England vs Ukraine: Who should start?

With tomorrow's World Cup Qualifier fast approaching, I take a look at the defensive options available to Fabio Capello ahed of Ukraine's visit to Wembley.


John Terry


Club: Chelsea
Caps: 50
Goals: 5

England and Chelsea captain, John Terry is the epitome of the old-fashioned English centre-back. He first rose to prominence in the 2001-2002 season for Chelsea and quickly formed a solid partnership with both Marcel Desailly and William Gallas (following Desailly's retirement). His England debut came in 2003 against Serbia and Montenegro under Sven-Göran Eriksson and he eventually ousted Sol Campbell as first choice England centre-back. He played every game at Euro 2004 before captaining the side for the first time in a World Cup Qualifier against Poland following the substitution of Michael Owen. His first goal came in that qualifying campaign against Hungary and he went on to play in all of England's World Cup 2006 matches, being named as the only English player in the tournament's All-Star squad. After Steve McClaren's appointment John Terry was named as permanent England captain as David Beckham had stepped down. He scored the first goal under McClaren against Greece before scoring the first England goal at the new Wembley against Brazil. Despite England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Terry's leadership, he was recalled as captain when Fabio Capello took over and will captain the side throughout the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers.


Rio Ferdinand


Club: Manchester United
Caps: 72
Goals: 3

A classy centre-back who never looks hurried and is known for his physical presence and composure on the ball. Rio first established himself at West Ham and made his professional debut in 1996. The following year he set the record for the youngest defender to play for England when he featured in a friendly against Colombia. He was selected as back-up for the World Cup in 1998 but was excluded by Glenn Hoddle after being charged with drink driving. He moved to Leeds United in a record-breaking £18 million deal in 2000 and established himself as part of England's preferred centre-back pairing, along with Sol Campbell in time for the 2002 World Cup. He scored his first England goal during the tournament against Denmark (although many sources claim it as a Thomas Sorensen own-goal). He missed England's Euro 2004 tournament after failing to attend a drugs test and was replaced by John Terry. Upon his return Ferdinand went on to form a solid partnership with the Chelsea man and the two have been seen as England's first choice centre-backs ever since. He captained the team for the first time in March last year but lost out to John Terry in the race to be permanemt team captain. He was, however, named as vice-captain. He missed the 4-0 victory against Slovakia due to injury but should be fit to start tomorrow.


Matthew Upson


Club: West Ham
Caps: 14
Goals: 1

Matthew Upson has only recently established himself as one of England's best centre-backs under Fabio Capello. After moving to Arsenal from Luton for £2 million, big things were expected from the young centre-back. But serious injuries and the form of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure kept him from really breaking into the first team. His move to Birmingham proved successful as he broke into the England team for the friendly against South Africa in May 2003, making a further six England appearances during his time at St. Andrews. He moved to West Ham in 2007 and was named in Fabio Capello's first squad for a friendly against Switzerland. He was named in the starting line-up for the victory over Kazakhstan and then scored his first international goal against Germany during a 2-1 victory in November. He started the Slovakia match at the weekend but may find himself on the bench should Ferdinand be fit.


Joleon Lescott


Club: Everton
Caps: 6
Goals: 0

The versatile Everton defender started his career at Wolves before moving to Merseyside in 2006. His consistent performances over the past three years, and exceptional goal scoring record for a defender, have lead to England call-ups in recent times. His preferred position is Centre-back, but the form of Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo at Everton have seen him fill the left-back position admirably. He made his senior England debut in 2007 against Estonia and made his first start in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia. He started against Austria once more and has been consistently selected by Capello but may struggle to find his best position for England.


Phil Jagielka

Club: Everton
Caps: 2
Goals: 0

Another versatile Everton defender, Jagielka's fine club form has been recognised by Fabio Capello in recent months. He made his international debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008 and started the defeat to Spain in February. His international career is just starting and his club form has been keeping fellow England squad member Joleon Lescott from the centre-back position at Goodison Park. He may prove to be useful for England in a number of positions having played many games all along the back four as well as in midfield and even in goal.


