Manchester United look set to push Chelsea all the way for the Premiership title following a convincing 2-0 win over Arsenal. Wayne Rooney struck confidently after 53 minutes while Ji Sung Park’s first league goal on 77 earned three precious points at 11/10.
Chelsea brushed aside West Ham United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge despite falling a goal behind and being reduced to 10 men early on. Defender James Collins gave the 12/1 Hammers a dream start after nine minutes and Maniche saw a straight red for a lunging tackle on Lionel Scaloni shortly after.
But two goals in as many minutes from Didier Drogba on 28 and Hernan Crespo on 30 put Chelsea back in control. Further strikes from John Terry on 53 and William Gallas on 68 ensured the 3/10 on a home win was never in doubt.
Liverpool recorded a fifth straight win as Bolton Wanderers suffered a fourth consecutive defeat as they succumbed 1-0 at Anfield. Robbie Fowler celebrated his 31sy birthday by netting the decisive goal for the 8/15 Reds on the stroke of half-time.
Tottenham Hotspur maintained their credentials for a Champions League place next season with a 2-1 win against Manchester City. Paul Stalteri gave 8/13 Spurs the lead a minute before the break while Michael Carrick added a second on 49. Georgios Samaras hit back three minutes later but Martin Jol’s side eased to victory.
Birmingham City’s good run of form continued as they picked up a useful point at Wigan Athletic. Paul Jewell’s side, without a home win this year, took the lead through Andreas Johansson three minutes after the break but David Dunn earned a 13/5 draw on 76.
Portsmouth salvaged a point against Blackburn Rovers. Craig Bellamy gave Rovers the lead after 32 minutes but Lomano LuaLua levelled four minutes before the break. Bellamy put the visitors in front again on 62 but substitute Svetoslav Todorov earned Pompey a share of the points at odds of 9/4 with 12 minutes left.
West Bromwich Albion saw two precious points slip from their grasp as they drew 0-0 with rivals Aston Villa in the Midlands derby. The draw, available before kick-off at 23/10 before, mean Brian Robson’s side remain two points adrift of safety.
Sunderland’s crunch-game against Fulham was abandoned after 21 minutes because of bad weather conditions at the Stadium of Light. Referee Mike Riley abandoned proceeding after 21 minutes after heavy snow made the pitch unplayable. Brian McBride gave the 5/4 Cottagers the lead but the result will not stand.
