Epl round up
- Bob Brogan
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Epl round up
16 years 3 months ago
Man Utd 2-1 Blackburn
Ronaldo celebrates his winner over Blackburn
Manchester United moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought win over Blackburn.
Wayne Rooney lashed in a shot to put United ahead before a precise Roque Santa Cruz finish levelled matters.
Jonny Evans' header was controversially disallowed for the home side before Ryan Nelsen hit the post for Rovers.
Cristiano Ronaldo powered in a superb free-kick for United's winner, and Morten Gamst Pedersen was denied a penalty late on for the visitors.
The Norwegian winger looked to have been pulled back by Rafael Da Silva when he was clean through on goal and the decision not to award a spot-kick provoked a furious response from Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce.
But given Rovers are third from bottom and two points away from safety, Allardyce's side can be encouraged by their display, troubling a United side that has been sweeping aside all before them in recent weeks.
Blackburn also have the honour of becoming the first side to score against United since 8 November, 2008 when Sir Alex Ferguson's side were beaten by Arsenal.
With United playing Inter Milan on Tuesday, Edwin van der Sar and centre back Nemanja Vidic were left on the bench with Tomasz Kuszczak and Evans left to fill the key roles, a policy that almost backfired on the Scot as Blackburn threatened to steal a point.
Not that there appeared any likelihood of that in the early stages of the game.
Blackburn were sloppy in possession and their defence was creaking as Nelsen hooked a Ronaldo cross away at the far post with Rooney waiting to tap in.
Patrice Evra put a follow-up strike just wide as United patiently passed and probed in the knowledge a goal would come.
Sure enough it did when Nani curled in a low cross, and although the outstretched leg of Nelsen got a touch to the ball, it was not enough, and Rooney pounced to score from close range.
But Rovers regrouped and were soon level as United conceded only their 11th league goal this season.
Andre Ooijer stole the ball from Nani and slid a pass through to Santa Cruz, who rode a Rio Ferdinand challenge, rounded keeper Kuszczak and slotted in.
The goal gave Blackburn an injection of confidence and their closing down became sharper as United's play fell away.
Evans thought he had restored the home side's lead with a header from a dubiously awarded corner, only for his effort to be ruled out for a Ronaldo push on Nelsen.
The New Zealand defender was soon in the thick of the action again, though this time in the United box, as his first-time shot came back off the woodwork, with El-Hadji Diouf's effort from the rebound saved by Kuszczak.
Ronaldo punished the visitors for the miss when he angled in a free-kick from just outside the left edge of the area with a stunning strike.
The Portuguese had earlier been booked for diving and might not have been on pitch had he also been carded for kicking out at David Dunn.
Blackburn will also feel aggrieved that they did not get a penalty when Pedersen went down in the closing stages.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce:
(On the penalty decision) "I think he's pulled him, got his arm on his shoulder.
"It's not so, so blatant but he's through on goal and it's put him off balance and it's not given but I wasn't surprised.
"It's difficult to play here so it's difficult to ref here as well but they're prepared to do the job and get it right like we are, and when they get it wrong then they need to be held accordingly to that.
"From our point of view what we could control we missed, and that was the Ryan Nelson miss."
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan:
"We've done our job, that's all we can do so now we move on to the next one.
"It's never easy playing against Sam Allardyce's teams and that was shown today.
"Games seem to be about controversy all the time. I think the referee is right on the spot and he didn't give it.
"We can only stand by what the officials do."
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Evans (Vidic 64), Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes (Giggs 82), Nani (Tevez 64), Rooney, Berbatov.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher.
Booked: Ronaldo, Berbatov.
Goals: Rooney 23, Ronaldo 60.
Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Grella (McCarthy 79), Diouf (Treacy 83), Andrews, Dunn (Kerimoglu 73), Pedersen, Roque Santa Cruz.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Roberts.
Booked: Andrews, Givet.
Goals: Roque Santa Cruz 32.
Att: 75,000
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
Liverpool 1-1 Man City
Torres did his bet to inspire the Reds but ultimately failed
Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a severe blow as they were held to a draw by Manchester City at Anfield.
City broke the deadlock when former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy's shot was deflected in off Alvaro Arbeloa.
A poor Liverpool had rarely threatened but levelled when Dirk Kuyt poked home after a Yossi Benayoun cross.
Shay Given saved a powerful Benayoun strike in a frantic finish but the Reds failed to get a winner and trail Manchester United by seven points.
Liverpool have now drawn six and won seven at home, while United have drawn just one and won 12 at Old Trafford.
It is a telling statistic, revealing the story of Liverpool's failure to break down visitors to Anfield and, with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso missing, their lack of squad strength and creativity compared to United's was also highlighted.
The Merseysiders had gone into the game with the pressure of knowing anything less than a win would have delivered a damaging blow to their title aspirations after United beat Blackburn on Saturday.
The gravity of Liverpool's situation was hard to tell from the majority of their play as they struggled to find any sort of rhythm or fluency.
City have won just once away from home in the league this season but were looking comfortable from the start and should have taken the lead through Stephen Ireland.
He had intercepted a stray Javier Mascherano pass and released Robinho on the right with a long diagonal ball before making a run into the Liverpool box.
The Brazilian found Ireland at the far post but the City midfielder's shot lacked conviction as he tamely sidefooted straight at keeper Jose Reina.
Liverpool's play was laboured and predictable and they lacked a player in the mould of the injured Gerrard to to take the game by the scruff of the neck and inspire their play.
Striker Fernando Torres tried his best to fill the Gerrard void as he set up chances that he would have relished for Albert Riera and Benayoun.
But Riera dragged a shot wide and Benayoun put his effort into the crowd to sum up a poor first-half which suggested anything but a side challenging for the title.
Things got worse for Liverpool soon after the break when Robinho started a move which saw him find Vincent Kompany, who teed up Bellamy.
Bellamy's shot went in off an Arbeloa deflection and gave the Reds little choice but to commit more numbers forward.
The situation was looking desperate the longer the game went on before Kuyt equalised when he pounced after Torres scuffed an effort from Benayoun's low cross.
City had seen Liverpool overturn a two-goal deficit to win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
But, despite Benayoun's late effort and in contrast to their defensive vulnerability so far this season, the visitors held on to earn a point.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
A lively Arshavin came close to scoring on his Arsenal debut
An impressive debut from Andrey Arshavin failed to lift Arsenal to victory over a stubborn Sunderland.
The Russian almost scored twice in the first 15 minutes, shooting just wide and then seeing a drive well saved.
Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner also went close, while Dean Whitehead and Anton Ferdinand had shots kept out.
Carlos Vela, William Gallas and Van Persie all missed late chances, as Arsenal's hopes of a Champions League spot were dealt another blow.
The Gunners went into the game looking to close the gap on fourth-placed Aston Villa, who lost to Chelsea earlier in the day.
And they started brightly, with new signing Arshavin creating an immediate impression.
He took only five minutes to show why Arsenal had pursued him so doggedly, as he picked up a loose ball and smashed a vicious, low drive only inches wide.
The little Russian was at it again shortly after, this time cutting in from the right and hitting a left-foot shot that forced Marton Fulop into a smart save. In between those chances, Van Persie had clipped the ball over Fulop but wide of the goal after he had been put though by Denilson.
Sunderland were struggling to get on the ball, while Arsenal looked in the mood to close on the gap on the top four.
But in their eagerness to make their early advantage tell, the Gunners began to leave themselves vulnerable to the counter-attack.
The visitors worked the ball quickly to Ferdinand, whose drive was punched away by Manuel Almunia - and it set the trend for the next 10 minutes.
Unfortunately for Sunderland their fluid approach play was not quite matched by their finishing, with Andy Reid shooting over and Whitehead denied by Almunia.
Arsenal fared no better in front of goal as they came up against an in-form Fulop, who did superbly to tip Bendtner's header round the post.
And when Fulop was beaten by Kolo Toure's header, Sunderland's defenders were on hand to clear the ball off the line.
Back at the other end, Kenwyne Jones was robbed by a backtracking Bacary Sagna just as he was about to shoot.
As the game wore on, there was a growing sense of frustration from the home crowd as Arsenal struggled to break down a resolute Sunderland defence.
The Londoners dominated possession but lacked a creative spark, particularly when Arshavin faded because of his lack of match fitness.
The forward's debut came to an end on 63 minutes when he made way for Carlos Vela - but he had shown plenty of quality in his first outing.
