Premier League round-up

This weekends Barclays Premier League games saw Manchester United go back to the top of the table after a 5-0 thrashing of Birmingham City at Old Trafford, Arsenal jumped to second capitalising on Manchester City's defeat, Liverpool temporarily climbed into the top half and Stoke dropped to 10th after a poor loss to Fulham.

Brilliant Berbatov scores 3 for United.

At Old Trafford the league leaders Manchester United took on Alex Mcleish's Birmingham side who were hovering above the relegation zone. United continued their unbeaten run and after their average displays they provided a performance worthy of their current status as the Premier League leaders. A hat-trick from star man this season Dimitar Berbatov and goals from Ryan Giggs and Luis Nani gave United the 5 goals and the important 3 points sending them back to the top replacing big rivals Manchester City. Despite not scoring, Wayne Rooney proved to be influential in the build up to United's goals providing some nice skill and a great cross to assist Giggs. A much better performance from United against a poor Birmingham side who were not really in it.

Valiant Van Persie celebrates hat-trick.

Arsenal secured second place after a very comfortable 3-0 victory over relegation battlers Wigan Athletic at the Emirates. A hat-trick from the Flying Dutchman Robin Van Persie gave the hosts the victory, and he could have had four after a penalty was awarded to Arsenal because of a foul by Gary Caldwell who consequently got sent off. Van Persie had already scored 2 prior to the penalty but he skied it over the crossbar. But Van Persie redeemed himself and got the goal to earn him the match ball.

£24 million Bent cherishes his debut goal for Villa.

Manchester City lost their place at the top of the league after a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Aston Villa at Villa Park. City had some good opportunities, especially a quickly whipped in corner from Kolarov went all the way through the box, Argentine international Carlos Tevez missing the opportunity. After a week of controversy and headlines for the big transfer of Darren Bent from Sunderland to Aston Villa, the £24 million striker popped up to give Villa the winner in the 18th minute getting a goal on his debut. Amazing scenes were witnessed when the goal went in and Bent was full of happiness and passion getting his first goal as an Aston Villa player.

Delight for Dalglsih as Liverpool cruise to victory over Wolves.

The early lunchtime kick off saw Wolverhampton Wanderers face Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool at Molineux. Dalgsish was still awaiting his first win since becoming manager of Liverpool, replacing the unfortunate Roy Hodgson. Wolves managed to beat the Reds 1-0 at Anfield shortly after Christmas last year, but it was a different story this time. Fernando Torres opened the scoring after receiving the ball from Poulsen. Raul Meireles made it two for the visitors in the 50th minute with an absolutely stunning strike into the top corner. Torres wrapped things up in the 90th minute claiming his second and giving the Reds a 3-0 win and a first victory for King Kenny.

Forceful Fellaini grabs late equaliser for Everton.

Avram Grant was still in charge of West Ham United going into their crucial fixture against Everton, despite all of the speculation about his future last week. It was an interesting game at Goodison Park. Jonathan Spector gave West Ham the lead in the 26th minute, and the Hammers held on until the 77th minute when Russian Bilyaletdinov found the back of the net for he first time since the final game of last season. However West Ham regained the lead through a great header from Piquionne who, for his celebrations received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal. To make matters worse for the visitors, Marouane Fellaini salvaged a point for the Toffees with a last minute strike past Robert Green.

OTHER RESULTS


Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
(Collocini, 59)            (Lennon, 90)

Blackburn Rovers 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
(Tamas OG, 41)
(Hoilett, 47)

Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland
(Adam, 86)     (Richardson, 15,36)

Fulham               2-0       Stoke City
(Dempsey, 33,56)        (Shawcross s/o, 55)


Tomorrow:

Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea 8.00pm KO Sky Sports