League match reports

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Bolton   0 - 0   Arsenal
                   







Arsenal endured a frustrating evening as they were held to a draw by a dogged and determined Bolton.

 Even some second-half brilliance from Robin van Persie failed to break the deadlock, with the Dutchman's exquisite lob hitting the bar.

 Bolton might have nicked victory, but Mark Davies saw his late penalty appeal turned down when he was sent tumbling by Wojciech Szczesny.

 The hosts deserved a point, while the Gunners will rue some poor finishing.
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 It might have been different if the north London side had converted one of their early chances but they slowly ran out of steam as their efforts went unrewarded.

 However, Bolton deserve plenty of credit for the way they stuck at their task and their mini-revival, which has seen them lose only one of their last five top-flight fixtures as they have climbed out of the bottom three, shows no sign of slowing down.

 Arsenal dominated the first half, creating some good chances, but their finishing left a lot to be desired.

 Van Persie saw an effort cleared off the line by David Wheater, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was a constant menace, shot wide.

 However, for all their eye-catching play in the final third, the visitors looked vulnerable at the back with David Ngog twice going close to leaving them red-faced.

 First he got in front of Laurent Koscielny and forced a close-range save from Szczesny before, moments later, Wheater's clever flick set the Frenchman free to fire just wide.

 The second chance was ruled offside anyway, but the warning signs were there for the Gunners.

 They looked like they might heed them when Walcott was given a clear run on goal by Oxlade-Chamberlain's fantastic pass, but the England winger lacked composure when it mattered as his shot was easily deflected wide by Adam Bogdan.

 Walcott was enduring a frustrating night, with plenty of positive approach play being spoilt by some poor finishing.

 Bolton did a good job of stifling Arsenal's spark in the second half, and had a good chance of their own when Wheater headed wide.

 But the inevitable Gunners onslaught finally materialised and they twice went close to breaking the deadlock.

 Van Persie was unlucky to see his shot come back off the post following good work down the right from Bacary Sagna, before Oxlade-Chamberlain flashed a shot just over the bar from 30 yards out.

 Arsenal were desperate for all three points in their bid to climb back into contention for a top-four finish - something they have enjoyed for the past 15 seasons - and they turned to Thierry Henry with 20 minutes remaining.
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 However, Bolton were growing in confidence and Ngog and Gretar Steinsson caused moments of alarm with half-chances in the penalty area.

 Even some Dennis Bergkamp-like magic from compatriot Van Persie could not prevent the stalemate, with the Dutchman's delicate lob from the edge of the area bouncing off the crossbar and, from the resulting scramble, Walcott again failed to find the target.

 However, defeat would have been harsh on Bolton, who ended the game on the front foot and were left incensed by referee Chris Foy's decision not to give a spot-kick for Szczesny's challenge on Mark Davies.

 It was a close call for Arsenal, who must rediscover winning ways if they are to challenge for a Champions League berth.

 As for Bolton, survival suddenly seems achieveable for a side that has been revitalised in recent weeks.

 Bolton manager Owen Coyle:  "Coming into the game we were in good form but we knew we would have to work very hard against a quality side.

 "Adam [Bogdan] made a great save from Walcott and David Ngog had a couple of great chances to score in the first half.

 "In the second half the longer the game got the stronger we got and if truth be told we could have won the game late on so there is a lot to be pleased about."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:  "We have gone through a difficult period, we've lost three league games (prior to tonight's match) but we could have won the three as well.

 "We have confidence but we have to produce it game by game - for us every game in the championship is a cup final for us now."


_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Blackburn   0 - 2    Newcastle United
                           






A Scott Dann own goal and a stoppage time effort by Gabriel Obertan sent Newcastle fifth while increasing Blackburn's relegation worries.

Ryan Taylor's 12th minute shot took a heavy deflection off defender Dann and left keeper Paul Robinson helpless.

 But Rovers were wasteful, not least when David Dunn missed a penalty after Danny Simpson fouled Anthony Modeste.

 Newcastle's Leon Best headed against his own bar before substitute Obertan sealed victory in the dying moments.

 Blackburn must be sick of the sight of Newcastle, having lost three of the four encounters between the teams in as many months.
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 And Rovers will wonder how they did not salvage at least a point in a game they dominated for long periods.

 The worry for manager Steve Kean is that his side's next two away games are at Arsenal and Manchester City.

 As for Newcastle, this was just the result Alan Pardew demanded after a 5-2 defeat at Fulham and FA Cup exit at Brighton.

 Blackburn need influential defender Chris Samba, missing for the fourth successive match, back as soon as possible if they are to claw themselves out of trouble.

 Samba has not featured since handing in a transfer request but Rovers, still without a clean sheet in a top-flight game this season, are clearly missing his presence in the back four.

BLACKBURN v NEWCASTLE THIS SEASON

 24 September Premier League: Newcastle 3-1 Blackburn

 26 October Carling Cup: Blackburn 4-3 Newcastle

 7 January FA Cup: Newcastle 2-1 Blackburn

 1 February Premier League: Blackburn 0-2 Newcastle

 Rovers went behind after a mix-up between Radosav Petrovic and Dann allowed Taylor to take a speculative shot from distance which deflected off Dann and deceived former England keeper Robinson.