Sadly, quality was in short supply elsewhere on the field as Sunderland sat back and repelled an Arsenal side bereft of ideas.
A Van Persie free-kick that was beaten away by Fulop was a rare moment of goalmouth action.
And when Arsenal did create a decent opening, substitute Vela scuffed his shot from eight yards out.
In added time, Gallas rushed his volley from eight yards and Van Persie hit a shot straight at Fulop.
The succession of missed chances consigned Arsenal to their third successive goalless draw in the league.
It was a result that was greeted by boos from the home crowd, and one that leaves the Gunners six points behind Villa.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:
"We had the chances but we could not get the goal that would have made us happy.
"We don't concede goals but we want take advantage of the chances that we create - we need to play with a little bit more freedom.
"Andrey Arshavin showed some good signs but he is also showed that he is not completely fit."
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia:
"We are delighted. We had to work hard and we had a lot of luck as well. But I think we deserved a draw.
"The game plan was to frustrate them and make them play out wide and not let them play through us.
"We tried to play and get in their box and I thought my players' energy and their physical side was fantastic."
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy (Gibbs 85), Nasri, Denilson, Song Billong (Eboue 78), Arshavin (Vela 63), Bendtner, Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Djourou, Merida.
Booked: Nasri, Clichy.
Sunderland: Fulop, Ben-Haim, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque, Whitehead, Tainio (Leadbitter 76), Reid (Murphy 78), Richardson, Jones (Edwards 88).
Subs Not Used: Gordon, Davenport, Healy, McShane.
Booked: Richardson, McCartney.
Att: 60,104
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
Anelka rounded off a superb Chelsea move with a delicate chip over Brad Friedel
Guus Hiddink's Chelsea reign started with a vital victory at Aston Villa that keeps their flickering Premier League title hopes alive.
Nicolas Anelka sealed the points with a clever finish in the 19th minute after he was set up by Frank Lampard.
John Terry saw a header saved by Brad Friedel and another cleared off the line by Stiliyan Petrov.
Ashley Young struck the bar with a free-kick for Villa in the first half, but Chelsea survived to seal the win.
It was a display of contrasts from Hiddink's new charges, with Chelsea outstanding in the first 45 minutes, but showing signs of vulnerability after the break when Martin O'Neill's side pressed.
Hiddink, however, will only be interested the three points that take them above Villa into third place in the table.
The Dutch coach, in temporary charge until the end of the season, was able to restore Terry after suspension and paired Anelka and Didier Drogba in attack.
And he was rewarded with an early goal, beautifully created by Lampard and expertly finished by Anelka.
Lampard demonstrated superb close control to dribble out of a tight situation then provide a perfect pass for Anelka to chip over the advancing Friedel for his 21st goal of the season.
Terry almost doubled Villa's lead just after the half-hour with a powerful header from Lampard's corner, but Friedel reacted well to palm the ball to safety.
This was a result achieved in the manner of a Mourinho side, early goal followed by victory, but there was a still an element of discomfort in the closing stages
Villa's only serious first-half threat came after 33 minutes, when referee Mark Halsey awarded a contentious free-kick when Emile Heskey tumbled under the tamest of challenges from John Obi Mikel.
Young curled a 20-yard effort against the bar, and Heskey headed the rebound wide when he should have scored.
Terry was again thwarted from a Lampard corner three minutes after the interval, when Petrov cleared his header off the line.
It was the signal for Villa to finally show some of the power and pace that elevated them to third place in the Premier League before kick-off.
Gabriel Agbonlahor tested Petr Cech after muscling Alex aside, and the keeper also saved well from Gareth Barry as Villa started to exert some concerted pressure.
Chelsea rediscovered their attacking instincts as Villa pressed for the equaliser, with Drogba shooting off target from a tight angle and Friedel saving well from Jose Bosingwa after he was played in by the striker.
Substitute Deco showed sublime skill to set up Michael Ballack in stoppage time, but Friedel was equal to the task and turned his rising drive over the top.
Villa were unable to mount a response and the importance of Chelsea's victory was emphasised by the celebrations at the final whistle.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies (Carew 70), Knight, Luke Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner.
Booked: Cuellar.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ferreira, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou (Deco 55), Anelka, Drogba (Belletti 90).
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Quaresma, Mancienne, Stoch.
Booked: Ballack, Bosingwa, Terry.
Goals: Anelka 19.
Att: 42,585
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
Fulham 2-0 West Brom
Zamora, who scored his second of the season, battles with Abdoulaye Meite
Bobby Zamora scored his first goal since mid-September as Fulham continued their excellent home form with a comfortable victory over West Brom.
Zamora had earlier missed a glorious chance but was perfectly placed to tap in an Andy Johnson flick on the hour.
Provider turned scorer 10 minutes later when Johnson followed up a saved Zamora shot to calmly slot home.
West Brom's Roman Bednar had a penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer in injury time to compound the Baggies' woe.
There was a certain irony in that West Brom's first game after manager Tony Mowbray had taken a swipe at critical television pundits was aired live.
It is probably for the best that he remains untroubled by what the media experts have to say as his side were well off the pace against a Fulham side with the second best home record in the league.
But the main criticism of Roy Hodgson's side - an inability to convert chances - was again in evidence here.
A Danny Murphy free-kick from 20 yards after four minutes cleared the wall but could not beat the outstretched finger-tips of Scott Carson, who parried it on to the post and behind.
The busy Simon Davies also went close when he collected a short corner, bought himself some space with a neat turn and drew another fingertip save from Carson, although the shot was going wide.
At times West Brom were their own worst enemies and they repeatedly gifted the ball to Fulham on the edge of their own area.
Again, only a Carson save from a fiercely struck Dickson Etuhu volley kept them from being duly punished.
Later, Carson was forced to scramble back to palm a Leon Barnett back-pass header past the post and away from the on-rushing Johnson.
It was becoming increasingly apparent that the 23-year-old former Liverpool keeper, an ever-present for Albion this season, would be given plenty of opportunity to impress the attending England manager Fabio Capello.
When Carson was beaten, the woodwork came to West Brom's rescue as the Baggies clung desperately to parity.
First US international Clint Dempsey struck the bar with a 30-yard strike and then Murphy repeated the trick with a curling shot from just outside the area.
Zamora had no-one to blame for failing to score though when Davies' knock-down found him unmarked 12-yards out.
That his shot was closer to row Z than the goal is a testimony to the striker's goal drought which stretched back to 13 September.
Admirably though the striker refused to hide and was rewarded with his first goal in over 29 hours of Premier League action in the second half.
Johnson stooped too low to flick on Davies' cross and Zamora was perfectly placed to side-foot the ball in from point-blank range past Carson's despairing dive.
The goal was the least Fulham deserved but the visitors gave warning shortly after of how fragile a single-goal lead can be.
A Robert Koren shot tested Schwarzer but the Australian was up to the challenge before Borja Valero attempted a long-range effort that flew wide of the right-hand upright.
Towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland should have given the scoreline a more realistic reflection of the home side's dominance but his header struck the bar and was cleared.
Instead the second was supplied by Johnson, who followed up a parry by Carson from a Zamora shot to calmly slot into a largely unguarded net after 70 minutes.
Fulham's comfort for the remainder of the game was epitomised by the substitutions of the game's three most pivotal players: Zamora, Johnson and Murphy.
And they almost paid for some late complacency as Hangeland unnecessarily tripped Baggies substitute Bednar in the box to concede a penalty.
The Czech striker picked himself up to strike the penalty to the left of Schwarzer, who dived to his right and blocked the effort.
The incident summed up the visitors' performance and preserved a clean-sheet the home side thoroughly deserved.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"Until we pass that magical 40 (point) mark we won't even contemplate that things are looking easier.
"If we get past that mark we can start raising our heads a little bit and hoping for the higher places in the league.
"But I'm really happy today. In a game we did need to win it was important to get that victory and the points in the bag.
"Zamora's kept at things well, formed a partnership with Johnson and that's been very important for us.
"It's great credit to his strength of character and his determination that he's been able to ride though the bad spell and today he's got his reward."
West Brom Manager tony Mowbray:
"Fulham thoroughly deserved to win.
"We rode our luck right from the start. We were better second half but lost goals through poor defending.
"On any given day you've got to keep going because you can catch teams on a day when you can beat them.
