Chelsea Five Points ahead of United after 1-0 Win

Premier League Wrap: October 7 - 9

Chelsea shot five points clear of Manchester United with a controversial 1-0 victory over the reigning champions at Stamford Bridge. Striker Didier Drogba appeared to be in an offside position when attempting to stab home the winning header from captain John Terry, but referee Martin Aktinson saw no problem with the goal. Shockingly, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson criticised Atkinson’s officiating after the match, while United striker Wayne Rooney shouted his disapproval at the cameras when trudging off the pitch in defeat, mouthing the words ‘12 Men’ as United once more showed their classlessness in defeat.

Despite these protestations, Chelsea looked the dominant team and the Blues are now on pace to cement Prost Amerika’s preseason predictions.

Aston Villa were arguably the most impressive side of this round, as Martin O’Neil’s men hit five past a hapless Bolton Wanderers team. Former Leeds United sensation James Milner scored, as did starlets Ashley Young and Gabriel Agonlahor. Johan Elmander scored the lone goal for Bolton, as Gary Megson’s side slumped to a 5-1 defeat.

Arsenal were also impressive, as the Gunners thumped Wolves 4-1 behind the efforts of captain Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin. This emphatic victory vaults Arsenal into second place on 25 points, ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.

Meanwhile Spurs continue to climb the Premier League ladder, as the north London side defeated Sunderland 2-0 at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Former Spurs striker Darren Bent missed a penalty that would have put his team on level terms, leaving Tom Huddlestone to seal victory in the 68th minute for Tottenham. Spurs now occupy the fourth and final Champions League position, with Villa and Manchester City in hot pursuit.

Speaking of City, Mark Hughes’ men played the most entertaining match of the weekend at home to Burnley. The two Lancashire sides came to a 3-3 draw with several lead changes, as City fought back from an early 1-0 deficit only for Kevin McDonald to equalise for the Clarets in the 87th minute.

Jason Roberts scored twice for Blackburn as Rovers trounced floundering Portsmouth 3-1 at Ewood Park. Pompey have been in the relegation zone all season, and the south coast club still sits at the foot of the Premier League table in mid-November.

West Ham United join Paul Hart’s side in the drop zone after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Everton. Louis Saha and Dan Gosling both registered for the Toffees, helping to push Everton’s wayward season back on track.

Hull City captured a rare 2-1 victory over Stoke, while Clint Dempsey equalised for Fulham to give his side a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium against Wigan.

The final match of this round will take place between struggling Liverpool and Birmingham City. The Merseyside club has lost six of its last eight matches, and victory is crucial if the Reds are to play Champions League football again next season.

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