Then there were two
Hammer blow for United title hopes
Old Firm draw
—– With Chelsea losing at Everton and Manchester United due to visit lowly West Ham United later in the day, the lead at the top of the Premiership seemed set to increase to a possible eight points….until a dramatic change of events.
Twice behind at Goodison Park, Chelsea score twice in the last ten minutes including an amazing long-range winner from Didier Drogba.
United go to West Ham in Alan Curbishley’s first game in charge of the Hammers and, in his 16th attempt as a manager, the former Charlton Athletic boss records his first win against the Manchester giants. Captain Nigel Reo-Coker scores the games’ only goal.
It cuts United’s lead down to only two points but Sir Alex Ferguson is not concerned: “It was a result they have clawed out of nothing, but we have got to show our resolve as well. That is the hallmark of champions. We have proved that many times in the past.”
We welcome your views and descriptions of matches. On the spot and even conflicting views of what has happened offer a fuller historical picture than any single ‘official’ version ever can. By adding your comments and reviews, you are contributing to the history of the game.
Although we appreciate a bias in favour of your club, without exception, foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. This is very much a family website - indeed we are keen to encourage younger club statisticians to get involved.
Of course, please ensure factual statements are correct at all times.
For acceptable examples, go to Liverpool v West Ham United FA Cup Final or last season’s Arsenal v Juventus Champions League match pages via our Members Area. Please feel free to add to them or any other matches on the database. Thank you.
—– In the day’s other Premiership game, Manchester City lose their unbeaten home record as Tottenham Hotspur win on the road for the first time this term.
In Martin Jol’s 100th game in charge, Tom Huddlestone scores the winner in a 2-1 success with a sublime half-volley.
—– After a week of torrential rain in Scotland, the Old Firm game at Ibrox is played on a heavy pitch that resembles many of an earlier generation.
As they retain their healthy lead at the top of the SPL, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is pleased to come away with a point after a 1-1 draw.
They looked set for a win when Thomas Gravesen put them ahead but Rangers’ Brahim Hemdani equalised in the 88th minute.
Strachan says: “It was a great game played in tough conditions. Both teams had a real go to try and get the win.”
If you have views or relevant statistical information regarding any of football’s current news stories or updates for any earlier AFS News-Blog items, we warmly invite your contributions.
Please leave them in the ‘Add Comment’ box or click on ‘leave a response’.