"We'll try to pick up points at home and try and catch a team on a bad day away from home."
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy (Dacourt 85), Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson (Kamara 80), Zamora (Nevland 80).
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Kallio, Baird.
Goals: Zamora 61, Johnson 72.
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Barnett, Robinson, Morrison (Menseguez 77), Koren, Borja Valero, Filipe Teixeira (Brunt 50), Fortune (Bednar 81), Simpson.
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Cech, Moore, Martis.
Booked: Robinson.
Att: 22,394
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Newcastle 0-0 Everton
The game was only Nolan's third since joining from Bolton in January
Newcastle overcame Kevin Nolan's first-half red card to grind out a goalless draw with Everton, but the result does little for either side's ambitions.
Nolan was correctly dismissed for a horror tackle on Victor Anichebe just before half-time.
Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell both missed good chances as Everton failed to make their greater possession count.
Newcastle's best chance fell to Peter Lovenkrands in the first half but he shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Magpies caretaker manager Chris Hughton had spent the week urging his players to take control of their own Premier League destiny, with the team still perilously close to the relegation zone.
But those sentiments were seriously undermined by Nolan who launched himself into a horrendous two-footed tackle on Anichebe to give his already weakened side an even more difficult task.
Everton signalled an intent straight from the kick-off as Dan Gosling drove forward and unleashed a shot that skimmed past the right-hand post.
Such a bright opening was in stark contrast to the scenes moments later when midfielder Mikel Arteta jarred his knee and was stretchered from the field.
The 26-year-old has been in excellent form recently, having scored in the Toffees' two previous fixtures and his absence was noticeable.
Everton's customary high work-rate did not dip, but they lacked the creative spark and incisive quality that Arteta provides.
Nevertheless, his replacement Segundo Castillo had this side's next effort with a snap shot from 20 yards that flew wide of the left-hand post.
This was the first instance of a worrying trend for Newcastle as the visitors slowly took hold of the game and forged a series of openings.
A Leighton Baines corner on the 20-minute mark was glanced goalwards by Joseph Yobo and drew a good fingertip save by Steve Harper.
Moments later a deep Baines cross found Jagielka charging in at the far post but he misdirected his volley past the post when he perhaps should have done better.
Rodwell, who opened his account his Everton account in last week's FA Cup win over Aston Villa, almost opened the scoring when he ghosted in at the far post from another Baines corner, but his volley was parried by Harper.
The Newcastle fans were not slow to voice their disapproval with the first murmurings of discontent emerging in response to their side's inability to gain a significant foothold.
As if on cue, United created their best chance of the game, with Nicky Butt's clever reverse pass to Lovenkrands but with only the keeper to beat the Danish striker somehow managed to put his finish past the post.
The tackle that led to Nolan's sending off also ended Anichebe's match as he limped off minutes later to be replaced by Marouane Fellaini.
As expected with their numerical advantage, Everton largely dominated possession from the outset of the second half.
However, they failed to truly test Newcastle's diminished personnel and only Jo's tame downward header and a misdirected long-range strike from substitute Louis Saha caused the home defence any concern.
Newcastle had arguably the best chance of the half when a mistake from Joleon Lescott let in substitute Jonas Gutierrez but his attempted chip from 18 yards drifted over.
It was a chance to claim an unlikely win for Newcastle but under the circumstances they will be grateful to seize the draw.
Newcastle: Harper, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Ryan Taylor, Butt, Nolan, Duff (Gutierrez 46), Ameobi (Martins 58), Lovenkrands (Smith 77).
Subs Not Used: Krul, Cacapa, Geremi, Viduka.
Sent Off: Nolan (44).
Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Gosling (Saha 74), Neville, Arteta (Castillo 7), Rodwell, Anichebe (Fellaini 45), Jo.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Wallace.
Booked: Fellaini.
Att: 47,683
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
Bolton 2-1 West Ham
Bolton's first-half scorers Matt Taylor and Kevin Davies
Two goals in as many first-half minutes gave Bolton victory over West Ham.
Matt Taylor gave them a dream start with a curling free-kick, followed instantly by Kevin Davies turning in Johan Elmander's cross to make it 2-0.
Mark Noble and David di Michele wasted clear chances and Carlton Cole saw a goal-bound header cleared off the line as West Ham tried to cut the deficit.
Their persistence was rewarded when Scott Parker scored from close range but an equaliser proved beyond them.
Taylor's opener was a delightfully curled effort over an unconvincing-looking defensive wall, after Jack Collison had conceded a free-kick in a central position.
The visitors had barely come to terms with going one goal down when the advantage was doubled, as Elmander's cross from the right fell perfectly into the path of Davies, who slid in between Jonathan Spector and Matthew Upson to shoot home.
A miserable passage of play for West Ham was capped by defender James Collins going off with a pulled hamstring, and, after this flurry of activity, the match fell into a rut as Bolton looked satisfied with their lead.
Towards the end of the half, the Hammers seized the initiative but failed to change the scoreline, despite several good chances.
First, Noble could have pulled one back when Cole's pass found him in the clear on the right, but he took the wrong option and tried to set up Collison when he would have been better going for goal himself.
Minutes later, another glorious chance was missed by the visitors as Di Michele shot wildly off-target, having run from the halfway line, and Taylor had to have his wits about him when he headed Cole's goal-bound header off the line.
The early stages of the second half were increasingly ragged, with neither side really taking control and players from both sides putting in heavy challenges.
Apart from the ever-busy Taylor, Bolton looked satisfied with their lead, and West Ham's determination to change it was finally rewarded just after the hour mark, when Spector's low cross from the right went perfectly into the path of Parker, who stabbed home.
Gianfranco Zola's side sensed blood and went all out for the equaliser, and thought it was coming when Di Michele showed neat footwork in the box, but Gary Cahill's superbly timed block denied him what looked like a certain goal.
Bolton keeper Jaaskelainen did well to keep out Cole's bouncing header and would have been thankful for the lack of pace in Valon Behrami's shot as West Ham went all out in search of a late equaliser.
Kevin Davies had penalty appeals rejected late on when he was brought down by James Tomkins but the first half double-strike was enough to secure the points for Bolton.
Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We seem incapable of going on to make it three or four goals after going 2-0 up. It happened against Blackburn and Spurs and again today.
"We showed apprehension but it would be wrong to criticise the players. We have won what I felt was a vital game for us - our biggest of the season.
"We got off to a great start but need to show more confidence and belief."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"After all the chances we had I thought we'd get at least one point.
"They had two chances they took, we didn't - that's something we'll be working on in the next few days.
"Every moment in the game I had the idea that we were going to get something as the team were playing so well, they had problems handling us."
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier (Andrew O'Brien 73), Samuel, Kevin Davies, Mark Davies, McCann, Gardner, Taylor, Elmander (Muamba 76). Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Smolarek, Makukula, Shittu, Basham.
Goals: Taylor 10, Kevin Davies 11.
West Ham: Green, Spector (Sears 85), Collins (Tomkins 16), Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison (Nsereko 62), Cole, Di Michele. Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Tristan.
Booked: Upson, Noble.
Goals: Parker 66.
Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan
Boro saw Didier Digard stretchered off during the first half
Middlesbrough's miserable run continued as they were held at home by Wigan, making it a club record 14 Premier League games without victory.
A dismal first half was notable only for the departure of Didier Digard on a stretcher following a tackle by former Boro midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Stewart Downing had the best chance of the half, his well-struck effort turned behind by Chris Kirkland.
The keeper also saved late on from Gary O'Neil in a desperately poor game.
The Riverside was 10,000 short of capacity for an encounter between two sides struggling for confidence.
Middlesbrough's recent form has been well documented, but Wigan have hardly been flying.
Steve Bruce's side have not won in six games, have scored just once in that sequence, and have now been involved in three straight goalless draws.
It came as little surprise, then, that neither side managed a shot on target in the opening half-hour.
With goalmouth action all but absent, Cattermole unwillingly found himself playing a starring role.
His crunching challenge on Digard succeeded in winning the ball but also left the Frenchman needing a lengthy spell of treatment.
As the home fans made their feelings known, Digard was stretchered off with what looked like a serious leg injury.
Not long after, Cattermole - booed mercilessly by the home fans - collided with O'Neil in the box, referee Mike Dean booking the Boro man for exaggerating the contact.
Booked a minute earlier for a push on Julio Arca, Cattermole must have panicked when Afonso Alves went down under his challenge.
