The Sports Corner

Van Persie stuns Blues!

English Premier League

The 2008/09 Premier League season took another unexpected twist this week when Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

The game symbolized that the Gunners were not yet out of the title running and have also alerted other Premiership sides that Chelsea look fragile on home soil.  

After a dismal performance against Manchester City where they lost 3-0, Arsenal’s title prospects were thought to be destroyed, and in the 30 minute when Johan Djourou turned the ball into his own net, the groans from the Gunners fans suggested another difficult day at the office. 

Chelsea controlled much of the first half and could have scored a second if Nicolas Anelka showed more enthusiasm when through on goal, but they came into half time satisfied at Stamford Bridge. The second half began with Chelsea dominating again but in three minutes of madness, the tide was turned at the Bridge.

Robin Van Persie was clearly offside when he crashed the ball home for Arsenal’s equalizer in the 59th minute, and it was the same man that put the Gunners ahead three minutes later expertly punishing Chelsea’s defensive frailties when Adebayor won a flick on. 

A stunned Stamford Bridge watched in disbelief as the Blues went on to lose 2-1 and their second game at home this season following the 1-0 defeat by Liverpool. For Arsenal, their incredible season continues with a mixture of joy and sorrow. 

Manchester United proved that they are still the number one team in the city following a 1-0 victory over arch rivals Manchester City in a fiery game at the City of Manchester Stadium. Wayne Rooney’s 42nd minute strike was enough to decide the contest that included 6 bookings and a sending off. Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed in the 68th minute to dampen United celebrations for a second bookable offence.

A frustrated Martin O’Neill missed out on an opportunity to break into the elusive top four position after Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw by Fulham. The draw suggests that Villa will have to be more ruthless in their pursuit of Champions League football where as Roy Hodgson is building a solid Fulham outfit who have not conceded at Anfield and now Villa Park.

Hull City missed out on all three points as Stoke City fought back to make it 1-1 at the Britannia Stadium. Marlon King gave Hull the lead on the stroke of half time only for a Riccardo Fuller penalty in the 73rd minute to settle the scores.

A fascinating encounter at White Hart Lane saw Tottenham enviously watch Everton leave with all three points after a 1-0 win for the Toffees. Steven Pienaar goal in the 51st minute separated the two sides who should both be challenging for Champions League football at least. On this evidence it appears that Everton are more equipped at the moment. 

After a thrilling match in midweek where a last minute Milan goal denied a famous victory for Portsmouth, they got the job done against Blackburn winning 3-2 at Fratton Park. Peter Crouch gave Pompey the lead in the 49th minute when he met Glen Johnson’s exquisite cross. Four minutes later England striker Jermain Defoe doubled the advantage with an excellent finish after bamboozling the Blackburn defence. The introduction of Matt Derbyshire paid dividends immediately when he scored with his first touch to make it 2-1 in the 62nd minute. Tugay’s long range effort then levelled the match 5 minutes later to give Portsmouth fans that already familiar feeling of a 2-2 scoreline. However, Sean Davis grabbed the winner in the 79th minute after busting through the Blackburn defenders to earn his side all three points.

Bolton’s reversal of fortunes continued this week when they picked up another victory in the North East against Sunderland winning 4-1. Djibril Cisse opened the scoring for Sunderland in the 11th minute but that was the only highlight for the Black Cats. Matthew Taylor struck first for Bolton in the 18th minute and Gary Cahill gave the Trotters the lead three minutes later. Johan Elmander is currently showing why Bolton paid a record amount for him when his goals in the 39th and 55th minute effectively killed off any chance of a Sunderland response.

In a battle at the bottom of the table, it was Wigan who prevailed defeating West Brom 2-1 at the JJB Stadium. It was the visitors who struck first through Ishmael Miller for the Baggies who desperately need a win to kickstart their season. Henri Camara levelled the match in the 61st minute before Emmerson Boyce settled the game late on with an 87th minute winner.

A usually tasty North East derby was in fact a dull goalless draw at the Riverside. Neither team could break the deadlock but both will be satisfied with a point. Joe Kinnear was awarded a contract extension to the end of the season this last week and will look to accumulate more points as the season progresses. 

Liverpool have the chance to reclaim top spot if they can get a point at home to West Ham in tomorrow’s Premier League fixture.

La Liga

Barcelona stretched their lead to six points after defeating Sevilla 3-0 at the Nou Camp. Samuel Eto’o grabbed the opener for Barca in the 20th minute, Lionel Messi then killed the game with two goals to increase Barcelona’s impressive unbeaten streak. The Argentine maestro scored in the 79th and 90th minute.

Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster will certainly be feeling the heat as his side lost ground on Barcelona after a dismal 3-1 defeat to Getafe. Striker Juan Albin gave Getafe the lead in the 3rd minute, heading home a Jaime Gavilan cross. Albin struck again in the 47th minute to double Getafe’s lead. Javier Saviola gave Madrid fans a glimpse of hope in the 55th minute when he reduced the deficit to 2-1. However, Nigerian forward Ikechukwu Uche slammed the ball home in the 2nd minute to end all Madrid’s fans hope of a late fight back.

Serie A 

Reflecting events in Spain, Inter raced to a six point lead after overcoming Napoli 2-1. The Champions scored two quick goals through Ivan Cordoba and Sulley Muntari before Ezequiel Lavezzi restored Napoli hope in the 36th minute. Jose Mourinho’s men were able to hold on however and are now sitting pretty at the top of Serie A.

Milan were left reeling after a 3-1 defeat away to Palermo. With the game at 0-0 Ronaldinho missed a penalty for Milan who suffered gravely as a result. Fabrizio Miccoli rifled in Palermo’s opener in the 50th minute to silence the Milan fans. Edinson Cavani and Simplicio added goals to give Palermo a 3-0 advantage. Ronaldinho netted a penalty to restore pride for himself and the team but it was too little and far too late.