 It was cruel on the hosts who, for the remainder of the half, did everything but find the net.

 Gael Givet had a volley cleared off the line by Simpson while Modeste, making his home debut after signing on loan from Bordeaux, and Junior Hoilett both went close before Leon Best headed against his own bar while trying to clear Morten Gamst-Pedersen's corner.

 Petrovic was also unfortunate before tempers boiled over when Hoilett appeared to dive inside the Newcastle area. So incensed was Taylor by Hoilett's actions that the Newcastle player earned a booking from referee Phil Dowd.

 Rovers were awarded a penalty two minutes before the break though, when referee Dowd awarded a penalty after Simpson barged into Modeste.

 But Krul came to Newcastle's rescue by keeping out Dunn's weak spot-kick and the Dutch keeper was alert to save Givet's tame follow-up.
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 Blackburn continued to create chances after the interval, with substitute Mauro Formica firing into the side-netting when he should have done better.

 But their hopes were ended in injury time when substitute Obertan ended a quick break with the sort of clinical finish Rovers had been so sorely lacking.

 Blackburn manager Steve Kean:  "We've had enough chances to win three games. I think if you are trying to take positives out of the defeat then we are certainly making the chances but we just weren't ruthless enough.

 "After Newcastle scored their deflected goal we dominated the reast of the first half and all of the second half. Performance wise we have to be happy with the way we played for the first 15 minutes, we controlled the game.

 "So it is a tough one to take because we at least deserved a point, in fact I'd probably have been disappointed to have got a point. "I'll speak with Chris (Samba) on Thursday and it's been tough for him after wanting to leave. We're delighted he's still here and I'm sure he'll get back on it for us."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said:  "We had a bit of criticism about the Brighton game and we lost (Yohan) Cabaye, the two Senegal boys couldn't make it, and we still won.

 "Great credit to the players and particularly to James Perch. I left him out even though he was excellent at Brighton. But he came into midfield for the second half and we looked a lot stronger in there.

 "We've got such resolve in the squad. We've gone up to fifth - it's an outstanding achievement from this football club. To get a win on the back of Brighton was brilliant."


_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Aston Villa  2 - 2  QPR
                 





Aston Villa recovered from two goals down to draw with Queens Park Rangers as Djibril Cisse scored on his debut.

 The French striker, who signed for QPR from Lazio on Tuesday, fired in after a blocked Shaun Wright-Phillips shot.

 Stephen Warnock scored a bizarre own goal from Taye Taiwo's cross to double the lead, before Darren Bent pulled one back from Alan Hutton's centre.

 Villa bossed the second half and grabbed a second when Charles N'Zogbia volleyed in Stiliyan Petrov's cross.

 Having spluttered through the first half, Villa were only prevented from completing a superb turnaround by some last-ditch QPR defending.

 Tommy Smith denied Darren Bent on the line, while Paddy Kenny was called into action on several occasions as the hosts looked a completely different team after the break.
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 But with his side having failed to win any of their previous five home games, McLeish will at least be thankful he got a response after the visitors dominated the opening period.

 QPR boss Mark Hughes captured Cisse and Bobby Zamora barely 24 hours before this game. Zamora was unable to feature, and Cisse was only cleared to play an hour before kick-off after paperwork delays from his former club.

 But after a firm challenge from Warnock welcoming him back to English football, the 30-year-old former Liverpool striker wasted little time in having an impact on his first game in the Premier League since May 2009.

 Jamie Mackie was involved in the build-up and when Wright-Phillips had his shot blocked the ball fell to Cisse, who made no mistake by firing an angled shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

 With both teams knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, this game gave them the opportunity to concentrate on their league form and despite being four places beneath their opponents in the table, it was QPR who started with far more purpose.

BENT AND CISSE LANDMARKS

*Darren Bent's goal was his 100th in the Premier League, the 22nd player to achieve that mark

* Cisse's goal means he has scored on his debut for Liverpool, Sunderland and QPR

 Despite featuring debutants Taiwo and Nedum Onuoha, they doubled their lead in fortunate circumstances just before the half hour when Warnock, under no pressure, headed Taiwo's cross past Shay Given into his own net from eight yards.

 McLeish was understandably dumbfounded but the goal finally drew a response from the hosts with Richard Dunne's header saved by Kenny, while Robbie Keane's deflected shot hit the bar.

 Villa also had a handball claim when N'Zogbia's through ball clipped Mackie's hand, but it was not long before they reduced the deficit.

 Keane approached the QPR defence before passing wide to Hutton, and the Scot's low cross was met by Bent for his 10th goal of the season.

 The hosts continued in the same vein after the break, with Kenny saving shots from Petrov and Keane, while Ciaran Clark had a very good penalty appeal rejected after his strike cannoned off Shaun Derry's arm.

 And by the hour mark the game had turned, with QPR struggling to contain Villa, who were stringing together a series of attacks.
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 Hughes's side had a great opportunity to restore their two-goal lead against the run of play when, following a corner, Mackie mistimed an attempted shot from Wright-Phillips's low centre with the ball fizzing through his legs.

