Liverpool 4 Portsmouth 1

The Premier League match between Liverpool and Portsmouth at Anfield on Monday March 15 2010.

After six months of famine, Liverpool, at long, long last, have rediscovered their appetite for destruction. Relentless, ruthless, aggressive and offensive, Rafael Benitez’s side put Portsmouth to the sword with the sort of display which Anfield, in the depths of its bleak midwinter, must have feared had been consigned to history.

Fernando Torres scored twice, Ryan Babel and Alberto Aquilani once, the Italian’s first goal since his much-criticised £17 million summer move from Roma, but the details were almost incidental. The opposition may be the Premier League’s basement dwellers, their doom already definite, but there was an air of authority about their hosts.

Only the possibility of action against Steven Gerrard for an apparent off-the-ball swipe on Michael Brown provides a cloud from an evening in which Liverpool, reinvigorated, revitalised their challenge to Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa for the fourth Champions League slot.

It is typical of Avram Grant’s side luck that Liverpool chose their visit to rectify that. It is equally predictable that they committed an act of dismal seppuku after emerging unscathed from an opening spell in which their hosts might have earned a penalty, Ricardo Rocha seeming to handle Torres’s goalbound shot, and enjoyed a flurry of set-pieces, the ball fizzing around a nervous Jamie Ashdown, standing in for the injured David James.

Just as Liverpool’s momentum was fading, just as Portsmouth were starting to settle, they imploded. One poor Ashdown clearance was charged down by Gerrard, only for the goalkeeper to be granted a reprieve. Gerrard again blocked, only this time did so in the box. Maxi Rodriguez, lively all evening, rolled the ball to Torres to open the scoring.

Scarcely 90 seconds later, it was two, Babel poking home after Torres teed the Dutchman, on one of those evenings where he was mercurial, rather than erratic, up on the edge of the box.

But where the opening pair were functional, the third was forged in fantasy. Gerrard, emerging from the sullen cocoon in which he has passed much of the winter, clipped a reverse pass to Torres, seemingly meandering down a blind alley to the left of Ashdown’s goal. His backheel, spinning the ball back into Gerrard’s path, flummoxed all but his favoured partner-in-crime.

The Liverpool captain, equally astute, feigned and dummied and Aquilani, to the delight of the Kop, swept home. Three in six minutes - an achievement Liverpool are familiar with - but, more pertinently, three goals in the Premier League for the first time since September.

There could, perhaps should, have been more. Torres, cutting in from the left, sent one fierce shot cracking against Ashdown’s far post, before Gerrard flashed wide from yet another Rodriguez cut-back.

Liverpool poured forward inexorably, unveiling a repertoire of flicks and tricks that suggested a confidence so evidently absent for so long. Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua took up station as out and out wingers. This was a catharsis, a bloodlust, a bloodletting. For the first time in months, Liverpool were enjoying themselves. Even Jamie Carragher had a go.

Anfield knows not to get too excited, of course. After all, dismantling the league’s makeweights and, in this case, lightweights is what is expected in these parts. But as the onslaught continued, albeit with less urgency, after the break, even the most cynical fan would have been forgiven for a sliver of hope.

Twice Gerrard went close, Babel drove on to the bar from the edge of the box and Rodriguez, arguably the best player on the pitch, fizzed wide, Ashdown saved from Torres. A further three penalty claims were waved away by referee Stuart Attwell, though Benitez will no doubt find the generosity of spirit to forgive him in the circumstances.

Far more important than bemoaning officiating standards was the statement of intent his side had given.

Liverpool, on this evidence, are not yet finished in the race for the fourth Champions League slot. They restricted their guests to just two chances of note, the otherwise underemployed Pepe Reina producing a fine reaction save to deny Michael Brown but powerless to stop Nadir Belhadj notching a consolation from Frederic Piquionne’s cross, and in attack they brimmed and broiled with menace. The first is not yet out. The race is not yet run.

Hull City 1 Arsenal 2

The Premier League game between Hull City and Arsenal at the KC Stadium on Saturday, March 13 2010.

The Women’s Institute, it would seem, were not the only witnesses this week to a futile show of fight from Hull City.

On Monday, team-mates Nicky Barmby and Jimmy Bullard were involved in a bust-up on the Humber Bridge in front of a delegation of around 80 pensioners that prompted a very public apology from manager Phil Brown.

Last night, the Hull players produced a stirring show of solidarity before eventually succumbing to an injury-time winner against Arsenal after playing more than half the match with 10 men.

Bullard was also again at the centre of events, answering Andrei Arshavin’s goal with a penalty before Nicklas Bendtner pounced to score a winner that lifts Arsenal above Manchester United and level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

The match, however, was partially overshadowed by a reckless tackle by George Boateng on Bacary Sagna. Brown had described the incident on the Humber Bridge as “unsavoury” and that was also an appropriate adjective for a challenge that connected just below Sagna's knee and could easily have inflicted far more serious damage.

With dangerous tackles still a particularly sensitive issue at Arsenal following Aaron Ramsey’s broken leg two weeks ago, it was understandable that Arsene Wenger looked so unhappy with the incident.

He will have been delighted, though, at the way Arsenal battled their way to a fifth straight victory; providing further evidence for his belief that this young team are ready to deliver this season.

Brown had reacted to the 5-1 humbling against Everton by making six changes to his Hull team; the most eye-catching of which was the demotion to the bench of Barmby. Against considerable competition, the former England midfielder had been among the least effective Hull players in the Everton match but it was still difficult not to wonder if his omission was linked to the Bullard incident.

With Cesc Fabregas hoping to return from his hamstring injury in next week’s match against West Ham, Samir Nasri was again asked to pull the strings from central midfield and was quickly involved as Arsenal took a 14th minute lead. Nasri fed Nicklas Bendter, who instantly played the ball into the mesmerisingly quick feet of Arshavin.

The Russian had been central to Tuesday’s 5-0 destruction of and, with a combination of skill – plus a little luck – he eluded challenges from both Bernand Mendy and George Boating before shooting beyond Boaz Myhill. It was the 100th time Arsenal had scored this season in just 45 matches.

The goal seemed to further pacify Hull and they were fortunate not to fall further behind before carving out an unlikely – and controversial – equaliser.

Dean Marney had flicked a Bullard cross into the path of Jan Vennegor of Hesselink and, although the Dutchman was certainly offside, he was also bundled to the floor by Sol Campbell. Having chosen to punish only Campbell by awarding a penalty, referee Andre Marriner was then lenient in simply booking the former England defender. Even so, Bullard’s penalty was emphatic and Hull were unexpectedly level again.

Arsenal then had two penalty appeals of their own waved away when Bendtner claimed that he had been impeded by Mendy and Gael Clichy went to ground under pressure from Boateng.

The last two matches between these teams had ended with FA disciplinary charges and the temperature rose again following a flurry of incidents shortly before half-time. Denilson was floored following a fierce challenge from Andy Dawson, while Bendtner and Boateng were both booked after squaring up to one another off the ball.

Boateng had appeared to raise his arm at Bendtner and then left Marriner with no choice but to brandish a second yellow card by almost immediately flying into Sagna with his horrible studs-up tackle. Replays suggested it should really have been a straight red.

With only four points away from the KC Stadium all season, Hull’s main survival hope is their home form and, despite being down to 10-men, they made a dogged start to the second-half. Bullard, in particular, was rising to the occasion without his usual partner in central midfield. Brown had clearly re-organsied them intelligently, although he was soon without Kamil Zayatte following a forceful – but fair – challenge from Campbell.

Arsenal appeared out of ideas until Theo Walcott replaced Emmanuel Eboue with 25 minutes remaining to provide an immediate injection of pace and urgency. His cross was deflected into the path of Arshavin but, with the goal at his mercy, he shot wastefully high and wide. Bendtner, who had scored a mid-week hat-trick against Porto, was also profligate, missing two glorious late chances before punishing a mistake from Boaz in injury time.

