All of today’s thrills and spills from England’s wealthiest league…
Middlesbrough 0 – 2 Manchester United
Captain for the day (fair enough), PFA favourite (OK, you won’t find many professional footballers who begrudge him the honour) and occasional player Ryan Giggs claimed the opener at the Riverside in the 25th minute with a left-footed shot into the corner. That was as good as it got until five minutes into the second half, when United doubled their lead, Wayne Rooney playing a fine ball in to Ji-Sung Park who finished well. I’m willing to bet any money that Boro are down. Do I have any takers?
Chelsea 3 – 1 Fulham
Chelsea seriously damaged Fulham’s European ambitions in the West London derby at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea bolted early doors against Fulham, Malouda passing the ball into Drodga who stroked the ball on to Nicolas Anelka who scored inside fifty seconds. The Cottagers were not behind for long though, big Eric Nevland equalising just three minutes later when the striker fired across Cech into the far corner. Chelsea were having none of Fulham’s shenanigans, however, as Florent Malouda scored from a Drogba low cross still inside the fist 10 minutes.
The Blues added a simple third right at the start of the second half , Anelka running unchecked down the right, threading a pass to Didier Drogba who easily rounded the keeper to score.
Portsmouth 0 – 3 Arsenal
David James suffered a head-in-hands moment conceding to Nicklas Bendtner after 13 minutes, England’s number one appeared to have grease slimed onto his gloves as he allowed the Danes’ tame header to slip through his grasp. Arsenal grabbed a hugely controversial second minutes before the break, Sean Davis was adjudged to have fouled Arshavin in the box – despite the Russian wagging his finger in protest against the decision – and Nicklas Bendtner made no mistake from the spot to complete his first half brace. Pompey began the second half the better of the teams, but they suffered a sucker-punch as Carlos Vela claimed his first league goal against the run of play. David James made a fine save to deny Carlos Vela a second.
The rest are here, don’t fret…
Stoke 0 – 1 West Ham
So, West Ham manage what few others have done by downing the Potters at home. Stoke fell behind after Diego Tristan scored a fantastic free-kick from the edge of the box that flew past Thomas Sorensen into the far top corner. Europe, anyone?
Tottenham 1 – 0 West Brom
Spurs claimed this win over the Baggies right on half time through a Jermaine Jenas strike from just outside the box. That’s all I have to say about that.
Manchester City 3 – 1 Blackburn
Man City ripped Blackburn apart in the first half. Felipe Caicedo poked home the opener, Robinho getting in on the act with a well-taken second past Robinson, Elano adding a third form the spot on the stroke of halftime.
Wigan 0 – 0 Bolton
Jussi Jaaskelainen did as much to earn Bolton a point in the goalless draw against Wigan with three good first half saves.
Increasingly middle-aged and increasingly disillusioned by modern football, I want to share with you how good football used to be before it was ruined by money. 