 But that remained an isolated chance for the visitors, and Bent could have drawn Villa level before N'Zogbia made his mark on his return to the side in place of the injured Gabriel Agbonlahor by hitting a sweetly-timed volley to level matters.

 That was the cue for the Villa supporters to find their voice and only Tommy Smith's goal-line clearance prevented Bent from grabbing a winner.

 QPR were also thankful to debutant Onuhoa who, along with Kenny, was a solid foil in defence as the visitors grabbed a well-earned point.

_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Arsenal  7 - 1  Blackburn
                       






Robin van Persie's hat-trick, two goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta's strike and Thierry Henry's late goal saw Arsenal thump Blackburn.

 Arsenal took an early lead through Van Persie's tap-in but Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick levelled it.

 Van Persie's side-foot and Oxlade-Chamberlain's strike made it 3-1 before Blackburn's Gael Givet was sent off.

 Arteta struck from 18 yards for 4-1 before Oxlade-Chamberlain, Van Persie and Henry completed the rout.

 Despite sub-zero temperatures and a subdued atmosphere at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal made a blistering start and found the net after only one minute 22 seconds.

 Predictably the opener came from their captain and talisman Van Persie, the Dutchman tapping in from close range after Tomas Rosicky played in Theo Walcott on the right to square the ball across the face of goal.

Analysis
John Motson
Football Commentator

 "What an afternoon for Robin van Persie, the art of finishing perfectly displayed - so unerring and beautifully done. It was a dreadful afternoon for Blackburn."

 Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain were a constant threat, while Blackburn failed to muster a single shot on or off the target in the opening half-hour.

 Against the run of play, however, the visitors got themselves level in spectacular fashion.

 Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny was booked for hauling down Anthony Modeste 25 yards out and from the resulting free-kick Pedersen curled a fine left-footed strike into the top right-hand corner.

 Bradley Orr, signed on transfer deadline day from QPR, came on for his Rovers debut after Rosicky flew into Jason Lowe with a late tackle that saw the Blackburn man withdrawn.

 Arsenal were soon back in front, with Walcott played in by Alex Song and Van Persie finding the net at the near post for 2-1 from his cut back.

 Martin Olsson appeared to be fouled by Rosicky in the build-up to Arsenal's third, but referee Andre Marriner waved play on. Van Persie fed a fine reverse pass through Blackburn's defence which Oxlade-Chamberlain ran onto before rounding the keeper and finding the empty net.

 It was the 18-year-old's first Premier League goal and moments later Blackburn's task became that much harder with Givet sent off for a lunge on Van Persie.

 After the break, it only took Arsenal a few minutes to increase their lead, Arteta crashing the ball home from 18 yards on the half-volley after Van Persie's corner had been headed clear.

 Oxlade-Chamberlain made it 5-1, following Walcott's surging mazy run into the box, showing great composure to pick his spot under pressure and side-foot from close range.

 Van Persie grabbed his hat-trick just after the hour, clipping the ball past Paul Robinson at the near post following Francis Coquelin's cross from the right with Blackburn's marking non-existent.

 With the game safe, Oxlade-Chamberlain gave way to Henry and Yossi Benayoun came on for Song.

 In the final minute Arsenal broke once more, Van Persie playing in Henry inside the area. The Frenchman's shot deflected off Scott Dann into the net for his first league goal since returning to the club in January.

 It completed a miserable afternoon for Blackburn who remain in the bottom three, while Arsenal move above Newcastle into fifth.

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:  "It was an emphatic scoreline but the most important thing was to get the three points today. We have played some good games recently but the result gives us confidence for rest of season.

 "Robin van Persie had some good assists and he is an exceptional player and is deadly when you feed him in the box.

 "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is developing well, and he can assist and score as well. What is surprising to me is in September he looked junior, not mature enough, but in space of two-to-three months he is ready to be in the team.

 "We have some catching up to do and the points are important. The consistency is vital for us."

 Blackburn boss Steve Kean:  "It's a difficult day for us because it's a difficult enough venue to play at with 11 men. It's the first time this season when we've been really turned over. We've been excellent on our travels.

 "If there is intent with leaving the ground with two feet, the lads know the rules and you have to slide with one foot.

 "We wanted to stay in the game after scoring, and not let the opposition get back in, but we forced it and let Arsenal back into it.

 "We set ourselves high standards and that was not us today. I'm looking at the reaction of the lads with 30 minutes to go. The goal difference affects us as well.

 "We've been in most games this season, apart from today. We've let ourselves down. Chris Samba wasn't in the squad today and we'll speak to him on Monday."

_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Norwich  2 - 0  Bolton
               





Norwich secured their fifth home league win with victory over Bolton despite losing both centre-halves to first-half injuries.

Simeon Jackson had gone close before he provided the cutback for Andrew Surman to score at the second attempt.

 Anthony Pilkington netted the second after Adam Bogdan spilled a shot.

 And despite the early exit of City pair Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread, Martin Petrov's long-range efforts proved Bolton's best hope of finding the net.

 The result lifts Norwich to ninth but Bolton slip into relegation zone as Wolves picked up an away win at QPR.

 In fact, the visitors had arrived at Carrow Road on the back of a recent revival in their fortunes - including league wins over Everton and Liverpool and a draw with Arsenal - but they rarely looked like taking more than a point here.

