Premier League Wrap (Week Four)

It was a week of dramatic finishes as the Premier league returned to action after a brief international break last week. All the action is detailed after the jump.

Saturday, September 11 – Everton 3, Manchester United  3

Everton wowed the Goodison Park faithful on Saturday with the one of the most exciting endings this season. After looking destined for another loss, the Toffees rallied with a pair of stoppage time goals from both Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta to salvage the tie vs. a Wayne Rooney-less Red Devils side. Steven Pienaar opened up the scoring in the 39th minute with a well-deserved tally as the Blues dominated play in the opening half. However, Nani would set up a pair of goals for Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic with fantastic crosses, and a breakaway 66th minute score by Dimitar Berbatov seemed to put it out of reach, before the late dramatics saved Everton.

Saturday, September 11 – Arsenal 4, Bolton Wanderers 1

Arsenal completely outclassed a tough Bolton side at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Despite the losses of a number of key players in recent weeks, Arsenal grabbed an early lead only to see Bolton’s Johan Elmander equalize moments before the half. However, the Gunners came out firing in the second half, as Marouane Chamakh, Alex Song and Carlos Vela each scored in the second half.

Saturday, September 11 – Fulham 2, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

In a day that was somewhat tragic for the Cottagers overall, they managed to walk away with an inspiring win over Wolves. Burgeoning English star Bobby Zamora went down with a serious injury in the first half, and Fulham is hoping to see their star return to action in January. Moussa Dembele provided second half heroics in answering Jelle van Damme’s early score. Dembele equalized in the 49th minute, and sent home the game winner in stoppage time to secure a seemingly unlikely three points.

Saturday, September 11 – Manchester City 1, Blackburn Rovers 1

Despite dominating seemingly every statistic, Manchester City couldn’t manage to pull off a victory over host Blackburn. MCFC outshot Rovers 21-10, and put 10 shots on target, but couldn’t manage to find the game winner. Blackburn found the back of the net with a 25th minute Nikola Kalinic score, and it would take Patrick Vieira 31 minutes to equalize in the 56th. Paul Robinson was a brick wall in net for Blackburn, tallying nine saves.

Saturday, September 11 – Newcastle United 0, Blackpool 2

Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell each scored as Blackpool shocked the Magpies at St. James’ Park. Newcastle dominated the run of play, but Matthew Gilks proved the difference for the Tangerines blocking every shot that came his way in net. Adam netted the gamewinner with a 45th minute penalty, and Campbell shut the door in stoppage time.

Saturday, September 11 – West Bromwich Albion 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1

It appeared Jermain Defoe’s absence for Tottenham proved to be a real obstacle, as Spurs lacked the scoring punch in the attacking third, settling for a draw with West Brom. Luka Modric provided the opening tally in the 27th minute, but Chris Brunt would answer for the Baggies just minutes before the half for the final score of the game.

Saturday, September 11 – West Ham United 1, Chelsea 3

It sounds strange to say considering most would think scoring three goals a pretty good outing, but I was a bit shocked that this didn’t turn into a trademark 6-0 Chelsea butt-kicking. Especially when one takes into account just how poor the Hammers have been this season. Michael Essien opened up with a second minute goal, and Saloman Kalou doubled the score in the 17th. Essien would secure a brace with an 83rd minute tally, but Scott Parker found the back of the net just two minutes later for the first score that the Blues have allowed all season.

Saturday, September 11 – Wigan Athletic 1, Sunderland 1

Despite seeing captain Lee Cattermole sent off in the 22nd minute, Sunderland managed to play an even first half vs. a seemingly better Wigan side. Ghanaian World Cup hero Asamoah Gyan actually put the Wearsiders up with a 66th minute score, the only shot that Sunderland put on target all day. As times got desperate for the Latics, Antolin Alcaraz headed in a Tom Cleverley cross for the equalizer in the 87th minute.

Sunday, September 12 – Birmingham 0, Liverpool 0

As an Evertonian, I won’t sit here and tell you I wasn’t delighted by the lackluster play of Liverpool on Sunday, but it appears as if Roy Hodgson may have his work cut out for him this season. In the ever-so-popular nil-nil draw, the only thing that kept the Reds afloat was a handful of plays from keeper Pepe Reina, perhaps making up for the costly gaffe vs. Arsenal in another Sunday match earlier this season. Reina didn’t see a whole lot of dangerous chances come his way, but he managed to parry away those that did to keep the scoreline level.

Monday, September 13 – Stoke City 2, Aston Villa 1

Due to existing commitments with the French Football Federation, new Villa boss Gerard Houllier missed out on a truly dramatic loss to the Potters. Stewart Downing scored in the 35th minute, but it would take 45 minutes for Kenwyne Jones to find the equalizer. Robert Huth netted the winner in added time to cap an emotional day for Stoke City. Manager Tony Pulis had missed the first half after his mother passed away earlier in the day, but returned in the second half, energizing the Potters, who dominated much of the final 45 minutes.