Barclays Premier League Sunday Roundup

By Brian Lofrumento | 30th November 2008

Barclays Premier League Sunday Roundup | read this item

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The Barclays Premier League hosted four matches today, each of which was full of excitement and drama. Premiership Talk gives a rundown of all four matches from around the league.

At the City of Manchester Stadium Mark Hughes’ City side narrowly lost 1-0 to a stingy Manchester United side. Wayne Rooney netted his 100th career goal for the Red Devils before Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in another Manchester derby. The Portuguese winger was issued a second yellow card after intentionally handling the ball, although he insists it was because he heard a whistle. Manchester City kept knocking on the door but in the end couldn’t break through. A crucial three points for Manchester United moves them towards the top of the table.

On the south coast, Portsmouth grabbed three points against Blackburn. Peter Crouch scored a typical Peter Crouch goal with a header that sailed into the back post. Jermain Defoe delighted Pompey fans as he made it 2-0 after a pacy move left the Blackburn defense flat-footed. Portsmouth were flying, and there looked to be no way back for Blackburn. Within the span of five minutes, though, Blackburn pulled back both goals through Matthew Derbyshire and Tugay. Sean Davis and Portsmouth had the last laugh as the midfielder scored to give Portsmouth all three points and bring an end to a second half which saw 5 goals. Portsmouth win 3-2.

The first match held in London today was between Tottenham and Everton. The only true excitement in the match came from Steven Pienaar who scored the winner. Everton were awarded a free kick about 30 yards from the Tottenham goal. Mikel Arteta took it early, and Steven Pienaar capitalized on Tottenham’s complacency as he fired a shot into the back of the net (with a slight deflection off Corluka). Everton continue Tottenham’s barren spell and go back to Liverpool with three points in the bag.

A great day of football was ended at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea played Arsenal. Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea side got off to a good start as a Johan Djourou own goal made it 1-0 in the 30th minute. In the 59th minute Robin van Persie scored Arsenal’s equalizer, although replays proved the Dutchman was miles offsides. The referee kept the whistle in his pocket, though, and three minutes later van Persie snatched another to make it 2-1 Arsenal. The Gunners held on to the lead and clinched an integral three points to keep them in the title race – for now.

This week’s slate of matches ends tomorrow (Monday) as Liverpool take on West Ham at Anfield. Discuss these matches on the Premiership Talk Forum.