Andrei Arshavin scored a sensational game-winning goal at Anfield to help Arsenal close the gap on the top two in the Premier League, as they beat Liverpool 2–1.
Arsenal knew, coming into Sunday’s big game against Liverpool, that they had a golden opportunity to get back into the title race after both Chelsea and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday.
It didn’t start out well for the Gunners as Dirk Kuyt gave the home side a well-deserved lead just before the break.
But things started to go south for the Reds as defender Glen Johnson unwittingly gave Arsenal a route back into the game when he turned Samir Nasri’s cross past his owner keeper soon after the break.
And then, just before the hour mark, Arshavin sublimely controlled the ball and then blasted a thunderous shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Liverpool fans will remember all too well the same fixture last season in which Arshavin scored four goals in a wild 4–4 draw. The diminutive Russian had come back to haunt them.
The loss to Arsenal is yet another blow to Liverpool’s horrid season. The Reds now sit in seventh place and their top priority will be to finish in the top four to secure Champions League play next year. Otherwise, the lack of money coming into the club could spell the beginning of a major cost cutting program.
Arsenal played again without forward Robin van Persie, who was injured playing for Holland against Italy last month, and is expected to be out of action until April.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made it clear that they will be looking for compensation for the injury that occurred while on international duty. Wenger told the BBC, “We are working on this with our lawyers and we are definitely going for it.
“I expect compensation for the damage it can make to the championship [race].”
Everton took the early lead when a shot bounced off the post only to hit a diving Petr Cech and then find its way into the net.
Goals from forwards Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka got Chelsea back in front before Everton substitute Ayegbeni Yakubu leveled the score.
Drogba volleyed in his second at the hour mark but Louis Saha’s deflected header rewarded the visitors with a share of the points.
Chelsea, who have gone four games without a win (in all competitions), face questions about the strength of their squad who look distinctly shaky when it comes to set pieces. They will also have to deal with the loss of a few key players as the African Cup of Nations approaches.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti told the BBC, “I’m unhappy with the result but happy with the performance of the team. We played very well with high intensity and created many chances to score.
“We have to improve on the set plays because we conceded goals on them. We have to find a better position in the [penalty] box.”
“For the team that we brought here today to get a result was top notch,” said Everton manager David Moyes.
Gabriel Agbonlahor headed in the winner in the 21st minute after a pinpoint cross from Ashley Young.
United had good chances to score with Wayne Rooney belting the underside of the bar and Ryan Giggs failing to connect with a low shot at the near post.
Nemanja Vidic’s header was cleared off the line and American Brad Friedel’s steady hands kept out Dimitar Berbatov’s shot as Villa came away with a historic win.
Manchester United failed to take advantage of Chelsea’s slip-up earlier on Saturday and now remain three points back. Arsenal is a further three points back but with a game in hand.
Eight Premier League games will be played between Tuesday and Wednesday as the season begins to pick up as we approach the holiday season.
Arsenal knew, coming into Sunday’s big game against Liverpool, that they had a golden opportunity to get back into the title race after both Chelsea and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday.
It didn’t start out well for the Gunners as Dirk Kuyt gave the home side a well-deserved lead just before the break.
But things started to go south for the Reds as defender Glen Johnson unwittingly gave Arsenal a route back into the game when he turned Samir Nasri’s cross past his owner keeper soon after the break.
And then, just before the hour mark, Arshavin sublimely controlled the ball and then blasted a thunderous shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Liverpool fans will remember all too well the same fixture last season in which Arshavin scored four goals in a wild 4–4 draw. The diminutive Russian had come back to haunt them.
The loss to Arsenal is yet another blow to Liverpool’s horrid season. The Reds now sit in seventh place and their top priority will be to finish in the top four to secure Champions League play next year. Otherwise, the lack of money coming into the club could spell the beginning of a major cost cutting program.
Arsenal played again without forward Robin van Persie, who was injured playing for Holland against Italy last month, and is expected to be out of action until April.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made it clear that they will be looking for compensation for the injury that occurred while on international duty. Wenger told the BBC, “We are working on this with our lawyers and we are definitely going for it.
“I expect compensation for the damage it can make to the championship [race].”
Chelsea 3, Everton 3
Premier League leaders Chelsea twice let a one-goal lead slip as Everton fought back to take a point at Stamford Bridge. The draw marked the first time Chelsea failed to win at home this season.Everton took the early lead when a shot bounced off the post only to hit a diving Petr Cech and then find its way into the net.
Goals from forwards Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka got Chelsea back in front before Everton substitute Ayegbeni Yakubu leveled the score.
Drogba volleyed in his second at the hour mark but Louis Saha’s deflected header rewarded the visitors with a share of the points.
Chelsea, who have gone four games without a win (in all competitions), face questions about the strength of their squad who look distinctly shaky when it comes to set pieces. They will also have to deal with the loss of a few key players as the African Cup of Nations approaches.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti told the BBC, “I’m unhappy with the result but happy with the performance of the team. We played very well with high intensity and created many chances to score.
“We have to improve on the set plays because we conceded goals on them. We have to find a better position in the [penalty] box.”
“For the team that we brought here today to get a result was top notch,” said Everton manager David Moyes.
Manchester United 0, Aston Villa 1
Aston Villa beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time in 26 years and now cling to fourth place, two points ahead of Tottenham.Gabriel Agbonlahor headed in the winner in the 21st minute after a pinpoint cross from Ashley Young.
United had good chances to score with Wayne Rooney belting the underside of the bar and Ryan Giggs failing to connect with a low shot at the near post.
Nemanja Vidic’s header was cleared off the line and American Brad Friedel’s steady hands kept out Dimitar Berbatov’s shot as Villa came away with a historic win.
Manchester United failed to take advantage of Chelsea’s slip-up earlier on Saturday and now remain three points back. Arsenal is a further three points back but with a game in hand.
Eight Premier League games will be played between Tuesday and Wednesday as the season begins to pick up as we approach the holiday season.