 Norwich started purposefully as striker Grant Holt guided an athletic volley into the gloves of Bogdan.

 That effort signalled the start of concerted pressure from the hosts and Jackson twice tried shots from acute angles after finding himself short of passing options in the middle.

 If the Canadian international might have done better, team-mate Andrew Surnam certainly lacked composure soon after as his shot from six yards rebounded to safety off the bar.

 The Canaries' promising start was hampered by injuries to centre-back pairing Ayala and Whitbread that brought Russell Martin and Elliott Bennett into the action early.

 Bolton failed to capitalise on the disruption in the hosts' defence however, a pair of long-range blasts from Martin Petrov failing to test John Ruddy.

 The Norwich goalkeeper had to wait until the 55th minute for his first save, a sharp parry from David Ngog's turn and shot, but he was quickly required to produce a second.

 Petrov's corner almost sneaked in at Ruddy's near post, with the keeper scrambling across his goal to punch clear as Chris Eagles rushed in.

 Bolton boss Owen Coyle introduced Kevin Davies in an attempt to stretch the hosts, but the Canaries continued to carry a greater threat and the Trotters' hopes of even a point were extinguished as Norwich's neat passing game was finally rewarded in the final quarter of the game.

 Jackson's pace twice carried him clear of Bolton defenders to produce only powder-puff finishes before he more successfully turned creator with a precise pull-back for Surman.

 Tyrone Mears blocked the midfielder's first shot but the ball looped up invitingly for him to smash the rebound past a helpless Bogdan.

 Holt had two excellent chances to kill the game, but contrived to guide Anthony Pilkington's cross over the bar and then passed when he should have shot after being played in by Steve Morison.

 But Pilkington saw his side home as he reacted first to poke home after Bogdan lost control of Russell Martin's well-struck shot five minutes from time.

_{Courtesy of: bbc.co.uk}

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QPR   1 - 2   Wolves
                       





Substitute Kevin Doyle scored the winner and provided an assist as Wolves came from behind to beat 10-man QPR and record their first win in 12 games.

 QPR took the lead when debutant Bobby Zamora drove in before Djibril Cisse saw red after he raised a hand to the neck of defender Roger Johnson.

 Wolves owner Steve Morgan then got the response he wanted having lambasted the team after the 3-0 loss to Liverpool .

 Matt Jarvis led the charge with his curling shot before Doyle fired home.

 Visiting manager Mick McCarthy will undoubtedly leave Loftus Road relieved after recording their first league win in 10 and their first since 4 December.

 He will also be delighted because his side made the man-advantage count after the break and clung on to the win inspite of late QPR pressure.

 The struggling Midlands club, who had drawn their last three away games 1-1, created numerous chances to win the match, and win handsomely, but were often thwarted by last-ditch defending.

DID YOU KNOW?

  Wolves have now recovered more points from losing positions than any other team in the top flight this season

 They had been outplayed by Mark Hughes's recently revamped QPR for much of the opening 45 minutes until Cisse's sending off.

 That gave the visitors hope, while Doyle's introduction at the start of the second half gave Wolves the means to haul themselves back into the game.

 It took only 53 seconds after the restart for the substitution to take effect.

 Doyle's teasing swinger from the right bypassed the gathering in the middle of the area and arrived at the feet of Jarvis, who looked up and carefully placed his shot past the reach Paddy Kenny.

 Wolves could have had added at least two more goals in the 10-minute period that followed.

 Scotland international Steven Fletcher directed his header on to the bar, before his scuffed shot was cleared off the line by Anton Ferdinand.

 Keeper Paddy Kenny was next to come to the Hoops's rescue when he palmed away Doyle's stinging drive, who also sent a flicked header a yard wide.

DID YOU KNOW?

 QPR have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League.

 The Republic of Ireland forward finally broke the resistance when collected he Jamie O'Hara's pass before turning and beating Kenny with his shot.

 QPR then mounted a late assault, led by their star player during the promotion season, Adel Taarabt.

 The Morocco midfielder twice went close with two glorious efforts from distance, forcing Wayne Hennessey to tip over the first before dinking a shot fractions over the bar.

 Wolves looked jittery at the back during the closing moments, but managed to hold on for only their second away win in the league this season.

 An away win had looked a million miles away when Zamora drilled in the opener following great play between Taarabt, Cisse and Wright-Phillips.

 It was one-way traffic until Cisse's sending off after 34 minutes. Johnson slid in late on the France international, who retaliated by grabbing the neck of the defender.

 Referee Mark Clattenburg was left with little choice but to send the France international off, in what was only his second game for the club.

_{Courtesy of:   bbc.co.uk}

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Stoke  0 - 1  Sunderland
                 





Sunderland's revival under Martin O'Neill continued as James McClean's goal made it five wins in six league games at the expense of 10-man Stoke.

 Stoke defender Robert Huth's first-half lunge on David Meyler was punished with a red card.

 And McClean capitalised by latching on to Stephane Sessegnon's through ball before applying a cool finish.

 The game was played with snow falling throughout, while the white lines had to be repainted blue.

 Those conditions hampered any prospect of a free-flowing game, with chances few and far between before Huth's dismissal just before half-time.