Ashley Cole

Club: Chelsea
Caps: 70
Goals: 0

Under all the media controversy surrounding his off-the field antics lies the general consensus that Ashley Cole is one of the finest left-backs in the world. The man who Thierry Henry claimed was even quicker than himself while at Arsenal, Cole has dealt with some of the world's best right wingers with relative ease and his pace is a major asset down England's left. His form at Arsenal brought him an England call-up in 2001 against Albania and he went on to feature consistently for the national side, playing in both the World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004. He was one of four England players selected in the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2004 and then was ever-present during the World Cup in 2006. He signed for Chelsea following the tournament in controversial circumstances but injuries have blighted his time there. Nevertheless, Cole remains one of the most important and consistent figures in England's backline and doesn't look like relinquishing his place any time soon.


Glen Johnson

Club: Portsmouth
Caps: 12
Goals: 0

Perhaps England's natural successor to Gary Neville at this moment in time, Johnson combines his defensive skills with a willingness to get forward and help the right winger. In recent times he has caught the eye scoring some spectacular goals for Portsmouth. Johnson started his professional career at West Ham and made his Premiership debut in 2003. Her made his full England debut during his time at West Ham, replacing Gary Neville at right-back but did not feature again under Sven-Goran Erikkson or Steve McClaren. At the end of that season, after West Ham were relegated, he became the first purchase of the Roman Abramovich era at Chelsea, moving for £6 million. He featured fairly regularly for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri but not so for Jose Mourinho. He was loaned out to Portsmouth in 2006 where he began to flourish under Harry Redknapp. He was eventually sold to Portsmouth permanently and has since made the right-back position his own. His form on the south coast earned him a call-up from Fabio Capello in January 2008 and he has featured regularly in England squads ever since.


Leighton Baines

Club: Everton
Caps: 0
Goals: 0

Yet to make his England debut, Baines has impressed for both Wigan and Everton at left-back. Known for his accuracy from free-kicks, Baines has been a regular starter for the under-21s for many years and now his talent has been recognised by Fabio Capello too. He may struggle to force Ashley Cole from the starting team but he is an adequate replacement and still has his best years ahead of him.



Who should start?

England's back four is fairly settled these days, with the possible exception of the right-back spot. As captain and vice-captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand must play. They are England's best centre-backs and very rarely put in a poor performance for club or country. Matthew Upson, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott are all adequate substitutes but perhaps lack the necessary experience. The likes of Micah Richards, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and perhaps even Hull City's Michael Turner also deserve some international game time. Ashley Cole has made the left-back spot his own and I can not see Leighton Baines challenging his supremacy any time soon. Should Wayne Bridge regain his form at Manchester City then I can see him, not Baines, being Cole's understudy for the time being. Ther right-back spot is up for debate. Glen Johnson has done well there recently and I see no reason why he should not be allowed to continue. However, with Gary Neville coming back to fitness, Micah Richards looking solid again and Wes Brown an excellent replacement, it may be tough should he find himself playing poorly.

My back four would be:

Johnson Terry Ferdinand A. Cole

These four offer England defensive stability from the centre-backs as well as an attacking force down the flanks. Glen Johnson is effective when teamed with Aaron Lennon down the right but also adds an attacking dimension to England's game when David Beckham is playing. Ashley Cole has blistering pace and good defensive awareness so his inclusion was never in question. England should be able to ask the Ukranians plenty of questions playing with this back four, as well as being able to deal with most of what the forwards will throw at them.

England vs Ukraine: Who should start?

As England prepare for the visit of the Ukraine on Wednesday, I take a look at the goalkeeping options available to Fabio Capello for the crucial World Cup Qualifier.

David James


Club: Portsmouth
England Caps: 47

David James has firmly established himself as England's number one goalkeeper in the twilight of his career. He was seen as the natural successor to David Seaman after his retirement but his reputation for being error prone often counted against him when England goalkeepers were selected. He was handed his first start in 1997 under Glenn Hoddle but played understudy to Seaman for many years. After Seaman was dropped following an error against Macedonia, James was given the shirt, which he kept until 2004. A few high profile errors, namely against Austria in the Ernst Happel Stadium, cost James his place and the younger Paul Robinson kept the Portsmouth stopper out of the team for the best part of four years. But some even higher profile errors from Robinson (the miskick against Croatia, being caught out against Germany) meant that the number one shirt was again up for grabs. Steve McClaren, however, opted for Scott Carson, believing that youth was the best policy. Yet again, a howler against Croatia cost Carson his place after just one game. Fabio Capello's appointment as England manager has coincided with James' excellent form for Portsmouth over the last 3 years and this has seen him hold down the starting place in every game under the Italian.



