Premier League weekend round-up
21st April, 2008
The weekend’s Premier League results opened things up at the top and the bottom of the table. At the top, Manchester United could only manage a draw, which means Chelsea can go level on points with a victory this weekend. Meanwhile in the relegation scrap, three sides are within one point, doing their best to get out of the final relegation spot.
United had travelled to Blackburn knowing that points had to be taken from the game, and it did not look like they would after Santa Cruz’s 21st minute goal lead the way for almost 90 minutes. A late Tevez nod into the net saved an absolutely vital point which means Chelsea will not go top of the table should they win next weekend, thanks to United’s superior goal difference.
Arsenal breezed past Reading 2-0, to route the Royals firmly into the relegation battle. Goals from Adebayor and Silva in the first half were enough for a clearly more relaxed Arsenal side. Joining them in the relegation-threatened group (assuming Fulham and Derby are already relegated) are Birmingham, who were comprehensively beaten in the Midlands derby 5-1. Two goals each from Young and Carew, and one from Agbonlahor piled on the pressure on Alex McLeish. A consolation foal from Forssell meant little to the side favourites to join the Championship next year with Fulham and Derby.
Bolton secured a vital three points with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, which lifted them out and one point clear of the relegation zone. McCann got the only goal of the game which has left Bolton and Reading on 32 points, and Birmingham on 31.
Elsewhere Man City beat Portsmouth 3-1 with goals from Vassell, Petrov and Benjani easing the pressure on Erikksson, whilst Utaka’s goal for Porstmouth meant little after 90 minutes. Owen bagged all the goals against Sunderland in a 2-0 victory in his return to form. Liverpool stamped their authority and piled on the misery at Fulham in a 2-0 win, goals from Pennant and Crouch effectively booking their place in the Champions League next season. West Ham eventually ran out 2-1 winners at Derby, Mears’ goal cancelling out Zamora’s opener, and Cole sealing three points for the Hammers. Derby now look set to set a new low points record this season.
By Chris M
