Barclays Premier League Results:

Chelsea 2-4 Manchester City

Burnley 1-2 Portsmouth

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn Wanderers

Stoke City 1-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 0-0 Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Everton

Birmingham City 1-0 Wigan Athletic

This weekend's Barclays Premier League fixtures. 26/2/2010

Stoke City vs Arsenal

Birmingham City vs Wigan Athletic

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers

Burnley vs Portsmouth

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Sunderland vs Fulham

Bolton Wanderers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Key Game: Chelsea vs Manchester City

Roberto Mancini and Manchester City will be hoping that Chelsea have an eye on their upcoming Champions League Last 16 second leg against Inter in just over 2 weeks time, as they hope to continue their strong pus for fourth place and a place in next year's Champions League.

In a game that threatens to be overshadowed by some off the field incidents involving former England Captain John Terry and the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge, Carlo Ancelotti will be desperate for his side to take all 3 points in order to extend their lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership table to 4 points, as Manchester United take on Aston Villa at Wembley to determine the destination of this season's Carling Cup. Mancini is hoping that Bridge's head will only be on the game, having ruled out the possibility of playing in the same England team as Terry. " Wayne must only think about the game. He is a very good player and a good man. I hope he will play well"

Both sides will have some key players missing as the Czech number one, Petr Cech has been sidelined for a month following a calf injury at the San Siro on Wednesday, meaning Hilario is likely to deputise. Whilst Emmanual Adebayor has been given a 4 match ban as punishment for catching Ryan Shawcross with his arm at Stoke, when the sky blues went crashing out the FA cup in extra time at the Britannia. However City do have the returning Carlos Tevez to call upon after he returned from Argentina following the birth of his Daughter.

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

(Diaby 72)

Arsene Wenger's relief was plain to see, as he repeatedly punched the air, after seeing his side pick up their first win in 4 attempts in the Barclays Premier League, at the expense of a recently revitalised Liverpool who suffered their first defeat in 7 games thanks to an Abou Diaby header.

In what was supposed to be an engaging affair the first half was exactly the opposite with both sides being tentative, understandably so, as Wenger was desperate for his side to avoid being caught out on the counter attack, a key weakness in the Arsenal side, that constituted to demoralising defeats to both champions Manchester United and Chelsea.

In fact it took until half way through the first 45 minutes for either side to carve out a clear cut chance, with Nicklas Bendtner creating some space for himself before turning and wastefully lashing his effort over Pepe Reina's goal. Bendtner, understandably rusty after making his first start since October 2009, was clearly disappointed in himself for failing to mark his comeback in perfect fashion.

After a frustrating first half for Liverpool, who seemed content to occasionally counter attack, they finally created their first chance, as Lucas embarked on a rare forward run and found himself on the edge of the Arsenal box. The Brazilian, not known for his goalscoring after scoring only 1 Premier League goal, away at Newcastle last season, predictably fired his shot over the bar, increasing his wait for a goal this season.

However Lucas' effort seemed to slightly galvanise Liverpool as Steven Gerrard sent youngster David Ngog away only to have the ball stolen of his toe as he was ready to let fire, by an excellent William Gallas tackle. Seconds later after a fine Arsenal counter attack, Liverpool could have found themselves behind after an Arshavin ball sent Rosicky clean through only for the Czech to lose control of the ball at the last second allowing Reina to smother it.

Howard Webb, England's representative at the summer's World Cup in South Africa, was spot on when booking Nicklas Bendtner for an inexplicable dive, however question marks must be raised as to why Steven Gerrard did not receive the same treatment after replays proved he was guilty of simulation on more that one occasion, simulation being something that is creeping more and more into the England international's game.

Rosicky, who had replaced a groggy Nasri in the first half, almost opened the scoring after a neat move in which an under hit cross fortuitously found its way to Bendtner's feet who laid off to Rosicky who unleashed a ferocious effort which skimmed the top of the Liverpool goal. However it was Rosicky who was the architect of the opening, and winning, goal after delivering a delicious cross which allowed an unmarked Abou Diaby to powerfully head past Reina.

After the goal, the confidence swarmed back to the Arsenal players who's passing became crisper and more fluent, but substitute Ryan Babel, hoping to send a message to Benitez after their not so private bust up, provided Arsenal fans with a heart stopping moment after cutting past Sagna 25 yards from goal and unleashing a stinging shock which drew a fantastic save from the recently criticised Manuel Almunia. From the subsequent corner it was Babel again who rose highest, only to limply head straight at a greatful Almunia.

Liverpool failed to open Arsenal up, but did claim a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Arsenal skipper, Fabregas on the arm whilst blocking a free kick, which should not have been awarded but once again Gerrard's theatrics fooled Howard Webb.

