Premier League Wrap (Week Six)

Some shocking results permeated the week six schedule as it appears the Premiership is starting to pick up steam. Full recap after the jump.

Saturday, September 25 – Manchester City 1, Chelsea 0

For stretches of the match, it appeared that Chelsea was destined to score at some point, but a class Tevez finish in the 57th minute proved to be the lone goal necessary for MCFC to knock off previously undefeated Chelsea. The match was the first time that the London-based club had been shut out in a Premier League fixture since a scoreless draw at Birmingham City in December of 2009.

Saturday, September 25 – Arsenal 2, West Bromwich Albion 3

Despite a heroic late effort from Samir Nasri, Arsenal fell to West Brom in front of the Gunner faithful at Emirates Stadium. After a missed Chris Brunt penalty towards the end of the first half, Peter Odemwingie, Gonzalo Jara and former Gunner Jerome Thomas would all find the back of the net to put the Baggies up a shocking 3-0. However, Nasri would answer with a 75th minute tally, and double his output in the 90th minute, proving to be too little, too late.

Saturday, September 25 – Birmingham City 0, Wigan Athletic 0

There is nothing more exhilarating in soccer than a nil-nil draw. The Blues had a frustrating day vs. the visiting Latics, ultimately ending in unfortunate fashion as leading scorer Craig Gardner was sent off with a straight red in the 89th minute for a poor challenge. Cameron Jerome had some moments for City, and Wigan forced Blues keeper Ben Foster to save five shots to keep the affair level.

Saturday, September 25 – Blackpool 1, Blackburn Rovers 2

Some late heroics from both Matthew Phillips and Brett Emerton provided for a dramatic ending at Bloomfield Road. Rovers took an early lead in the 20th minute off the head of Blackpool defender Charlie Adam. However, the Tangerine faithful felt they had earned a point late in the match when substitute Phillips equalized in the 87th. But the joy would not last long as Emerton sent in the match-winner four minutes into stoppage time to secure Blackburn’s second victory of the season.

Saturday, September 25 – Fulham 0, Everton 0

The scoring woes continued for this writer’s precious Toffees, as Everton once again held the edge in every offensive statistic except for the one that matters most. Mark Schwarzer had a solid day in net with five saves, and under different circumstances, Everton would be more than pleased to leave Craven Cottage with a point. However, it seems like the seat of David Moyes continues to get hotter (rightly or wrongly), as the Blues are now sitting in the cellar of the Premiership.

Saturday, September 25 – Liverpool 2, Sunderland 2

Speaking of tough times on Merseyside, Liverpool once again found themselves without a win thanks to the effort of the impressive Darren Bent. Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring in controversial fashion as Fernando Torres leaped on a loose ball when Sunderland believed they were attempting a free kick, passing it to Kuyt for the fifth minute score. However, Bent would draw level with a 25th minute PK, and take the lead with a 48th minute header. Steven Gerrard evened the score with a header of his own in the 64th.

Saturday, September 25 – West Ham United 1, Tottenham Hotspur 0

Frederic Piquionne’s 29th minute header off a corner kick served as the match’s lone score as the Hammers knocked off Champions League competitor Spurs at Upton Park. It was a superb day in net for embattled keeper Robert Green in net as Tottenham’s better second half display came up fruitless. One can’t read too much into one match, but if West Ham United is to avoid relegation, this match could prove a turning point.

Sunday, September 26 – Bolton Wanderers 2, Manchester United 2

Presented with an opportunity to close the gap with league-leading Chelsea, Man U had to come from behind on two occasions to save the point vs. Bolton. Zat Knight found the net early, handing the Trotters a sixth minute lead, but Nani would equalize with an impressive strike in the 23rd. Martin Petrov grabbed back the lead for Bolton in the 67th, but Michael Owen nodded home the match’s final score just seven minutes later off a Nani free kick.

Sunday, September 26 – Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Aston Villa 2

After an uneasy World Cup, Emile Heskey has put together a pretty solid Premiership campaign in the early going. The English international’s 88th minute score proved to be the difference, handing new skipper Gerard Houllier a victory in his debut. Stewart Downing opened the scoring in the 25th minute only for Matthew Jarvis to equalize in the 61st.

Sunday, September 26 – Newcastle United 1, Stoke City 2

Stoke City only managed to put one shot on target, but found themselves leaving St. James’ Park with an unexpected victory. Kevin Nolan gave the Magpies a lead moments before the half with a 43rd minute penalty, and Kenwyne Jones equalized with a header in the 67th. In the 85th, NUFC defender James Perch inadvertently scored an own goal off a Matthew Etherington corner.