Chelsea and Manchester United dropped priceless points lately but the Red Devils wiped out their gap on the Londoners who now only lead through goal difference.
United, the only side along with Sunderland not to lose at home this season, host Blackburn at Old Trafford today. Wayne Rooney made his comeback in the 1-0 win over Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Alex Ferguson’s side have won four of their last eight league matches, drawing against Aston Villa (away), Man. City (away), WBA (home) and Sunderland (away). Ferguson has leapt to the defence of England manager Fabio Capello for what he described as ‘unfair criticism’ of the Italian coach by the media after the home upset to France.
Patrice Evra has remarked that there is more to come from United now that they are sharing top spot. Ferguson may go for another Dane, Anders Lindegaard of Aalesunds, to guard the team’s goal in future after the superb career of Peter Schmeichel.
After Indian brothers Venkatest and Balaji Rao, in the poultry business, bought Blackburn for £46 million, the club received another shot in the arm in the shape of a 2-0 home win over Aston Villa. Yet, Rovers fans are already at loggerheads with the new owners over plans to change the name of Ewood Park to The Venky Stadium. Blackburn have never won at Old Trafford in 15 seasons of Premier League football, including the 1-4 trimming of March 2007.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have sealed their berth in the last 16 of the Champions League. Arsenal, however, must win their last match against Partizan at home to advance. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was reported to have been unhappy with the team’s poor run of three defeats in four Premier League matches. Yet, he rubbished reports that he was about to quit the Blues. The decision to sack Ray Wilkins is still echoing in the corridors of Stamford Bridge, even if the club promoted Nigerian Michael Emenalo to replace the Englishman.
Tomorrow, the Londoners play guests to Newcastle who are coming from 1-5 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Arsene Wenger, who vents his anger by kicking water bottles when Arsenal are in dire straits, had good reason to be furious after the defeat to Tottenham, their third league setback of the season at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who lost the derby after going 2-0 ahead at half-time, will be looking to return to winning ways when they visit Aston Villa. Former Arsenal stalwart Martin Keown remarked that the Gunners are short of leaders at the back. Since Gerard Houllier took over as manager, Aston Villa have won only twice (away at Wolves and home to Blackpool) in nine league matches.
Manchester City, back to their very best in the 4-1 hammering of Fulham, will remain on their travels to tackle Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. City are back in the hunt for the championship crown as they are only three points adrift of the leaders.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis had told Capello that it was time Ryan Shawcross earned his place in the England side. Pulis has also urged Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen to be patient and wait for his chance. Bolton’s improvement was evident in their annihilation of Newcastle last week. The Wanderers have now earned 10 points from a maximum of 12 and are fifth in the table.
Today, Bolton should proceed with their good performances at home to Blackpool but you can never tell in the Premier League. The Seasiders also won at home to Wolves.
In-form Tottenham cross swords with Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Spurs are undefeated in the last three league games while the Reds lost once in six.
Tottenham are buoyed by their incredible comeback in a 3-2 defeat of rivals Arsenal. For their part, Liverpool recorded their biggest win of the Premier League this season, 3-0 against West Ham.
Harry Redknapp may retain William Gallas as captain after showing good leadership in the derby. Liverpool should have Joe Cole back in their line-up after the England winger was out for four weeks with hamstring trouble.
At Goodison Park, Everton take on West Brom who appear to have lost their early-season sparkle. The Toffees have not won in their last three league matches and will seek to return to form to improve their position in the standings.
Fulham will surely want to put the 4-1 mauling to Manchester City behind them as they entertain Birmingham at Craven Cottage. Contrary to the Cottagers, the Blues are on a high after a 1-0 win over Chelsea at St Andrews.
At Upton Park, West Ham will relish their clash with Wigan as they have high hopes of claiming their first league win since September 25 when they beat Tottenham 1-0 at home.
Wigan are also eager to do well as they look to keep their survival in the Premier League for the second year in a row.
Poor Wolves have hit rock bottom when everyone seems to have agreed that they have a better squad compared to last season. The fans must keep faith in the side and a positive result can see them turn the corner.
The Wanderers square up to Sunderland at Molineux, today. Steve Bruce is confident that the Black Cats can reward their fans with European football next season. Wolves suffered a severe setback with the news that captain Karl Henry has sustained an injury.