converted the penalty to make the final score 3-3. Tottenham are now just two points behind Manchester City.
The winners of the League Cup, Birmingham, headed to Stamford Bridge in a crucial match at both ends of the table. But it wasn't looking good for Birmingham as Chelsea took the lead within three minutes with Malouda getting the goal. Kalou made it 2-0 after 26 minutes before Malouda wrapped it up two minutes after the hour mark. Birmingham did get a consolation when Luiz brought Derbyshire down in the box after 76 minutes, Larsson converted it but the score finished 3-1. Birmingham stay fifteenth, five points ahead of relegation.
United's draw sees them now six points ahead of Arsenal but Chelsea are now second on goal difference after closing the gap. Harry Redknapp said Arsenal have no chance of winning the league now and many have already written off Chelsea but United's next five games reads as this: Everton (h), Schalke (a), Arsenal (a), Schalke (h), Chelsea (h). So the next two weeks are going to be extremely crucial in the league and for Manchester United's season.
Wednesday's games were the reschedulements due to the League Cup final. Arsenal had a chance to close the gap on United away to Tottenham. It turned out to be a thriller with Arsenal breaking the deadlock after five minutes with Walcott scoring. However the lead lasted only two minutes when Van der Vaart equalised. Arsenal then re-took the lead after twelve minutes with Nasri getting the goal before Van Perise made it 3-1 five minutes before half-time. Earlier on this season Arsenal lead 2-0 at half-time before losing 3-2 and Huddlestone pulled a goal back just before half-time to make it 3-2 here. The sixth goal was a penalty when Szczesny brought down Lennon, Van Der Vaart stepped up and converted the penalty to make the final score 3-3. Tottenham are now just two points behind Manchester City.
The winners of the League Cup, Birmingham, headed to Stamford Bridge in a crucial match at both ends of the table. But it wasn't looking good for Birmingham as Chelsea took the lead within three minutes with Malouda getting the goal. Kalou made it 2-0 after 26 minutes before Malouda wrapped it up two minutes after the hour mark. Birmingham did get a consolation when Luiz brought Derbyshire down in the box after 76 minutes, Larsson converted it but the score finished 3-1. Birmingham stay fifteenth, five points ahead of relegation.
United's draw sees them now six points ahead of Arsenal but Chelsea are now second on goal difference after closing the gap. Harry Redknapp said Arsenal have no chance of winning the league now and many have already written off Chelsea but United's next five games reads as this: Everton (h), Schalke (a), Arsenal (a), Schalke (h), Chelsea (h). So the next two weeks are going to be extremely crucial in the league and for Manchester United's season.
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