Dean instead showed the yellow card to Alves for diving, another decision backed up by television replays.
Boro's neat passing, meanwhile, continued to look tidy enough but chances were hard to come by, Kirkland saving Downing's daisy-cutter before seeing the England winger shoot just wide from the corner.
There was not much more excitement after the break.
Boro substitute Jeremie Aliadiere volleyed hopelessly wide from a good position, while at the other end, Michael Brown managed a little better, his effort flying only narrowly past the post.
While hardly impressive, Boro certainly did not deserve to lose so they would have been breathing a sigh of relief when substitute Hugo Rodallega sprung the offside trap but clipped his shot over the bar.
Boro managed one final push, O'Neil seeing his fierce shot stopped by Kirkland's knees, but the winless run goes on, and Gareth Southgate's men could even find themselves bottom of the table by the end of the weekend.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate:
"Everyone is up for the fight.
"We know it'll be extremely tough. Everyone else thinks we're gone but there's a lot of football to be played.
"We're going to have to win matches people won't expect us to, but we're capable of doing that. We're not giving much away so we have a chance."
Wigan boss Steve Bruce on Cattermole's challenge:
"Nobody wants to see anybody going off but unfortunately it happens.
"It was a perfectly good challenge. The crowd went up, and I have to compliment the referee who handled it very well.
And on the game:
"We've lost a bit of our cutting edge with the changes we had to make in January. It's never easy to rebuild halfway through the season and it's going to to take a bit of time for us.
"All credit to the players, they've rolled up their sleeves again. Defensively we were terrific and the longer it went on, the more I thought we were going to nick it."
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Digard (Walker 23), Arca (Aliadiere 52), Adam Johnson (Sanli 62), Downing, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Emnes, Bates, McMahon.
Booked: O'Neil, Alves.
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Watson, Brown, Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Kapo (Rodallega 61), Zaki (Sibierski 75).
Subs Not Used: Kingson, Edman, Koumas, Cywka, Routledge.
Booked: Watson, Cattermole, Kapo, Zaki.
Att: 24,020
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Stoke 2-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth celebrate Nico Kranjcar's opening goal at Stoke
Portsmouth earned a dramatic point against Stoke City thanks to an injury-time own goal by Ryan Shawcross.
A drab game came alive after 75 minutes when David Nugent set up Niko Kranjcar to slide Pompey in front.
James Beattie quickly levelled from the spot after Glen Johnson was adjudged to have handled then, seconds later, he put Stoke ahead from close range.
Pompey poured forward and got their reward when Shawcross deflected Hermann Hreidarsson's cross into his own net.
Given the lack of quality that had been on display for most of the game at the Britannia Stadium, it was an unexpectedly exciting finish - but a draw was the fairest result.
A point apiece does little to improve either side's prospects at the bottom of the Premier League table but, given their wretched away form, Pompey will probably be more satisfied with the outcome.
The visitors have only won once on the road in the league since the end of August so caretaker boss Paul Hart can be pleased with a draw against a Stoke team with an impressive home record, especially in the manner it was achieved.
But neither side had much to be proud about in a first half that failed to produce a single shot on target.
Things did not improve immediately after the break and Stoke might have sensed it was not going to be their day when Beattie miscontrolled a Mamady Sidibe throughball when he was clean through.
There were no other openings until, out of nothing, Pompey took the lead - Nugent providing a clever pass and Kranjcar taking a touch before slotting home.
That was only the start of a chaotic 15-minute period, however, and Stoke were quickly level.
Johnson appeared to control a long ball into the box with his chest but referee Michael Jones thought otherwise and, after he had pointed at the spot, Beattie stepped up to bury his penalty.
Portsmouth were incensed by the decision but things quickly got worse for them when, on Stoke's next attack, Beattie was in the right place to tap in Danny Pugh's acrobatic shot from close range.
It appeared the Potters had secured all three points but Pompey continued to attack and were gifted an equaliser in a breathless finish when Hreidarsson's low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Shawcross.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis:
"It was two points dropped. When you go into injury-time leading 2-1 you hope to win but we have switched off and they have caught us.
"When they went 1-0 up I thought it would be difficult for us but we came back with the two goals and we were looking to see it out."
"We were unfortunate not to win. We scored a very good goal, had weathered the storm and defended like Trojans.
"But we didn't have time to get into a defensive shape to defend before the penalty, which wasn't a penalty, simple as that.
"Johnson leant towards the ball but his hands are nowhere near it.
"When you are faced with a decision that you feel isn't right it knocks you back. We were still reeling from it when Stoke scored again."
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence (Tonge 66), Diao, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Sidibe (Cresswell 84), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Whelan, Kitson, Camara, Sonko.
Booked: Lawrence.
Goals: Beattie 78 pen, 80.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Basinas (Mullins 71), Davis, Kranjcar (Kanu 89), Crouch, Nugent (Belhadj 89).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Kaboul, Pamarot, Utaka.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis.
Goals: Kranjcar 75, Shawcross 90 og.
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
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Ronaldo celebrates his winner over Blackburn
Manchester United moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought win over Blackburn.
Wayne Rooney lashed in a shot to put United ahead before a precise Roque Santa Cruz finish levelled matters.
Jonny Evans' header was controversially disallowed for the home side before Ryan Nelsen hit the post for Rovers.
Cristiano Ronaldo powered in a superb free-kick for United's winner, and Morten Gamst Pedersen was denied a penalty late on for the visitors.
The Norwegian winger looked to have been pulled back by Rafael Da Silva when he was clean through on goal and the decision not to award a spot-kick provoked a furious response from Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce.
But given Rovers are third from bottom and two points away from safety, Allardyce's side can be encouraged by their display, troubling a United side that has been sweeping aside all before them in recent weeks.
Blackburn also have the honour of becoming the first side to score against United since 8 November, 2008 when Sir Alex Ferguson's side were beaten by Arsenal.
With United playing Inter Milan on Tuesday, Edwin van der Sar and centre back Nemanja Vidic were left on the bench with Tomasz Kuszczak and Evans left to fill the key roles, a policy that almost backfired on the Scot as Blackburn threatened to steal a point.
Not that there appeared any likelihood of that in the early stages of the game.
Blackburn were sloppy in possession and their defence was creaking as Nelsen hooked a Ronaldo cross away at the far post with Rooney waiting to tap in.
Patrice Evra put a follow-up strike just wide as United patiently passed and probed in the knowledge a goal would come.
Sure enough it did when Nani curled in a low cross, and although the outstretched leg of Nelsen got a touch to the ball, it was not enough, and Rooney pounced to score from close range.
But Rovers regrouped and were soon level as United conceded only their 11th league goal this season.
Andre Ooijer stole the ball from Nani and slid a pass through to Santa Cruz, who rode a Rio Ferdinand challenge, rounded keeper Kuszczak and slotted in.
The goal gave Blackburn an injection of confidence and their closing down became sharper as United's play fell away.
Evans thought he had restored the home side's lead with a header from a dubiously awarded corner, only for his effort to be ruled out for a Ronaldo push on Nelsen.
The New Zealand defender was soon in the thick of the action again, though this time in the United box, as his first-time shot came back off the woodwork, with El-Hadji Diouf's effort from the rebound saved by Kuszczak.
Ronaldo punished the visitors for the miss when he angled in a free-kick from just outside the left edge of the area with a stunning strike.
The Portuguese had earlier been booked for diving and might not have been on pitch had he also been carded for kicking out at David Dunn.
Blackburn will also feel aggrieved that they did not get a penalty when Pedersen went down in the closing stages.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce:
(On the penalty decision) "I think he's pulled him, got his arm on his shoulder.
"It's not so, so blatant but he's through on goal and it's put him off balance and it's not given but I wasn't surprised.
"It's difficult to play here so it's difficult to ref here as well but they're prepared to do the job and get it right like we are, and when they get it wrong then they need to be held accordingly to that.
"From our point of view what we could control we missed, and that was the Ryan Nelson miss."
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan:
"We've done our job, that's all we can do so now we move on to the next one.
"It's never easy playing against Sam Allardyce's teams and that was shown today.
"Games seem to be about controversy all the time. I think the referee is right on the spot and he didn't give it.
"We can only stand by what the officials do."
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Evans (Vidic 64), Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes (Giggs 82), Nani (Tevez 64), Rooney, Berbatov.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher.