Chelsea 4 West Ham United 1

The Premier League game between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, March 13 2010.

They are welcoming back their old heroes to Stamford Bridge this week, although welcoming might not be the right word. Gianfranco Zola left the stadium he used to thrill with his side ruthless humbled by a Chelsea team that returned to the top of the league.

Next, Jose Mourinho and his Internazionale team: that will prove a more rigorous examination than this, surely.

Chelsea were inspired by a superb Florent Malouda, who made the first two goals and scored the third. The France international was back playing in his favoured role on the left wing, having deputised for the suspended Michael Ballack in midfield against Stoke City last weekend. He destroyed Jonathan Spector, the West Ham United right back, and Zola was even forced to switch Valon Behrami from the left to the right to try and help deal with him. It didn’t work.

The initial mistake for the opening goal came when Spector’s loose pass was intercepted by Paulo Ferreira, who put Malouda clear down the left. Spector recovered to tackle but conceded the corner. Malouda took it and West Ham could only half-clear, Frank Lampard working the ball back out to the left so Malouda could have a second bite at the cross. This time he picked out Alex, who, despite being 6”3 and built like a heavyweight, had managed to completely elude West Ham’s somnolent markers to place his header past Rob Green.

With Malouda rampant it looked like Chelsea would ease away from West Ham before the excellent Scott Parker intervened. Kieran Dyer hurled the ball in from the left – it was comical foul throw – and got it just over the head of John Obi Mikel. Parker took it on his chest, let it bounce and lashed a shot with fade and power into the top corner. Ross Turnbull, making his first league start in the Chelsea goal, had barely got his hands on the ball and there he was picking it out of the net.

Aside from that, West Ham struggled to build coherent attacking moves. Zola had ill-advisedly chosen to change his whole front line, playing Dyer on the left, Ilan on the right and Mido up front. Dyer is a shadow of his former self, Mido still looks like he could lose more weight and Ilan might politely be described as enigmatic – the enigma being how he ever managed to win three caps for Brazil. Ilan’s only real contribution was swiping a complete sitter of the bar with the game still scoreless.

“The reason I changed my strikers is that I wanted to play a more counter-attacking game and needed quick players,” Zola said of the inclusion of Dyer and Ilan. The exclusion of Carlton Cole, no doubt to his great frustration with Fabio Capello watching, was explained by Zola as being down to a knee injury that had allowed him to train just twice last week.

His namesake, Joe, was also left on the bench and then tried too hard when he finally did get on the pitch. Joe Cole needs unhurried game time if he is to get back to his best and at his rate he is not going to get it. Game by game his World Cup hopes grow fainter.

He certainly won’t be getting in the side ahead of Malouda, not on this form. The crucial second goal, which Zola conceded ended West Ham’s resistance, was again made by the Frenchman, 10 minutes into the second half. John Terry came surging forward from the back and drew in Spector and Behrami, which allowed Drogba to work the ball to the free Malouda. Drogba then peeled off the back of Matthew Upson to find the space to head in Malouda’s fine cross.

Pumped up by the goal, Drogba was in full histrionic mode, exchanging words with the Chelsea bench and nagging incessantly at referee Mark Clattenburg. Annoying as he is in this mood, it is often when he plays his best stuff and Upson was struggling to deal with him. For Chelsea’s third he chested the ball down to Malouda, who cut inside Danny Gabbidon – far too easily – and shot low past Green from outside the box.

Malouda was withdrawn late on, to allow the crowd the chance to give him a standing ovation. “It was his best performance for us,” Ancelotti said. “I hope he will play on Tuesday like he played today.” Chelsea still had time to prove they could score without him.

Frank Lampard sprinted at the West Ham defence and was allowed a sight of goal by Upson’s unfortunate stumble – flashback to Egypt’s goal 10 days ago – and while his shot lacked menace, Green contrived to spill it at Drogba’s feet. The Ivorian slammed the ball into the empty net for his 27th goal of another productive season. Not exactly convincing from the England goalkeeper and first reserve centre back, though.

For Chelsea this was an important appetiser ahead of Tuesday’s main course. It helped them flush that 4-2 defeat against Manchester City out of their system and, with Internazionale contriving to lose 3-1 against Catania in Sicily on Friday night, they will welcome Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge with confidence.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Blackburn Rovers 1

The Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers at White Hart Lane on Saturday, March 13 2010.

Roman Pavlyuchenko maintained his impressive goalscoring record, and moved Tottenham Hotspur a step closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League, with two goals in an easy victory.

Harry Redknapp claimed on Friday that Spurs needed 19 points - six wins and a draw - to finish in the coveted fourth place and they edged closer to that target with an ultimately easy lunchtime win.

Jermain Defoe gave Spurs the lead before Pavlyuchenko scored goals either side of a response from Christopher Samba, taking his recent tally to seven goals in six games.

Spurs dominated the first half, benefiting from the injury to their former goalkeeper, Paul Robinson.

But it took until the first minute of added time before Spurs could take advantage, with Defoe claiming his 23rd goal of the season.

Earlier, Pavlyuchenko had squandered three good chances, though Blackburn Rovers also had a legitimate appeal for a penalty rejected before Robinson limped off gingerly in the 38th minute.

Before then, Pavlyuchenko was offered a chance from Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who crossed from the left, but the Russian jabbed the ball into the turf and it bounced over Robinson’s goal.

In the 20th minute, Vedran Corluka appeared to bundle the returning David Dunn off the ball, but referee Howard Web turned down penalty claims.

Spurs responded when Bale, outstanding on the left, set-up Pavlyuchenko but the Russian sent the attempt wide.

Bale, himself, was then unlucky after he outstripped Michel Salgado only to role the ball wide.

Robinson had been troubled for a while, after kicking a clearance, and was forced off in the 25th minute, hopping on his right leg.

Jason Brown, his replacement, made two saves in quick succession, from his own defender, Gael Givet, and Defoe.

But in added time, Niko Kranjcar’s corner was headed on by Corluka and Defoe bundled the ball beyond Brown.

And, in the 10th minute of the second half, Spurs increased their lead. Luka Modric’s ball found Defoe, who fed Pavlyuchenko and Brown allowed the striker’s shot to slip under his body.

Blackburn replaced Brett Emerton with Keith Andrews but still Spurs pressed, with Modric close to a third.

In the 68th minute, Spurs thought they had won a penalty when Bale fell under a challenge from Salgado. But Webb, England’s World Cup referee, failed to award the kick or book Bale.

Webb angered Spurs again soon afterwards when Morten Gamst Pedersen forced Bale down, but again Blackburn survived.

And Blackburn sent the alarm bells ringing when, in the 80th minute, they replied when, from Pedersen’s corner, Samba rose high above Michael Dawson to head beyond Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs, however, confirmed the win in the 88th minute when Pavlyuchenko, having miss-hit the original chance, was allowed a second attempt, from Bale’s high cross.

Blackburn had the ball in the net in the final minute but Nikola Kalinic was harshly adjudged to have pushed Dawson before scoring.

Stoke City 0 Aston Villa 0

The Premier League game between Stoke City and Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, March 13 2010.

With half an hour of this match remaining the tannoy crackled into life and one spectator was given the merry news that his wife had gone into labour.

The announcement was met with an enormous cheer, but hang on – couldn’t a hint of resentment be detected among the throng that this man had been given a decent excuse to leave early?

In fairness, this match was in part ruined by the windy conditions in which it was played, the ball often appearing to have been bestowed with a life of its own. But it was also punctuated by long balls and the usual reliance on long throws which the Britannia has come to know and love. However, that most of them came from the hands of Carlos Cuellar gives some indication as to sort of stuff on show.

