Manchester United 2, Liverpool 0
United came from behind to win at Old Trafford and returned to the top of the English Premier League on Sunday.
The visiting Reds, wearing black and gold uniforms, took the lead in the fifth minute. Forward Fernando Torres showed his aerial abilities by powering in a leaping header off a Dirk Kuyt cross.
United were back in the game when a contentious penalty was given as Javier Mascherano brought down the tenacious Antonio Valencia.
Liverpool was aggrieved as the initial foul took place outside the area. Wayne Rooney stepped up to take the spot kick, which was saved by Pepe Reina only for Rooney to get a second chance on the rebound, leveling the score.
After Liverpool’s bright start in the first 15 minutes, United took control of the game, always looking likely to get a winner. The breakthrough came when Darren Fletcher crossed a ball into the path of Korean Ji-Sung Park who connected with a diving header from six yards out.
With the win, Manchester United is now two points clear of second place Arsenal.
Liverpool’s loss is their tenth of the campaign. They have practically no margin for error in their quest for fourth place.
Arsenal 2, West Ham 0
The Gunners beat the Hammers by playing half the game with 10 men after central defender Thomas Vermaelen was sent off for hauling down Guillermo Franco as the last defender near the end of the first half. It looked like a harsh penalty decision as Franco did not have control of the ball, nor was there serious contact from Vermaelen.
West Ham got the penalty and Alessandro Diamanti’s kick was denied by Manuel Almunia brilliantly. The Spanish goalie scrambled to smother the rebound as well.
Denilson had put the Gunners ahead very early after Nicklas Bendtner set him up for a low shot.
West Ham came close with Calton Cole skimming a low shot wide in the second half before Matthew Upson conceded a late penalty when he handled the ball in the box. Captain Cesc Fabregas put the game beyond a doubt from the spot.
Arsenal temporarily took over first place on Saturday with the win.
Blackburn 1, Chelsea 1
El-Hadji Diouf headed a late equalizer to dent Chelsea’s title aspirations at Ewood Park on Sunday.
Chelsea took the lead early on when Nicolas Anelka split the Blackburn defense to set up Didier Drogba who neatly placed the ball in the back of the net.
The result will be another reality check after Chelsea’s mid-week loss to Inter Milan in the European Champions League, which saw them eliminated from the competition.
Chelsea has a game in hand on both Man U and Arsenal. They are two points back of the Gunners and another two back of Man U.
