Premiership round-up: United and Chelsea
win
Wayne Rooney hit a hat-trick as Manchester United destroyed
third-placed Bolton at the Reebok. United's return to the
Premiership summit began with a Wayne Rooney brace early in the
first-half. The young striker first hit a left-footed drive past
Jaaskelainen after 10 minutes and then curled in a shot from twenty
yards. Ronaldo rolled the ball in to an open net for the third
before Rooney collected the match ball with a right-foot drive,
underlining emphatically his recent return to form.
In the game's early kick-off Chelsea had resumed their equivalent
of musical chairs with Manchester United by briefly returning to
the top of the table after a hard fought win over Sheffield United.
Goals from Ballack, Lampard and a penalty save - United's third
miss from the spot this season - by Chelsea's third choice keeper
Hilario saw off the wholehearted Blades challenge at Bramall
Lane.
Portsmouth seized the three points from Reading at Fratton Park but
it was an own goal from Gunnarsson, under pressure from the lively
Kanu, which gave them the lead. Kanu then showed great skill to set
up Benjani Mwaruwari who missed an absolute sitter from close
range. The same player was guilty of another bad miss in the second
half, but Kanu compensated for his strike partners deficiencies in
front of goal with a headed second before Pedro Mendes wrapped up
the points. Kevin Doyle hit a late consolation for Reading.
Tim Cahill hit another vital strike as he belted the first goal of
the game in Everton's clash with Arsenal at the Emirates. Tim
Howard made a fine save to deny Thierry Henry but Cahill then came
close to doubling the Everton lead at the other end. Theo Walcott
came on in the second half and Arsenal responded almost immediately
when Robin Van Persie netted his fourth of the season to share the
points. David Moyes was sent to the stand in the last minute for
complaining to the referee.
Aston Villa's unbeaten run to the season came to an abrupt halt as
Liverpool put three past them in the first half. Peter Crouch set
up Dirk Kuyt to volley home the first before the big England
striker hit the second. Luis Garcia ended the game before
half-time, tucking the ball under Thomas Sorenson. Martin O'Neill
rang the changes at half-time and substitute Chris Sutton, on for
juan Pablo Angel, set up Gabriel Agbonlahor but there was to be no
comeback for Villa.
Watford and Spurs shared the points at Vicarage Road. The home side
made a lively start to the match, forcing three corners in the
first two minutes and coming close to opening the scoring through
Darius Henderson and Tommy Smith. Ben Foster again looked sharp in
the Watford goal denying Aaron Lennon three times. In the
second-half, Ledley King should have opened the scoring when he got
on the end of a Jermaine Jenas free-kick but he was unable to hit
the target. Watford are still without a win but the point was
enough to get them out of the relegation zone.
Wigan and Fulham played out an entertaining game at Craven Cottage
and it was Paul Jewell's men who went home with the points. Denny
Landzaat was given the chance to open the scoring when Wigan were
awarded a controversial penalty but he hit the crossbar with his
effort. Luckily for Wigan Henri Camara was on hand to give them the
lead, and the points, with a late strike. Brian McBride had an
effort saved by new Wigan signing Chris Kirkland and the Latics
held on for their first away win since March.