 The defender slid in to tackle Meyler but missed the ball entirely, with referee Martin Atkinson showing the red card.

 Manager Tony Pulis was furious and protested to the officials as the players went off at half-time.

 Midway through the second half, Sunderland capitalised on the man advantage.

 Sessegnon was given enough time to turn and send McClean through into the area. The Northern Irishman was strong enough to shrug off Andy Wilkinson before cutting across Ryan Shawcross and slotting past Sorensen.

 Stoke persisted with a long ball approach as the snow fall intensified. Peter Crouch had a good chance but headed straight at Simon Mignolet, while Ricardo Fuller cut in on his right foot on the edge of the area but could only manage a tame shot.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:  "The disappointing thing is the sending off. Robert skids in but doesn't touch the player.

 "The referee hasn't taken the conditions into consideration. The player rolls around and stays down.

 "But Robert hasn't touched him. The player tries to get him sent off. It's a disease that's creeping into the game."

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill:  "I haven't seen it back. Referees are talking now about challenges with a foot off the ground. I thought it was a nasty challenge.

 "James McClean is having a great time. He is performing brilliantly for us. I couldn't ask for any more."

_{Courtesy of:   bbc.co.uk}

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West Brom  1 - 2  Swansea
                 






Danny Graham's winner secured Swansea City their second Premier League away win this season to send West Bromwich Albion into relegation trouble.

 Marc-Antoine Fortune put the Baggies ahead, firing in Jonas Olsson's flick from a corner, as West Brom sought a first home league win since November.

 But Gylfi Sigurdsson inspired a great comeback as he calmly slotted home Neil Taylor's cross to put Swansea level.

 Sigurdsson then set-up Graham with a lovely ball that the striker guided in.

 Graham's 10th of the season helped move Swansea back into the top-flight's top 10 and onto 30 points, with 14 games remaining, as the newly-promoted side bid to steer away from a relegation battle.

 Swansea had the worst away record this season but they fought for a second away win on successive trips to the West Midlands as Brendan Rodgers' men followed up their triumph at Aston Villa in January by condemning West Brom to a fourth home defeat in a row.

 West Brom will now be looking nervously over their shoulder as The Baggies are three places - and six points - above the Premier League drop-zone with in-form Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester United to play in three of their next four games.

 And Baggies boss Roy Hodgson will have been frustrated not to win an early penalty in The Hawthorns snowstorm as Gareth McAuley's close-range header seemed to hit Swans defender Ashley Williams on the arm but referee Jonathan Moss was unmoved.

 Sigurdsson's cutting edge would have earned plaudits at West Brom but almost as important was him heading Peter Odemwingie's first-half effort off the line as it kept Swansea level, while Fortune's goal-bound follow-up was blocked.

WEST BROM v SWANSEA FACTS

*West Brom now have the joint worst record in the Premier League, along with Wigan
 
 *West Brom have not won a Premier League match in February since 2006, a 2-0 win over Blackburn

* Swansea are unbeaten in visits to the West Midlands this season, winning two and drawing one

 *Swansea have won nine of their 30 points this term away from home

 *22 of Swansea's 26 goals have been scored by Englishmen, only Manchester United can better that

 The flashpoint of a pretty uneventful first-half was an off-the-ball scuffle between Williams and Odemwinge, unseen by official Moss.

 Swansea's Wales international Williams seemingly stood on Odemwingie's foot during a heated discussion while West Brom's Nigerian striker retaliated with a swing of his elbow.

 The second-half quickly exploded into life with three goals inside five minutes that proved decisive.

 Fortune's first top-flight goal in 12 months sent relief around The Hawthorns as the French striker fired past Swans keeper Michel Vorm at an angle after Jonas Olsson had flicked on Graham Dorrans' left-wing corner.

 But that relief quickly evaporated as Sigurdsson levelled within 37 seconds of the restart.

 The midfielder passed Taylor's teasing low cross past Baggies keeper Ben Foster for his first Swansea goal and third goal in as many games against West Brom.

 And it was perhaps not surprising that an Icelandic international was excelling in the freezing conditions as Sigurdsson turned provider with a cross whipped in from the right that Graham managed to steer into the corner of Foster's net with a nudge of his left boot.

 Graham was denied a chance to extend Swansea's lead thanks to great covering by Olsson as the West Brom defender got to Taylor's low left-wing cut-back before the Swansea top-scorer.

 Nathan Dyer also had great chances to put the Swans victory beyond doubt.

 But Odemwingie should have equalised late on for West Brom as he missed the target with the goal at his mercy after a lovely flighted ball from Dorrans.

 And Swansea clung onto their lead despite another superb chance for Fortune but his injury time shot squirmed under Vorm's body and wide.

_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Wigan  1 - 1  Everton
                     






Wigan are now nine league games without a win after Everton's Victor Anichebe came off the bench to equalise late on.

 A dull game came to life in the last 15 minutes when Phil Neville tried to cut out Jean Beausejour's cross.

 His interception bounced towards Tim Howard - but the Everton goalkeeper was deceived by the spin and the ball looped into the net for an own goal.

 But bottom side Wigan, without a win since 10 December, were denied victory when Anichebe powerfully headed home.

