Weekend Barclays wrap-up

Sir Alex Ferguson's side moved one point clear of Chelsea ,thanks to the own goals scored by Portsmouth, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. The demolition of Portsmouth began in the 40th minute with Rooney heading past David James. Then the own goals came: Nani of Manchester setting a cross in the six-yard box, only for it to be deflected by Portsmouth's Vanden Borre into his own goal. Another own goal by Richard Hughes came when he turned Michael Carrick's shot into his own net.

Marc Wilson was next on the own-goal list with the third own goal of the game, seven minutes later, after Richard Hughess.


The Merseyside derby took place between Liverpool and Everton. It seemed an uphill task for Liverpool as “The Scousers” were without front man Fernando Torres and right back Glen Johnson. It didn't get better as Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off in the first half after a controversial tackle on Marouane Fellaini.

But even down to 10 men Liverpool found an opportunity to score, with Dirk Kuyt heading a Steven Gerrard cross in the 55th minute for the winner. After the goal, Everton were soon down 10 men too, with local SA boy Steven Pienaar was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the game.

Thanks to Liverpool's, win Tottenham dropped down to fifth after being held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa at White Hart Lane. In a game of cat and mouse, Villa were on the back foot for most of the game, overloading their defence and only producing one or two chances.

On Sunday, the headline game was between Arsenal and Chelsea. Chelsea were looking to win to remain on top and Arsenal trying to solidify a spot in the top four of the Barclays League.
Chelsea played as one solid unit, even though Arsenal had most of the ball possession. The Blues played on efficient game of “total football”, drawing Arsenal defenders out of position then counter-attacking them. This resulted in Didier Drogba scoring a double to keep Chelsea as log leaders.

Source: www.supersport.co.za