Villa Park was full to witness Manchester United's push for the premiership, however they had an early set back when Aston Villa's Spanish international Cuellar headed home after 20 minutes. United responded quickly with some breathtaking build up play before Nani and Giggs linked up to force an own goal.
United then suffered a major set back as Nani's ill timed challenge was met with a straight red card. Villa then pushed-on but couldn't find a way through. In the end honours were even and with Chelsea loosing Man United are now 1 point behind the leaders.
Chelsea squandered a chance to go 4 points clear at the top with a 1-2 defeat away at Goodison Park. Chelsea took the lead early before 2 goals from Saha saw Everton's good form continue. Chech also saved a penalty from Saha as Everton continue their late push for a European place.
In a fiery clash at the Emirates, Arsenal edged out Liverpool 1-0. Diaby scored the winner in what was a "must win game" for both clubs. Arsenal made sure they were not out of the running with the 3 points whilst Liverpool has a major task on their hands to keep a hold on 4th place.
In the shock of the round Wolves won 1-0 at home to Tottenham. Wolves did the double on Spurs after a 1-0 away victory earlier on in the season. Tottenham need to get back on winning ways if they are to have any chance of getting an elusive Champions League position.
Relegation struggler's West Ham were comfortable winners at home to in-form Birmingham. Goals from Cole and Diamanti sealed the needed victory that takes them out of the bottom three. Blackburn also kept their good form at home with a 1-0 victory over struggling Hull City whilst Wigan and Stoke shared the points at the JJB. Fulham also had the most comfortable of the weeks fixtures with a 3-0 win at Graven Cottage over relegation candidates Burnley.
Three red cards and a manager were sent off at Fratton Park as Portsmouth scored deep into injury time. Sunderland went ahead from a Bent penalty as Sunderland were awarded a penalty and Portsmouth were reduced to 10 men. At half time a furious Portsmouth manager Grant stormed onto the pitch to confront the referee.
After a heated discussion the Portsmouth Manager had to watch the second half from the director's box. In the second period Sunderland had 2 players sent off trying to keep their lead but Portsmouth had wave after wave of attack and it paid off in the 5th minute of injury time when Dindane popped up to secure a point for the boys from the foot of the table.
The 5th round of the FA Cup is being played this week.
Chelsea 58
Man Utd 57
Arsenal 52
Liverpool 44
Man City 44
Tottenham 43
Aston Villa 42
Birmingham 37
Everton 35
Fulham 34
Blackburn 31
Stoke City 30
Sunderland 26
West Ham Utd 24
Wolves 24
Wigan Athletic 24
Hull City 24
Burnley 23
Bolton 22
Portsmouth 16
Meanwhile. Matt Baker is the Pastoral Support Director in the SCORE Football chaplaincy. Football (Soccer) Chaplaincy is a service of Christians into the lives of footballers and their families.
http://www.scorechaplaincy.org.uk/CMSPro/49/index.php