 For Everton, so impressive in beating leaders Manchester City in midweek, it was a disjointed performance, despite a strong showing from Steven Pienaar after his return to the club on loan from Tottenham .

 The South African, supporting lone striker Denis Stracqualursi from the flank, made all the running in a dull opening half-hour, on one occasion superbly beating three men in midfield only to find his Argentine team-mate offside.

 Franco Di Santo went close for the hosts when he latched on to a long ball from Maynor Figueroa but Howard was swiftly off his line to save at his feet.

 But it was Darron Gibson, match-winner against City, who spurned the only clear chance of the first half.

 Former Wigan left-back Leighton Baines burst down the left and cut it back perfectly for the former Manchester United man, who thrashed his effort high and wide.

Analysis
Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator

 "Tim Howard is usually one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league but he was beaten like Matt Prior off a spinning wicket in Abu Dhabi. Wigan are still five points away from safety and they have Bolton away next weekend."

 Everton boss David Moyes introduced captain Neville for the injured Tim Cahill at the break but, despite more bright play from Pienaar and Landon Donovan, they could not manage a breakthrough.

 The biggest cheer of the day came when Everton's new £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic came on for Stracqualursi, and the Croatian was involved immediately as he cleverly stepped over a Tony Hibbert cross but Wigan cut the ball out before Marouane Fellaini could reach it.

 Stalemate was then averted as Neville inadvertently put Wigan ahead.

 The impressive Beausejour fizzed in a cross from the left which Neville cut out at the near post, only for Howard to be beaten by the spin.

 Everton rallied almost immediately, however, levelling the scores with eight minutes remaining when a corner from Baines was returned to the full-back. His second cross found Anichebe, who scored with a powerful header.

 Wigan manager Roberto Martinez remained upbeat despite his club's predicament, five points from safety.

 "It was a very good performance and we are obviously desperate to get points," he said.

 "In the last two games we have been disappointed with ourselves and got a little cagey but I really enjoyed the performance today.

 "We got on the ball, created chances, scored the first goal and we got punished when we had a period of not being able to control the game."

 Moyes felt his side had not fully recovered from their exertions against Manchester City.

 "Our efforts in midweek told on us today, but after we went goal down we lifted it," said the Scot.

 "It was a massive deflection off the pitch for their goal, but we never looked like we were going to concede and it was just whether we were going to do enough to score at the other end.

 "I thought Steven Pienaar was the best player on the pitch by a mile - he made us play better football and he has lifted the dressing room. You never know what you are getting back but he was superb."

Courtesy of:   bbc.co.uk

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Man City  3 - 0  Fulham
                   






Manchester City struck two early goals before seeing off a heavy snow storm to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

 Sergio Aguero opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Adam Johnson had been tripped by Chris Baird.

 City's lead was then doubled when Baird turned Johnson's cross-shot beyond his own goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

 Play had to be halted twice to allow groundstaff to clear snow from the lines before Edin Dzeko added a third.

 At one point midway through the second half, the heavy snowfall posed a real threat to the fixture as referee Mike Dean twice stopped play to allow the lines around both penalty areas to be cleared with shovels.

 City's title rivals - and Fulham - would certainly have been pleased with a postponement but, shortly after Dzeko's third goal, the weather improved and the game was able to conclude with Roberto Mancini's men maintaining their 100% home record.

 After defeat to Everton last time out  , City
were in need of a strong performance and victory was never in doubt from the moment Aguero broke the deadlock after 10 minutes.

 Referee Dean was quick to award a spot-kick when Johnson was sandwiched between Baird and Brede Hangeland, although replays suggested that the England winger initiated contact by flicking out his leg as he went down.

 Aguero thumped in his 18th goal of the season from the spot, smashing the ball high to Mark Schwarzer's left.

DID YOU KNOW?

 This was Roberto Mancini's 50th league victory in his reign at Manchester City

 In-form Fulham forward Clint Dempsey sent a speculative effort wide from 30 yards before Dzeko failed to make proper contact as he looked to get on the end of a shot from Aleksandar Kolarov.

 Fulham belatedly began to pose a threat as fit-again Simon Davies hit a low shot at Joe Hart at the end of a flowing move before David Silva exchanged a sumptuous one-two with Aguero before dragging his low shot just wide from 15 yards.

 That triggered an intense period of pressure from the home side, Johnson and Silva both going close from range before the hapless Baird bundled in the second.

 Kolarov whipped in a cross from left which Aguero helped on with a deft flick, Johnson put the ball back across goal and Baird could only divert past Schwarzer from close range.

 The hosts could have had another penalty when Silva went down under a challenge from Dickson Etuhu before Senderos almost added to the own goal tally when he turned Micah Richards' cross goalwards, but Schwarzer saved.

 Fulham had their share of possession but City looked lethal on the break.

 Twice they sprang clear from Fulham corners at pace as first Aguero and then Dzeko should have added to the scoreline after being played in.

 The snowfall intensified during half-time and there was a notable dip in action when play resumed.

 Danny Murphy tested Joe Hart with a 20-yard shot before referee Dean brought play to a halt on the hour mark to allow staff to come on and clear the lines.