This time last season, a 2-2 draw with Stoke City at Villa Park did serious damage to Aston Villa’s Champions League chances. There are a different set of circumstances this time around – Villa have a game in hand on Tottenham and Liverpool, for starters – so it would be foolish to suggest the same could happen again, but it was the manner of the performance was disappointing.

A juicy quarrel sprung up between Martin O’Neill and Arsene Wenger back in January when the Arsenal manager observed that Villa favour a “direct” style of football. Steam came out of O’Neill’s ears partly because he dislikes Wenger anyway, but mostly because he considers his side are playing the most creative football Villa fans have seen is some time. There was scant sign of it here.

An interesting comparison can be drawn between how Wenger’s Arsenal approached their match against Stoke at the Britannia at the end of February, and Villa yesterday. Arsenal stuck to their principles and won 3-1, Villa fell into the trap of playing Stoke at their own game, and were poor because of it. Only a last-minute tackle from James Collins on Ricardo Fuller prevented Stoke from winning.

Villa rely on pace, but with Gabby Agbonlahor huddled in a hoodie and enormous overcoat on the bench until he was deployed in the 77th minute for John Carew, the away side lacked direction. Carew is undeniably a gifted player, but he doesn’t do urgency. Emile Heskey likewise. When Agbonlahor did arrive, he was off the pace – clearly his recent stomach complaint is yet to fully subside.

It was approaching 20 minutes before the first proper attempt on goal, Collins heading just wide. The wind swirling around the Britannia made life difficult, but with every chance the ball would misbehave why did the players not attempt a shot from range? Stiliyan Petrov had the right idea, forcing Thomas Sorensen into a uncertain save from 30 yards, but inexplicably it was not followed up on.

Ashley Young can usually be relied upon to produce a moment of inspiration, but the winger was subdued. Instead it was from Richard Dunne that Villa’s best chance arose, but Heskey was too slow to react when the defender stayed onside and placed a perfect side-footed pass across the face of goal.

Stoke came close with an effort from Fuller in the 59th minute, and Robert Huth headed a fraction over at the death, but this was destined to be 0-0 from the start. Villa remain the only unbeaten Premier League side in 2010, but O’Neill has still not won a top-flight league match in March for ten years. Playing like this it is hard to see when that particular hoodoo will end.

Bolton Wanderers 4 Wigan Athletic 0

The Premier League game between Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, March 13 2010.

Reality was restored for outplayed Wigan Athletic as they were resoundingly brought back to earth following their first ever victory over Liverpool earlier in the week.

Bolton Wanderers proved overwhelmingly superior at the Reebok Stadium where their most comprehensive league win of the season secured a third victory in the last four encounters to strengthen the home side's resolve in their fight to climb clear of the relegation positions.

An early goal from Johan Elmander with Kevin Davies doubling the advantage from the penalty spot shortly into the second half provided the foundation for Bolton's ultimate success as they convincingly bounced the back from a 4-0 mid-week trouncing of their own at Sunderland.

Further goals from Fabrice Muamba and substitute Matt Taylor merely confirmed home superiority with Wigan left to fight their own battle for Premier League survival. Yet the game had started tamely with little to choose between two poor sides in a tedious first half highlighted only by Elmander's 10th-minute goal after Davies had exposed poor Wigan defending.

A Davies shot over the bar in the 24th minute closely followed by a Chung-Yong Lee corner on the left that caused further consternation in the visiting defence were the only other worthwhile contributions as Bolton defended their lead.

Wigan's response was two headers from Paul Sharner, both following crosses on the left by Victor Moses and then a Charles N'Zogbia attempt was driven straight at the home goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The second half was only two minutes old when Lee was fouled by Gary Caldwell and Davies despatched the penalty. And there was further anguish for Caldwell as Muamba turned him inside out before clinically delivering a 53rd-minute third.

Shortly after replacing Jack Wilshire, Taylor was on the mark to further humiliate Wigan with a 69th-minute fourth.

Burnley 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2

The Premier League game between Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Turf Moor on Saturday, March 13 2010.

The Premier League's worst defence came up against the division's poorest attack and, unfortunately for Burnley, it was they who more than lived up to their unwanted tag as Wolverhampton Wanderers took a significant step towards safety.

Burnley supporters claim they can count the number of 'good' goals they have conceded this season on the fingers of one hand, but having seen 63 fly into their net, it might be easy to have forgotten one or two.

Against Wolves, who had failed to score in seven of their previous 10 league games, there were two more to try to erase from their memories, with Tyrone Mears' poor header back allowing Matt Jarvis to open the scoring, before the misfortune of Adlene Guedioura's shot, which was going about 15 yards wide, glancing off Clarke Carlisle and into his own net.

Steven Thompson halved the deficit to set up a predictable late rally but Burnley have now won just once in 19 Premier League matches.

The importance of the fixture was clear from the very start, perhaps thanks to both teams huddling together to no doubt remind each other once again of what was at stake and the fact it was a big opportunity before the kick off.

Burnley began strongly, with Chris Eagles, who helpfully revealed before the game that he will be off if the Clarets are relegated, running the show.

Kevin Foley's cross picked out Dave Jones but the midfielder's header was kept out by a low save from Brian Jensen, who, shortly after, tore out of his area and headed Kevin Doyle's hip, earning himself a caution, as the Wolves striker tried to break on to Ronald Zubar's throw.

Danny Fox had a free-kick tipped over by Hahnemann but the visitors took the lead thanks to the kind of defending that has undermined Burnley all season.

When Doyle clipped over the top for Jarvis, Mears had plenty of time to knock back to Jensen and even had a strong wind behind him. But the right back did not head with anything like enough power and Jarvis guided the ball around the goalkeeper and took another touch before rolling into an empty net from half a yard.

Fox looked like he was given oxygen on the Burnley bench after he had to be replaced by Stephen Jordan and the full-back was eventually taken down the tunnel on a stretcher as the worries continued to mount for the hosts.

Just before the interval, a Mears free-kick was flicked on by Carlisle and, in one movement, David Nugent somehow managed to hold off Christophe Berra, control the ball with his head and prod at goal, only to see the ball bounce away off the bar.

A minute after the restart there was more of the same at the back for Burnley. Brian Laws' side failed to clear a Jarvis corner and after Zubar squared for Guedioura, the Frenchman hit a shot that was flying well wide, only to glance off the heel of Calirlse and past the helpless Jensen.

Burnley attempted to respond with an Elliott shot that flew wide before Laws' decision to replace Eagles with Steven Thompson was roundly jeered.

Robbie Blake's low effort bounced away off the bottom of the post and with just under 20 minutes left, Wolves failed to clear Mears' cross and Graham Alexander's bobbling shot was diverted in by Thompson.

Burnley piled forward in the closing stages, with Jensen coming forward for a corner in injury time, as Turf Moor took on a manic feel, but they could not find a second goal.

Birmingham City 2 Everton 2

The Premier League game between Birmingham City and Everton at St Andrews on Saturday, March 13 2010.

In the race to secure the Premier League's equivalent of a consolation prize, a place in the Europa League next season, no significant progress to report from St Andrew's yesterday.

In the race to emerge from the shadows of their more feted neighbours, again no news of an advance from the second city to cheer the terrace fans of either Birmingham City or Everton.

A match that rarely failed to entertain amid fluctuating fortunes demonstrated why both these teams, though standing on the brink of the division's elite, are unlikely to aspire beyond their present station.

David Moyes opines that this is the best Everton squad he has worked with during his eight years' tenure and for the first quarter of this match, he appeared vindicated in his judgment before Birmingham rallied to claim a point that rarely seemed a realistic target as the visitors cantered into a two-goal lead.

Joe Hart had already saved well from the outstanding Steven Pienaar as Everton dictated when Victor Anichebe turned Liam Ridgewell in the 18-yard-area and powered a left foot shot in to the roof of the net for his first goal of the season. Three minutes later, Pienaar's clever centre from the byline created a routine headed finish for Ayegbeni Yakubu, 2-0 easy as you like.

