Here is a review of the Premiership matches played on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February, 2004 - Match 26:-
Bolton 1 - 3 Man City
City still haven't won a home league game since October, but they did at least manage their first Premiership win in 15 games, thanks to 2 goals from Robbie Fowler, and a Simon Charlton own goal. Bolton had opened the scoring through Nolan, and were obviously keeping more than half an eye on next week's Carling Cup Final, as they rested half their defence.
Charlton 3 - 2 Blackburn
In a frantic finish, Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel scored a dramatic equaliser, and was the hero as struggling Rovers thought they had gained a point, having gone 2-0 down in the first half to goals by Carlton Cole, and Jason Euell. Andy Cole took an age to finish when gifted his chance to get one back in the 74th minute. Friedel's heroics were forgotten as Claus Jensen hit a cracking winner to give Charlton their first win in 4 games, to put them back in the race for fourth place.
Chelsea 1 - 2 Arsenal
Chelsea have as much trouble beating Arsenal, as we do in league matches (and the FA Cup for that matter!). It had looked good though, when Spurs fan Gudjohnssen put the home side in the lead after just 27 seconds. Gudjohnssen was later to see red for a second bookable offence, having been shown yellow for a dive in the penalty area. Arsenal had got back on terms before that though, after Vieira fired home an inch-perfect Bergkamp cross. Then Neil Sullivan (who until this game had not conceded a Premiership goal for Chelsea) failed to collect a high ball and Edu was on hand to sweep the ball home at the back post.
With 12 games left, it looked a decisive day for the title race, as Arsenal lead Man Utd by 7 points and Chelsea by 9. Incredibly, Arsenal are still unbeaten in the league.
Man. Utd 1 - 1 Leeds
The match was preceded by an immaculate silence to mourn the passing of a true soccer legend - John Charles (see the message board for more details). United took 64 minutes to get off the mark through Scholes, but then the tigerish Alan Smith equalised within three minutes with a great header, to give Leeds an unexpected and precious point. Sir Alex Ferguson had Ronaldo and Keane on the bench, and may have paid the price for resting key players in advance of the Champions League. Solksjaer also made a substitute appearance after 5 months out with injury.
S'hampton 3 - 3 Everton
The Saints got a last gasp equaliser through Fernandes, and were two goals down till a questionable penalty 8 minutes from time. Rooney had scored two goals earlier, along with a goal from Ferguson. Both sides are in the lower half of the table, but the Toffees are the team with an eye over their shoulder.
Wolves 2 - 1 Fulham
Wolves are giving themselves real hope, with this, their 5th win of the season (all at home), thanks to goals from new signing Carl Cort, and Paul Ince, who was denied another goal by the woodwork. Malbranque ensured a nervous finish, but Fulham are on the slide now, losing their 5th game in 8. Wolves visit Leicester next week for a crucial battle.
Liverpool P - P Portsmouth
This game was postponed, and the two sides played their FA Cup replay at Portsmouth (won 1-0 by the home side), as Liverpool have a UEFA Cup match on Thursday.
Aston Villa 2 - 2 B'mingham
When Villa went a goal up after 20 minutes, thanks to in-form Vassell, it looked ominous for Birmingham, who have not won an away game in the league this season, after going behind. This was the first time in many years that both participants in the Birmingham Derby have been in the top 10 of the top flight in the league. This 100th league Derby between the two sides was one of the best, played, as you would expect, in a hot atmosphere. Hitzlsperger put Villa two up very early in the second half, but then the Blues dominated the midfield, not least because David Dunn replaced Stephen Clemence. Forsell put the game within reach, but the real drama came in the last of 4 minutes injury time, when Morrison's shot was only parried by Sorensen, and Stern John finished off. Villa were left to rue many missed chances, not least Angel, who was set up unselfishly by debut substitute Luke Moore.
Spurs 4 - 4 Leicester
The full report can be read here Here are a few statistics:-
· This was (unsurprisingly) the highest score-draw in the league so far this season.
· It was Spurs highest scoring draw since December, 1980 (home to Southampton).
· Spurs drew their first game in 15 fixtures, and their first (league) score-draw of the season!
· Leicester have now gone 12 games since a League win, away to Portsmouth on 29th November.
· Spurs have scored first in 9 of their last 10 games.
· Spurs have scored in every game (10) played in 2004 to date.
· Robbie Keane is Spurs top scorer with 14 (12 in the League). Kanoute has 12 in all games (7 in the League).
· Jermain Defoe has scored 4 goals in his first 3 games for Spurs.
FA Barclaycard Premiership
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
-----------------------------------------
1 Arsenal 26 19 7 0 51 17 34 64
2 Man Utd 26 18 3 5 50 24 26 57
3 Chelsea 26 17 4 5 47 21 26 55
4 Newcastle 26 10 11 5 37 27 10 41
5 Charlton 26 11 7 8 37 32 5 40
6 Liverpool 25 10 8 7 36 27 9 38
7 A. Villa 26 10 7 9 32 30 2 37
8 B'mingham 25 9 9 7 25 28 -3 36
9 Fulham 26 10 5 11 38 37 1 35
10 Spurs 26 10 4 12 39 42 -3 34
11 Bolton 26 8 10 8 32 40 -8 34
12 S'hampton 26 8 8 10 26 26 0 32
13 M'brough 25 8 7 10 27 31 -4 31
14 Man City 26 6 9 11 36 38 -2 27
15 Blackburn 26 7 6 13 38 43 -5 27
16 Everton 26 6 8 12 31 39 -8 26
17 P'tsmouth 25 6 5 14 28 39 -11 23
------------------------------------------
18 Wolves 26 5 8 13 24 52 -28 23
19 Leicester 26 4 10 12 37 51 -14 22
20 Leeds 26 5 6 15 24 51 -27 21