 Baird hit a low free-kick which Hart saved before play again stopped to allow the snow to be cleared.

 But any City concerns over the result were quickly eased as the snow eased off, and Dzeko fired in the third.

 Aguero showed great balance to keep his feet and skip past the injured Philippe Senderos and tee up Dzeko to drive in from close range.

 Dzeko then hit his own post when he diverted Bryan Ruiz's corner past Joe Hart and there was time for City to hand a debut to new loan signing David Pizzaro as Mancini saw his side record a 17th straight league win at home to put the pressure on city rivals Manchester United ahead of their Sunday trip to Chelsea.

_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Newcastle United   2 - 1  Aston Villa
                     






Papiss Demba Cisse marked his Newcastle debut with a stunning strike that helped his side beat Aston Villa to move back up to fifth in the table.

 The £10m signing scored the winner in the second half when he chested down Jonas Gutierrez's cross and slammed in a half-volley from inside the area.

 Senegal team-mate Demba Ba had put the hosts in front when he poked in from close range in the first half.

 Robbie Keane levelled for Villa, firing home from about a yard out.

 The visitors should have had more than just that one, but were thwarted on several occasions by keeper Tim Krul, who pulled off an outstanding save in the dying moments to deny substitute Gary Gardner.

NEWCASTLE FACT
Papiss Demba Cisse is the first Newcastle player to score on his PL debut since Xisco v Hull in September 2008

 Before Ba's opener gave Newcastle the lead, the Dutch stopper had already made four crucial saves, two from England striker Darren Bent, one from Stiliyan Petrov and another from Keane.

 The visiting side were made to rue those misses when Ba, who returned to the starting line-up following his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, thrashed home from six yards after Villa failed to clear Danny Guthrie's cross.

 The downside for Newcastle was that, even as the striker celebrated scoring his 16th goal of the season, team-mate Ryan Taylor was lying injured after colliding with Stephen Warnock, who blocked his shot in the build-up to the goal.

 Taylor, who was playing on the right of midfield, had to be carried off on a stretcher with what looked a serious leg injury.

 It meant a second enforced change for Newcastle, with injured striker Leon Best having been replaced by Cisse early on.

VILLA FACT

 Aston Villa have claimed 11 points from losing positions this season, only Wolves (13) have more

 Villa carried on pressing and finally breached the Magpies defence in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.

 Winger Charles N'Zogbia surged into the left-side of the area and played a square ball for Keane, who stole in past his marker and finished from about a yard.

 Former Freiburg forward Cisse had looked lively after coming on in the 14th minute but failed with three headers and seemed likely to have to wait to open his account in England.

 But with less than 20 minutes remaining he scored with a scintillating strike.

 Flying Argentine winger Gutierrez swung in a ball from the left that Cisse controlled with his chest before arrowing his strike into Shay Given's top-right corner.

 Villa desperately searched for an equaliser, but their efforts continued to be scuppered by Krul who punched away a fierce Ciaran Clark drive before blocking Gardner's close-range effort with seconds remaining.

 The result leaves Villa in 13th and without a win on Tyneside since 2005.

_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Chelsea 3 - 3 Man Utd
                   





Manchester United climbed off the canvas to snatch a point at Chelsea as Javier Hernandez's header crowned a superb comeback from 3-0 adrift.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions are without a Premier League win at Chelsea in a decade - and they looked condemned to another defeat as Chelsea took total control early in the second half.

 Jonny Evans's own goal gave Chelsea an interval lead against the run of play before a stunning volley from Juan Mata 24 seconds after the restart and David Luiz's deflected header appeared to give Chelsea an unassailable advantage.

 United's hopes were then revived by two penalties awarded by referee Howard Webb - both converted by Wayne Rooney - before substitute Javier Hernandez's header six minutes from time gave them a point that was greeted in the manner of a victory by their travelling support.

 Even then, United were indebted to much-maligned goalkeeper David de Gea for a magnificent save from Mata in the dying moments and another less spectacular - but equally important - fingertip stop from Chelsea debutant Gary Cahill.

 The draw leaves United two points behind leaders Manchester City and this may ultimately be viewed as two points lost, but the point they gained could equally be taken as a bonus given Chelsea's three-goal lead.

DID YOU KNOW?

 Chelsea had never previously failed to win a Premier League match which they had led by at least three goals.

 It was also an indication that while United may not possess the all-round quality of old, they do have the persistence and experience to hound neighbours City all the way to the finishing line.

 For Chelsea and manager Andre Villas-Boas, however, this was the opportunity to take a firmer grip on a place in the top four squandered as they looked defensively fragile without deposed England captain John Terry, who was out injured, and suspended Ashley Cole.

 Terry's removal as England captain provided a sub-plot to the action as Rio Ferdinand was booed throughout. Terry is scheduled to stand trial in July on charges of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton, for which he has entered a not guilty plea.

 United boss Ferguson was as animated as anyone in the opening exchanges, almost making his way on to the pitch in a rage when referee Webb failed to penalise Cahill as he tangled with Danny Welbeck on the edge of the area.

 And as United continued to edge a cagey encounter, Branislav Ivanovic was forced into a crucial sliding tackle as Welbeck waited to turn in Rooney's inviting low cross.