"They could have blown us away at that stage but this was so typical of what we have done this season," said Birmingham manager Alex McLeish.

The revival, however, required a touch of Lady Luck as Cameron Jerome's faintest of touches diverted Keith Fahey's aimless centre through the legs of Phil Jagielka and beyond Tim Howard to reduce arrears. The Bluenoses' recovery was complete in the 52nd minute as Jerome once more was involved, this time flicking on Hart's long punt into the path of Craig Gardner.

The ball sat up nicely for the former Aston Villa midfield player yet even so, his left foot volley was crisp and precise. Shortly after, the leg-weary scorer was substituted, a legacy of an overnight illness that made him a doubtful starter.

Everton remained the more composed and three reasonable penalty appeals for hand ball proved fruitless. Yet Birmingham's resilience was deserving of a result that extended an unbeaten sequence of home matches that began in September to 12.

Burnley 1 Stoke City 1

The Premier League game between Burnley and Stoke City at Turf Moor on Wednesday, March 08 2010.

It took Burnley 33 years to return to the top-tier yet, despite a season of toil, they are not ready to surrender their place amongst the elite without a fight.

David Nugent's second-half equaliser ended a damaging four-match losing run and earned Brian Laws's side a crucial point which takes them above Hull in the relegation zone, level on points with 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Burnley showed plenty of spirit which will give their fans hope for the final nine games after coming from behind after Tuncay had given Stoke City a first-half lead.

This was the start of a monumental few days for Burnley with fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers visiting east Lancashire on Saturday.

Back-to-back wins would revitalise Burnley's season for the remaining eight matches, yet after a bright start Laws' side found themselves in the familiar position of chasing the game after Tuncay was gifted his fourth Premier League goal of the season.

The long-serving Turkish international was unmarked when he headed Mamady Sidibe's flick past Brian Jensen in the 23rd minute after Rory Delap had launched yet another long throw into the Burnley penalty area.

It was only Stoke's eighth away goal in the top-tier but yet another catastrophic failure by Burnley's defence in their attempts to record a first clean sheet for five months.

Since defeating Hull City 2-0 at Turf Moor at the end of October, Burnley had conceded 38 times in 17 matches before last night, but few as soft as the one which allowed Stoke to take a significant step towards securing their Premier League future.

Manager Tony Pulis is refusing to get complacent and has set his side a safety target of two wins from their remaining 11 games.

But the way they have been performing lately Stoke are on course to better last season's impressive 12th-placed finish.

They produced a typically hard-working performance at Turf Moor although Burnley should have equalised before half-time.

When Chris Eagles found Martin Paterson on the edge of the six-yard area in the 38th minute, it looked certain he would score but Paterson somehow scuffed his effort and the ball fizzed wide.

However, Paterson quickly redeemed himself for his glaring miss by providing the ammunition for Nugent to equalise in the 52nd minute.

The Northern Ireland international produced an inch-perfect cross for the on-loan Portsmouth forward, standing on the edge of the six-yard area, to direct a powerful header beyond the outstretched arms of Thomas Sorensen in the 52nd minute.

Turf Moor erupted and, for the first time, Stoke were on the back-foot.

Sorensen flapped at a cross from the industrious Paterson before Stoke survived strong appeals for a penalty when Nugent tumbled inside the Stoke area under a challenge by Robert Huth.

Burnley continued battle until the final whistle but a victory for the hosts would have been harsh on Stoke, who remain unbeaten from home in the league in 2010.

Wigan Athletic 1 Liverpool 0

The Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Liverpool at DW Stadium on Monday, March 8 2010.

Rafa Benítez's “guarantee’’ of fourth place all but fell off Wigan Pier on Monday. Liverpool were poor, deservedly slumping to their first ever defeat to Wigan Athletic, whose famous win was secured by Hugo Rodallega’s first-half strike.

Full of running and belief, Roberto Martinez’s side made a mockery of their 16th place at start of play. In rising to 14th, Wigan were indebted to some immense displays by their central midfielders, Mohamed Diame and especially the teenager James McCarthy, who thoroughly outplayed Steven Gerrard.

Wigan were not the only winners. Liverpool’s rivals for fourth, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Aston Villa, will have relished watching Benítez’s side falter. None of Liverpool’s major players delivered with Fernando Torres and Gerrard particularly disappointing, although they did have the consolation of Glen Johnson’s welcome return. Liverpool were as weak as Wigan were strong.

In a lively, open game, Wigan’s pace had troubled Liverpool from the start, Charles N’Zogbia and the left-sided Rodallega flying down the flanks to good effect, testing Javier Mascherano, filling in again at right-back, but particularly Emiliano Insua.

After Liverpool had threatened an early breakthrough when Fernando Torres hit a post from Maxi’s knockdown, Wigan stormed into the visitors, building inexorably towards Rodallega’s first goal in 13 games. Roberto Martinez’s side were sharper to the ball, playing with greater tempo, their desire embodied by the vibrant young midfielder James McCarthy, who patently relished the task of taking on England’s most recent captain, Steven Gerrard.

Then N’Zogbia embarked on a great run, tying Insua up in knots, and Liverpool were rescued only by Jamie Carragher’s quick reactions in scuttling across to clear up. Then Rodallega wriggled through the centre, his progress ended illegally by Lucas, who endured a wretched first half.

Rodallega failed to get sufficient dip on his free-kick which flew well over – much to the relief of the huge contingent of Liverpool support gathered behind Pepe Reina’s goal.

Worried about leaving space behind them, Carragher and Sotirios Kyrgiakos dropped deeper and deeper, simply inviting Wigan on. Only an immaculate interception by Mascherano stopped another McCarthy surge.

Another Argentine was less composed, Insua clattering his high-speed tormentor, N’Zogbia.

Liverpool looked to their familiar leaders to lift them. Until moving into the centre after the break, replacing the anonymous Lucas, Mascherano shone at right-back, showing pace and purpose down the wing. Gerrard attempted to find a way through, presented with a chance following some fine approach work by Yossi Benayoun. Slightly off-balance, Gerrard skewed his shot wide. It reflected a first-half malaise.

Liverpool were too weak in possession, any ambition tempered by the alacrity with which Wigan closed them down. Gerrard hardly had time to breathe, let alone settle on the ball. McCarthy, particularly, hounded him.

When Dirk Kuyt then dropped deep, trying to relieve the pressure, Wigan simply harried him into submission.

When the Dutchman gifted the ball to Emmerson Boyce, Wigan scented blood. Their ability to move the ball quickly had already threatened Liverpool significant pain and here they pounced to devastating effect.

Boyce swiftly transferred the ball into the box and there was Rodallega sending it past Pepe Reina. It was not the most elegant strikes of the Colombian’s career but it felt one of the most precious.

Liverpool were completely out of sorts, their mood not assisted by a filthy challenge by Titus Bramble on Torres that received yellow but could have earned red. Luckily for Torres, his studs were out of the ground. Yet Liverpool could also have lost a player. Insua, already cautioned, could have gone for a foul on McCarthy.

Liverpool almost levelled just before the break but Torres misjudged Maxi’s cross. Benítez tried to shake his team up, bringing on Johnson for Lucas and moving Mascherano into midield, giving Liverpool a bit more bite against McCarthy. Yet still Wigan menaced, almost adding a second when Reina’s clearance hit Marcelo Moreno, the ball looping goalwards, forcing Kyrgiakos into an emergency clearance.

As Liverpool fans chanted “attack, attack, attack’’, Benítez’s men sought to respond. Johnson, encouragingly, settled swiftly, showing his aptitude for driving down the right. Liverpool at last looked more of a cohesive unit, particularly with Mascherano now bringing some venom to midfield. From one buccaneering run through the middle, Mascherano released Torres, who twisted inside but found his path blocked by Maynor Figueroa.

Torres was then woefully wide with a volley which dribbled apologetically out for a throw.