Booked: Ronaldo, Berbatov.
Goals: Rooney 23, Ronaldo 60.
Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Grella (McCarthy 79), Diouf (Treacy 83), Andrews, Dunn (Kerimoglu 73), Pedersen, Roque Santa Cruz.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Roberts.
Booked: Andrews, Givet.
Goals: Roque Santa Cruz 32.
Att: 75,000
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
Liverpool 1-1 Man City
Torres did his bet to inspire the Reds but ultimately failed
Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a severe blow as they were held to a draw by Manchester City at Anfield.
City broke the deadlock when former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy's shot was deflected in off Alvaro Arbeloa.
A poor Liverpool had rarely threatened but levelled when Dirk Kuyt poked home after a Yossi Benayoun cross.
Shay Given saved a powerful Benayoun strike in a frantic finish but the Reds failed to get a winner and trail Manchester United by seven points.
Liverpool have now drawn six and won seven at home, while United have drawn just one and won 12 at Old Trafford.
It is a telling statistic, revealing the story of Liverpool's failure to break down visitors to Anfield and, with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso missing, their lack of squad strength and creativity compared to United's was also highlighted.
The Merseysiders had gone into the game with the pressure of knowing anything less than a win would have delivered a damaging blow to their title aspirations after United beat Blackburn on Saturday.
The gravity of Liverpool's situation was hard to tell from the majority of their play as they struggled to find any sort of rhythm or fluency.
City have won just once away from home in the league this season but were looking comfortable from the start and should have taken the lead through Stephen Ireland.
He had intercepted a stray Javier Mascherano pass and released Robinho on the right with a long diagonal ball before making a run into the Liverpool box.
The Brazilian found Ireland at the far post but the City midfielder's shot lacked conviction as he tamely sidefooted straight at keeper Jose Reina.
Liverpool's play was laboured and predictable and they lacked a player in the mould of the injured Gerrard to to take the game by the scruff of the neck and inspire their play.
Striker Fernando Torres tried his best to fill the Gerrard void as he set up chances that he would have relished for Albert Riera and Benayoun.
But Riera dragged a shot wide and Benayoun put his effort into the crowd to sum up a poor first-half which suggested anything but a side challenging for the title.
Things got worse for Liverpool soon after the break when Robinho started a move which saw him find Vincent Kompany, who teed up Bellamy.
Bellamy's shot went in off an Arbeloa deflection and gave the Reds little choice but to commit more numbers forward.
The situation was looking desperate the longer the game went on before Kuyt equalised when he pounced after Torres scuffed an effort from Benayoun's low cross.
City had seen Liverpool overturn a two-goal deficit to win in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
But, despite Benayoun's late effort and in contrast to their defensive vulnerability so far this season, the visitors held on to earn a point.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
A lively Arshavin came close to scoring on his Arsenal debut
An impressive debut from Andrey Arshavin failed to lift Arsenal to victory over a stubborn Sunderland.
The Russian almost scored twice in the first 15 minutes, shooting just wide and then seeing a drive well saved.
Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner also went close, while Dean Whitehead and Anton Ferdinand had shots kept out.
Carlos Vela, William Gallas and Van Persie all missed late chances, as Arsenal's hopes of a Champions League spot were dealt another blow.
The Gunners went into the game looking to close the gap on fourth-placed Aston Villa, who lost to Chelsea earlier in the day.
And they started brightly, with new signing Arshavin creating an immediate impression.
He took only five minutes to show why Arsenal had pursued him so doggedly, as he picked up a loose ball and smashed a vicious, low drive only inches wide.
The little Russian was at it again shortly after, this time cutting in from the right and hitting a left-foot shot that forced Marton Fulop into a smart save. In between those chances, Van Persie had clipped the ball over Fulop but wide of the goal after he had been put though by Denilson.
Sunderland were struggling to get on the ball, while Arsenal looked in the mood to close on the gap on the top four.
But in their eagerness to make their early advantage tell, the Gunners began to leave themselves vulnerable to the counter-attack.
The visitors worked the ball quickly to Ferdinand, whose drive was punched away by Manuel Almunia - and it set the trend for the next 10 minutes.
Unfortunately for Sunderland their fluid approach play was not quite matched by their finishing, with Andy Reid shooting over and Whitehead denied by Almunia.
Arsenal fared no better in front of goal as they came up against an in-form Fulop, who did superbly to tip Bendtner's header round the post.
And when Fulop was beaten by Kolo Toure's header, Sunderland's defenders were on hand to clear the ball off the line.
Back at the other end, Kenwyne Jones was robbed by a backtracking Bacary Sagna just as he was about to shoot.
As the game wore on, there was a growing sense of frustration from the home crowd as Arsenal struggled to break down a resolute Sunderland defence.
The Londoners dominated possession but lacked a creative spark, particularly when Arshavin faded because of his lack of match fitness.
The forward's debut came to an end on 63 minutes when he made way for Carlos Vela - but he had shown plenty of quality in his first outing.
Sadly, quality was in short supply elsewhere on the field as Sunderland sat back and repelled an Arsenal side bereft of ideas.
A Van Persie free-kick that was beaten away by Fulop was a rare moment of goalmouth action.
And when Arsenal did create a decent opening, substitute Vela scuffed his shot from eight yards out.
In added time, Gallas rushed his volley from eight yards and Van Persie hit a shot straight at Fulop.
The succession of missed chances consigned Arsenal to their third successive goalless draw in the league.
It was a result that was greeted by boos from the home crowd, and one that leaves the Gunners six points behind Villa.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:
"We had the chances but we could not get the goal that would have made us happy.
"We don't concede goals but we want take advantage of the chances that we create - we need to play with a little bit more freedom.
"Andrey Arshavin showed some good signs but he is also showed that he is not completely fit."
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia:
"We are delighted. We had to work hard and we had a lot of luck as well. But I think we deserved a draw.
"The game plan was to frustrate them and make them play out wide and not let them play through us.
"We tried to play and get in their box and I thought my players' energy and their physical side was fantastic."
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy (Gibbs 85), Nasri, Denilson, Song Billong (Eboue 78), Arshavin (Vela 63), Bendtner, Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Djourou, Merida.
Booked: Nasri, Clichy.
Sunderland: Fulop, Ben-Haim, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque, Whitehead, Tainio (Leadbitter 76), Reid (Murphy 78), Richardson, Jones (Edwards 88).
Subs Not Used: Gordon, Davenport, Healy, McShane.
Booked: Richardson, McCartney.
Att: 60,104
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
Anelka rounded off a superb Chelsea move with a delicate chip over Brad Friedel
Guus Hiddink's Chelsea reign started with a vital victory at Aston Villa that keeps their flickering Premier League title hopes alive.
Nicolas Anelka sealed the points with a clever finish in the 19th minute after he was set up by Frank Lampard.
John Terry saw a header saved by Brad Friedel and another cleared off the line by Stiliyan Petrov.
Ashley Young struck the bar with a free-kick for Villa in the first half, but Chelsea survived to seal the win.
It was a display of contrasts from Hiddink's new charges, with Chelsea outstanding in the first 45 minutes, but showing signs of vulnerability after the break when Martin O'Neill's side pressed.
Hiddink, however, will only be interested the three points that take them above Villa into third place in the table.
The Dutch coach, in temporary charge until the end of the season, was able to restore Terry after suspension and paired Anelka and Didier Drogba in attack.
And he was rewarded with an early goal, beautifully created by Lampard and expertly finished by Anelka.
Lampard demonstrated superb close control to dribble out of a tight situation then provide a perfect pass for Anelka to chip over the advancing Friedel for his 21st goal of the season.
Terry almost doubled Villa's lead just after the half-hour with a powerful header from Lampard's corner, but Friedel reacted well to palm the ball to safety.
This was a result achieved in the manner of a Mourinho side, early goal followed by victory, but there was a still an element of discomfort in the closing stages
Villa's only serious first-half threat came after 33 minutes, when referee Mark Halsey awarded a contentious free-kick when Emile Heskey tumbled under the tamest of challenges from John Obi Mikel.
Young curled a 20-yard effort against the bar, and Heskey headed the rebound wide when he should have scored.
Terry was again thwarted from a Lampard corner three minutes after the interval, when Petrov cleared his header off the line.
It was the signal for Villa to finally show some of the power and pace that elevated them to third place in the Premier League before kick-off.
