The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Liverpool came up trumps in a controversial Merseyside derby at Goodinson on Saturday, Dirk Kuyt’s two penalties giving Rafa Benetiz’s side the win. Everton had taken the lead thanks to Sami Hyypia’s sliced own-goal effort, and the Toffees looked comfortable until Tony Hibbert was sent off for bringing down Steven Gerrard in the box. Mark Clattenburg appeared to be giving Hibbert a yellow until Gerrard intervened, the sanction upgraded to a red. Kuyt tucked away the spot-kick, as Everton had two stonewall penalty shouts of their own turned down, Joleon Lescott wrestled to the floor on both occasions. Phil Neville then thought he was playing in goal as he handled on the line to give the Reds a second penalty, which Kuyt slotted home under the despairing body of Tim Howard. Goal-hero Kuyt was lucky to still be on the pitch prior to his winner having lunged at Neville, the Dutchman’s x-rated challenge going unpunished.

Arsenal maintained their title challenge with an impressive win over manager-less Bolton at the Emirates. The Trotters shut out the imperious Gunners for 68 minutes until Kolo Toure crashed home a long-range free-kick. Teenage prodigy Theo Walcott made his mark on the game after coming on as a substitute, his cross setting up Tomas Rosicky to head home the winner. Arsenal lead second-placed Manchester United by two points with a game in hand, Arsene Wenger’s title challenge seemingly going unnoticed by the hoards of sports-reporting media.

As mentioned United trial Arsenal despite thumping Aston Villa 4-1 with a stirring display at Villa Park, the hosts going ahead following Gabriel Agbonlahor’s headed effort. United hit back though when Zat Knight allowed Nani’s cross to roll past him - Wayne Rooney on hand to tap home - and the England man was at it again to make it 2-1, his composed finish doing the damage. Craig Gardner’s calamity own goal put the game beyond doubt just before half time, as Villa had Nigel Reo-Coker and Scott Caron sent off. Ryan Giggs added a deflected fourth to compound Villa’s misery.

Man City remain in the upper echelons of the Premier League as they recorded their sixth successive home win, Brazilian’s Elano’s strike enough to see of Birmingham 1-0 at Eastlands, meanwhile Portsmouth enjoyed their fourth successive Premiership win to climb up to fifth, Wigan on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat. Benjani and Glen Johnson scored the all important goals, with the former – quite worryingly – heading the top scorer charts at present.

Things look bleak at Middlesborough as they were defeated by Chelsea at the Riverside, 100% committed Chelsea-man Didier Drogba compensating for his mid-week whistle blowing by setting the Blues on their way to the win with a fine goal. Alex sealed the win with a rasping 30-yard free kick to help Chelsea up to 7th in the table.

Blackburn beat Reading 4-2 in an entertaining game at Ewood Park, Benni McCarthy’s double and goals from Roque Santa Cruz and a rocket (at first viewing) from war-horse Tugay giving Rovers the win. Kevin Doyle headed two consolations strikes for Steve Coppell’s men, who seem to be suffering second-season syndrome symptoms at present.

Fulham and Derby played out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage, Antti Niemi’s heroics saving the Cottagers from defeat as Paul Konchesky saw red for a flailing elbow on Craig Fagan. West Ham grabbed a fortuitous 3-1 win over Sunderland, Craig Gordon’s cruel own goal either side of Carlton Cole and Craig Bellamy’s strikes giving the Hammers the win. Kenwyne Jones had snatched an equaliser but it was West Ham who went home happy, condemning Roy Keane’s men to a lowly 16th in the table.

In other news, Rob Green has lifted the lid on his England frustration having being constantly overlooked for the Euro 2008 qualifiers, despite playing some of the best football of his career. He told the People: “I don't think that I've played any better than I have been. I've played worse and been in the team. It's difficult to understand why I'm not involved in the England set-up or even had a look in at all - I find that a bit harsh.”

images - bbc.co.uk & football.co.uk (Green)