Benítez rang the changes again, introducing Alberto Aquilani for Benayoun and ushering Gerrard forward. Wigan, seemingly tiring, hit back, given energy by their dynamic substitute, Victor Moses, and forcing a succession of corners. With Wigan pushed forward, Liverpool sprung a counter, Insua hoisting over a cross that Kuyt headed back to Torres, whose volley flashed wide.

Some frustration began to seep into Liverpool hearts, Torres earning a caution for catching Diame. Gerrard followed him into the book, taking man and ball with a challenge on McCarthy. It reflected McCarthy’s – and Wigan’s – superiority on the night.

Everton 5 Hull City 1

The Premier League game between Everton and Hull City at Goodison Park on Sunday, March 7 2010.

Fabio Capello is hardly likely to have earmarked Hull City’s trip to Goodison Park as a must-see on his pre-World Cup itinerary, but the England manager would have found an afternoon in Merseyside’s spring sunshine hugely instructive.

David Moyes’s side not only, of course, boast Leighton Baines, England’s newest international, but could point to Phil Jagielka’s first start for 11 months, as well as the presence of Jack Rodwell, thought to be on the cusp of a call-up to the Italian’s full squad, and two of the Italian’s probable opponents in Rustenburg, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, while Jozy Altidore, another USA international, featured for Phil Brown’s team.

Yet the most valuable lesson Capello could possibly have learned here concerned not a player he will have, or will have to best, in South Africa, but one who will not be there at all.

Mikel Arteta dominated this game with an elegant ease, scoring twice, narrowly denied a third, and orchestrating his side’s play with verve and imagination.

Had Arteta been born in Basingstoke, rather than the Basque country, he would be a shoo-in for Capello’s squad. His first goal proved his energy, racing on to Yakubu’s cross and toe poking past Boaz Myhill at his near post, while his second showcased his composure, sliding home Steven Pienaar’s backheel with consummate ease.

It is telling that Arteta finds the path to his own national side blocked by 10 players, maybe more. That is a measure of Spain’s class. That is what Capello must overcome if he is to fulfil the hectoring demands of a nation increasingly frenzied in its optimism.

Whatever Capello’s concerns, though, they will pale into insignificance compared to those which must weigh down Phil Brown.

Despite teenager Tom Cairney’s exquisite first goal for the club, a dipping volley from the edge of the box after a poor clearance from Jagielka, Hull were fortunate to go in at the break just a goal down, Yakubu’s dreadful penalty saved by Myhill before the visitors drew level.

After the interval, though, from the moment Richard Garcia denied Arteta his hat-trick by heading the Basque’s chipped cross into his own net just after the break, what should have been a spit-and-sawdust Premier League duel took on the air of an exhibition match.

Pienaar unveiled his full repertoire of tricks, producing reverse passes, backheels and elaborate stepovers with an abandon which bordered on the reckless. Everton poured forward, Arteta dictating the tempo, players lining up to score, seeking to pile on their guests’ humiliation.

Jack Rodwell twice went close, Sylvain Distin and Yakubu both meandered through the heart of the visiting defence only to squander their opportunities at the last, the latter blasted Landon Donovan’s inviting cross high from no more than 10 yards.

They got number four, thanks to Donovan, the US international hammering a shot past Myhill after Baines’s comparatively tame cross evaded Hull’s ragged, demoralised defence, and five, after the American rolled the ball into Rodwell’s path. It was no less than the hosts, or their guests, deserved.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Manchester United 1

The Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on Saturday March 6, 2010.

Paul Scholes entered the Premier League’s 100 goal club as Manchester United struggled to adjust to life without Wayne Rooney in a laboured victory at Molineux.

Rooney, whose knee injury prevented him from making the trip to the Black Country, was sorely missed by the champions against a vibrant Wolverhampton Wanderers team.

But Scholes came to United’s rescue with a 73rd minute winner that lifted Sir Alex Ferguson’s team to the top of the Premier League and registered his 100th top flight goal for the club.

The 35-year-old, out of contract in the summer, has scored more spectacular goals, but the manner in which he calmly controlled Jody Craddock’s mis-clearance before shooting past goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann underlined his enduring class.

Having won just once in nine league games prior to United’s visit to Molineux, Wolves had slid to the brink of the relegation zone, raising the spectre of return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

So with their position growing increasingly precarious, it was perhaps no surprise that manager Mick McCarthy chose to field his strongest available team against the champions.

Three months ago, McCarthy earned widespread condemnation, and a suspended fine of £25,000 for his club, by resting a host of key players for the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford, which United won 3-0.

Wolves cannot pick and choose their games at this stage of the season, however. Every point counts and, having claimed a 1-0 victory against United on their last league encounter at Molineux in January 2004, why couldn’tthey do again?

United, without the injured Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, were certainly less formidable than they might have been and the absence of Rooney in particular appeared to lift the home team.

Midfielder Matt Jarvis and Irish forward Kevin Doyle proved a thorn in United’s side in the first-half and Wolves should have taken the lead. Doyle went close as early as the fifth minute, when Jarvis had beaten right-back Wes Brown before pulling back for the former Reading forward, who scuffed a left-foot shot wide from 12 yards.

United were slow to respond and they only threatened the Wolves goal when Darron Gibson sliced a shot wide from close range after Nani’s free-kick had struck an old gold wall.

The champions were strangely uncertain. With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic reunited in the centre of defence for the first time since the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Oct 25, Doyle would not have expected to enjoy such freedom as the lone striker.

But he was given the time and space to tee up David Jones, following another delivery from Jarvis, on the half hour before Jones saw his deflected shot saved.

Wolves were rising in confidence and their best opportunity came moments later when Jarvis made easy work of Brown again before delivering a dangerous cross to the far post.

Full-back Stephen Ward found himself with a golden opportunity to score, but his header from inside the six-yard box was brilliantly saved by Edwin van der Sar.

Without Rooney, Owen and Ryan Giggs, whose broken arm will continue to sideline him when AC Milan visit Old Trafford on Wednesday, United lacked threat and Wolves were doing their best to take full advantage.

With Brown being forced out of the action with a knee injury at half-time, Ferguson was forced to introduce Gary Neville at the interval. Despite the club captain’s vast experience, Neville’s lack of pace against Jarvis would have been a concern for the United manager.

Yet Neville’s presence worked in United’s favour as the 34-year-old closed the space on Jarvis and bolstered the support for Antonio Valencia down the right flank.

Having been stretched by Wolves in the first-half, United were now compressing the space and rolling the home side back towards their own penalty area.

But for a 47th minute block by Christophe Berra, Dimitar Berbatov would surely have opened the scoring for United and Patrice Evra also went close with a left-foot effort five minutes later.

Neville’s defensive frailties surfaced on 68 minutes, however, when former Gillingham winger Jarvis burst to the byline before delivering another dangerous cross that Wolves failed to take advantage of.

Wolves had now carved open the United defence on numerous occasions, but failed to capitalise every time and, against teams of the calibre of United, there is usually a price to pay for such profligacy.

And so it proved for McCarthy’s team when Scholes claimed his sixth goal of the season by calmly beating Hahnemann on 73 minutes.

If only he was 10 years younger, Ferguson would not have to worry about Rooney missing the odd game here and there.

But United cannot rely on their veterans to pull them out of the mire forever.

League centurions

Paul Scholes is the 19th player to score 100 Premier League goals. It took him 436 matches. Only Ryan Giggs reached the milestone in more games.

	Number of games
Alan Shearer	124
Thierry Henry	160
Ian Wright	173
Robbie Fowler	175
Les Ferdinand	175
Andrew Cole	185
Michael Owen	185
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink	200
Wayne Rooney	247
Dwight Yorke	254
Teddy Sheringham	254
Matthew Le Tissier	254
Robbie Keane	255
Nicolas Anelka	258
Dion Dublin	271
Emile Heskey	407
Frank Lampard	414
Paul Scholes	436
Ryan Giggs	534

Arsenal 3 Burnley 1

The Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday March 6, 2010.