Liverpool's almost lackadaisical approach to the game did not deserve a positive result and Wenger was clearly delighted that his side had gained maximum points from the game, something that hasn't happened since a 4-2 win over Bolton Wanderers back in January. The 3 points will be even more precious when considering Title rival Manchester United and Chelsea both failed to win.

Man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Ratings:

Arsenal: Almunia 7, Eboue 6, Gallas 7, Vermaelen 7, Clichy 6, Nasri 5, Song 7, Fabregas 7, Diaby 6, Arshavin 6, Bendtner 6- subs Rosicky 8, Walcott 6, Sagna 6

Liverpool: Reina 6, Carragher 6, Skrtel 6, Agger 7, Insua 6, Mascherano 7, Lucas 6, Maxi 6, Gerrard 6, Kuyt 5, Ngog 6 - subs Degen 4, Babel 7.

Other Barclays Premier League results.

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

Everton 2-1 Chelsea

Blackburn 1-0 Hull

West Ham United 2-0 Birmingham

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Tonights Barclays Premier League fixtures. 10/02/2010

Arsenal vs Liverpool 19:45

Aston Villa vs Manchester United 19:45

Blackburn Rovers vs Hull City 20:00

Everton vs Chelsea 20:00

West Ham United vs Birmingham City 19:45

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur 19:45

KEY GAME

The key game takes place at the Emirates stadium where two of the big four clash, with Arsenal,hoping to stop a run of 3 league games without a win, meeting Liverpool who appeared to have turned a corner having remained unbeaten in their last 7 Premiership outings.

Wenger has Nicklas Bendtner back for the first time since his hernia operation in December, which will give Andrey Arshavin added freedom.

Arsenal have won the last two meetings between the sides, including a thumping 3-0 victory in the Carling Cup, meanwhile Liverpool have never won at the Emirates and are without an away win at Arsenal in 10 years. Benitez will be hoping Dirk Kuyt can continue his good run of form, having scored in each of his last 4 games, including the winner in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

Arsenal

1 Almunia

27 Eboue

10 Gallas

5 Vermaelen

22 Clichy

2 Diaby

4 Fabregas (C)

17 Song

23 Arshavin

8 Nasri

52 Bendtner

Liverpool

25 Reina

23 Carragher

5 Agger

37 Skrtel

22 Insua

8 Gerrard (C)

17 Maxi

20 Mascherano

21 Lucas

18 Kuyt

24 Ngog

Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

Dindane (90+5) Bent (pen 12)

The last minute glory will do little but temporarily cloud the financial hell that Portsmouth find themselves in, but that was the last thing on Aruna Dindane's mind as he rose at the back post to nod past a hapless Craig Gordon to give Portsmouth a share of the spoils at a bitterly cold Fratton Park, to increase Sunderland's winless run to 12 Premier League games.

It was a bad tempered game, with full hearted challenges and, in the case of Lee Cattermole, badly timed lunges. In fact 3 red cards could have been more, had Tal Ben-Haim been pulled up for repeated cynical fouling but Kevin Friend chose to overlook it.

The game started in an understandably nervy fashion with neither side able to keep mistakes out of their game. However it was the Black Cats who settled the quickest, with the recalled Steed Malbranque and Tottenham loanee Alan Hutton linking up well to catch out the veteran left back Ricardo Rocha and get in behind, but for a better ball Sunderland could have taken a second minute lead.

But the goal did come. A delicious Kenwyne Jones flick sent England international Darren Bent away only to be clipped from behind by Rocha, which promted Friend to point to the spot and pull out the red card. However it was directed at a confused Yebda who protested his innocence before heading off the pitch, only to be called back by Friend after a quick chat with his assistant referee, which consequently saw Rocha leave the game. Bent dispatched the penalty, with some help from the post, to send around 1000 noisy mackems into jubilation.

It looked as if Sunderland were on their way to a first Premiership win in 11 and a first top flight win at Fratton Park since 1958 but Aruna Dindane, a constant menace to the cumbersome Turner and Kilgallon, confused 3 sunderland defenders with one turn, prompting Gordon to make a great reaction save with his legs in the Sunderland goal. After this point the game turned scrappy with neither side able to keep the ball long enough to pose any serious threat to each other.

After the half time interval it was Grant's team talk that had the positive effect as Portsmouth came at Sunderland with a period of sustained pressure which caused the tenacious Lee Cattermole to pick up his second booking with a horrible lunge on Basinas. However it was the wearsiders who responded better to the dismissal with James making a great save to deny South Africa bound Bent a 16th Premiership goal of the season. From the subsequent corner Matt Kilgallon was denied his first Sunderland goal when his well struck volley agonizingly struck the inside of the post and bounced back out. Kenwyne Jones is 6 foot 4 but even he couldn't reach Darren Bent's low driven cross as it bobbled past his outstretched leg.

