Edin Dzeko was again the hero as he came off the bench to help Manchester City defeat Tottenham 2-1.
Sunday’s Premier League action kicked-off at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City defeated Tottenham 2-1. Tottenham took the lead in the 20th minute.
Midfielder Tom Huddlestone’s free-kick found Spurs centre-back Steven Caulker, whose header was fumbled over the goal line by City keeper Joe Hart.
Tottenham survived a handball claim when centre-back William Gallas appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area. However referee Howard Webb was unmoved.
The highly-regarded referee didn’t point to the spot later on either, as Pablo Zabaleta was shoulder charged in the area by Tom Huddlestone.
City thought they were about to equalise early in the second half, but striker Sergio Aguero slipped over just as it looked like he was in on goal. The Argentinian enjoyed better luck in the 65th minute, Aguero firing the ball past Brad Friedel in the Tottenham goal.
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale then blazed over and shot straight at Joe Hart from 16 yards. City were the ones looking more likely though. Substitute Edin Dzeko headed wide, before Spaniard David Silva shot wide when he should have done better.
Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko has developed a reputation as a super-sub in recent weeks and he was again the match winner in this contest. The Bosnian striker fired home in the 88th minute, after David Silva had found the substitute with a superb ball.
The victory put Manchester City two points behind arch rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table. Tottenham are now seventh in the Premier League.
Former-Newcastle employees Sam Allardyce, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan enjoyed their trip back to the North East, as their West Ham side claimed a 1-0 victory at St James Park. The home side’s poor finishing helped the Hammers claim victory, but the Magpies looked a shadow of the team that finished fifth last season.
The visitor’s goal came in the 37th minute; Joey O’Brien’s low effort was turned in by former-Toon star Kevin Nolan at the far post, as the Newcastle defence appealed for offside. Newcastle had their chances in the second half though.
Hammers keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen denied Demba Ba superbly and Hatem Ben Arfa was also denied by the veteran Finn. The victory moved West Ham up to sixth place in the Premier League table, just two points off the Champions League places.
In the late kick-off Chelsea were frustrated by Liverpool, as the pair drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool dominated possession in the first half, but lacked penetration and the home side looked more dangerous in attack.
It was the Blues that took the lead on 20 minutes. Juan Mata’s corner kick was powerfully headed home by Chelsea captain John Terry for his 50th goal for the European Champions. The game took a bad turn for Terry in the 35th minute, as he collided with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The former-England star was stretchered off after a five minute delay and replaced by England international Gary Cahill.
Chelsea had a golden opportunity to double their lead just before the interval. Spanish midfielder Juan Mata did well to make space for himself in the area, before firing wildly over the ball.
Chelsea went close again as Fernando Torres headed effort was superbly saved by Liverpool keeper Brad Jones. Liverpool’s man of the moment Luis Suarez made Chelsea pay for their missed opportunities in the 73rd minute.
The Uruguayan striker headed home from close range, after Jamie Carragher had glanced on a Suso corner kick. Liverpool looked far more threatening after the equaliser and nearly won it late-on, as wing-back Jose Enrique’s effort was saved by Petr Cech.
The draw leaves Chelsea in third place in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester United. Liverpool are thirteenth in the top flight table.
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