Ben Foster


Club: Manchester United
Caps: 2

The Manchester United goalkeeper, now 25, has only made two appearances for England, his latest coming in Saturday's win over Slovakia. Touted as a future England number one from a young age, Foster has not made the progress that he had been expected to. He started his professional career at Stoke City but was loaned out to host of clubs to gain first-team experience. He left Stoke for Manchester United in 2005 without playing a game for the Potters. Since then he has been plagued by injuries and has failed to oust Edwin Van Der Sar as the number one at Old Trafford. His Man of the Match performance in the 2009 Carling Cup Final win over Spurs earned him his most recent call-up to the England squad and he will be hoping to add to his two caps in the near future.



Robert Green


Club: West Ham
Caps: 2

Often overlooked when England squads are announced the West Ham keeper has made just two substitute appearances for England. Having impressed at Norwich City, Green earned his first call-up in 2005 against Colombia. He remained in the England squad for some time after and was named in the World Cup 2006 squad, only to suffer a ruptured groin during an England 'B' international before the tournament. After a prolonged absence from the international scene Green was called up by Capello to replace the injured Chris Kirkland against France in 2008 and then came on as a second-half substitute during England's recent defeat to Spain.



Who should start against the Ukraine?

For me Capello has to go with David James. His experience is vital and he has shown over the past few years that the errors have been more or less erased from his game. Foster and Green are inexperienced goalkeepers at international level but could well be the forerunners to replace James once the 38 year-old hangs up his gloves. Until then I fully expect James to continue in goal until after the 2010 World Cup, should England qualify.

Is Michael Owen's England career over?

As the dust settled on Saturday's emphatic 4-0 win over Slovakia England boss Fabio Capello quashed the merest suggestion that Newcastle striker Michael Owen would be included in his squad to face Ukraine on Wednesday after injuries to strikers Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole.

"I have to choose the players to play against Ukraine not against history," said Capello in a remark not exactly designed to talk up Owen's England future.

Instead, Tottenham striker Darren Bent has been called up to the squad for the World Cup Qualifier in place of a man who has 40 goals in 89 England games.

So has the striker, who stormed onto the international scene in 1998 with his goal against Argentina, seen the credits roll on his England career?

The short answer is no. Capello has always promised to pick his squads on merit, as his earlier statement suggests, and Owen has only featured sporadically for Newcastle this season due to his recurring injuries. The Italian certainly has a case at this time.

However, he has dropped Owen in the past for World Cup Qualifiers despite him playing regularly for Newcastle (and scoring) and is using Newcastle's decision to drop him for a recent defeat to Arsenal as his justification for his exclusion.

But that was surely a case of an error from a club who are, not surprisingly fighting relegation this season.

Capello, though has justified his decisions so far with results. Undefeated in World Cup Qualifiers so far, England sit top of their group, and all without Owen, ditched in favour of a more powerful centre-forward who can bring others like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney into play.

It worked against Croatia in Zagreb and has worked in many of England's other victories and some have suggested that the inclusions of Heskey and Bent is Capello's way of letting Owen know his time is up.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid man has received words of support from both Frank Lampard and Stuart Pearce today though and the general consensus from both is that Michael is a fantastic player with a proven track record who would be welcomed into the England squad with open arms should he get back into his best form.

So for Capello to completely write-off Owen's international career would be foolish and that is something he certainly is not.

At this moment in time Owen is not fit enough to play for England in an important World Cup Qualifier, but hopefully he will be soon. And it would not surprise me to see Owen playing well towards the end of this season, scoring goals and being involved in the England squad once again.

Here is a reminder of what Owen is capable of:

Modric strike sees off Chelsea's title challenge.

Tottenham's Luka Modric struck a 50th minute winner at White Hart Lane on Saturday to inflict Chelsea's first defeat under Guus Hiddink.

The 1-0 defeat leaves Chelsea's title aspirations in disarray despite Manchester United's slip-up at Craven Cottage. Having played a game more than the Champions, Hiddink's side find themselves four points behind them and three behind Liverpool.