When Chelsea and Manchester United delivered chastening and consecutive beatings to Arsenal just one month ago, it was not only Michael Ballack who concluded that the Premier League title race was between two clubs.

At Arsenal, several senior players had also expressed the view that Arsenal could not fall nine points adrift of Chelsea and realistically expect to win the league.

Arsene Wenger predictably disagreed but, even taking into account his eternal optimism, he would surely never have believed that his team could draw level again with Chelsea within four matches.

Yet had Nicklas Bendtner taken all of his chances against Burnley, Arsenal would also have comfortably won by the four-goal margin that was needed to go back to the top of the Premier League.

As it was, a somewhat nervy 3-1 victory - with goals from Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin - was greeted with relief rather than joy by most inside the Emirates.

Arsenal had made their own pre-match tribute to Aaron Ramsey, coming onto the pitch with T-shirts sporting the name and number of the Wales midfielder.

The tackle which broke their team-mate’s leg, however, appeared to be on the mind of Walcott, who reacted with uncharacteristic anger following one particularly forceful - but well-timed - sliding challenge from Danny Fox.

Walcott did manage to avoid contact with Fox, yet immediately got to his feet and confronted the Burnley left-back, shoving him twice in the chest.

Given the circumstances, referee Chris Foy sensibly applied some common-sense in simply speaking to both players and pointing out to Walcott that Fox had played the ball.

Arsenal had made the more positive start but, for a team who had collected just one away point all season, Burnley were initially resilient.

Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky both shot wide from good early opportunities, with Emmanuel Eboue causing persistent problems down the right when overlapping beyond Walcott.

He provided two particularly inviting chances for Bendtner, but the Dane's finishing was wayward.

Arsenal eventually needed to produce a sublime moment of passing to break the deadlock. Fabregas had fed the ball into Samir Nasri, who simply glanced up and lifted a delightful pass over the Burnley defence and back into the path of his captain.

There was no hint of panic from Fabregas who, rather than snatch at the opportunity, calmly guided the ball through the legs of Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

Bendtner then missed two further chances to create a two-goal cushion before Arsenal’s profligacy was punished.

Clarke Carlisle headed hopefully forward yet provoked unnecessary confusion between Mikael Silvestre and Thomas Vermaelen, who both stood off and allowed David Nugent to guide the ball over Manuel Almunia with his shin.

With Bendtner destined not to score, Walcott became increasingly involved and, after flashing one effort beyond Jensen’s right-hand post, he brilliantly cut inside and guided a left-footed shot into the bottom of the goal.

Bendtner, inevitably, and then Eduardo missed further excellent opportunities before Arshavin completed a 3-1 win in injury-time.

West Ham United 1 Bolton Wanderers 2

The Premier League match between West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers at Upton Park on Saturday March 6, 2010.

Kevin Davies was described before kick-off by a local radio reporter - and West Ham United supporter - as a 'Premiership bully with next-to-no skill', but the Bolton Wanderers forward made a mockery of such mocking by leading his side to an invaluable victory.

Davies led from the front as Bolton made light of pre-match predictions to record only their third away league win of the season and move above West Ham, who had not conceded a league goal at home for more than six hours before this humiliation.

And Davies gave a lesson in forward play to Carlton Cole, West Ham's leading scorer, who had an off-day like most of his team-mates.

Bolton took the lead with a goal of beautiful simplicity in the tenth minute. Alessandro Diamanti went half-heartedly into a centre-circle challenge with Fabrice Muamba, who came away with the ball and fed Gretar Steinsson.

The full-back moved it on swiftly to Lee Chung-Yong on the right wing, and the Korean's cross from near the corner flag was arrowed straight at Kevin Davies, who climbed high above Julien Faubert to thump his header into the corner of Robert Green's goal.

That stunned Upton Park, with Bolton's small band of supporters barely audible, but within six minutes they were celebrating again as Jack Wilshere made it 2-0.

This time James Tomkins was at fault, the young West Ham defender's inexperience showing as he tried to shepherd the ball out of play with Davies on his shoulder. The Bolton forward simply hooked the across goal from the right for Tamir Cohen to head it back into the path of Wilshere, allowing the teenager to score with a high volley from close range.

In between, West Ham had not given Bolton too much to worry about. Jussi Jaaskelainen did not have a save to make until the 25th minute, when he did well to block a Diamanti free-kick and then tip away Guillermo Franco's follow-up.

Scott Parker put Carlton Cole in on goal, but Sam Ricketts stuck out of a foot to dispossess the England striker as he prepared to shoot.

Ricketts, playing as a stand-in central defender, almost made a timely intervention to block Parker after Cole had returned the favour, but most of the chances were falling to Bolton as Davies led from the front.

He cleverly fed Lee, who crossed for Wilshere only to see the youngster scuff his shot. Lee also mis-hit a volley when more poor defending from the home side gave him a clear sight of goal.

It could and should have been 3-0 by half-time as Davies sent in a perfect cross from the right, between Green and his defence, but when the ball arrived at Johan Elmander's feet, he scooped it horribly over the bar from ten yards.

West Ham's fans finally had something to cheer at half-time with the return of the Hammerettes. Their popular cheerleaders, who showed considerably more teamwork and co-ordination than their team.

Back on the pitch, there was more disruption for West Ham early in the second half when Faubert pulled up injured and was replaced by Kieron Dyer, whose first touch was a half-volley over the bar from close range.

Davies was working tirelessly for Bolton, shaking off three defenders to set up Elmander, whose shot hit the hand of Matthew Upson without penalty.

Bolton's task was made harder for the final 20 minutes when Tamir Cohen was sent off for his second booking in the space of five minutes, for tripping Parker.

But West Ham still could not make their advantage count until the 88th minute, when Diamanti curled a shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area into the far coner of goal.

That set up a tense finale, especially when five minutes of stoppage time was shown. Almost immediatelty Fabrice Muamba broke away and crossed fro Davies to hit the bar with his sliding effort.

Moments later Junior Stanislas did the same at the opposite end, thumping a half-volley against the Bolton bar from 20 yards - and that was it.

Premier League Weekend Review

Manchester City caused the upset of the week by beating Chelsea while Liverpool and Arsenal ground out wins.

Sunday

On Sunday, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres marked his first start since January 13 by scoring the winner in an ill-tempered 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Anfield.

The Spain international hit his 13th goal in 17 Barclays Premier League appearances just before half-time, having missed five weeks at the start of the year after a knee operation.

Liverpool had gone ahead midway through the half through Steven Gerrard only for Jamie Carragher's handball to allow Keith Andrews to equalise from the penalty spot five minutes before the interval.

With fellow top-four rivals Tottenham and Manchester City both winning this weekend it was imperative Rafael Benitez's side maintain the pressure and they ground out a win against combative opponents.

Fifth-placed City remain one point ahead of Liverpool after beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, while Spurs hold fourth place on goal difference after their 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday.

Roman Pavlyuchenko scored his sixth goal in four games when he netted the opener at White Hart Lane before Luka Modric doubled Tottenham's lead with a fine second against David Moyes' men.

Spurs had to survive a second-half comeback from Everton, who scored through Ayegbeni Yakubu and then saw substitute Landon Donovan miss an open goal.

Elsewhere, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer denied struggling Sunderland a first Barclays Premier League victory in 14 attempts, to leave the Black Cats hovering precariously above the drop zone.

The Australia international kept out Darren Bent's first-half free-kick and then blocked Alan Hutton's left-foot effort after the break to ensure the game ended goalless.

The point lifted Sunderland three clear of the drop zone, but there is little doubt that Roy Hodgson will have been the happier manager.

Fulham extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games, three days after they secured their passage to the last 16 in the Europa League.

