It was billed as the Battle of Britain, but perhaps a David and Goliath analogy would have been more appropriate.
Scotland’s Glasgow Celtic failed to capitalize on their home field advantage against England’s Arsenal and lost 2–0 in their Tuesday Champions League playoff at Parkhead.
Celtic perhaps needed a slight bit of luck to stop their Premier League opposition, who were firing on all cylinders after their 6–1 demolition of Everton on Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Scottish home team, Arsenal was gifted two soft goals. The first a cruel deflection by Arsenal defender William Gallas from a Cesc Fabregas long distance shot and the second an own goal from Gary Caldwell.
Celtic’s Champions League hopes are not over; however based on tonight’s performance one would have to say that they will have difficulties in breaking down the Arsenal defense in the second leg next week, especially now that Arsenal has two away goals to their name.
Premier League Action
No draws to date in this season’s Premier League, and today was to be no exception. Both Chelsea and Wolves won their respective matches.
At the Stadium of Light, Chelsea had to fight back after going a goal down to Sunderland, thanks to Darren Bent after 18 minutes.
Following that, Sunderland had to withstand a barrage of Chelsea efforts to even the score. German international Michael Ballack broke the Sunderland defense when he directed a Frank Lampard corner past keeper Marton Fulop. Lampard scored Chelsea’s second from the penalty spot. The foul was on striker Didier Drogba by George McCartney.
Finally Deco made it three with a fabulous long-range shot before being replaced by Andriy Shevchenko. The Ukrainian made his first appearance for Chelsea in 18 months.
In the Premier League’s other Tuesday match, Mick McCarthy’s Wolves managed to hang onto their early lead and beat Wigan 1–0. Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh scored for Wolves after just six minutes.
Keogh was unfortunate not to score a second when he had a penalty decision go against him 11 minutes after half time.
