Bolton 1-3 Reading
A truly remarkable result at the Reebok stadium which saw Reading supplying all goals in the game, despite being dominated by their hosts throughout. Bolton had outmuscled, outwitted and outplayed their visitors from the first minute: Reading were getting precisely nowhere. They did, however, defend quite well, Hahnemann had some impressive saves to make and Bolton did not manage to convert their many chances. Not until Anelka got some help, that is. His cooperation with Thomson was superb, but had his shot found the net without the assistance of Shorey? Doubtful. As it was, Bolton were ahead and cruising until there was 6 minutes of ordinary time left. But a clumsy and entirely unnecessary tackle by Meite on Kevin Doyle gave Reading a penalty and a chance to equalise. The Ireland striker expertly did just that and the goal seemed to create a spark of confidence in a Reading side which had looked lost throughout much of the game. The Bolton defence went from impenetrable to nonexistent within minutes and Doyle was able to score again. A third goal followed, as a lovely cross was headed into the net by Stephen Hunt, unmarked in front of goal. Hunt had had another clash with a goalkeeper, as he ran into Jaaskelainen in a manner which seemed harder than necessary; he was booked for his trouble, but the Finn was not hurt. Injuries had been a problem for Bolton, however: three substitutions due to serious injury in the first half, as Hunt, Diouf and Nolan all left the field in pain.
Another remarkable, and for United possibly disastrous, result was the outcome of the game at Old Trafford which saw Middlesbrough come back to equalise after Kieran Richardson’s early goal had put United ahead. Despite Sir Alex’s fears about his star wingers safety, Ronaldo was on the field – the only player rested ahead of the midweek Champions League game was Ryan Giggs, but even he had to come on in an effort to salvage the situation. Middlesbrough were not so obliging, however, and United had to settle for a 1-1 draw with an added problem of an ill-timed injury to Rio Ferdinand. The draw looked like it could reduce United’s lead to a mere point…
…but Chelsea failed to catch up as they were held to a goalless draw in Newcastle. Chelsea seem to work well under pressure, perhaps even only working well under pressure? While never overly troubled by Newcastle’s efforts, the visitors failed to step up their own tempo in trademark fashion. Partly thwarted by a solid Newcastle defence and partly by a lack of urgency the Champions never displayed anything near their attacking best, possibly overly confident in their ability to clinch late winners.
Everton, in fine form recently and pushing for a Europe spot next season, were overcome by relegation strugglers West Ham and lost Andy Johnson to ankle injury. The only goal in the game came early on, as some nice work by Benayoun set up Zamora for a wonderful 20 yard strike past Howard. West Ham 1, Everton 0. Liverpool, unsurprisingly, beat Wigan at Anfield with a double from Dirk Kuyt. The Dutch striker managed to turn and flick the ball, arriving from a Pennant cross, into the net. His second goal also came from a turning move: getting the ball with his back towards the goal he made a nice turn while protecting it and fired it home. Liverpool 2, Wigan 0. At the bottom of the table we find Watford, who, due to their draw with Manchester City, are now confirmed for relegation. Stuart Pearce’s side, conversely, has moved even further away from the danger. Watford 1, Man City 1. Charlton, hoping to climb out of the bottom three and jumpstarting a “great escape”, were only allowed to hope for a few minutes. El Karkouri put his team ahead with a remarkable 35 yard shot which took a few minor deflections on its long way into goal. If there had been an element of fortuitous chance taking about that goal, the equaliser was a thing of beauty: Montgomery made a perfect pass to John Stead, who took an equally perfect shot from the edge of the box. Charlton 1, Sheffield United, 1. Fulham rescued a point with a somewhat surprising draw against Blackburn, whose slim chances for Europe football became slimmer. Fulham 1, Blackburn 1. In Birmingham, Aston Villa were unable to get more than a goalless draw out of Portsmouth, despite considerable effort and a vastly superior number of chances. David James was not to be overcome and finally set his coveted record of Premiership clean sheets (142) with a remarkable display of goalkeeping. He can shave now. Aston Villa 0, Portsmouth 0.
In Scotland, Celtic won the Scottish Premier League title with a nervy victory over Kilmarnock. The hero of the day was Shunsuke Nakamura, who scored the winner with a trademark free kick in injury time. Celtic are now champions with 4 games still to play. Likewise, in Italy, the title race is over as a 2-1 victory over Siena made Inter the Serie A champions with 5 games to spare.
…and finally:
Honourable mention to Leo Messi of Barcelona who, in the midweek game against Getafe, managed to replicate Diego Maradona’s famous goal against England in the 1986 world cup. It has been called the greatest goal of all times – now it has a twin. Were they identical? Which was better? Well, it’s all up for discussion. Maradona’s was scored against better opposition, it is said, but Getafe’s players seem to give Messi a little bit more trouble than the English players that time. Anyway, it is a marvellous goal. They both are.
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