Saturday

In Saturday's early kick-off between Chelsea and Manchester City, Wayne Bridge refused to shake John Terry's hand, then snatched away all three points as well as City romped to a 4-2 victory against nine-man Chelsea.

Bridge's reaction during the traditional pre-match pleasantries had been predicted, but precious else was on a crazy afternoon started and finished by Frank Lampard.

Two howlers from stand-in Chelsea keeper Henrique Hilario allowed Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy to profit, then Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack were red carded as Tevez and Bellamy scored again to fire City back into the top four and leave the hosts just one point clear of Manchester United.

Portsmouth started their bid to avoid almost certain relegation after going into administration on Friday, meaning a nine-point deduction which has yet to be imposed, by winning 2-1 at Burnley.

Frederic Piquionne opened the scoring in the 25th minute but Martin Paterson brought the home side level when he hooked the ball over David James to level the scores six minutes later.

Stephen Fletcher missed a header from six yards from a Paterson cross before the visitors wrapped up the win but they did it the hard way.

Jamie O'Hara had missed a penalty before Hassan Yebda made it 2-1 to the visitors from the spot.

O'Hara's effort was saved by Brian Jensen after Clarke Carlisle fouled Piquionne but Yebda made no mistake to make it 2-1 after Carlisle was again penalised for fouling John Utaka.

Portsmouth had defender Ricardo Rocha sent off for a second booking - his second since joining the club in the January transfer window - in the 90th minute but held on for an invaluable victory.

It was Rocha's second dismissal in only three games for Portsmouth after his sending off against Sunderland on his last appearance.

James McFadden netted the winner in first-half injury time as Birmingham won 1-0 at home to Wigan to reach the 40-point mark.

Birmingham had gone close when Scott Dann's header hit the bar and then Chris Kirkland saved at point-blank range from McFadden but the Wigan keeper could do nothing when the same player converted from the spot after former Birmingham player Mario Melchiot was harshly penalised for a challenge on Keith Fahey.

Jo Hart did well to block a close-range shot from Hugo Rodallega in the second half before the game was held up for several minutes due to an injury to a linesman.

He had to be carried off after being caught by a challenge by Liam Ridgewell on Wigan's James McCarthy. He was replaced by the fourth official after a long delay which led to seven minutes of stoppage time.

Zat Knight's close-range finish close to half-time earned Bolton all three points against fellow strugglers Wolves at the Reebok Stadium.

Arsenal closed to within three points of Chelsea with a 3-1 win at Stoke as midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered a bad injury in a tackle from Ryan Shawcross which saw the defender sent off.

Stoke opened the scoring when Danny Pugh headed in a long throw by Rory Delap which had been headed on by Shawcross.

But Nicklas Bendtner levelled things up before half-time when he headed home a cross by Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas scored from the penalty spot when Pugh was penalised from handball and Thomas Vermaelen grabbed a third late on.

Sunday Match Reports

Tottenham 2-1 Everton

Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn

Sunderland 0-0 Fulham

Saturday Match Reports

Chelsea 2-4 Manchester City

Bolton 1-0 Wolves

Burnley 1-2 Portsmouth

Birmingham 1-0 Wigan

Stoke 1-3 Arsenal

Stoke City 1 Arsenal 3

The Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal at Britannia Stadium on Saturday Feb 27 2010.

Almost two years after Arsenal forward Eduardo suffered a broken leg in a challenge from Martin Taylor in Birmingham, Arsenal once again suffered a serious injury in the Midlands, this time Aaron Ramsey having to be stretchered off in the second half after being subjected to an out-of-control tackle by Ryan Shawcross.

Somehow, his team-mates collected themselves and overcame Stoke City with goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Cesc Fabregas and Thomas Vermaelen. They will not be celebrating, though.

This was football with attention deficit disorder, and nothing less than enthralling because of it: the only problem is that it can create an environment in which players easily find themselves carried away.

As the Britannia Stadium shrilled to a cacophony of whistles and yells, fluctuating between exhortation and irritation, Shawcross went into Ramsey with a horrible challenge for which he was rightly sent off, and Ramsey stretchered off.

The incident left Wenger standing granite-faced in his technical area, shaking his head. Whatever he would have us believe, the Arsenal manager does not think Stoke are a fine footballing side.

As one would expect, he had still pointed out that they have scored 15 goals from set-pieces this season, 14 of them at home, and of those 14, most were from their long throws.

Perhaps he not think to tell his players, though. Eight minutes in and, you guessed it, Rory Delap directed his throw to Shawcross, who eluded Bacary Sagna and flicked on to the far post.

Danny Pugh was inexplicably unmarked and, with Manuel Almunia stranded in the middle of the box, had the simple task of heading into an open net.

Delap’s ability to launch the ball like a ballistic missile never ceases to amaze, but even more incredible is that, after almost two seasons, their opposition have still not come up with an initiative, a Star Wars programme, to deal with it.

With nearly half an hour gone, Arsenal had only one proper attempt on goal, a Cesc Fabregas drive from outside the area which went a foot wide. Time to adopt the when-in-Rome philosophy.

Emmanuel Eboue cannot throw as far as Delap, but he found Fabregas, who crossed deep into the box and Nicklas Bendtner arched his header beyond Sorensen’s fingertips and into the far corner. Wenger sprinted out of the technical area, arms raised, proof he’ll take them any way they come.

The second half began as the first had finished, full speed ahead. Eboue’s drive from 20 yards was palmed away by Sorensen. Then Shawcross felled Ramsey.

The players crowded around, and rapidly signalled their concern. Shawcross tried to console the stricken midfielder, but was advised to walk away. Yet Arsenal continued to attack. Pugh handled in the area, Peter Walton pointed to the spot. Fabregas drove his penalty tight into the corner.

Then Vermaelen, one of those who had been most affected by Ramsey’s injury, covering his eyes in dismay, found his way past Sorensen.

Chelsea 2 Manchester City 4

The Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday February 27, 2010.

No handshake from Wayne Bridge and no points for Chelsea. All in all, it was a truly a miserable afternoon for John Terry.

This 4-2 defeat against Manchester City was also Chelsea’s first home loss of the season and a result which leaves both Manchester United and Arsenal in reach of the Premier League leaders with only 10 matches remaining.

As expected, Bridge followed up his decision to make himself unavailable for England selection by very publicly refusing to shake the out-stretched hand of Terry, his former Chelsea team-mate.

The ex-England captain, who was sporting a new Mohican-style hair-style, looked thoroughly unconcerned and was certainly not addressing any of the wider issues in a set of programme notes which contained the usual optimism about Chelsea’s chances this season of winning three trophies.

After the drama of the non-handshake, the opening half-an-hour was largely devoid of incident. Chelsea were generally in control, but could only fashion a flurry of half-chances for both Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba from which Shay Given, the Manchester City goalkeeper, went untested.

With Fabio Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini looking on, Bridge was largely able to block out the booing and deliver the sort of solid performance both in defence and attack that has made him Ashley Cole’s England understudy over much of the past decade.

The big chance, though, was for Joe Cole, who started in his preferred position at the tip of the Chelsea diamond and assumed a growing influence as the first-half unfolded. In the 42nd minute, he delivered a delightful defence-splitting pass with the outside of boot from which Frank Lampard put Chelsea ahead.

Manchester City had created nothing and looked in danger of falling further behind before equalising on the stroke of half-time in the most unexpected of circumstances. Bridge had thumped a hopeful ball forward which John Obi-Mikel attempted to head back to Terry, only for Carlos Tevez to intercept.

He then turned inside Ricardo Carvalho and scuffed a shot which carried just enough power to dribble beyond Henrique Hilario and into the Chelsea goal.

It was difficult to imagine Petr Cech conceding from a similar situation and, within minutes of the re-start, Manchester City took the lead following further questionable defending. This time it was Craig Bellamy who collected the ball in space and, with Mikel backing off, his angled shot crept past the out-stretched hand of Hilario.