 So it was against the run of play that Chelsea took the lead nine minutes before the interval when Evans unwittingly deflected Daniel Sturridge's near-post cross beyond De Gea.

 United's response was that of a team believing the scoreline was an injustice, with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech saving from Welbeck and Rooney in quick succession.

 And United's pain increased inside a minute at the start of the second half when Fernando Torres's long cross was met sweetly at the far post Mata, whose magnificent volley flashed high and powerfully beyond the helpless De Gea.

 Chelsea seemed out of sight four minutes later when Luiz's header from a Mata free-kick took a decisive deflection off Ferdinand to wrong-foot De Gea and land in the top corner.

 As Stamford Bridge started the celebrations, United responded and were back in business from the spot after 58 minutes.

 Villas-Boas was furious, hurling a plastic bottle to the ground, when referee Webb pointed to the spot after Sturridge clumsily clashed with Patrice Evra, although his frustration may have been directed at his own player rather than the official.

 Rooney scored emphatically and he was on the spot again when Webb decided Welbeck had been fouled by Ivanovic, although contact was minimal.

 With Chelsea now protecting a narrow lead, and with the more defensive Oriol Romeu on for a dissatisfied-looking Sturridge, United sensed they could secure an unlikely point and it duly arrived in the closing stages.

 Cech did superbly to claw away Rooney's effort, but when Ryan Giggs returned the loose ball from the left flank, Hernandez sent in a header that Chelsea's keeper touched but could not keep out.

 Chelsea almost snatched back victory only to be denied by De Gea - and there was no doubt United's fans were the happier when Webb sounded the final whistle on an enthralling game.


_{Courtesy of:  bbc.co.uk}

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Liverpool  0 - 0  Tottenham
                     







Luis Suarez's return failed to inspire Liverpool as they were held to a draw by Tottenham in a drab Anfield stalemate.

The Uruguayan returned as a second-half substitute to a rapturous reception after serving an eight-game suspension imposed by the Football Association for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

 Suarez made an impact three minutes after coming on - but only by earning a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver for a wild kick in Scott Parker's midriff that carried the risk of greater punishment.

 Spurs boss Harry Redknapp failed to attend the game after his flight from London's City Airport was cancelled, leaving assistant Kevin Bond in charge as they attempted to maintain their interest in the Premier League title.


 Redknapp will have been delighted by the defensive organisation and resilience shown by his side, but they lacked their trademark attacking threat and it was Liverpool who shaded a dour encounter.

 Spurs still had the best chance of the night, however, when Gareth Bale raced clean through with only six minutes left but shot straight against the legs of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

 Suarez also had the opportunity to mark his return with a goal when he met Steven Gerrard's free-kick from close range but, perhaps with an element of ring rust, he could only head straight at Spurs keeper Brad Friedel.

 Andy Carroll worked hard up front for Liverpool, but his luck was out again in front of goal and he was unable to convert a late chance.

 It was a result that served neither side's purpose as Spurs chase the Premier League pace-setters and Liverpool pursue a place in the top four - but it was clear at the final whistle that the visitors were happier with a point.

 Redknapp did not miss much in a dull first half - the most noteworthy moment being the appearance of a cat that held up play for a couple of minutes before it was rescued by a steward.

 Liverpool created what serious danger there was with Glen Johnson prominent. Spurs keeper Friedel needed to react quickly to block his cross and saved from the England defender with his legs in the final action of the half.

 In between, Jay Spearing was only inches away with a swerving 25-yard shot while Parker was booked for a foul on England colleague - and some suggest rival for the captaincy - Gerrard.

 Bale, who had been kept quiet by diligent Liverpool defence, was booked early in the second half following a clash with Daniel Agger, who was angry at what he regarded as a dive after a collision near the touchline.

BALE'S UNWANTED RECORD

 Gareth Bale is the only player to have been booked twice for simulation in the Premier League this season.
Source: Opta Sports

 Liverpool continued to keep Friedel occupied while Reina was relatively unemployed, the Spurs keeper diving away to his left to save Martin Kelly's rising shot at his near post after 58 minutes.

 Suarez finally made his entrance with 24 minutes remaining, replacing Dirk Kuyt to a standing ovation from Liverpool fans delighted to see the return of the Uruguayan striker.

 And he made an impact inside three minutes when he was booked by referee Oliver for delivering a painful kick in Parker's direction that left him floored.

 Spurs made a change of their own, sending on former Everton striker Louis Saha for his debut in place of the subdued Emmanuel Adebayor.

 Liverpool then created, and wasted, their best chance of the night with 17 minutes left. Kelly's cross landed at the feet of Carroll 10 yards out but he rushed his finish and sent it high into the Kop, much to Spurs' relief.

 Spurs final broke through Liverpool's defence with six minutes left as Niko Kranjcar sent Bale through on his own, but his usual composure in front of goal deserted him and Reina made a crucial stop.

 Suarez then had a clear opening of his own from Gerrard's delivery but he headed straight at Friedel, to his very obvious disappointment.

 It was the final meaningful action as Liverpool were left frustrated by their eighth draw at home in the Premier League this season.

_{Courtesy of:   bbc.co.uk}