For Spurs, the result elevated them to ninth place, the highest the club has been since the departure of Martin Jol, although Manchester City and Wigan both overtook them with wins on Sunday.

The match kicked-off half an hour later than scheduled due to a suspect vehicle in the vicinity of the ground, but the problem was dealt with without any trouble.

The delay only appeared to add to the tremendous atmosphere at the Lane as the action got underway.

All statistics pointed to a Chelsea victory, given their 100 percent record under Hiddink and the fact that they have only been beaten by their London rivals once in 37 league games.

Tottenham though, themselves unbeaten in five games, have looked rejuvenated under Harry Redknapp in recent weeks and had the better of the opening 45 minutes.

Robbie Keane was denied twice by Petr Cech while Michael Essien saw his shot saved by Heurelho Gomes. The disappointing Nicolas Anelka saw a clipped effort saved by the Brazilian whilst Jermaine Jenas hit a decent effort narrowly over from 20 yards.

But the match came alive after the break and it was Spurs who were impressing. With Aaron Lennon becoming increasingly influential, the home side took full advantage of some sloppy defensive play and took the lead.

Jose Bosingwa dwelt on the ball for too long and played his teammates into trouble. The ball found its way to Lennon on the right, who took on Ashley Cole and played a low cross into the path of Modric who duly applied the finish, brilliantly directing the ball into the back of the net giving Cech no chance.

The Croatian, who moved to Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, has steadily adjusted to life in the Premier League and his displays of late have brought rave reviews from his manager Harry Redknapp, who has now steered the North London club away from relegation and into the hunt for a Europa League spot next season.

With the home side ahead Hiddink threw on Ricardo Queresma in a bid to salvage something. It almost worked as Queresma found space on the right soon after his arrival and crossed for Frank Lampard who couldn’t convert at the far post.

Chelsea began to seize control of the game and pushed John Terry further and further forward as the match went on. And it was the Chelsea and England captain who came closest to getting an equaliser for the Blues as he forced Gomes into a brilliant save down to his right with a firm header.

There was still time for Alex to rattle the hosts’ crossbar after heading into the ground, but Tottenham were not to be denied and deservedly took all three points.

Fulham 2-0 Manchester United

Manchester United's title bid was dealt a huge blow after his side succumbed 2-0 to Roy Hodgson's Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

United have all the more reason for concern as Alex Ferguson watched both Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney receive red cards for trivial offences. Scholes, finding himself in the unenviable position of protecting his face with his hands from a point blank but goal-bound header and Rooney inexplicably throwing the ball in the direction of the referee after a quick free-kick was called back to be taken again.

Yet, there was more. Not content with his red, Rooney proceeded to storm off the pitch and punch a corner flag. It was the epitome of United's performance all day. Finding themselves a goal down thanks to Danny Murphy's penalty, petulance and tantrums crept into the players' games, with Ronaldo the biggest culprit.

The Portuguese tumbler is, in my eyes, the best player in the world, but his constant play-acting and lack of respect for officials is taking away from all the good he has done. He should have been sent off earlier in the season for kicks at Michael Dawson and Andy Wilkinson and was very lucky he didn't connect with what would have been a disgraceful tackle on Danny Murphy on Saturday. It cannot be long before an official stands up to Ronaldo and dismisses him for his actions, maybe then he will learn his lesson.

Credit must go to Fulham for the way they stayed focused on the job at hand and not on their opponents. Zoltan Gera added to United's misery with Fulham's second with an excellent finish and, in the process, secured Fulham's first home victory over Manchester United in 45 years.

The loss, and Liverpool's thrashing of Aston Villa on Sunday, means United's lead at the top of the table has now been cut to just one point, though they still have a game in hand on their rivals.

For Fulham, the victory caps what has been a fantastic season for the West London team. Roy Hodgson has steered them away from relegation since his appointment at the tail-end of last season and has got them now well in the hunt for a spot in next season's Europa League. Credit must go to the former Finland boss who has transformed the club's fortunes in such a short space of time.

Chelsea to play Liverpool...again!

The Champions League Quarter-Final and Semi-Final draws were made in Nyon on Friday and, for what will be the fifth time in five years, Liverpool will come up against Chelsea.