Gabriel Agbonlahor tested Petr Cech after muscling Alex aside, and the keeper also saved well from Gareth Barry as Villa started to exert some concerted pressure.
Chelsea rediscovered their attacking instincts as Villa pressed for the equaliser, with Drogba shooting off target from a tight angle and Friedel saving well from Jose Bosingwa after he was played in by the striker.
Substitute Deco showed sublime skill to set up Michael Ballack in stoppage time, but Friedel was equal to the task and turned his rising drive over the top.
Villa were unable to mount a response and the importance of Chelsea's victory was emphasised by the celebrations at the final whistle.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies (Carew 70), Knight, Luke Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner.
Booked: Cuellar.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ferreira, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou (Deco 55), Anelka, Drogba (Belletti 90).
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Quaresma, Mancienne, Stoch.
Booked: Ballack, Bosingwa, Terry.
Goals: Anelka 19.
Att: 42,585
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
Fulham 2-0 West Brom
Zamora, who scored his second of the season, battles with Abdoulaye Meite
Bobby Zamora scored his first goal since mid-September as Fulham continued their excellent home form with a comfortable victory over West Brom.
Zamora had earlier missed a glorious chance but was perfectly placed to tap in an Andy Johnson flick on the hour.
Provider turned scorer 10 minutes later when Johnson followed up a saved Zamora shot to calmly slot home.
West Brom's Roman Bednar had a penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer in injury time to compound the Baggies' woe.
There was a certain irony in that West Brom's first game after manager Tony Mowbray had taken a swipe at critical television pundits was aired live.
It is probably for the best that he remains untroubled by what the media experts have to say as his side were well off the pace against a Fulham side with the second best home record in the league.
But the main criticism of Roy Hodgson's side - an inability to convert chances - was again in evidence here.
A Danny Murphy free-kick from 20 yards after four minutes cleared the wall but could not beat the outstretched finger-tips of Scott Carson, who parried it on to the post and behind.
The busy Simon Davies also went close when he collected a short corner, bought himself some space with a neat turn and drew another fingertip save from Carson, although the shot was going wide.
At times West Brom were their own worst enemies and they repeatedly gifted the ball to Fulham on the edge of their own area.
Again, only a Carson save from a fiercely struck Dickson Etuhu volley kept them from being duly punished.
Later, Carson was forced to scramble back to palm a Leon Barnett back-pass header past the post and away from the on-rushing Johnson.
It was becoming increasingly apparent that the 23-year-old former Liverpool keeper, an ever-present for Albion this season, would be given plenty of opportunity to impress the attending England manager Fabio Capello.
When Carson was beaten, the woodwork came to West Brom's rescue as the Baggies clung desperately to parity.
First US international Clint Dempsey struck the bar with a 30-yard strike and then Murphy repeated the trick with a curling shot from just outside the area.
Zamora had no-one to blame for failing to score though when Davies' knock-down found him unmarked 12-yards out.
That his shot was closer to row Z than the goal is a testimony to the striker's goal drought which stretched back to 13 September.
Admirably though the striker refused to hide and was rewarded with his first goal in over 29 hours of Premier League action in the second half.
Johnson stooped too low to flick on Davies' cross and Zamora was perfectly placed to side-foot the ball in from point-blank range past Carson's despairing dive.
The goal was the least Fulham deserved but the visitors gave warning shortly after of how fragile a single-goal lead can be.
A Robert Koren shot tested Schwarzer but the Australian was up to the challenge before Borja Valero attempted a long-range effort that flew wide of the right-hand upright.
Towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland should have given the scoreline a more realistic reflection of the home side's dominance but his header struck the bar and was cleared.
Instead the second was supplied by Johnson, who followed up a parry by Carson from a Zamora shot to calmly slot into a largely unguarded net after 70 minutes.
Fulham's comfort for the remainder of the game was epitomised by the substitutions of the game's three most pivotal players: Zamora, Johnson and Murphy.
And they almost paid for some late complacency as Hangeland unnecessarily tripped Baggies substitute Bednar in the box to concede a penalty.
The Czech striker picked himself up to strike the penalty to the left of Schwarzer, who dived to his right and blocked the effort.
The incident summed up the visitors' performance and preserved a clean-sheet the home side thoroughly deserved.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"Until we pass that magical 40 (point) mark we won't even contemplate that things are looking easier.
"If we get past that mark we can start raising our heads a little bit and hoping for the higher places in the league.
"But I'm really happy today. In a game we did need to win it was important to get that victory and the points in the bag.
"Zamora's kept at things well, formed a partnership with Johnson and that's been very important for us.
"It's great credit to his strength of character and his determination that he's been able to ride though the bad spell and today he's got his reward."
West Brom Manager tony Mowbray:
"Fulham thoroughly deserved to win.
"We rode our luck right from the start. We were better second half but lost goals through poor defending.
"On any given day you've got to keep going because you can catch teams on a day when you can beat them.
"We'll try to pick up points at home and try and catch a team on a bad day away from home."
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy (Dacourt 85), Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson (Kamara 80), Zamora (Nevland 80).
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Kallio, Baird.
Goals: Zamora 61, Johnson 72.
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Barnett, Robinson, Morrison (Menseguez 77), Koren, Borja Valero, Filipe Teixeira (Brunt 50), Fortune (Bednar 81), Simpson.
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Cech, Moore, Martis.
Booked: Robinson.
Att: 22,394
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Newcastle 0-0 Everton
The game was only Nolan's third since joining from Bolton in January
Newcastle overcame Kevin Nolan's first-half red card to grind out a goalless draw with Everton, but the result does little for either side's ambitions.
Nolan was correctly dismissed for a horror tackle on Victor Anichebe just before half-time.
Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell both missed good chances as Everton failed to make their greater possession count.
Newcastle's best chance fell to Peter Lovenkrands in the first half but he shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Magpies caretaker manager Chris Hughton had spent the week urging his players to take control of their own Premier League destiny, with the team still perilously close to the relegation zone.
But those sentiments were seriously undermined by Nolan who launched himself into a horrendous two-footed tackle on Anichebe to give his already weakened side an even more difficult task.
Everton signalled an intent straight from the kick-off as Dan Gosling drove forward and unleashed a shot that skimmed past the right-hand post.
Such a bright opening was in stark contrast to the scenes moments later when midfielder Mikel Arteta jarred his knee and was stretchered from the field.
The 26-year-old has been in excellent form recently, having scored in the Toffees' two previous fixtures and his absence was noticeable.
Everton's customary high work-rate did not dip, but they lacked the creative spark and incisive quality that Arteta provides.
Nevertheless, his replacement Segundo Castillo had this side's next effort with a snap shot from 20 yards that flew wide of the left-hand post.
This was the first instance of a worrying trend for Newcastle as the visitors slowly took hold of the game and forged a series of openings.
A Leighton Baines corner on the 20-minute mark was glanced goalwards by Joseph Yobo and drew a good fingertip save by Steve Harper.
Moments later a deep Baines cross found Jagielka charging in at the far post but he misdirected his volley past the post when he perhaps should have done better.
Rodwell, who opened his account his Everton account in last week's FA Cup win over Aston Villa, almost opened the scoring when he ghosted in at the far post from another Baines corner, but his volley was parried by Harper.
The Newcastle fans were not slow to voice their disapproval with the first murmurings of discontent emerging in response to their side's inability to gain a significant foothold.
As if on cue, United created their best chance of the game, with Nicky Butt's clever reverse pass to Lovenkrands but with only the keeper to beat the Danish striker somehow managed to put his finish past the post.
The tackle that led to Nolan's sending off also ended Anichebe's match as he limped off minutes later to be replaced by Marouane Fellaini.
As expected with their numerical advantage, Everton largely dominated possession from the outset of the second half.
However, they failed to truly test Newcastle's diminished personnel and only Jo's tame downward header and a misdirected long-range strike from substitute Louis Saha caused the home defence any concern.
Newcastle had arguably the best chance of the half when a mistake from Joleon Lescott let in substitute Jonas Gutierrez but his attempted chip from 18 yards drifted over.
It was a chance to claim an unlikely win for Newcastle but under the circumstances they will be grateful to seize the draw.
Newcastle: Harper, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Ryan Taylor, Butt, Nolan, Duff (Gutierrez 46), Ameobi (Martins 58), Lovenkrands (Smith 77).
Subs Not Used: Krul, Cacapa, Geremi, Viduka.
