The Weekend Round-Up

by Danny Wright

Derby prop up the table after they lost 2-1 to fellow new-boys Birmingham at Pride Park, Cameron Jerome’s brace giving Steve Bruce’s men their first win of the season. Matt Oakley had levelled for the Rams but it wasn’t enough to earn a point as Blues keeper Maik Taylor – making his first start of the season – foiled the hosts with some fine saves.

Aston Villa beat Fulham 2-1 in a thrilling game at Villa Park. American Clint Demspey put the Cottagers ahead on six minutes, but Zat Knight turned into his own net to level things up. Fulham should have been awarded a penalty, and Diomansy Kamara hit a post, but it was Villa who took the points thanks to Shaun Maloney’s last minute winner.

Bolton eased the pressure on struggling manager Sammy Lee as they beat Reading 3-0 at the Reebok, as West Ham and Wigan’s 1-1 draw and Paul Scharner’s stunning opener were overshadowed by Eggert Magnusson’s dodgy tie.

Sunderland are coming to terms with the harsh realities of the Premiership as they were comfortably beaten by Liverpool 2-0 at the Stadium of Light, Mohamed Sissoko and Andriy Voronin the scorers. £9m summer signing Craig Gordon kept the score down with some good goalkeeping, seemingly justifying his hefty price tag even at this early stage.

Everton and Blackburn scrapped out a dreary 1-1 draw at Goodison; meanwhile Arsenal ended Sven’s dream start with a 1-0 win over Man City at the Emirates. Kasper Schmeichel saved Robin Van Persie’s penalty, but it was the Gunners who had the last laugh as Cesc Fabregas fired home with just ten minutes remaining.

Chelsea top the pile as they cashed in on David James’ error to beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the Bridge. It was a bad end to a good week for the Pompey keeper, his chances of becoming England’s number one once again hindered by his soft handling that allowed Frank Lampard’s effort to creep home. Lampard, by comparison, capped off his good week with a sterling display, the midfield maestro the pick of the bunch in England’s defeat to Germany on Wednesday.

Manchester United earned a vital win as they beat Tottenham thanks to Nani’s wonder strike, his thirty yard effort giving Sir Alex’s men their first three points of the season. Spurs should have been awarded a penalty when Wes Brown handled, but referee Howard Webb waved away the appeals, with the continuing number of poor decisions causing much concern amongst disgruntled supporters.

Julio Arca was Middleborough’s hero as they twice came from behind to earn a point in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle. Charles N'Zogbia gave the Magpies the lead before Mido equalized, with former ‘Boro man Mark Viduka giving his new side the lead, his subdued celebrations a mark of respect to his former employers as the game petered out to a 2-2 draw.

There was a sombre atmosphere around the league grounds on Saturday as the news emerged that 18-year-old QPR striker Ray Jones had died in a car crash on Friday night, the R’s clash with Burnley postponed. The sad week was compounded by the news that Walsall apprentice Anton Reid died after collapsing during a training session; the youngster passing away aged just 16. Many condolences go out to the grieving families, the tragic events putting the significance of football well and truly into perspective.

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