The two teams will have met each other 23 times in the last five seasons in all competitions come the first leg so the teams know each other inside-out. However, one unknown quantity could be the presence of Guus Hiddink. The Dutchman has revitalised Chelsea since his arrival and John Terry, Frank Lampard and co. may fancy their chances against the side who are, statistically, the best side in European competitions.

Liverpool, though, are in excellent form with wins against Real Madrid and Manchester United but with the Anfield club there doesn't appear to be the strength in depth to maintain a title challenge as well as a bid to win the Champions League. When one looks at the squads of Manchester United and Chelsea it is easy to see where I am coming from.

Liverpool have a fantastic core to their side. Reina is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Carragher has been one of the finest central defenders in Europe for many years, the all-round ability of captain Steven Gerrard is well-documented and the sheer pace, determination and finishing ability of Fernando Torres is what makes him potentially the best out-and-out striker in the world.

However, despite having a first eleven padded with some good players, there are too many average players in the squad. Manchester United have Patrice Evra as left-back, Chelsea have Ashley Cole, Arsenal have Gael Clichy, Liverpool?... Fabio Aurelio or Andrea Dossena.

Up front Manchester United have an abundance of talent. Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov regularly lead the line with Cristiano Ronaldo a more than able deputee. They also have Fraizer Campbell and Manucho on-loan at Premier League clubs. Chelsea, whilst not boasting as much striking talent, still have Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, two excellent (and experienced) strikers. Liverpool, on the other hand, have nobody to partner Fernando Torres. Dirk Kuyt is played on the wing, as is Ryan Babel. David N'Gog is unproven and Robbie Keane was prematurely sold back to Tottenham.

The comparisons continue. I would have Essien or Carrick ahead of Mascherano. Joe Cole or Ryan Giggs would get in my team ahead of Albert Riera. Ferdinand, Vidic, Terry or Carvalho would get in ahead of any of the Liverpool centre-backs.

With all that being said, it comes as even more of a surprise when Liverpool do as well as they do in the Champions League. The praise must, in my opinion, be directed at the manager. He may not be the most consistently good manager in the league, but in Europe his record is admirable. His Liverpool side have already appeared in as many Champions League finals as Alex Ferguson's United and more than Chelsea since Roman Abramovich took over. And, as mentioned, the statistics place them at number one in Europe for their performances in recent years.

So Liverpool can not be discounted based on the quality of their squad and should they manage to dispose of Chelsea at the Quarter-Final stage then they will fancy their chances of beating Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the next round and getting to a third final under Benitez's reign.

Hull accuse Fabregas of spitting at Assistant Manager.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas has been accused of spitting in Hull City assistant manager Brian Horton's face after Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup Quarter-Final win over the Tigers.

The incident apparently occured after the final whistle as players and officials gathered on the pitch to shake hands and applaud the fans.

Hull manager Phil Brown was outraged by the alleged incident saying:

"For their club captain Cesc Fabregas to spit at my assistant at the end of the game shows you what this club is all about."

Fabregas has denied any wrong-doing and quickly issued a retort:

"I categorically deny that I spat at anybody after the match," said Arsenal's 21-year-old captain.

"I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?

"I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players."

Despite his claims, one feels that there is likely to be a certain degree of truth behind Phil Brown's accusation. During a Champions League match against Bayern Munich four years ago, Fabregas appeared to spit at a fallen Michael Ballack. The Spaniard was only booked by the referee who must not have seen the entire altercation.

Here is the video:

Mid-week football roundup

Barclays Premier League

In the only Premier League fixture to be played on Monday West Ham and West Brom laboured to a 0-0 draw at Upton Park. The result came as a slight suprise to me since the Hammers have been in good form of late. West Brom, on the other hand, have been woeful recently, so my earlier prediction of a 1-0 home win seemed possible.

West Brom battled though and probably deserved to come way with three points, though it is almost certain to prove fruitless as the midlands club delay the inevitable. Now four points adrift of Middlesbrough above them, and with only nine games left, Tony Mowbray's side should now start to plan for next season in the Championship, keeping players should not prove to be too difficult since most of their best performers (ie. Greening, Bednar, Morrison) were with them last season when they won promotion.