Sent Off: Nolan (44).
Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Gosling (Saha 74), Neville, Arteta (Castillo 7), Rodwell, Anichebe (Fellaini 45), Jo.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Wallace.
Booked: Fellaini.
Att: 47,683
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
Bolton 2-1 West Ham
Bolton's first-half scorers Matt Taylor and Kevin Davies
Two goals in as many first-half minutes gave Bolton victory over West Ham.
Matt Taylor gave them a dream start with a curling free-kick, followed instantly by Kevin Davies turning in Johan Elmander's cross to make it 2-0.
Mark Noble and David di Michele wasted clear chances and Carlton Cole saw a goal-bound header cleared off the line as West Ham tried to cut the deficit.
Their persistence was rewarded when Scott Parker scored from close range but an equaliser proved beyond them.
Taylor's opener was a delightfully curled effort over an unconvincing-looking defensive wall, after Jack Collison had conceded a free-kick in a central position.
The visitors had barely come to terms with going one goal down when the advantage was doubled, as Elmander's cross from the right fell perfectly into the path of Davies, who slid in between Jonathan Spector and Matthew Upson to shoot home.
A miserable passage of play for West Ham was capped by defender James Collins going off with a pulled hamstring, and, after this flurry of activity, the match fell into a rut as Bolton looked satisfied with their lead.
Towards the end of the half, the Hammers seized the initiative but failed to change the scoreline, despite several good chances.
First, Noble could have pulled one back when Cole's pass found him in the clear on the right, but he took the wrong option and tried to set up Collison when he would have been better going for goal himself.
Minutes later, another glorious chance was missed by the visitors as Di Michele shot wildly off-target, having run from the halfway line, and Taylor had to have his wits about him when he headed Cole's goal-bound header off the line.
The early stages of the second half were increasingly ragged, with neither side really taking control and players from both sides putting in heavy challenges.
Apart from the ever-busy Taylor, Bolton looked satisfied with their lead, and West Ham's determination to change it was finally rewarded just after the hour mark, when Spector's low cross from the right went perfectly into the path of Parker, who stabbed home.
Gianfranco Zola's side sensed blood and went all out for the equaliser, and thought it was coming when Di Michele showed neat footwork in the box, but Gary Cahill's superbly timed block denied him what looked like a certain goal.
Bolton keeper Jaaskelainen did well to keep out Cole's bouncing header and would have been thankful for the lack of pace in Valon Behrami's shot as West Ham went all out in search of a late equaliser.
Kevin Davies had penalty appeals rejected late on when he was brought down by James Tomkins but the first half double-strike was enough to secure the points for Bolton.
Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We seem incapable of going on to make it three or four goals after going 2-0 up. It happened against Blackburn and Spurs and again today.
"We showed apprehension but it would be wrong to criticise the players. We have won what I felt was a vital game for us - our biggest of the season.
"We got off to a great start but need to show more confidence and belief."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"After all the chances we had I thought we'd get at least one point.
"They had two chances they took, we didn't - that's something we'll be working on in the next few days.
"Every moment in the game I had the idea that we were going to get something as the team were playing so well, they had problems handling us."
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier (Andrew O'Brien 73), Samuel, Kevin Davies, Mark Davies, McCann, Gardner, Taylor, Elmander (Muamba 76). Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Smolarek, Makukula, Shittu, Basham.
Goals: Taylor 10, Kevin Davies 11.
West Ham: Green, Spector (Sears 85), Collins (Tomkins 16), Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison (Nsereko 62), Cole, Di Michele. Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Tristan.
Booked: Upson, Noble.
Goals: Parker 66.
Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan
Boro saw Didier Digard stretchered off during the first half
Middlesbrough's miserable run continued as they were held at home by Wigan, making it a club record 14 Premier League games without victory.
A dismal first half was notable only for the departure of Didier Digard on a stretcher following a tackle by former Boro midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Stewart Downing had the best chance of the half, his well-struck effort turned behind by Chris Kirkland.
The keeper also saved late on from Gary O'Neil in a desperately poor game.
The Riverside was 10,000 short of capacity for an encounter between two sides struggling for confidence.
Middlesbrough's recent form has been well documented, but Wigan have hardly been flying.
Steve Bruce's side have not won in six games, have scored just once in that sequence, and have now been involved in three straight goalless draws.
It came as little surprise, then, that neither side managed a shot on target in the opening half-hour.
With goalmouth action all but absent, Cattermole unwillingly found himself playing a starring role.
His crunching challenge on Digard succeeded in winning the ball but also left the Frenchman needing a lengthy spell of treatment.
As the home fans made their feelings known, Digard was stretchered off with what looked like a serious leg injury.
Not long after, Cattermole - booed mercilessly by the home fans - collided with O'Neil in the box, referee Mike Dean booking the Boro man for exaggerating the contact.
Booked a minute earlier for a push on Julio Arca, Cattermole must have panicked when Afonso Alves went down under his challenge.
Dean instead showed the yellow card to Alves for diving, another decision backed up by television replays.
Boro's neat passing, meanwhile, continued to look tidy enough but chances were hard to come by, Kirkland saving Downing's daisy-cutter before seeing the England winger shoot just wide from the corner.
There was not much more excitement after the break.
Boro substitute Jeremie Aliadiere volleyed hopelessly wide from a good position, while at the other end, Michael Brown managed a little better, his effort flying only narrowly past the post.
While hardly impressive, Boro certainly did not deserve to lose so they would have been breathing a sigh of relief when substitute Hugo Rodallega sprung the offside trap but clipped his shot over the bar.
Boro managed one final push, O'Neil seeing his fierce shot stopped by Kirkland's knees, but the winless run goes on, and Gareth Southgate's men could even find themselves bottom of the table by the end of the weekend.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate:
"Everyone is up for the fight.
"We know it'll be extremely tough. Everyone else thinks we're gone but there's a lot of football to be played.
"We're going to have to win matches people won't expect us to, but we're capable of doing that. We're not giving much away so we have a chance."
Wigan boss Steve Bruce on Cattermole's challenge:
"Nobody wants to see anybody going off but unfortunately it happens.
"It was a perfectly good challenge. The crowd went up, and I have to compliment the referee who handled it very well.
And on the game:
"We've lost a bit of our cutting edge with the changes we had to make in January. It's never easy to rebuild halfway through the season and it's going to to take a bit of time for us.
"All credit to the players, they've rolled up their sleeves again. Defensively we were terrific and the longer it went on, the more I thought we were going to nick it."
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Digard (Walker 23), Arca (Aliadiere 52), Adam Johnson (Sanli 62), Downing, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Emnes, Bates, McMahon.
Booked: O'Neil, Alves.
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Watson, Brown, Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Kapo (Rodallega 61), Zaki (Sibierski 75).
Subs Not Used: Kingson, Edman, Koumas, Cywka, Routledge.
Booked: Watson, Cattermole, Kapo, Zaki.
Att: 24,020
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
Stoke 2-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth celebrate Nico Kranjcar's opening goal at Stoke
Portsmouth earned a dramatic point against Stoke City thanks to an injury-time own goal by Ryan Shawcross.
A drab game came alive after 75 minutes when David Nugent set up Niko Kranjcar to slide Pompey in front.
James Beattie quickly levelled from the spot after Glen Johnson was adjudged to have handled then, seconds later, he put Stoke ahead from close range.
Pompey poured forward and got their reward when Shawcross deflected Hermann Hreidarsson's cross into his own net.
Given the lack of quality that had been on display for most of the game at the Britannia Stadium, it was an unexpectedly exciting finish - but a draw was the fairest result.
A point apiece does little to improve either side's prospects at the bottom of the Premier League table but, given their wretched away form, Pompey will probably be more satisfied with the outcome.
The visitors have only won once on the road in the league since the end of August so caretaker boss Paul Hart can be pleased with a draw against a Stoke team with an impressive home record, especially in the manner it was achieved.
But neither side had much to be proud about in a first half that failed to produce a single shot on target.
Things did not improve immediately after the break and Stoke might have sensed it was not going to be their day when Beattie miscontrolled a Mamady Sidibe throughball when he was clean through.
There were no other openings until, out of nothing, Pompey took the lead - Nugent providing a clever pass and Kranjcar taking a touch before slotting home.
That was only the start of a chaotic 15-minute period, however, and Stoke were quickly level.
