The Sports Corner

Liverpool gives Chelsea the blues

English Premier League

Title-chasing Liverpool showed their absolute best on Sunday to beat Chelsea and end the Blue’s 86-match unbeaten streak at Stamford Bridge in Premier League competition. Xabi Alonso’s 10th minute strike was enough for the visitors who were largely untroubled even though Chelsea had the better of the possession. The result will leave Liverpool fans drooling at the prospect of a first Premier League title, they previously had beat Manchester United 1-0 earlier in the season, albeit at Anfield.

In other news, Arsenal had to wait until the 75th minute for the deadlock to be broken before securing a 2-0 victory over West Ham at Upton Park. Julien Faubert’s own goal put the Gunners ahead and Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the advantage in injury time.

Manchester United were pegged back by Everton as they lost ground on the leaders of the Premier League. Darren Fletcher put the Champions ahead after 22 minutes only for Everton record-signing Marouane Fellaini to equalise, the first goal for the Toffee’s by the Portugese midfielder.

Also, Harry Redknapp got the perfect start as Tottenham boss with a victory over fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers. Goals from Roman Pavyluchenko and Darren Bent secured the first Spurs victory of the Premier League campaign. Sunderland prevailed in the North East derby in a 2-1 victory which piles yet more misery for Newcastle. Goals from Cisse and Richardson gave the Black Cats victory, Ameobi scored for Newcastle.

Aston Villa moved into fifth with a convincing 4-0 win over Wigan to remind the big four of their credentials. Barry, Agbonlahor, Carew and Sidwell all netted for Villa. Hull maintained their sensational start with an emphatic 3-0 victory over West Brom, Zayatte, Geovanni and King all got on the scoresheet to keep Hull in third spot.

Finally, Robinho notched a hat trick as Manchester City beat Stoke 3-0, Clint Dempsey rescued a point for Fulham after Peter Crouch gave them a lead at Fratton Park and Benni McCarthy scored a 94th minute equaliser to salvage a point for Blackburn Rovers after Alfonso Alves had given Middlesbrough a lead at Ewood Park.

La Liga

Valencia maintain their lead at the top of the table despite being held at Recreativo. Camunas had given the home side an unlikely lead before hitman David Villa equalised.

Barcelona smashed Almeria 5-0 as they look to rediscover their best form. All the goals came in the first half as Samuel Etoo scored a hat trick along with goals from Thierry Henry and Daniel Alves. Barca are currently second in the table.

Real Madrid overcame a spirited Athletic Bilbao fightback before wrapping up a 3-2 victory. Wesley Sneijder and Gonzalo Higuain set a comfortable bench mark for Madrid only for Exteberria and Iraloa to equal the scores, However Higuain notched his second of the game to place Madrid third in the table

Serie A

Udinese have climbed to the top of the table following a 3-1 victory over struggling AS Roma. Goals from Di Natale (2) and Flores ensured a comfortable victory for the home side. Francesco Totti earned a consolation goal for AS Roma. 

Inter are now second following a disappointing goalless draw with Genoa, Jose Mourinho is reported to be furious with his lacklustre side for not following his instructions.

AC Milan collected 3 points away to Atalanta but were made to work for their victory. Kaka opened the deadlock after 80 minutes to keep up the pressure on the leading sides, they currently sit fourth in the table.

Finally, Juventus defeated Torino 1-0 without a host of first team stars. Amauri goal was enough for the Turin outfit who played an under strength side as Buffon, Poulsen, Camoranesi and Trezeguet all missed out. Juve are currently in 10th place.