The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Sorry Derby capitulated to a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday, the former propping up the table with the later topping it as a result. Braces from Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso laid the foundations for the win, with Ryan Babel and Andrei Voronin completing the rout.

Arsenal follow close behind thanks to their 3-1 win over Portsmouth despite playing nearly half the game with ten-men, the oaf-footed Philippe Senderos seeing red for a clumsy tackle on Kanu. David James’ hopes of an England re-call weren’t helped as he conceded the penalty that lead to Arsenal’s first, however the big man was sold desperately short by his back four all afternoon. Kanu scored Pompey’s consolation, his effort an early contender for goal of the season.

Everton supporters will have bloody noses for another week – their 2-1 win over Bolton keeping them flying high in third – such heights somewhat uncharted terrority for the Toffees faithful.

A stunning overhead kick from Diomansy Kamara earned Fulham an unlikely point against Spurs at Craven Cottage; the visitors had lead 3-1 thanks to goals from Younes Kaboul, Dimitar Berbatov and Gareth Bale’s superb solo effort, however Martin Jol’s men contrived to cave in as Clint Dempsey and Alexey Smertin gave the hosts hope before Kamara produced his magic.

Sven’s honeymoon period at Man City looks to becoming to an abrupt end as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn, meanwhile Michael Owen scored the winner to give Newcastle the points against a dogged Wigan side. Middlesborough claimed their second win of the season as they beat Birmingham 2-0, David Wheater and Stuart Downing on target in a dour affair. Worryingly for Steve Bruce’s men they offered little going forward and weren’t much better at the back.

West Ham banished the ghosts of season-past as they beat Reading 3-0 at the Madejski, the corresponding result from the last campaign a 6-0 reversal. Craig Bellamy scored one and made another in the Hammers classy win, winger Matthew Etherington sealing it with a rasping effort. Keeper Rob Green saved a spot-kick to round off a good day for Alan Curbishley’s side.

Roy Keane was reunited with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford as Manchester United edged out Sunderland 1-0. Craig Gordon’s error gave the hosts the win, his flap at fresh air allowing Louis Saha to glance home the winner. Keano was given a rapturous reception by the United faithful as prawn sandwiches were taken off the menu for the talisman’s much anticipated return.

Aston Villa felled Chelsea 2-0 in an entertaining game at Villa Park - Zat Knight’s debut goal and Gabby Agbonlahor’s late show enough to give Martin O’Neil’s men the win, his side not fooled by Chelsea’s blinding fluorescent strip.

In other news, England fans will have sleepless nights as it was announced Emile Heskey is to be recalled to the full England squad, a bold move from manager Steve McClaren that doesn’t reek of desperation in the slightest.

In-form Man City keeper Kasper Schmeichel is to be rewarded for his fine displays with a new three-year contract that will see his £1,500 wages trebled. The young Dane is currently one of the lowest paid players in the Premiership and has provided fine cover for the injured Andreas Isaksson, keeping three consecutive clean sheets and saving a penalty in last week’s defeat to Arsenal.