Johnson appeared to control a long ball into the box with his chest but referee Michael Jones thought otherwise and, after he had pointed at the spot, Beattie stepped up to bury his penalty.
Portsmouth were incensed by the decision but things quickly got worse for them when, on Stoke's next attack, Beattie was in the right place to tap in Danny Pugh's acrobatic shot from close range.
It appeared the Potters had secured all three points but Pompey continued to attack and were gifted an equaliser in a breathless finish when Hreidarsson's low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Shawcross.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis:
"It was two points dropped. When you go into injury-time leading 2-1 you hope to win but we have switched off and they have caught us.
"When they went 1-0 up I thought it would be difficult for us but we came back with the two goals and we were looking to see it out."
"We were unfortunate not to win. We scored a very good goal, had weathered the storm and defended like Trojans.
"But we didn't have time to get into a defensive shape to defend before the penalty, which wasn't a penalty, simple as that.
"Johnson leant towards the ball but his hands are nowhere near it.
"When you are faced with a decision that you feel isn't right it knocks you back. We were still reeling from it when Stoke scored again."
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence (Tonge 66), Diao, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Sidibe (Cresswell 84), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Whelan, Kitson, Camara, Sonko.
Booked: Lawrence.
Goals: Beattie 78 pen, 80.
Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Basinas (Mullins 71), Davis, Kranjcar (Kanu 89), Crouch, Nugent (Belhadj 89).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Kaboul, Pamarot, Utaka.
Booked: Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis.
Goals: Kranjcar 75, Shawcross 90 og.
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
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- Bob Brogan
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Re: Re: Epl round up
16 years 3 months ago
Benitez not giving up title race yet
Defiant Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is refusing to concede the Premier League title to Manchester United.
The Reds now lie seven points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's in-form side with 12 games remaining.
"I have confidence we can still win it," said Benitez, after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield.
"This has been a bad result and it clearly makes it more difficult for us to win the title. We have to win our games and see where that takes us."
Benitez admitted Liverpool must beat United at Old Trafford on 14 March to keep their hopes alive, adding: "Then we may have a different situation."
Liverpool went behind to a deflected strike from former striker Craig Bellamy on Sunday before Dirk Kuyt rescued a point with a late strike.
But their failure to win means the Reds, who were usurped at the top of the table by United on 17 January, have now drawn six of their 13 home games this season.
Compare that to United, who have won 12 and drawn one of their 13 matches at home.
"It's not easy but the main thing for me is to win our games," said Benitez, whose side face Middlesbrough away and Sunderland at home in their next two league contests.
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher echoed the sentiments of his manager.
It is not over, there are still a lot of games left, but it depends on Manchester United slipping up... they don't do that very often
"It's going to be difficult, of course, but we are never going to throw in the towel," he said. "There are a lot of points still to be played for."
He also insisted the Reds were capable of winning at Old Trafford.
"If you want to win titles, that's what you've got to do," he said. "We've been to some big places and got some good results. It looks like we will have to go there and get three points."
However, Man City manager Mark Hughes does not hold out much hope for Liverpool overhauling his former club.
"It is not over, there are still a lot of games left, but it depends on Manchester United slipping up," he said.
"They don't do that very often. It is very much in their hands and they will have to lose three games now."
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Re: Re: Epl round up
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Hull 1-2 Tottenham
Jonathan Woodgate's 86th-minute header lifted Tottenham to 14th with a valuable victory at the KC Stadium.
They went ahead with a superb 20-yard effort from Aaron Lennon, who found space following a short corner.
But Hull looked dangerous in an entertaining first half and Michael Turner slid in to equalise after Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini fumbled a corner.
Both sides hit the woodwork but when a a draw looked certain, Woodgate rose to head in Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross.
A year ago, Woodgate headed the winner at Wembley as Spurs lifted the Carling Cup.
In his 50th appearance for the club, he scored a goal that while not quite as crucial, could be hugely important in their battle for survival.
Five years ago this weekend Hull were losing at home to Torquay in the fourth tier of the English leagues, but having been in the top half of the table for much of their debut season in the Premier League, they are now embroiled in a multi-team relegation scrap.
The warning signs were evident for Spurs in the opening moments when Andy Dawson's inswinging corner from the right caused anxiety in the six-yard box, and set pieces remained a constant problem for the visitors.
Dawson found himself in the book within the opening seven minutes for two crude challenges on the pacy Lennon, but though Hull looked the more dangerous it was Spurs who took the lead with the first moment of genuine quality.
Ironically it stemmed from a set piece, as Luka Modric worked a short corner with Robbie Keane and found Lennon on the edge of the area.
The diminutive winger had time to line up a shot, but his curling effort into the narrow gap available to the left-hand corner was exquisite.
Hull came right back, however, and Cudicini had to be alert to rush out and block with his legs to deny the charging Kamil Zayatte.
But the Italian goalkeeper flapped badly at another inswinging corner from the right, and after the ball ricocheted off Wilson Palacios, Turner slid in ahead of Ledley King to apply the finishing touch the line.
Spurs looked the more comfortable in possession but Hull were the more purposeful, with Daniel Cousin's volley dipping just over and an unmarked Sam Ricketts glancing a header wide.
Harry Redknapp had looked increasingly agitated by his team's failings and they would no doubt have felt the force of his frustrations as they emerged with more intent after the break.
Keane broke down the left and crossed for Palacios to hit a fierce volley heading straight for the corner, only for former Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner to block with his head.
A Modric free-kick was headed against the top of the bar by his compatriot Vedran Corluka but much of the second half lacked fluency.
It was not until midway through it that Hull tested the Spurs goal, Zayatte breaking free to glance another inswinging corner from the right against the outside of the post.
Woodgate's superb leap settled it, he had to leave the field shortly before the end with blood streaming from above his eye, but that endeavour helped to end a run of four away defeats and gave Spurs a key win.
Jonathan Woodgate's 86th-minute header lifted Tottenham to 14th with a valuable victory at the KC Stadium.
They went ahead with a superb 20-yard effort from Aaron Lennon, who found space following a short corner.
But Hull looked dangerous in an entertaining first half and Michael Turner slid in to equalise after Spurs keeper Carlo Cudicini fumbled a corner.
Both sides hit the woodwork but when a a draw looked certain, Woodgate rose to head in Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross.
A year ago, Woodgate headed the winner at Wembley as Spurs lifted the Carling Cup.
In his 50th appearance for the club, he scored a goal that while not quite as crucial, could be hugely important in their battle for survival.
Five years ago this weekend Hull were losing at home to Torquay in the fourth tier of the English leagues, but having been in the top half of the table for much of their debut season in the Premier League, they are now embroiled in a multi-team relegation scrap.
The warning signs were evident for Spurs in the opening moments when Andy Dawson's inswinging corner from the right caused anxiety in the six-yard box, and set pieces remained a constant problem for the visitors.
Dawson found himself in the book within the opening seven minutes for two crude challenges on the pacy Lennon, but though Hull looked the more dangerous it was Spurs who took the lead with the first moment of genuine quality.
Ironically it stemmed from a set piece, as Luka Modric worked a short corner with Robbie Keane and found Lennon on the edge of the area.
The diminutive winger had time to line up a shot, but his curling effort into the narrow gap available to the left-hand corner was exquisite.
Hull came right back, however, and Cudicini had to be alert to rush out and block with his legs to deny the charging Kamil Zayatte.
But the Italian goalkeeper flapped badly at another inswinging corner from the right, and after the ball ricocheted off Wilson Palacios, Turner slid in ahead of Ledley King to apply the finishing touch the line.
Spurs looked the more comfortable in possession but Hull were the more purposeful, with Daniel Cousin's volley dipping just over and an unmarked Sam Ricketts glancing a header wide.
Harry Redknapp had looked increasingly agitated by his team's failings and they would no doubt have felt the force of his frustrations as they emerged with more intent after the break.
Keane broke down the left and crossed for Palacios to hit a fierce volley heading straight for the corner, only for former Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner to block with his head.
A Modric free-kick was headed against the top of the bar by his compatriot Vedran Corluka but much of the second half lacked fluency.
It was not until midway through it that Hull tested the Spurs goal, Zayatte breaking free to glance another inswinging corner from the right against the outside of the post.
Woodgate's superb leap settled it, he had to leave the field shortly before the end with blood streaming from above his eye, but that endeavour helped to end a run of four away defeats and gave Spurs a key win.
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