The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Debutant goalkeeper Stefan Wessels couldn’t prevent Everton losing to Manchester United 1-0 at Goodison on Saturday, the German largely untroubled until Nemanja Vidic thumped home a header late in the day to end the tight affair. Earlier Andy Johnson had an effort cleared off the line but the Toffees couldn’t break through the stellar United backline. United face Seville in the Champions League on Wednesday, and will receive a stern test against the European dark-horses.

Chelsea endured a frustrating time at home to Blackburn, drawing 0-0 in a dull affair. Salomon Kalou thought he had won it for Jose Mourinho’s men, however his effort was somehow ruled out for offside by the dimwitted officials. The Special One showed his frustration by opting to trash the pitch-side television equipment, whilst Brad Friedel saved Rover’s bacon with some excellent saves. Rafa Benetiz’s tinkering seemingly cost Liverpool as they also drew at home, this time to Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth in another 0-0 affair.

Arsenal top the pile after a superb 3-1 win over bitter rivals Tottenham. Baby-faced free kick assassin Gareth Bale put the hosts ahead, however it wasn’t enough as the imperious Emmanuel Adebayor notched a header and a stunning second to set the Gunners on their way, with Cesc Fabregas adding another with a wonder strike.

Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones inspired his new side to victory over Reading at the Stadium of Light as the hosts remembered FA Cup legend Ian Porterfield, who died on Tuesday. Jones drew first blood with a lovely turn and shot, and then he set up Ross Wallace for what proved to be the winner as the visitors seldom threatened the Black Cat’s goal. They did however pull one back late on, Dave Kitson the scorer. Royals boss Steve Coppell no doubt gave his men the roasting of a life time back in the dressing room.

Elsewhere, Manchester City stalwart Michael Johnson inspired Sven’s men to a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, his neat one-two and burst from midfield rightfully rewarded with a fine goal to lift the Eastlands side to second in the table. Villa dominated after the goal, but couldn’t find a way past Micah Richards and co. West Ham beat Middlesborough 3-0 in an entertaining game at the Boleyn Ground, talisman Dean Ashton marking his return to the side with a goal.

Jason Koumas saved his Wigan side with a late penalty to earn a point against Fulham; on-song Clint Demspey put the Cottagers ahead after eleven minutes, but the game petered out to a 1-1 draw. There was bad news for Emile Heskey who will be out for six weeks following a suspected metatarsal break, the rejuvenated England man limping off after only two minutes to leave the Latics looking legless.

Down at the bottom, Olivier Kapo's strike piled the misery on sorry Sammy Lee as Birmingham beat Bolton 1-0 at St Andrews, with bottom side Derby taking on Newcastle tonight, the Rams no doubt looking for a first win of the season.

In other news, League Two Stockport have eased their goalkeeper crisis by bringing in Blackburn youngster Zac Jones on loan. Manager Jim Gannon had been without a stopper since Chris Adamson broke his finger during training and swooped for the 19-year-old Rovers man. Leeds United overhauled their 15 point penalty deduction with a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers at the weekend, the Elland Road club now off the bottom of the League One table.

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