With time running down, Andy Reid who had been orchestrating the second half, was replaced by 19 year old David Meyler who became the third player to see Kevin Friend's red card after a nieve challenge with Steve Finnan, in which he caught the former Republic of Ireland player with his elbow. This was a turning point in the game and Sunderland began to bring every player behind the ball whilst Pompey launched long ball after long ball into the Sunderland penalty area which resulted in a series of corners which Turner and Jones defended heroically.

But they could do nothing about the Portsmouth equaliser, as Jamie O'Hara whipped in a deliciously teasing cross to the back post, which demanded to be headed into the back of the net. Dindane obliged and the Fratton Park faithful raised the roof, as Steve Bruce was left wondering what does he have to do to win a game?

Man of the match: Kenwyne Jones

Ratings

Portsmouth: James 7, Finnan 6, Wilson 8, Ben-Haim 6, Rocha 3, Bouba Diop 7, O'Hara 7, Basinas 6, Yebda 5, Piquionne 6, Dindane 8.

Sunderland: Gordon 7, Hutton 6, Turner 5, Kilgallon 5, McCartney 7, Malbranque 6, Cana 6, Cattermole 5, Reid 7, Bent 6, Jones 8.

Cards: Portsmouth: yellow: 3(Dindane, Ben-Haim,Finnan) red: 1 (Rocha)

Sunderland: yellow: 2 (Cattermole x2) red: 2 (Cattermole, Meyler)

Tonights Barclays Premier League fixtures - Tues 9/2/2010

Manchester City vs Bolton Wanderers 19:45 k.o

Fulham vs Burnley 20:00 k.o

Portsmouth vs Sunderland 19:45 k.o

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City 19:45 k.o

KEY MATCH

Cash strapped Portsmouth will be desperately hoping for 3 points which would provide no more than momentary escape from the economic problems that they face, as their inland revenue talks stalled today. Meanwhile Sunderland, without a win in the Premiership in 11, will see this game as the perfect opportunity to stop the rot and climb further away from the relegation zone. However the signs don't look good for the Black Cats as their last top flight victory at Fratton Park was way back in 1958, so they will be hoping that leading scorer Darren Bent and former Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones, who netted his 7th goal of the season against Wigan at the weekend can have the same luck in front of goal.

Portsmouth

1 James (C)

3 Rocha

16 Finnan

26 Ben-Haim

5 O'Hara

8 Diop

32 Yebda

33 Basinas

35 Wilson

9 Piquionne

24 Dindane

Sunderland

1 Gordon

3 McCartney

4 Turner

6 Hutton

27 Kilgallon

8 Malbranque

19 Cana (C)

39 Cattermole

20 Reid

11 Bent

17 Jones

FEATURE MATCH

In what promises to be a hugely entertaining game, this weeks feature match takes place on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal, who have lost their last 2 games against Title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, meet Rafa Benitez's revitalised Liverpool side who won a fiercely contested Merseyside derby thanks to a bizzare Dirk Kuyt goal. Wenger has target man Nicklas Bendtner back which will come as welcome relief to Wenger who has been without a first choice striker since Bendter's hernia in December.

Arsene Wenger's side need a win to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table as recent losses have left them playing catch up. The Merseysiders will be hoping for a positive result in order to cement themselves in a Champions League place. The Gunners without a Premiership win in their last 3 will no doubt play the free flowing football that has left them susceptible to the counter attack, something that Benitez will have told his team to utilise, with Aquilani most likely to be the driving force behind Liverpool's offensive work.

Key Battle

Fabregas vs Mascherano

The influential Spaniard has just won the clubs player of the month for the 4th consecutive month and his precision passing is a big factor in explaining why Arsenal are one of the top scorers in the league with 60 goals. Meanwhile the tough tackling Argentine is a master at breaking up the play and carrying the ball out of the midfield. Whoever wins this battle will be a great factor in determining who wins this game.

Facts

Arsenal: Only gained 1 point out of possible 9

Only scored 2 goals in their last 4 competitions

Liverpool: Undefeated in 5 since crashing out the FA cup at Anfield to Reading

Kuyt netted his 50th Liverpool goal on Sunday and has scored in his last 4

Injuries

Arsenal: Robin Van Persie(ankle) Keiran Gibbs(foot)

Liverpool: Fernando Torres(knee) Yossi Benayoun(rib) Glen Johnson(knee)

(Liverpool also without Sotirios Kyrgiakos after his red card against Everton)

First Blog

Hi all, first time blogger here.

I'm hoping to bring you weekly updates from the Barclays Premier League, which will contain high profile match reports, a feature team who have been involved in contraversial events and a referee watch as well as many other features that are deemed interesting.

Thanks.