Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra’s own goal and Edwin Van der Sar’s howler did Manchester United no good as the Red Devils were held to their third consecutive draw in the Premiership, this time by West Bromich Albion. But league leaders Chelsea failed to capitalize on their rival’s slip-up as played out a goalless draw against Aston Villa. There was no such slip ups for the North London clubs as Arsenal and Tottenham came back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Birmingham and Fulham respectively.
Wayne Rooney, who controversially denied that he was unfit for United’s last league game was left again on the bench by Sir Alex as he opted for Hernandez and Berbatov up front. The Mexican international didn’t fail to disappoint as he latched on to a Scott Carson spill to put United in front after 5 minutes. Some free flowing sparkling football followed and Nani doubled United’s lead after on 25 minutes. The Red Devils just failed to find the finishing touch on numerous occasions as they went into the half with a two goal lead. It was a completely different story in the second half as Evra deflected a Chris Brunt freekick into the back of his own net. Five minutes later, Van der Sar failed to collect a Brunt cross and handed Tchoyi the easiest of tap ins. The Baggies held on stubbornly as United failed to convert their lead into a win for the third time this season. Ferguson was also left ruing as Giggs had to be substituted because of a recurring hamstring problem.
It was déjà vu for Alexander Hleb as he returned to the Emirates Stadium, after an ill fated move to Barcelona, as Arsenal took on Birmingham. The visitors took a surprise lead in the 33rd minute through a Nikola Zigic header. But Samir Nasri converted a controversial penalty after Marioune Chamakh was brought down in the box. Chamakh himself scored a well taken goal two minutes after the break to give Arsenal the three points and move them into second place. But it will be Jack Wishere’s red card that will hit the headlines as he was sent off for a late challenge on Zigic and must now serve a three match ban.
Staying in London, Tottenham came back from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. Diamansy Kamara gave Fulham the lead in the 30th minute but Spurs hit back immediately as Pavulychenko pounced on the rebound after Van der Vaart hit the post. The moment of controversy came in the 63rd minute when Huddlestone unleashed a 25 yard screamer into the back of the net. The linesman raised his flag as William Gallas appeared to be offside but the referee overruled his decision to give Tottenham the lead and the scoreline stayed that way as Spurs took home the 3 points.
In other matches, former Newcastle winger Charles N’Zogbia scored twice against his old club as Wigan took a two goal lead. But Shola Ameobi’s first goal of the season and Coloccini’s injury time strike salvaged a point for the Magpies. Mark Noble’s goal fetched West Ham a draw against Wolves after Robert Green’s blunder had given Wolves the lead. Bolton also left it late as Klasnic’s injury time strike gave Bolton their first home win of the season against Stoke City.
In the late kickoff at Villa Park, Aston Villa continued their impressive home record against Chelsea with a 0-0 draw. Chelsea fielding a weakened lineup, because of injuries to Alex, Lampard and Drogba, almost won it in injury time when Nicholas Anelka’s header bounced off the crossbar. It would have been rough justice for Aston Villa who should have won it in the 77th minute when Reo Coker came up one on one against Cech but he sprayed his shot wide. The point kept Chelsea 5 points clear of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham but that could be cut short to 2 points if Manchester City beat Blackpool later today. Also in store today is the Merseyside Derby when Everton and Liverpool, who are both languishing at the wrong end of the table, battle it out at Goodison Park. Both teams with problems of their own will be looking to make amends for their poor start to the season. Everton have a long list of players in the in their injured list while Liverpool, who will be without Kuyt and Agger will be looking for a fresh start to the season under new owners.
Results:
Manchester United 2 – 2 West Bromich Albion
Arsenal 2- 1 Birmingham City
Bolton Wanderers 2 – 1 Stoke City
Fulham 1 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United 2 – 2 Wigan Athletic
Wolverhampton 1 – 1 West Ham United
Aston Villa 0 – 0 Chelsea
Tags: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Edwin Van der Sar, Football, Manchester United, Patrice Evra, Premiership, Soccer, Sports, West Bromich Albion