West Ham, however, have been a big suprise this season. Perhaps they have overachieved but it is fair to say that Gianfranco Zola has got them playing some good attacking football as well as the right results in recent times. They currently sit in seventh place though they may struggle to maintain that place with an injury-hit side and some teams beginning to hit form below them, like Spurs.

A top six club is almost certain to win the FA Cup, therefore seventh place comes with the added bonus of a place in next season's new-look UEFA Cup, now named the Europa League. This will give extra incentive to the teams below the Hammers but they should be able to hold on to their place.


F.A Cup Quarter-Final

The Emirates was the scene for a feisty Quarter-Final as Arsenal scored two late goals to see off Hull City.

The Tigers took the lead through veteran Nick Barmby but were pegged back, first by Robin Van Persie, who poked home from close range after some good work by Nicklas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin, and then William Gallas who nodded into an empty net from three yards. Replays showed that Gallas was at least a yard offside as Boaz Myhill failed to claim a cross and Hull manager Phil Brown wasn't happy with the decision which, ultimately, cost them the game:

"We haven't been beaten by Arsenal, and they are fourth top of the Premier League. We have been beaten by a linesman's decision and a referee's decision for Gallas' goal."

The result sets-up a mouthwatering Semi-Final with London rivals Chelsea at Wembley.

The game was marred by an incident after the game in which Cesc Fabregas was accused of spitting at Hull Assistant Manager Brian Horton.

Fabregas has since denied any wrong-doing.

West Ham and Sheffield United settle Tevez affair.

West Ham and Sheffield United have settled the Carlos Tevez transfer saga out of court.

Tevez's goals towards the back end of the 2006/2007 season helped keep the Hammers from going down but condemned the Blades to relegation.

Sheffield United argued that the Argentinian was ineligible to play and an independent hearing ruled in their favour in their fight for compensation.

The exact figure paid by West Ham remains unknown but it is being reported to be approximately £15 million in installments.

A tribunal to discuss how much compensation the Blades were to receive was due to start on Monday but will now not be needed.

The situation is born out of the controversy surrounding the transfer of Tevez and fellow Argentinian international Javier Mascherano to West Ham in the summer of 2006. They were subsequently fined £5.5 million in 2007 but were not docked points.

Tevez played a key role in the Hammers' survival with three goals in the club's last two games of the season as Sheffield United went down on the last day.

Tevez is, of course, plying his trade at Manchester United while Mascherano has moved to Liverpool.

Round-up of the weekend's football - Barclays Premier League

Barclays Premier League

In what is fast becoming one of the most nerve-jangling Premiership seasons ever there were yet more suprises from arguably the best league in the world.

The major shock of the weekend came at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, where Manchester United (a.k.a 'Champions of the World') were thrashed 4-1 by rivals Liverpool who have just about kept their waining title bid alive with the three points.

An early penalty scored by Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead before an uncharacteristic error from Nemanja Vidic allowed Fernando Torres to steal in and slot past Edwin Van Der Sar. Liverpool went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Steven Gerrard was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Patrice Evra. The Liverpool skipper cooly slotted home from 12 yards (and celebrated in unusual fashion by kissing a nearby camera?!).

Things went from bad to worse for the Red Devils after half-time when Vidic saw red for hauling Gerrard down on the edge of the box. Fabio Aurelio curled the ball brilliantly into the back of the net from the resulting free-kick. The misery was compounded for United when Andrea Dossena latched onto a hopeful punt from Pepe Reina and lobbed Van Der Sar in stoppage time.

The result is sure to be a huge confidence booster for Liverpool and may dent United's. However, it would take a very brave man to back anybody other than Ferguson's side to take the title after the breathtaking season they've had thus far.

Title challengers Chelsea were in action on Sunday securing a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Some excellent attacking football from the home side was enough to see off a poor Man City team who never really got going. Michael Essien scored his second goal in as many games since returning from a horrendous injury which kept him out for the best part of six months. The Ghanaian has always been a favourite of mine and it looks like he is quickly getting back into the swing of things.

Chelsea should have scored more but one goal proved to be enough to secure the three points and move them into second, as well as maintaining a good unbeaten run since Guus Hiddink took over from Felipe Scolari. Manchester City drop to tenth place with Mark Hughes looking to the UEFA Cup to save what has been a disappointing season.