In terms of the Terry-Bridge sub-plot, the closest thing to a flash-point occurred midway through the second-half when Tevez, who had previously made a very public display of a ‘Team Bridge’ T-shirt, squared up to the Chelsea captain after the two players had tangled in the penalty area.

Chelsea pushed forward in search of an equaliser but looked increasingly vulnerable on the counter-attack. Bellamy missed one excellent chance before Gareth Barry got the wrong side of the Chelsea defence and was brought down by Juliano Belletti.

There was no deliberate attempt to trip Barry, but the former Barcelona defender had clearly got the wrong side of his opponent and left referee Mike Dean with little option but to brandish a red card. From the resulting penalty, Tevez shot beyond Hilario.

Michael Ballack then completely lost his discipline and, having previously been booked for dissent, he went straight through Tevez with a dreadful challenge that provoked an inevitable second yellow card.

As he left the pitch, Carlo Ancelotti completely ignored the Germany midfielder. With Chelsea down to nine-men and horribly exposed, Manchester City scored their fourth following an excellent inter-change of passing between Tevez and

Shaun Wright-Phillips that was finished by Bellamy. Even a late penalty from Lampard could not sour what had been a sweet afternoon for Manchester City and, most notably, Wayne Bridge.

Burnley 1 Portsmouth 2

The Premier League match between Burnley and Portsmouth at Turf Moor on Saturday Feb 27 2010.

It was a suitable microcosm of their season. At 1-1, there was the hope after they were awarded a penalty and after Jamie O'Hara was denied by Brian Jensen, the crushing reality of the bigger picture.

But for once that did not tell the whole story, with Nadir Belhadj scoring when another chance came from the spot. Could this story really have a happy ending?

Administration, running costs being 'cut to the bone', certain relegation, a penalty missed, uncertainty following uncertainty. After being handed over to administrator Andrew Andronikou on Friday, they looked like they had chucked away two more points in Lancashire, with a nine-point penalty set to follow next week. Twas ever thus for poor old Portsmouth.

On the scale of things, with relegation to the Championship looking even more certain, O'Hara's wastefulness demonstrated the kind of profligacy that Portsmouth will now forever be associated with.

But the pattern did not run the way we have learned to expect. With outgoing chief executive Peter Storrie making up a quarter of Portsmouth's contingent in the directors' box, Belhadj's penalty gave the visiting fans belief that they could somehow manage to stay in the Premier League.

They certainly deserved their victory against a Burnley team that look like they too will be heading for the Championship after sticking to their budget in their only season in the top flight.

Burnley have had their hardships as a town, and as a football club, and did not revel in Portsmouth's tendency for misfortune but they certainly took advantage of it, though they were hamstrung by the efforts of captain Clarke Carlisle.

The defender appeared on Countdown last week, winning two shows before losing on Friday, and went under the name Cralek Scilarel on the team-sheet but unfortunately his performance let him down.

Portsmouth took the lead when Danny Webber's cross picked out Frederic Piquionne at the far post and he stabbed in.

But Burnley almost immediately responded when Brian Jensen's long clearance was flicked on by Stephen Fletcher and Martin Paterson lifted the ball over the onrushing David James to pull the hosts level.

After the restart, Carlisle chopped Piquionne down just inside the area only for O'Hara to have his penalty blocked by Jensen.

The singing continued, however, and when all looked lost, another opportunity arose when Carlisle's hesitation in the area led to the defender having to pull down John Utaka. This time, Belhadj took the kick and sent Jensen the wrong way to put Portsmouth in front.

Portsmouth also did their best to be generous, with Ricardo Rocha earning a second yellow card in the final minute but Burnley only threatened with a couple of free kicks and Burnley's poor run was extended to just one victory in their last 16 league matches.

Birmingham City 1 Wigan Athletic 0

The Premier League match between Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic at St Andrews on Saturday Feb 27 2010.

Birmingham returned to winning ways after consecutive league defeats in London by scrambling a narrow victory over an out-of-form Wigan who left St Andrew's bemoaning, with some justification, a debateable penalty award.

The moment of controversy came seconds before half time. Birmingham's Keith Fahey, on the edge of the Wigan penalty area but heading towards the touchline, induced an unnecessary lunge from Mario Melchiot.

Contact seemed minimal, at best, but referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot and James McFadden made no mistake with a low, emphatic finish into the bottom right-hand corner.

Birmingham, beaten recently at West Ham and Fulham, just about deserved their scrappy win though Wigan, resplendant in their change attire of hi-viz orange shirts, had started as if they were on their way to an emergency.

Melchiot's sweeping pass found Hugo Rodallega, who sent a shot skidding wide, and Charles N'Zogbia's effort from the edge of the penalty deflected for a corner off Scott Dann.

That was within the opening 10 minutes but the alarm bells were soon clanging at the other end. Dann headed Lee Bowyer's free-kick on to the visitor's crossbar and directed a corner from Sebastian Larsson wide before Fahey broke forward, providing a pass for Cameron Jerome that the Birmingham forward crashed past the post.

Jerome was more accurate on the half-hour, his shot on the turn being beaten away for a corner by alert Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, as Birmingham's ascendency grew.

Wigan were fortunate to survive a double scare just before the penalty incident. Liam Ridgwell burst into the penalty area but instead of shooting at a clear target, laid the ball back for a more hemmed-in Jerome, whose shot was blocked.

Moments later, Ridgewell, in a similar position, made undoubtedly the right choice, but McFadden's close-range blast was somehow blocked by Kirkland and cleared by Titus Bramble.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez introduced Jason Scotland and Victor Moses for the second half and his more attacking formation presented a greater presence in the home half even if chances were few and far between.

Birmingham, however, required goalkeeper Joe Hart to stand tall to block Rodallega's shot from eight-yards after neat work on the right by James McCarthy midway through the half.

Wigan's pain was felt equally by assistant referee Trevor Massey, who was carried away for treatment to a head injury after being caught in a touchline pile-up with Ridgewell and McCarthy 15 minutes from the end.

Massey, recently the centre of controversy for awarding the corner from which Aston Villa equalised in a FA Cup fifth round tie at Crystal Palace earlier this month, was replaced by fourth official Steve Bennett.

Bolton Wanderers 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

The Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday Feb 27 2010.

It required the finishing touch of defender Zat Knight to end the Bolton goal drought and provide Owen Coyle with only his second league victory since assuming managerial control from Gary Megson earlier this year.

Knight's 45th-minute first goal of the season lifted his side out of immediate danger in the Premier League bottom three and above Wolves who were unfortunate to leave the Reebok Stadium pointless after twice striking the framework in a rousing second half to a tense relegation encounter in which the home side scorned a host of opportunities that would have made their victory more comforting.

The pre-match statistics were far from encouraging, however, Bolton had failed to score in five previous League games while Wolves won victory in 11 away games, arrived as the joint lowest scorers in the division and they too had been unsuccessful in seven previous outings. Bolton set the pace and looked more likely to improve those bleak figures and they dominated the opening half in which they created sufficient chances to have added to Knight's strike shortly before half time.

The Bolton captain Kevin Davies led the way after 15 minutes when his closing shot was saved by the Wolves' goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Stuart Holden drove wide from 20 yards and Johan Elmander had a further attempt parried by Hahnemann. On the half hour Gretar Steinson crossed from the right, Davies saw his shot cannon off the Wolves' goalkeeper and when the rebound fell to Elmander his follow-up attempt was again blocked by the hard-pressed visitors.

Holden and Jack Wilshire provided further threats before the deadlock was broken when Knight finished from close in.

Bolton should have doubled their lead within a minute of the resumption but Davies wastefully shot at Hahnemann who also denied Holden.

Earlier, David Jones drove a Wolves' free kick against a post and Kevin Foley also struck the woodwork.