Onto the race for fourth place and Arsenal were granted a huge favour by rivals Tottenham after Harry Redknapp's side beat Aston Villa 2-1 away from home on Sunday. Jermaine Jenas scored only his third goal of the season early in the first half to put the visitors ahead. Aaron Lennon, who put in yet another excellent performance, saw his cross parried by Brad Friedel and Jenas was there to head home into an empty net. Aston Villa dominated possession in the first half but failed to really trouble Heurelho Gomes in the Spurs goal.

Tottenham extended their lead early in the second half with top scorer Darren Bent prodding home from close range after Robbie Keane had shot past Friedel. Villa got one back through substitute John Carew's header late on but couldn't find the second. The result leaves Villa in fifth place behind Arsenal, while Spurs moved up to eleventh, the highest they have been for nearly two years.

Arsenal themselves thrashed struggling Blackburn Rovers 4-0 on Saturday to heap the pressure on Martin O'Neill's Villa side. An own goal by Andre Ooijer set the tone of the game as the Gunners dominated from start to finish. Andrey Arshavin opened his account with a fantastic solo goal before much-maligned Emmanuel Eboue scored two late goals, first tapping in a rebound and then converting a penalty after Carlos Vela had been tripped. Arsenal move up into fourth place with the win while Blackburn continue to hover dangerously over the relegation zone.

At the bottom, Marlon King netted a dramatic equaliser for 10-man Middlesbrough in their game against fellow strugglers Portsmouth. Peter Crouch's first-half volley had looked to have secured the three points for Pompey but Boro, who had Matthew Bates sent off for two yellow cards, piled on the pressure in the dying moments and snatched a point after King pounced on a David James save. The point could potentially be priceless for Gareth Southgate's team who are languishing in 19th place. They are, however, only two points off Portsmouth who are two place above them.

Elsewhere, Hull City and Newcastle drew 1-1 at the KC Stadium in a nervy encounter. Geovanni put the hosts 1-0 up with an excellent header after nine minutes but Newcastle bagged the equaliser through Steven Taylor who turned in Nicky Butt's low cross.

Everton marked the seventh anniversary of David Moyes' appointment with a 3-1 home win over Stoke City. Goals from Jo and Joleon Lescott gave Everton a 2-0 lead at half-time but a resurgent Stoke got one back through Ryan Shawcross' header. Marouane Fellaini sealed the victory for Everton in injury time after his shot deflected wickidly off Shawcross and past Thomas Sorensen.

Fulham finally scored their first away win of the season with a 3-1 victory at Bolton. Andy Johnson netted after a bizarre defensive mix-up but Kevin Davies quickly equalised for Bolton. Simon Davies put Fulham ahead before Diomansy Kamara finished off a disappointing Bolton side.

Finally, Wigan took advantage of a poor Sunderland performance to sore a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light. Ben Watson drove in a shot from just outside the area to score his first goal since joining Wigan from Crystal Palace in January. Grant Leadbitter equalised for the Black Cats but Charles N'Zogbia scored a stunning solo goal to bag Wigan three deserved points.

West Ham host West Brom in tonight's remaining Premier League fixture.

West Ham have been in good form of late and will be looking for their third victory on the spin. West Brom are the most out-of-form team in the league and so I fully expect a home win. However, with Carlton Cole injured I feel the Hammers may struggle to score many goals.

Prediction: West Ham 1-0 West Brom

Meet and Greet

Hello everybody,

I have decided to partake in a spot of blogging as a way of increasing my readership. Now, I know my current readership is generally limited to one (that being myself), so it really shouldn't be that hard to improve.

I'm studying Sports Journalism at UCLan in Preston and, in fact, have almost completed my final year. Though it remains to be seen whether I will pass this year, I'm pretty confident of securing that degree come the summer.

It has been a really enjoyable course and I would strongly recommend it to anybody with a love for sports and/or writing.

One of the biggest things I've learnt from the course is the prominence of online journalism, especially in sport, and how it is not only used by professional journalists. 'Citizen journalism' is flourishing and the 'Blog' is a massive part of this.

In the coming months I shall be updating this blog at regular intervals with sporting news stories from around the globe. I am hoping that by putting my work out there on the world wide web I can start proving to people that I have actually learnt something during the three fun-filled (and alcohol-fueled) years I have spent at university.